My other car is a BMW E92 M3...

[guile]

I’m well aware that this thread will get little to no traffic but I decided that I’d like to document the work that I’ve done on my BMW E92 M3. I originally didn’t want to start a “build thread” as I’m resisting the temptation to modify it but I have found that my Audi S3 thread is useful to go back through and obtain info / dates for when parts were replaced or upgraded…

Therefore this is more a maintenance record as I’ve told myself I just want to keep the car well maintained so it won’t let me down during spirited driving on the track. So enough waffle, on to the pictures and details. I’ll keep updating this first page with approximate dates when things are done to the car…

May 2017:
Genuine BMW Oil Filter 11427837997
Castrol Edge Professional TWS 10W-60

June 2018:
Genuine BMW Oil Filter 11427837997
Castrol Edge Professional TWS 10W-60
NGK Spark Plugs x 8 LKR8AP
Wesfil Cabin Air Pollen Filter WACF0098
Pipercross Air Filter PX1828
TRW GP600 Dot 4 Racing Brake Fluid PFB601
e Monitor Oil Analysis e-Monitor kit

August 2018:
Gates Low Temperature Thermostat; with Sealing Gasket 11537836155
Genuine BMW Coolant Hose, Radiator Top – Thermostat 11537838214
Genuine BMW Coolant Hose, Radiator Bottom – Thermostat 11537840661
Genuine BMW O-Ring – Thermostat Housing x 4 11531406249
Genuine BMW Coolant Temperature Sensor 13621433076
Genuine BMW Blue Coolant 1.5 Litre Concentrate Part 8319221191
Genuine BMW Fuel Tank Breather Valve 13907838281
Genuine BMW Fuel Tank Breather Hose Elbow 13907838439
Genuine BMW Fuel Tank Breather Hose Clamp x 2 16121180240
SSB iStart AGM SS88TI Leak Proof Battery

February 2019:
DBA42280S | DBA 4000 Series T3 Slotted Brake Rotor x 2 DBA42280S
Forza FP3 Front Brake Pads x 2 DB1498
Forza FP3 Rear Brake Pads x 2 DB1499
Stainless Steel Braided Brake Lines x 2 BD7002-B
Stainless Steel Braided Brake Lines x 2 BD7003-B
Stainless Steel Braided Brake Lines x 2 BD7007-B
Front Left Brake Pad Wear Sensor FF.BM.026
Front Right Brake Pad Wear Sensor FF.BM.027
Rear Brake Pad Wear Sensor FF.BM.065
TRW GP600 Dot 4 Racing Brake Fluid PFB601

June 2019:
Genuine BMW Power Steering Reservoir 32416767161
Genuine BMW Power Steering Reservoir O-Ring 32410141428
Aeroflow Power Steering 45Deg 3/8" Npt To 1/2 Barb – Black AF845-08BLK
Aeroflow Power Steering 20.6mm Hose Clamp – Black AF150-10BLK (32416751128 - BMW 16.5mm)
Aeroflow Power Steering 24.9mm Hose Clamp – Black AF150-12BLK (32416751127 - BMW 21.0mm)
Genuine BMW Fuchs Pentosin CHF 11S Power Steering Fluid 1L 82110148132

July 2019:
Genuine BMW Oil Filter 11427837997
Castrol Edge Supercar 10W-60
e Monitor Oil Analysis e-Monitor kit
Red Line Full Synthetic D6 Automatic Transmission Fluid RED30705
Genuine BMW Gearbox Drain Plugs x 2 23117531356
Genuine BMW Motorsport Rear Differential Fluid (SAF-XJ+FM) 3 x 0.5L 83222282583
Genuine BMW Differential Drain Plugs x 2 33117525064

August 2019:
Genuine BMW Right Fuel Level Sensor 16117159162
Genuine BMW Repair Kit Conveyor Unit 16112283495
Genuine BMW Wash Pump Front Head Lamp Cleaning Device 67128377430

Upcoming 2019:
Genuine BMW Control Sleeve, Radiator Bottom Plug 17107523260
Genuine BMW Vent Screw, Expansion Tank Plug 11537793373
Genuine BMW Blue Coolant 1.5 Litre Concentrate Part 8319221191

[guile]

a few photos of the m3 from the carsales advertisement before i purchased it. pretty crappy photos but all part of the story i suppose...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/35214430144_87cc9d0e9e-1.jpg

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/35883015282_10042da176-1.jpg

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/36054472985_a472fa1637-1.jpg

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http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/35883014662_56ba6838d0-1.jpg

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/36012338856_f8a4de4b5d-1.jpg

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/35214429594_c9750f4bce-1.jpg

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/36054472845_d27e6a9fcf-1.jpg

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http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/35882974302_f2a79b16e7-1.jpg

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/36054472955_644f4a7b71-1.jpg

[guile]

in its new home the first day i picked it up...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/35920344631_04b16c8f39_c-1.jpg

i just managed to squeeze it in there...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/35214397684_daee4fd2e1_c-1.jpg

i left it in the garage for the day while i went out looking for a place to store the s3. i came back to find that something had dropped off the garage shelf. i could not believe it and thought someone was playing a practical joke; i hadn't even owned the car for 24 hours...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/35214405334_a0103b2015_c-1.jpg

i'd been parking the s3 in there for 2 years and nothing ever dropped on that. not happy is an understatement...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/35664695130_d4b60636b8_c-1.jpg

not that it would have stopped the dent but i decided to cover it up in future to try and protect it somewhat...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/36054440335_6896e97d03_c-1.jpg

[guile]

as the car was going in to get the bonnet fixed I thought I'd tidy up the rest of the paint work starting with a clay bar..

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/36054433645_494a1d62b0_c-1.jpg

the clay didn't remove a lot of contaminants but it left a nice smooth surface to get the polisher on...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/35214362224_83d1b357e6_c-1.jpg

a few lick with the polisher provided a nice glossy finish...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/36054441025_36e558c438_c-1.jpg

I used that much tape it probably looked like I was gong to spray it...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/36012300996_c4cb55d57d_c-1.jpg

With the tape removed I was happy with the final result...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/35245094423_bb2b0711fa_c-1.jpg

I slipped on a seat cover ready for it going in to the shop...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/35664664260_7bc77f1d41_c-1.jpg

and these are the wheels I ordered to put on once I got it back...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/35664573790_7c7fb4b4e2_b-1.jpg

[guile]

I eventually got the car back from the body shop but I wasn't happy with the repair on the bonnet so I fitted a carbon fibre unit along with a carbon splitter and black kidney grilles...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/36003560340_f1e328de5e_c-1.jpg

I got the number plate holes plugged and painted on the front bumper at the same time as the bonnet which came out ok. I prefer the smooth bumper look so I will run an offset plate fixed to the towing eye location...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/36003559900_cea8e4e014_c-1.jpg

I think fate played a part in forcing me to buy the carbon bonnet, I think it looks pretty mean with the extra louvers. As part of my plan to de-chrome the car I have ordered some black only front bmw emblems and side repeater inserts which is why they are missing in this photo...

the new wheels were also installed and I was really happy with the quality and fitment. the graphite colour contrasts the black and carbon well and it was good to get rid of the chrome on the standard rims...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/36355581426_44d79bb6e3_c-1.jpg

I was pretty impressed that I could use all the standard hardware with the new bonnet including the bonnet latch loops and the air vents...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/36003547390_46d9876272_c-1.jpg

I also installed a carbon rear diffuser...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/36400148915_4f24b0a67b_c-1.jpg

but it looked like poo due to terrible fitment so i sent it back. thank the little baby jesus that the bonnet was 100% better fitment than that...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/36263353501_51302b1259_c-1.jpg

[guile]

there were a few basic things i needed to tick off the list starting with the cabin filters, or micro-filters in bmw language...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/36492022996_037cbe9f94_c-1.jpg

I also bought brand new oem micro-filter covers as some superior bmw service tech snapped the tabs off the previous items. this is part of the reason I prefer to service myself...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/37461909411_7a9b72e3b2_c-1.jpg

the pop out cup holder in the dash had a severe dislike to popping out, so it got replaced...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/36400136695_a0c13dc5fa_c-1.jpg

I never use them but its the small things that count...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/35592435063_1f07be9976_c-1.jpg

I upgraded the sat nav dvd to the latest I could get, 2014 I think. again I don't use it as I use google maps on my iPhone but I thought I may as well install the latest I can get hold of...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/36355568096_9152a99551_c-1.jpg

I had an issue with my fuel gauge not reading full so I went in to the secret garden of menus to read the actually results. 45.4 litres apparently...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/35966199930_c15ab8126b_c-1.jpg

then you can measure left, right and total. don't ask me why the total doesn't match the figure above. germans can't count obviously..

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/36194524122_fa0c8ebdef_c-1.jpg

this is supposedly the crucial bit to let you know which sender is knackered. from what I've read the ohms should never be greater than 400...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/36226498721_baf71623fe_c-1.jpg

I got the offset plate on so all nice and legit, officer...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/36889980811_d890429138_c-1.jpg

I marked out the position of the rear badge with masking tape before I removed it and swapped over to a black badge. mission de-chrome is now complete...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/36698187055_7f455a3e06_c-1.jpg

[guile]

the QLD Watercooled happy laps crew were kind enough to let me bring the M3 along as I was having some issues with the S3...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/37008606105_a2edd58e0a_c-1.jpg

Thanks to Ale for some awesome photos as usual...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/36837528102_ee9b420db5_c-1.jpg

helping clear the track of leaves with its inbuilt front vacuum cleaner attachment...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/37008606625_a778bc383c_c-1.jpg

common blow by issue from the power steering reservoir when you get up it on the track...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/36837887522_abc1faed90_c-1.jpg

an attempt at a fix but it didn't work very well so it came back off...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/36792154923_cde200fb7d_c-1.jpg

this will be the permanent solution once its installed. the turkey baster is for artificial insemination of power steering fluid...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/23967744108_be7bd43097_c-1.jpg

the old leaking reservoir was promptly removed...

https://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/48011103813_03a85af900_c-1.jpg

in order to keep the OEM M3 steering fluid hoses I had to use some AN fittings to adapt the OEM M1 reservoir which meant cutting threads was involved...

https://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/47961463866_95154a6f0b_c-1.jpg

I think it turned out fairly factory fitment looking and with the use of AN type hose clamps on the end of the M3 hoses its a neat job and best of all no leaking messy engine bay from now on...

https://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/48200230957_c0f230c5f6_c-1.jpg

I extracted the old fluid and topped up with new stuff. the steps were repeated numerous times using 3 bottles of Pentosin in the process until the last fluid change was nice and clear, clear green actually...

https://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/48011092211_805c6da06c_c-1.jpg

[guile]

a genuine oem ZHP m sport gear knob and genuine oem sunglasses holder replacement which i swapped out for the ashtray...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/37724331841_5bb3c34dcb_c-1.jpg

installed and looking tidy...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/23871463848_dde016d208_c-1.jpg

the gear gator matches the bmw m sport colours on the steering wheel very well...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/37676149516_1f1268dd68_c-1.jpg

on closer inspection i would prefer the diamond stitching on the gator too so that will get swapped at a later date long with the handbrake gator...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/37724327581_0a5f3aa6d0_c-1.jpg

safety first, my moto is "if you have it, you won't need it..."

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/37054223483_f080555e14_c-1.jpg

genuine 19" space saver from an X5 as the M3 only comes with tyre goo which I'm not a fan of...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/47104497364_7896890000_c-1.jpg

19" is the only way to clear the front brakes so they are not easy wheels to come by...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/47104497214_063353ea9a_c-1.jpg

nice unused tread but it didn't matter anyway as I had to swap it for something with less of a side wall to match the other low profile tyres. again I hope I never need it...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/47893807421_f70ee12ecd_c-1.jpg

after removing the compressor and the goo I managed to fit these tools in the same compartment under the boot floor...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/47893807741_9aa62d88bb_c-1.jpg

I put the bike carriers on Friday night ready for a trip up the coast on the weekend...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/36560084711_87449eb0d3_c-1.jpg

not what you'd normally see on an m3...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/35888624223_6caefdc40d_c-1.jpg

i didn't have time to remove the racks before a midweek Queensland BMW meet...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/35888628293_34faee5758_c-1.jpg

[guile]

time for an oil change...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/37414474366_c3eed6ae8c_c-1.jpg

I went with the recommendation on the sticker...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/47888957801_8d3854a44a_c-1.jpg

picked up the oil that was left from the previous owner so I know he was using the good stuff..

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/37676149656_9dd43d4d3c_c-1.jpg

using the genuine bmw oil filter too...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/47888957911_4b03d1fd1c_c-1.jpg

cleaned out the inside of the oil filter housing to get as much of the old oil out as possible and look for any signs of engine wear...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/40922590063_ebd1ac43f9_c-1.jpg

replaced both o rings on the filter housing and the copper washers are for the oil pan drain plugs. this monster has 2 drains for its 9 litres of oil...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/40922590003_ecba8d3bbe_c-1.jpg

replaced all 8 spark plugs with the recommended ngk items...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/47099615874_6780b61ace_c-1.jpg

I scanned the car prior to doing the spark plugs and it was showing a suspect coil so that was changed at the same time and all coils labeled up before hand so I didn't swap the wrong one out...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/40328145283_c0bc7332af_c-1.jpg

all back together now...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/37548624512_86a6034746_c-1.jpg

I bought a 10 litre water bottle from woolies especially so I could transport the 9 litres of old oil to the tip...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/40922589653_b04f62de23_c-1.jpg

i split my nipple on the first use, not happy Jan. i bought 4 of those brake bleeder bottles as they were supposedly good quality...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/47099615714_a27019c989_c-1.jpg

oil analysis showed minor levels of fuel in the oil which will require investigation...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/32933857297_6753906744_c-1.jpg

any metal levels were acceptable though which is the main reason I did the test to keep an eye on the rod bearings...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/46961844255_6a4c2338e6_c-1.jpg

I took it in to the main stealers to get all recalls carried out...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/46972906125_7dea6a6478_z-1.jpg

[guile]

shortly after replacing my plugs and coils I rechecked for any fault codes which brought up an error for an intermittent thermostat operation. after some googling it appeared a relatively common issue so I wasn't too nervous and decided to undertake the work myself. I used a gates thermostat with all bmw oem o rings from the dealer and two new radiator top hoses. while I had the plenum cover off I also replaced the fuel tank vent valve in the hope it would cure my positive fuel presence in the engine oil...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/33417106198_324c57dc11_c-1.jpg

All back together and I can say both issues have now been fixed...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/46377995945_abb83e14be_c-1.jpg

i thought replacing my fuel tank vent valve might also fix my fuel gauge reading, the signs looked promising now both tanks have similar resistance. but alas no, it looks like i need to replaced the fuel sender unit in the tank...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/40922590053_72cdccf5f8_c-1.jpg

more track work with a bit more confidence in the motor now some of the maintenance has been taken care of...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/47099796224_cefcbdda2c_c-1.jpg

that riot was ridiculously quick; i can see why they call it a riot...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/47099634904_15d7315ec2_c-1.jpg

another track day at Lakeside; it was awesome fun but i have to say i prefer Willowbank in the m3 and Lakeside in the s3...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/36910925913_ac73cc47e5_c-1.jpg

back from the track and looking a bit moody parked in the street...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/37548709962_64e53d490c_c-1.jpg

i ran out of brakes last time i was at Willowbank so i'm hoping this lot will help. I have has chance to get back to the track to try them unfortunately...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/34000755328_27028333c3_c-1.jpg

I started by replacing the rear brakes lines as I knew that would be the hardest part and I wanted to get it out of the way...

https://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/48200185401_19c1355b87_c-1.jpg

the two short rear lines on the swing arm were a complete pain and not a job I ever want to do again...

https://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/48200230807_7b26a4085e_c-1.jpg

getting them off was one thing but getting the new ones on was another...

https://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/48200230757_1e0a3188ea_c-1.jpg

it was all straight forward from there, i finished the rears on each side to the callipers...

https://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/48200185471_a1365f18b8_c-1.jpg

and finally did the fronts...

https://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/48200185441_91f89ae21f_c-1.jpg

on to the easy part, front disc and pads and rear pads and finished...

https://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/05/48200185291_456ee39718_c-1.jpg

[Lucas_R]

Nice one mate - those 4.0L V8'S sound fantastic and they rev for days, but the size of your maintenance list is the main reason why i bought the Lexus IS-F over an E92 M3, AMG C63 or the RS4. This one looks to be very clean and well loved.

I decided to give up that pedigree and manual trans for peace of mind from a reliability point of view. Another big factor for me is that 99% of M3's are 2 door which would not suit me (car needs to be practical so my daughter can ride in the back).

Thankfully in my case with the IS-F the resist to modify is largely due to not many options, and what is available is stupidly expensive. I've only done exhaust, intake and a remap (currently 265kw atw with those mods - stock is 230-235KW atw).

Is the M3 black or that very very dark blue like they had in the E46? It's a bit hard to tell due to the overcast day when you took the photos.

[guile]

Thanks mate, the S65 is an awesome sounding engine and does rev forever. Apparently it used F1 technology at the time it was designed. The only down side is keeping it in the rev range on the road, it’s perfectly suited on the track though. The sound has been “enhanced” by replacing the exhaust from the centre section back; the rear mufflers are valved but the valve controller is not installed and the valves are set to fully open. My neighbours love me…

I was a bit concerned about buying the car with high k’s and read numerous reports about the rod bearing failures. I figured if it lasted this long the motor might be one of the good ones or the bearings have already been replaced. I did an oil analysis which did not show any excessive metals in the oil; I was looking for signs of copper due to bearing wear. It did show above average fuel content which is why I replaced the fuel tank breather valve. I haven’t had the oil tested since but plan to do so this month…

265kw atw would be plenty for the road I’d imagine; I think that’s stock E92 M3 power so mine should be running about the same give or take some wear and tear. I’d be curious to see how many ponies have been lost over the years as it still feels really strong and performs well on the track…

It is the Jerez black, which is actually blue so I have no idea why they call it Jerez Black. Possibly Jerez Blue would have been a better name for it…

I hope you’re enjoying the Lexus; I’m surprised how good they sound. I watched a youtube clip where the car wasn’t in view to start with; it was just the sound. He asked people to guess what car it was. Most were guessing American muscle and then he cut to the Lexus. I think it had an X-force exhaust, it sounded mean…

[Lucas_R]

I know what you mean about keeping the car in a useable rev range in normal daily driving. Im sure the M3 is similar, but below 3,600rpm the IS-F is smooth but quite doughy, but once above 3,600rpm it comes on song and rips through to redline with a glorious sound. It has an airbox with a large vacuum operated flap that opens above 3,600rpm and essentially means the car has a huge hole in the airbox = glorious induction sound.

The problem is being able to get past 3,600rpm in 2nd or 3rd gear in normal daily traffic is near on impossible and therefore quite frustrating. I must say that in that aspect i do sometimes miss my Golf R and GTI as they were so nippy and torquey down low and therefore less frustrating in daily traffic.

Ahh yes the rod bearings are a real thing on the M3 and M5 of that era. Keep an eye on those with your oil tests. Surely good quality oil and regular oil changes should help, but i have read that most of the bearing damage was due to owners revving the engine when the oil/engine was not up to temp and therefore putting additional stress and wear on the bearings. So if that theory has any truth behind it at all, each car should be different depending on how it has been treated by its previous owner(s).

[Sharkie]

Awesome M3!

I also love the M3s (had an E36 M3, E46M3 and a Z3 M-Coupe all with versions of the 3.2 six) and have always wanted the V8 E92 too. A bit jealous as this 1 looks in really good nick.

Did settle for a V8 a few years ago but went American muscle instead of German engineering .... LOL

[3C4M Guy]

Another big factor for me is that 99% of M3's are 2 door which would not suit me (car needs to be practical so my daughter can ride in the back).

Not quite true. The actual breakdown worldwide for E9x was 61% coupe; 15% sedan and surprisingly 24% convertible.

In Australia, nearly all manual M3s are 2 door E92 coupes and nearly all DCT M3s are 4 door E90 sedans. However there are some exceptions out there. If you are patient and prepared to wait, you will find a 4 door manual. Only a very few are advertised for sale each year but I found one. It's actually one of only 116 manufactured worldwide in RHD comp pack (whereas they made 1,570 as coupes).

[3C4M Guy]

Have thoroughly enjoyed all your posts guile. My other car is also a BMW M3 ... but mine is E90 6MT Competition Pack LCI.

What year is yours?

46958

[guile]

thanks mate, I appreciate your comments. mine is 2008 model, pre LCI. I like the colour and wheels on your E90, they are awesome sounding cars I'm sure you agree...

[guile]

I finally got around to replacing both fuel level senders. not such a bad job but a bit fiddley pulling the pipe over the prop shaft tunnel to the other side of the fuel tank. I forgot how much I hate working with fuel tanks after replacing a couple of pumps on my s3 and r32 in the past...

https://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/08/48574153662_15a7d9dec5_c-1.jpg

having the right tools always helps (no not the rum...), the pronged gadget is for removing the fuel pump collar. it has a 1/4" and 1/2" socket drive that you turn it with. much better than a screwdriver and hammer which is my usual method...

https://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/08/48574153747_19b8a938c1_c-1.jpg

fixed and full...

https://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/08/49089419521_c646baf583_c-1.jpg

for anyone reading with the same issue; i tested the ohms and it was approximately 900 ohms on the new unit when the float is up and about half that on the old unit. hence the reason i was only ever reading 3/4 full on a full tank as the other sender was reading approximately 900 ohms too...

[guile]

I decided to get some sticky rubber on a spare set of wheels before a short track session at lakeside. I'm not really a fan of the wheel style but they will do as a spare set with some nice semi slicks on...

https://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/08/48064426797_10caec81c5_c-1.jpg

a few photos from the vw happy laps session after breakfast...

https://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/08/48574153222_bbda826704_c-1.jpg

thanks to Ale as always for taking such great photos...

https://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/08/48574153187_35009c72c1_c-1.jpg

I'm surprised how much the right rear suspension is compressed...

https://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/08/48574003381_df4549d67d_c-1.jpg

no idea what face I'm pulling here, must be fat cheeks from the awesome cooked brekkie...

https://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/08/48574003376_1664cb264f_c-1.jpg

[Johnbu]

Nice one.

I'm a big fan of M3 coupes, especially the E46 and E92. Both sound awesome in different ways.

However for the F82 M4, I actually prefer the F30 M3.

The M4 looks more like a GT than sports car.

The M2 would be my pick today.

How often do you drive it or km per year you put on it.

A 10 year old high performance euro is a little scary if you can't do anything other than basic mechanical work.

Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk

[guile]

thanks mate, I agree that generally I prefer the older model BMW's but I must admit I find something to like in every evolution of the M3...

I only put around 3k on it last year and about 5k the year before. I get the oil analysed with each service with the hope it will give an indication if the rod bearings are giving up. its not a conclusive test but it helps me sleep at night...

https://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/08/48611014646_8c8f6a5ca4_c-1.jpg

[guile]

I decided to refresh all the fluids starting with diff oil, of course I used OEM oil and fresh plugs with o-rings...

https://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/08/48200230882_1564935957_c-1.jpg

both the top and bottom plugs out and fully draining the fluid...

https://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/08/48200230777_e454f89674_c-1.jpg

jacked the car up level and pumped it in the top until it was running out...

https://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/08/48200185341_556cc36e25_c-1.jpg

time for another oil change and did the transmission too...

https://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/08/48200185506_cb704167ec_c-1.jpg

OEM filter replacement also...

https://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/08/48200185486_39e91c2a6d_c-1.jpg

I wasn't happy with the condition of the oil plug from numerous oil changes and didn't want to risk putting it back in so I went to buy two new ones from BMW. I couldn't believe it but they didn't have any in stock and I wanted to put my car back together so some searching on google later and local Polaris motorbike shop came to the rescue. spot the difference...

https://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/08/48200230922_7ca86a83c8_c-1.jpg

$30 each for a drain plug is a bit ridiculous though...

https://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/08/48200230677_20e53118c5_c-1.jpg

12 months from replacing the fuel regulator I sent another sample off for analysis...

https://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/08/48606776087_59affa8411_c-1.jpg

https://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/08/48611181011_256c2ba4bd_c-1.jpg

the fuel presence has now gone which is good and I noticed that all the other measures are pretty much the same other than lead. the lead content has reduced a lot so maybe that was linked to removing the fuel...

I was curious about the lower viscosity reading, its not by much as the Castrol Tech Data Sheet states 160 at 40 deg c...

https://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/08/48611081366_23c1913390_c-1.jpg

so I emailed Castrol and received this response...

https://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/08/48611333582_502f15978e_c-1.jpg

funny how they thought I'd sent a fresh oil sample and then stated its not unusual for used oil viscosity to drop down. I'm going to move to 6 month oil changes now regardless of k's. it's a good job I don't listen to BMW's recommend service intervals as they'd have me driving to the moon and back before an oil change...

yes I know you can't technically drive to the moon but hopefully the metaphor still works, kind of...

[guile]

I took a trip to the Nurburgring recently and spotted this, may be one day. dream on...

https://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/10/48874919706_af895b4de8_c-1.jpg

I've already ordered the kit...

https://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/10/48901518352_ccb5687688_c-1.jpg

[guile]

not my fastest lap time but a bit more interesting as there is some traffic to get around. the EVO was on cold tyres so that was easy enough and it wasn't too hard to go round the Megane and Golf R as I guess they were standard...

YouTube (https://youtu.be/YT-Lm5mgG5I)

[gmx]

How's the outside shoulder of your front tyres holding up?

I would also not use the OEM supplied FM boosted diff oil. It increases diff wear, and causes an already slow diff to lockup even slower. Preface: all LSD oils basically have FM booster., that BMW stuff has a lot. The old formulations, SAF-XJ, SAF-XA have the minimum. If you don't care about noise/clunks, get that while stocks last. The reformulated LSD synthetics from Castrol: "Syntrax LS" has a bit less FM than the BMW SAF-XJ+FM Booster.

[guile]

the tyres are holding up well and not down to the outside edge wear indicator which makes me think i can maybe drop the pressure a bit more...

thanks for the tip on the diff oil, i'll definitely consider replacing it...

[guile]

I decided to fix something that had been bugging me for a while so ordered this...

https://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/11/49057337728_15823a1093_c-1.jpg

with the European left hand right hand thing I was a bit worried I ordered the wrong side but fortunately I had a win...

https://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/11/49058072037_1729131006_c-1.jpg

I wasn't too sure what the steel shim was for so I didn't use it but when I fitted the new seat belt extender it worked a treat, happy days...

https://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2019/11/49058072092_4dab80e6a3_c-1.jpg

[guile]

well the m3 is now sold and I know I'll regret it but I pretty much ended up with two track cars in the end which was against my original intentions...

m3 is now replaced with a far too sensible and cheap golf mk5 gti. my first dsg car and with a stage 1 tune plus exhaust it makes me laugh for a grand total of $6900...

I'll start a new thread to cover my service items on the GTi so far; its always helped in the past to remember when I updated things...