Project M3TA5IN

[M3TA5IN]

This thread will catalog the build of the e36 M3 Track Car and just the build, everything I do and find out as far as the actual working of getting into racing and my racing challenges will be cataloged in the PROJ3CT DR3AM thread.

So on to the good stuff...

Car: 1999 e36 M3
5 Speed Manual


Interior
Practically mint Mulberry Interior
All interior lights replaced with LEDs
Zhp shift knob
AA tuning short shifter
E38 Auto dim rearview mirror
Hard wired Sirus
Hard wired radar


Exterior
Depo headlights with HID 55w 6000k bulbs
Upgraded the fogs to HID 35w 6000k bulbs
Reiger GT front Lip
Replica Ltw low rise
OEM Contours

Suspension
Bilstein PSS9 Coilovers
AA tuning strut bar
X Brace
Turner Front and rear sway bars
Bimmerworld rear shock mounts

Brakes
Turner slotted rotors w/ upgraded pads
Stainless steel lines

Driveline
UUC Poly tranny mounts

Performance
Super Sprint Headers
Super Sprint Mid pipe
AA tuning CAI


Day 1, how the car set when I bought it
http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l495/BimmerLoop/IMG_1431.jpg

Maintenance
Passenger side buckle was replaced so no passenger side air bag light (rare in a e36 M)
PSS9s swapped in at approx. 80k miles
Brakes replaced at 90k miles
Flex Guibo replaced at 95k miles
Tranny fluid replaced with OEM MTF-LT2 95k miles
Battery replaced 10/2010
New ///M floor mats 10/2010

Cooling System
At 85k miles
New thermostat
Aluminum thermostat housing
all new hoses

[M3TA5IN]

Detailed pictures of how the car set when I bought it:

11/14/2011

http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l495/BimmerLoop/IMG_1432.jpg

http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l495/BimmerLoop/IMG_1431.jpg

http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l495/BimmerLoop/IMG_1433.jpg

http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l495/BimmerLoop/IMG_1434.jpg

http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l495/BimmerLoop/IMG_1436.jpg

http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l495/BimmerLoop/inside.jpg

http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l495/BimmerLoop/backinside.jpg

http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l495/BimmerLoop/brakes.jpg

[M3TA5IN]

Ok so the first order of business will be...

I can not stand the spoiler. The car is flawless and the previous owner took exceptional car of it, but the one thing that has to go is that spoiler!

So, new trunk getting ready for prep and paint..

http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l495/BimmerLoop/IMG_1435.jpg

Also the first order of business will be wheels and tires. I am not a fan of contours and the tires are kinda dry a little on the outside. I will probably look for a set of DS 1s for right now and slap some street tires on them because even though its mainly going to be a garage queen, I want to drive it so bad right now!!! The 5 hrs back from the cape was not enough for me! The power makes my 330i look like a sissy and honestly I thought that car was pretty decent for what it was. Going from an inline 6 Jeep to 2 inline 6 BMWs it is amazing how different an engine can be.

The other thing I have to figure out and start reading up on is camber. I come from lifted jeeps with my suspension knowledge and camber isnt a big issue. The car has some serious negative camber I need to figure out how to adjust or what the best set up is.

So new trunk prepped and painted and swapped.
New Tires and wheels.

[danewilson77]

Congrats budddy!!!

I see a drink....in the ///M:shifty

[M3TA5IN]

Congrats budddy!!!

I see a drink....in the ///M:shifty

That was a picture the previous owner took. :p

You know I find it funny, everyone complains about the e90 cup holders. I love them. That cup holder in the M3 is in the worst possible place ever! I am just glad I could care less because it will be coming out :)

[Audi 0000]

:biggrin Exciting. The car looks great. The wing isnt bad imo (its a race car). I will be stopping to check it out- asap.

[M3TA5IN]

:biggrin Exciting. The car looks great. The wing isnt bad imo (its a race car). I will be stopping to check it out- asap.

It will be for sale soon and I know somebody else that has a e36 right down the road ;)

I actually have two wings... Ill show you when you stop by

[M0nk3y]

Start stripping

:)

[webster]

congrats on the purchase. love the E36 //M

[M3TA5IN]

Start stripping

:)

lol I want to so bad. This is like a dream come true to me. The e36 M is the car that started my love for BMWs, I go out about every 30 mins and just stare at it.

I just opened up the trunk and was like well I could start taking all this out, but I want to document everything good. I am going to go get it all weighed with me in it how it sits so I know total weight loss and everything. I'm itching so bad to just tear into it though.

[Hornung418]

My buddy has a Arctic Silver sedan.

Here's his three-way adjustable, carbon fiber wing:
2553

And there's a set of DS2s for sale for $375 in Springfield, Va:

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/pts/2700447109.html

[M3TA5IN]

Do you guys know a good place to get BMW paint code listings?

[danewilson77]

Do you guys know a good place to get BMW paint code listings?

Lol....we have the largest and most complete list on the internet....right here.

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?583-BMW-Paint-Codes-List-(Most-Comprehensive-List-on-the-Internet)&highlight=paint

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[M3TA5IN]

Lol....we have the largest and most complete list on the internet....right here.

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?583-BMW-Paint-Codes-List-(Most-Comprehensive-List-on-the-Internet)&highlight=paint

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

Im an idiot, thanks dane! lol

[danewilson77]

Im an idiot, thanks dane! lol

Why would you say that? It's called...

:familysearch

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[Hornung418]

I think he asked just so he could tease us with the new paint job...

[danewilson77]

I think he asked just so he could tease us with the new paint job...

Hehe....perhaps.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[M3TA5IN]

So as you all have come to learn, pretty sure I am bi polar :biggrin

A series of events have caused me to rethink the BMW situation, not saying what is going on because nothing is set in stone. A mixture of Audi0000 telling me the M is gods gift, a possible job offer next week that will be a huge change, and simply taking care of some kinks and the M making my pants super tight when driving. It has become hard to want to part with this death to my wallet. Oh well, we only live once right? Might as well enjoy it.

Anyone, swapped out the contours and put the rials on to check some things.

Turns out all 4 contours had serious bends in them causing a horrible drive( drives so amazing now)

http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l495/BimmerLoop/a8300347.jpg

Took out the spare, it's never touched the ground but it was adding stupid weight I couldn't deal with.

Also decided that the 90s alarm sound I couldn't handle anymore and took out the factory alarm speaker, was more unneeded weight as well.

http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l495/BimmerLoop/31d2cdf9.jpg

http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l495/BimmerLoop/bd5bf75d.jpg

http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l495/BimmerLoop/be0815da.jpg

Stay tuned, as you'll see in my for sale thread I said this would be the last time the M would be listed. Didn't say it would actually sell :p

[M3TA5IN]

Ok, I decided how to just crush this situation. Just get to the point of no return.

Trunk is gutted minus sound deading, wires, stereo, misc stuff.

http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l495/BimmerLoop/45916526.jpg

http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l495/BimmerLoop/2b27409c.jpg

More to come...

[az3579]

I was thinking, you said you removed the alarm siren. You might as well go all out and remove the alarm module(s) and harness as well. You don't need those things for a track car...

Also, rear seats, door cards; these things should save some weight.

[M3TA5IN]

I was thinking, you said you removed the alarm siren. You might as well go all out and remove the alarm module(s) and harness as well. You don't need those things for a track car...

Also, rear seats, door cards; these things should save some weight.

BP, I still have to work :p. It is all coming out. I didn't remove the alarm module because it's in the same spot as the cruise control module and I'm taking them out at the same time.

[az3579]

Gotcha.


Work can wait, BTW. This is more important.

[M3TA5IN]

Gotcha.


Work can wait, BTW. This is more important.

I completely agree with you :)

[Audi 0000]

It was good to see the M/// out and about. Also nice to see the project is alive again.....

[M3TA5IN]

It was good to see the M/// out and about. Also nice to see the project is alive again.....

You gave me the push buddy, alive and full bore ahead

[M3TA5IN]

If anyone sees some Apex arc-8s or Kosei K1s at a good deal could you let me know please.

[Audi 0000]

I had a M3TA5IN fly by today. Looking good. :biggrin

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn32/REDGTIMK4/bmw/m1.jpg
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn32/REDGTIMK4/bmw/m2.jpg
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn32/REDGTIMK4/bmw/m3.jpg

[M3TA5IN]

Sick shots dude! Thanks again for being so awesome and all your help!

[UdubBadger]

If anyone sees some Apex arc-8s or Kosei K1s at a good deal could you let me know please.

Local shop here is selling arc8s for $850 obo. I almost bought um.

They're up on e90post.


- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

[M3TA5IN]

18s or 17s?

[M3TA5IN]

Local shop here is selling arc8s for $850 obo. I almost bought um.

They're up on e90post.


- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

Found them, thanks for the heads up, I need 17s though. Should of said that, thanks dude.

[UdubBadger]

bah.... c'mon 18's are so clean. :p

[M3TA5IN]

Met up with Audi today after work and knocked out some work.

Got a little bit better picture of the trunk gutting..

http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l495/BimmerLoop/IMG_1482.jpg

Then we got started on the daily mission...

First stop..

Fender rolling, I was getting some rubbing in tight corners so decided we should do this before the weekend Auto X

http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l495/BimmerLoop/IMG_1483.jpg

Got the fenders rolled out and moved on to Tranny mounts...

Out with the OEM mounts and in the with the UUC Poly mounts (big difference btw)

UUC Poly
http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l495/BimmerLoop/IMG_1486.jpg

OEMs
http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l495/BimmerLoop/IMG_1484.jpg

and UUC installed
http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l495/BimmerLoop/IMG_1487.jpg

After driving home I found out that I was getting some weird sounds, which I had expected from the stiffer mounts but one was particular odd. So Audi stopped by the house, we jacked it up and inspected.

Due to the small, stiffer mounts my SS headers are just barely hitting my x brace. We are going to take care of this as soon as we can get to it.

Then we decided to drop some things out to save a little more weight and clean up the engine bay. Why not? Also fun hanging with your bud and doing car stuff.

So we proceeded to take out the washer fluid bottle and the cruise control cable and actuator.

http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l495/BimmerLoop/IMG_1497.jpg

http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l495/BimmerLoop/IMG_1496.jpg

All purdy

http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l495/BimmerLoop/IMG_1498.jpg


The main focus right now is to lighten, make sure everything is tight and good, replace worn out bushings and preventive maintenance.

My battery is shot so I will be looking at light weight batteries now.

Audi let me know I wont be able to do my first track day without replacing the radiator (everything else was replaced in the cooling system except the radiator I am pretty sure). So radiator will be coming up.

More to come, getting really excited!! Cant wait for Sunday! :jump

Waiting for Bimmerfest to be over then gutting everything else out. :hi

Thanks to Audi again for all the help and insight! :cheers

[Hornung418]

You need to back off those trans mounts. When they compress, you need to back off a quarter turn. They're bulging pretty bad and UUC has had some premature failures with their bolt through mounts. Nice progress, Cody.

Horney...via TT.

[M3TA5IN]

You need to back off those trans mounts. When they compress, you need to back off a quarter turn. They're bulging pretty bad and UUC has had some premature failures with their bolt through mounts. Nice progress, Cody.

Horney...via TT.

Thanks for the input Justin! :thumbsup will do this next time under the car

[Hornung418]

Also any plans to swap for the M50 manifold? That thing flows like a mother. And the EURO 3.5 HFM makes great gains. Supposedly TreeHouse Racing markets a 750i throttlebody that will mate to the manifold as well. That's a 3.5 inch unit. But the head still creates a bottle neck so you'll have to address that to really see the gains with the intake tract.

Horney...via TT.

[M3TA5IN]

Also any plans to swap for the M50 manifold? That thing flows like a mother. And the EURO 3.5 HFM makes great gains. Supposedly TreeHouse Racing markets a 750i throttlebody that will mate to the manifold as well. That's a 3.5 inch unit. But the head still creates a bottle neck so you'll have to address that to really see the gains with the intake tract.

Horney...via TT.


I have been trying to read up on a lot of that (need more time). I am very interested in doing that down the road though. Trying to avoid performance gains to soon as I want to learn the car as is and become a better driver first, but once I get there that will be on the list.

I will have to pick your brain on this during BF weekend. I am learning tons as this is all a whole new world to me. Coming from off road american competing to German racing competing, so much information it sometimes hurts my brain.

Justin, I am also open to listening and learning though, so any info you have I am all ears. Its a learning experience everyday.

[Hornung418]

You got it, Cody. I have a lot of strange information about these cars. For some reason, I read it once and can recall it instantly, but hand me a book, I couldn't tell you about the first chapter :(

Horney...via TT.

[M3TA5IN]

Lol Justin, I can completely relate. If i read something about cars it's etched in my brain. I can read a text book and by the second sentence I forgot the first sentence and then start wondering about other things.

[UdubBadger]

nice cody... lots of work done. you deserve some pizza ;)

[M3TA5IN]

Thanks Seth! Fing right I deserve some damn pizza! :drool


FYI, UUC tranny mounts/bolt through torque spec is 8ft lbs

[M3TA5IN]

8ft lbs was way to much, squashed the shit out of the mounts an that's what UUC told me.

So after talking to Justin on the phone think I got it good, the lower mounts are making the headers bang the x brace. You can see the spot...
http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l495/BimmerLoop/90068846-482B-418E-B584-403A704DEA09-24040-000018AB40665BB3.jpg

Me and Audi are going to try and modify it tomorrow before the auto x this weekend.

[Johnmadd]

Can you add washers to space it?

[M3TA5IN]

Can you add washers to space it?

It already had 3 washers on each side, I'm assuming when the SS headers were put on they initial hit or they have always rubbed and I just couldn't hear the noise until the mounts and we took out some sound deading from under the car yesterday.

[Johnmadd]

Motor mounts ever been changed?

[M3TA5IN]

Motor mounts ever been changed?

Nope, but those and FCABs are going to be next on the bushing list.

Might stick with UUC for motor, unless anyone has suggestions or input.

Treehouse Racing with delrin bushings for FCABS

[Johnmadd]

Nope, but those and FCABs are going to be next on the bushing list.

Might stick with UUC for motor, unless anyone has suggestions or input.

Treehouse Racing with delrin bushings for FCABS

Just sayin, sagging motor mounts could be the culprit of your rub, try that before the modifications to the brace because if the mounts are worn and you change after the modifications it will screw everything else up... ask me how I know :shifty

[Hornung418]

Cody, Hit up AKGMotorsport.com. They will have anything and everything you could ever want. TreeHouse is good, but they use Delrin, which is very brittle. Suggest 75D. I'll let you drive my car when we get back from Bimmerfest, you'll feel the difference immediately when you turn the key.

[M3TA5IN]

Cody, Hit up AKGMotorsport.com. They will have anything and everything you could ever want. TreeHouse is good, but they use Delrin, which is very brittle. Suggest 75D. I'll let you drive my car when we get back from Bimmerfest, you'll feel the difference immediately when you turn the key.

Copy roger! I will look into that. Open to all suggestions, I come from off road competing. These fancy German machines are very different to me.

[M3TA5IN]

Took the x brace into Audi's work yesterday. Audi put it up on the 25 ton press and did some fancy custom bending ;). X brace is all good now, no hitting the headers.

First event tomorrow! So excite!

[brettbimmer]

Shiny side up man! Have a great time!

[johnrando]

Nice. GL in 1st event with the new setup.

[bcleaver]

How'd it go?

[M3TA5IN]

How'd it go?

See PROJ3CT DR3AM thread for results of autocross :)


Sent from my fancy city machine.

[M3TA5IN]

Last shots with its complete cabin interior. Justin is on his way up and then this beast gets lightened.

http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l495/BimmerLoop/9F674B07-3203-4471-945E-D0044E01119A-44933-00002C48C78BBA79.jpg

http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l495/BimmerLoop/FE5C45F2-EF77-40ED-ADB7-5BCF2CE05D01-44933-00002C48C012DE7D.jpg

http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l495/BimmerLoop/1D9DB71F-7DEA-40BF-9D25-2E377AE6F2A7-44933-00002C48B95C4237.jpg

http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l495/BimmerLoop/CBC1B409-0540-4BBD-87F6-41789E761A44-44933-00002C48B075B2C7.jpg

More to come....


Sent from my fancy city machine.

[Hermes]

send me the Vaders, I'll put them in the 2002 ;)

[M3TA5IN]

http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l495/BimmerLoop/38D8B250-070B-4A42-B533-956B08842953-44933-00002C5B6AFB87A5.jpg

Justin taking out the air bag module
http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l495/BimmerLoop/6B4DA66C-5EA8-4D55-AE9B-F2041BB4157E-44933-00002C5B72560943.jpg

http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l495/BimmerLoop/0082BDCA-DF16-4DD3-9ED5-8D7A5A035638-44933-00002C5B7F70E105.jpg

Rear interior mostly out

Time for buffalo chicken dip

http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l495/BimmerLoop/E26B9990-777C-4771-9248-BBCD27D2B0B4-44933-00002C5B787D7384.jpg



Sent from my fancy city machine.

[nike001]

Hahaha was that your payment to Justin? Buffalo dip?

[Hornung418]

Hell yeah! Buff Chx Dip is the best when you're working hard.

The hardest part was getting that bitch HK Hi-Fi Amp disconnected from the stereo wire bundle. I had to remove the whole shroud and pull off the connector with a wiggling motion.

[M3TA5IN]

Thanks again for all the help Justin. Was a good time! We will defiantly get you driving the M next time. Stupid weather.


Sent from my fancy city machine.

[Hornung418]

Anytime Brother. The dogs had a blast too which was good. Rufus is already passed out. LOL

[Johnmadd]

Wish I lived closer... john sad :(

[M3TA5IN]

My neighbors house is for sale John ;)


Sent from my fancy city machine.

[Johnmadd]

My neighbors house is for sale John ;)


Sent from my fancy city machine.

And you will get me job?

[M3TA5IN]

I'll help lol


Sent from my fancy city machine.

[derbo]

nice updates! :D

[brettbimmer]

Wish I lived closer... john sad :(

X2 John!

Good work guys. Looks like she is on a mad crash diet! Now to the TRACK! :fistpump :hawaiian

[brettbimmer]

...And the real story is that you spent the rest of the afternoon practicing at the carting track. We know what's really going on. :thumbup

[Hornung418]

Brett we worked all the way til 8:15 when the rain came. :(

It's amazing how easy this car interior comes apart.

Horney...via TT.

[M3TA5IN]

http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l495/BimmerLoop/C07D5BC9-DA99-4B93-8C97-F4E2CC2E25CA-45625-00002CB680AF7AF6.jpg

Justin doing things in the trunk :shifty

Headrest, speakers, rear deck all out.


Sent from my fancy city machine.

[danewilson77]

Justin needs a haircut again :shifty

[Hornung418]

Hahahahaha!

Afro achievement unlocked.

Haircut in the works for tomorrow.

[Audi 0000]

Nice so she is losing some weight. No turning back now, its on. :-)

[M3TA5IN]

Nice so she is losing some weight. No turning back now, its on. :-)

Yep, no looking back now ;)


Sent from my fancy city machine.

[Johnmadd]

Good work! I am getting jealous.... I am starting the search for s52. :shifty

[M3TA5IN]

Good work! I am getting jealous.... I am starting the search for s52. :shifty

I think thats a good idea :p

[johnrando]

http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l495/BimmerLoop/38D8B250-070B-4A42-B533-956B08842953-44933-00002C5B6AFB87A5.jpg

Justin taking out the air bag module
http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l495/BimmerLoop/6B4DA66C-5EA8-4D55-AE9B-F2041BB4157E-44933-00002C5B72560943.jpg

http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l495/BimmerLoop/0082BDCA-DF16-4DD3-9ED5-8D7A5A035638-44933-00002C5B7F70E105.jpg

Rear interior mostly out

Time for buffalo chicken dip

http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l495/BimmerLoop/E26B9990-777C-4771-9248-BBCD27D2B0B4-44933-00002C5B787D7384.jpg



Sent from my fancy city machine.

Recipe? :foottap :)

[M3TA5IN]

Recipe? :foottap :)

I can't give you exacts because I make it different everytime. The values are based on how much chicken you make.

But here is a start...

4 chicken breast cooked, then cut them up into little itty bitty pieces.

Put then in one of those tin baking pans you get at the store for like $2 or whatever.

Put one brick of Philly cream cheese on top, 1 cup of Texas Pete got sauce. The. Cook on grill or in oven until it melts and keep steering it around.

Other things you can do, put hidden valley ranch in it. However much you like (I don't like it with ranch) put shredded cheese on top.

If you like it less spicey and thicker, more cream cheese. If you like it more spicy more hot sauce etc.


Sent from my fancy city machine.

[Johnmadd]

Did you weigh the stuff you took out? It's just cool to know how many pounds you get out .

[Hornung418]

We were going to, John, but THIS GUY (http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=823673) beat us to the punch. We decided not to fiddle with it and just rip it all out :)

[johnrando]

I can't give you exacts because I make it different everytime. The values are based on how much chicken you make.

But here is a start...

4 chicken breast cooked, then cut them up into little itty bitty pieces.

Put then in one of those tin baking pans you get at the store for like $2 or whatever.

Put one brick of Philly cream cheese on top, 1 cup of Texas Pete got sauce. The. Cook on grill or in oven until it melts and keep steering it around.

Other things you can do, put hidden valley ranch in it. However much you like (I don't like it with ranch) put shredded cheese on top.

If you like it less spicey and thicker, more cream cheese. If you like it more spicy more hot sauce etc.


Sent from my fancy city machine.

Awesomely easy, can't wait to try this. Thanks!

[M3TA5IN]

I have a spread sheet with weights John


Sent from my fancy city machine.

[Johnmadd]

What is the total loss you are aiming for?

[M3TA5IN]

About 500 to 400 lbs after cage and everything installed


Sent from my fancy city machine.

[Audi 0000]

I want an update. Havent seen the ///M for a bit!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Hornung418]

Someone needs to come pick up this M50 Mani I pulled for him...

[nike001]

Where has Cody been?!

[Audi 0000]

Someone needs to come pick up this M50 Mani I pulled for him...

I am in Bel Air all the time. I'll pick it up for him if it makes it easier. Plus it will give Cody something to do. Let me know. Ttyl.

[Hornung418]

Haha it's cool, Bobby. He wanted to go to Crazy Rays but we've both been busy. M50manifold.com OBD1 silicone adapter needs to be purchased before we can even begin to install it.

[M3TA5IN]

I'm trying to stop being busy!!! I'm hoping after the holidays I will be back to normal. I have so much stuff backed up I need to catch up on!

[Audi 0000]

I'm trying to stop being busy!!! I'm hoping after the holidays I will be back to normal. I have so much stuff backed up I need to catch up on!

Ha. I am pretty sure that is "normal".

Get back on the M/// thing, because it'll be spring time soon. We have some track days to attend. You have to break in that new helmet & that track beasty.

[Vas]

Do work...

[Audi 0000]

..............:crying...............///

try dusting off this thread, see if it comes back to life.