Mark
Posted a lot
Posts: 3,825
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Sad news I'm afraid.  After 4 and a bit years, due to financial constraints down to my recent poor health, my M3 is moving on to a new custodian. I know it's only a car but it has been such a big part of my life in recent years and it feels a bit weird to think it won't be sat in the garage any longer. The only good thing is the new owner is just as much a fan of BMW as I am and he'll be using the car as it was intended to be. He already has a pretty sweet e46 M3 that replaced a track focussed 325ti so the E30 will most certainly be put to good use and be well looked after. So that's about it. I shouldn't moan really. I've always tried to stay positive and think about the things I do have, as opposed to those I don't and I still had enough left to buy something Bavarian and M powered. The only fly in the ointment is it's too new, at a mere 18 years old, to allow it / me to be a part of future RRG at Goodwood or weekenders at Shelsey Walsh. Obviously I can go along and spectate but it was always great to feel a part of those events by having my car there. Anyway, just in case it's of interest, here's a clue to what's next...  |
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E36 BMW 318is saloon (rare as a hens false tooth)
VW Caddy Maxi 2010 (usually full of Labradors)
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Bad crack hearing you had to sell, love an E30, especially one used properly. I'm guessing the new car isnt a CSL as it hasnt got the strut brace but has the carbon air box? Stick around, theres a couple E46's on here
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Last Edit: Dec 16, 2018 9:54:47 GMT by deano123
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Mark
Posted a lot
Posts: 3,825
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Dec 16, 2018 12:02:00 GMT
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No, it's not a CSL but built to CS spec.   |
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E36 BMW 318is saloon (rare as a hens false tooth)
VW Caddy Maxi 2010 (usually full of Labradors)
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Bigdoors
Part of things
cherwelldoors.com
Posts: 176
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Dec 16, 2018 12:26:46 GMT
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Love that Mark. Nice one ☝️
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Dec 16, 2018 15:16:08 GMT
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Sorry to hear you had to sell, but the new toy looks like it might just help you get over it eventually.
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Dec 16, 2018 18:40:27 GMT
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Mark, really sorry to hear your recent poor health has led to selling the M3.
I've followed your posts on RR right from the start with the original E21. I have always looked forward to reading and seeing pictures of the latest updates, your E30 M3 became a truly stunning example and one of my favorite cars on RR. I take my hat off to you, well I would if I wore one!
Surely you must start a thread on you newly acquired M3? I don't care if it's deemed retro or not, it's a special car and deserves a thread all of it's own.
Take care Mark.
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ChasR
RR Helper
motivation
Posts: 10,304
Club RR Member Number: 170
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BMW's galore!ChasR
@chasr
Club Retro Rides Member 170
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Dec 16, 2018 18:53:48 GMT
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No harm in seeing another E46 M3 on here, even if some of the hierarchy here don't approve . I've just noticed and remembered that the pre-facelift cars didn't have strut braces. Do you plan to fit one at some point? I'm sure you can easily obtain one  . |
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Last Edit: Dec 16, 2018 19:51:55 GMT by ChasR
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BMW's galore!slipngripross
@slipngripross
Club Retro Rides Member 149
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Incredible cars to drive on track after a few minor changes. great choice and lovely colour
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Dec 18, 2018 18:04:29 GMT
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Absolutely worthy of a new thread, Mark ;-)
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"Mechanical Power Subduing Animal Speed" (Robert Trevithick, 1808)
'72 BMW 2000 Touring
'99 TT 180 (mrs)
'72 BMW 2500
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ZXRob
Europe
Posts: 1,200 
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Dec 19, 2018 17:39:49 GMT
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Nice choice for the replacement! I get the feeling that you are one of those guys that has a lot of enjoyment in the build and then when it's complete you need the next project! Similar with the E21. I am looking forward to reading about your E46 and the work that you do to it.
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bstardchild
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 14,965
Club RR Member Number: 71
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BMW's galore!bstardchild
@bstardchild
Club Retro Rides Member 71
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Dec 19, 2018 22:48:48 GMT
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No, it's not a CSL but built to CS spec. I've just looked up registration years and M is 94/95 It's all gravy  |
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BMW's galore!slipngripross
@slipngripross
Club Retro Rides Member 149
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Dec 20, 2018 15:37:34 GMT
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Sure if you message james he will be able to send you high res versions if required
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Dec 20, 2018 16:15:01 GMT
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I hope he didn't use the words "never raced or rallied" in the advert now you put them up Looks epic on track though, lovely colour. |
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BMW's galore!slipngripross
@slipngripross
Club Retro Rides Member 149
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When you think about it a car suffers less stress and damage on track than our everyday UK roads do
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ChasR
RR Helper
motivation
Posts: 10,304
Club RR Member Number: 170
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BMW's galore!ChasR
@chasr
Club Retro Rides Member 170
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Jan 28, 2019 18:44:02 GMT
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When you think about it a car suffers less stress and damage on track than our everyday UK roads do This. They're also more likely to have been maintained to deal with track strains. M3s do go bang on track, but Mark's example seems to have the 'write off' issues dealt with; something I've had to do on mine and preventative maintenance (the rod bearings and the boot floor; with the latter you can catch it in time with regular inspections mind you, but not from a dealer). Ash Burrows car runs an LS2 engine due to his throwing a rod out of the block on track. |
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Jan 28, 2019 21:33:32 GMT
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When you think about it a car suffers less stress and damage on track than our everyday UK roads do the car maybe, not including the engine |
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Last Edit: Jan 28, 2019 21:34:43 GMT by darrenh
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Mark
Posted a lot
Posts: 3,825
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Thanks for the comments (and pics! ) guys. Well it's been a busy month and although the E46 doesn't look hugely different there have been some significant changes underneath. One of the well known weak spots are the brakes, so the fronts are now bigger and clamped by AP 6 pot callipers, with braided lines and new fluid obviously. They're simply brilliant and look pretty good behind those Apex alloys. There was also some corrosion starting at the bottom of the front wings, where they join the sill, so it made sense to sort that now rather than let the winter roads make matters worse. Now at that point I figured I would just put some miles on the E46 and enjoy its performance but I knew the other well known E46 weak point still needed addressing and ignoring it could be very expensive indeed. E46's are notorious for literally tearing the rear differential subframe mounts from the boot floor and BMW UK had offered a 'goodwill' repair up to 10 years from when the car was new. Unfortunately mine hadn't been done and buying any E46 M3, that hasn't had the problem sorted, is a very real risk. Fortunately for me, Reddish Motorsport in Bristol had done a thorough inspection (including using a camera to view inside box sections) and found just 2 small cracks in a couple of spot welds. They actually said it was one of the better ones they'd inspected but I still figured it would be cheaper to make preventative repairs now and not risk a hugely expensive repair further down the line. So, out came the rear suspension, trailing arms and diff' subframe and we were able to get a proper look at the whole rear underside. Overall it was pretty good, but there were a couple of places that certainly looked a bit scabby, so it was good that we got in there early. In fact, we even removed the fuel tanks to make sure nothing was missed. Some localised blasting to remove the corrosion and they the subframe mounts were all strengthened with shiny fresh steel, before the whole rear underside was cleaned and resealed. We also had all the subframe, V brace etc powder coated and ran all new brake lines, poly bushes throughout etc etc. If a job's worth doing blah blah blah and who wants to save their wages anyway? Anyway, it's done now and should be good for another 20 years. Now, at this point we could have just buttoned everything up and that would be that but someone then messaged me with pics of shiny things. These shiny things took the form of KW V3 coilovers, which are just what any sensible car enthusiast would buy just after Christmas and hide from their Mrs, rather than suffer days of sarcastic comments and snipes that start with 'that bloody car'. So with that in mind, the KW's duly arrived when she was at work. Obviously it would be too easy if they just bolted straight in so, as is the way with these things, a further chunk of cash went on new adjustable top mounts from Millway Motrosport. Anyway, I have to stop here and go to work. To be continued...     |
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Last Edit: Jan 29, 2019 9:59:08 GMT by Mark
E36 BMW 318is saloon (rare as a hens false tooth)
VW Caddy Maxi 2010 (usually full of Labradors)
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Mark
Posted a lot
Posts: 3,825
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Jan 31, 2019 11:09:30 GMT
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As I was saying. I ran KW's on my much missed E30 M3 and they were great. The only problem then though, was the rears were just far too hard for Cornish roads and simply didn't have enough compliance. It was great on track but way too skittish on bumpy Cornish lanes. The V3's on the E46 actually seem pretty good so far and the springs are actually their progressive option. The rears retain the OE type separate spring and shock, as opposed to being true coilovers, so there was no need to strengthen the shock tower. I still opted to fit some spreader plates though, just to make sure. In order to dial in some more camber and castor though, I had to get some front top mounts from Millway via the excellent Hack Engineering, who are simply excellent and (along with C3 BMW in Kent) supply just about everything I'm likely to want to keep an M car in fine fettle. I also ran Millway top mounts on the E30 and their quality is just excellent. The adjustable rear camber arms came from Eibach. The other change I made was to go from a 265/35r18 square set up to running 235/40's on the front. Ordinarily I would have stuck with the 265's all round but E46's have a tendency to tramline and 265's just made that worse, so I'll keep the square set up for the track. Anyway, I was finally at the point where I could have the geometry done. Stock E46 M3 suspension (especially on the CSL) is very good. My own car came with pretty fresh OE shocks and -45mm lowering springs from Eibach and was far nicer than I'd expected, so replacing the whole suspension set-up hadn't been all that high on my list of improvements. Yes, it rolled a little more than I like and yes, a bit less altitude would be good from an aesthetic perspective, but I wasn't looking for the E46 to be as track focussed as the E30 had been, so I asked Martin at MS Motorsport for his advice, as I knew he'd run a beautiful E46 M3 that he'd built to club sport specification. He came back to me with a fast road geometry set-up which we dialled in, although I did wonder if -4 deg' of negative camber on the front may have been a little aggressive? In fact, the car has been pretty much transformed and is just so much sharper and responsive. Initial turn in is much improved and there is still plenty of compliance, despite being firmer overall. I still need to get some more time behind the wheel but it's not far off being my ideal. The whole suspension set-up thing is such a steep learning curve though and being mainly a road car, there's always a good degree of compromise needed. I'm definitely headed in the right direction, although my rubbish driveway may need me to raise the ride height a little. Shame as I love how it sits right now.  |
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E36 BMW 318is saloon (rare as a hens false tooth)
VW Caddy Maxi 2010 (usually full of Labradors)
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Mark
Posted a lot
Posts: 3,825
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Can't believe I've had the E46 for 4 months (nigh on) but am much happier with it than I was initially. Don't get me wrong, they're great cars but I've always modified my cars and put my own stamp on them. With the E46 though, it was pretty much sorted already, but the RACP and rod bearings were bigger (and by bigger I mean expensive) jobs that needed doing. Now I've done the rear end it's just the bearings that are left but I'm tempted to leave well alone and save for a proper engine refresh? I've been thinking along the lines of Schrick cams and a lighter flywheel but where do I draw a line? It's reliability that I want, as opposed to big power, but I'm also wondering what the best option would be in relation to engine management? I do want to rebuild or renew the LSD too, but the list is already getting too bloody long! The KWV3 coilovers are great and have really transformed the way the E46 drives. It's not exactly a light car but it hides the weight pretty well considering. I'm really looking forward to taking it on track later this year, although I do want to swap out those heavy electric seats for some Recaro or similar. I do want to fit a rear cage but it'll need to be one that allows me to retain the back seat. The interior changes will have to wait until the engine is done though and that won't be done till autumn, as I want a few months to enjoy the car first. I'm changing the steering wheel this week though and going with a Momo and snap off hub. I have a disability and removing the wheel just makes it far easier to get in and out. It's helpful from a security perspective to, when you can lock it in the boot. If anyone has any experience of swapping to Schrick cams and different management with an S54 I'd be keen to hear their experiences. Also wondered if stock ECU can be live mapped or would a map from Evolve (who supply their own air boxes) be a good bet? I've been trying to trace previous owners but had no luck at all. As the weather is improving though, I'm changing the engine oil (10w60 Millers) and also the LSD, as I've no idea when it was last done. Also going to fit the LED rear lights and cold air intake from PSD. Hopefully I can then head up to Wales for a weekend and finally get some video footage. I've got an external mic to mount near the airbox so hopefully it'll sound better than previous efforts. Anyway, while I was off in Spain, I got some of the jobs done, although I've been home for almost a week and had a chance to put a few miles on the M3. The geometry is finally sorted and it's way more stable at speed. It may not be quite as sharp on turn in but realistically, it's still pretty good. Overall is just inspires far more confidence and is way more enjoyable to drive. I no longer feel like I'm fighting it and it's simply much nicer to drive. The ride height is perfect too and much as I dislike the word, the stance is just how I envisaged. I've also fitted facelift LED rear lights, the amber front indicators and the CSL splitter I managed to wipe out of a speed bump! As well as changing the engine oil (10w60 and filter) again, I also opted to flush and refill the LSD. There's still a very slight drone between 50 - 60mph but hardly noticeable really and the groan on tight turns is much less too. I don't know when the diff' oil was last changed but the 4:1 final drive was fitted by the last owner bar one so I'd hazard a guess that this was when the oil was last done too. Either way, I like knowing exactly when stuff like oil changes have been done so that I can keep on top of maintenance schedule. Inside, I am going to give the leather seat squabs and bolsters a thorough clean. I bought a bar of Pears transparent soap and a couple of soft nail brushes and am looking forward to seeing just how well the method works. I've seen some pretty good results pictured on Cutters though but I still need to get some hide food and/or leather conditioner. Hopefully the leather will lose the nasty shiny finish many years of sweaty arses have given it? I've also swapped out the OE steering wheel for my MOMO and it's just so much nicer to use. The quick release boss makes it easier for me to get in and out with my dicky left leg and is a bonus from a security point of view. It looks much better too but I'd like to change the gear lever gaiter for black suede and maybe the gear knob? Did CSL have them? I've also got an Alpine head unit to fit which I think really suits the E46 dash. I've always liked Alpine and Nakamichi when it comes to ICE and the Alpine was a steal at just £40 delivered! Hopefully I can get across the Nurburgring this year but am also doing something with Sideways Sid which should be fun. Anyway, a few pics from 2 owners ago and the i8 my local dealership loaned me. It just confirmed to me that I have zero interest in electric cars.      |
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Last Edit: Mar 9, 2019 13:14:17 GMT by Mark
E36 BMW 318is saloon (rare as a hens false tooth)
VW Caddy Maxi 2010 (usually full of Labradors)
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After 4 and a bit years, due to financial constraints down to my recent poor health, my M3 is moving on to a new custodian. I know it's only a car but it has been such a big part of my life in recent years and it feels a bit weird to think it won't be sat in the garage any longer. The only good thing is the new owner is just as much a fan of BMW as I am and he'll be using the car as it was intended to be. He already has a pretty sweet e46 M3 that replaced a track focussed 325ti so the E30 will most certainly be put to good use and be well looked after. 
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