Hi - Cool site!

[-Jay-]

Hi Everyone

I joined today so thought I'd better say hi! Good to see some proper enthusiasts here in the UK.

I'm trading my 330 for an M3 tomorrow, so though I'd best upload an 'in memory' pic, just for old-times sake. Will realli miss the sound it makes, and the exhaust pops on the over-run. Sweeet

The pic was taken at 6:30 am before driving to my 1st track day at Bedford Autodrome earlier this year, what a day, what a car!

Laters

-Jay-

[peppernick]

Welcome! ;) .....M3 :mad: .....I'm jealous :p

[Ali_]

Jay welcome mate, u must be very xcitied to be getting such a rad toy mmmmm M3 get some pics up soon as...

"Jealous" Nick what are you going on about Mr ASA himself not very very cool. ;)

[BigFas]

Welcome!

M3's rock! Can't wait to see yours. What colour/spec you getting?

[Afif]

welcome :D. i couldnt get insured on an M3 neways :(. Barely got insured on what i have lol.

[rossi46]

welcome to this site.
i wish i could afford a M3. :rolleyes:
but at least i can afford a bmw. :D

[mysticm3]

welcome man, where r u based and bring your new ride to one of the meets next time!

Track your car before trading it in...sound good to me lol ;)

[-Jay-]

Hey

Sorry not posted an update recently, been a bit pre-occupied! Have done 300ish miles so far, still getting used to it - big time. It's such a different beast to the 330, where's the bottom end torque gone?

Had it's 1st propper clean today, so here are some pics. No Mods, but the spec is as follows: Mystic Blue, 6-CD, Black Nappa, SatNat Pro&TV, Folding Mirrors, Arm Rest, Bluetooth. Going in for it's new big-end bearings in November - going to have to run it in - noooooooooooooooo! Not fair! Plus it's got some body/paintwork & interior issues so they're getting sorted at the same time..

Let me know about any meets - I'm nr Cambridge so a blast down the M11 is definately on the cards.

Hope you like the pics.

-Jay-

[BigFas]

Wow! Amazing car. That's near identical to MysticM3's spec too apart from he has 19inch rims.

Jealous, wish I could have the M3 :)

[peppernick]

Damn that's nice!

Yeah, Needs getting used to the pull away at 4000RPM. So easy to stall the S54. Is your's a manual? The SMG cars pull away a lot cleaner.

[axl320d]

Welcome :)

Congrats to your new car! ;) Nice color, but no mods yet? :p :D :D

Regards! :)

[mysticm3]

ahhh~~~I miss my standard M3...ahhhh~~~nice :)

[-Jay-]

Woke up today, and thought....

...I think I'll go out for a little drive, to get used to the NAV n stuff... So 150 miles later, I'm frazzled - it takes some serious concentration to keep up with it on the lanes around where I live. In comparison, with the same kind of abuse... er... 'enthusiastic driving', the old 330 would be smelling a bit, but during a break this afternoon wasn't even ticking from the heat! Dared to go DSC off for the 1st time today, it's pretty controllable too, I guess that's the diff helping out. As payback for such a good afternoon, it's had another wash to get rid of the dead bugs and the interior has been cleaned, hopefully that will put the 1mm rear tread back on. lol.

Have been thinkin about the 1st mod.... can I get clear front indicators rather than the opaque white ones I have now? :confused:

-Jay-

[Ali_]

She looks oh sooo nice... good stuff mate.

[peppernick]

Have been thinkin about the 1st mod.... can I get clear front indicators rather than the opaque white ones I have now?

The only clear ones I know are the projector indicators. 2 versions, 1 with black background, the other with chrome background.

I have the black projector indicators on my car ;)

http://photos.e46fanatics.com/data/500/4364pro_lamp.JPG

http://photos.e46fanatics.com/data/500/4364front1.JPG

[-Jay-]

Yeah, I like those projectors with the black interiors, they look well slick. Are they really projectors (like HID - but orange - or am I confused)?. How much am I looking at for those? I guess the install isn't too scarey - the DIY bit on E46 fanatics looks straightforward. I guess you've got halos as well?

-J-

[peppernick]

Yeah, I like those projectors with the black interiors, they look well slick. Are they really projectors (like HID - but orange - or am I confused)?. How much am I looking at for those? I guess the install isn't too scarey - the DIY bit on E46 fanatics looks straightforward. I guess you've got halos as well?

-J-

You can ask MysticM3 to source you a pair. Not too expensive, less than £50. They are not actualy projector lamps but looks like it. The indicator bulb sits inside the centre chrome reflector. Fitting is the same as the standard ones, ie.doddle :)

EvoTechnik crew and no halos :confused: :confused: :confused: .....now that's an insult :mad:

http://www.sankeys.demon.co.uk/Pictures/Nick%20DDE%202.JPG

.................. :D

[-Jay-]

Jeez, you can tell I'm a newb!! :rolleyes:

To be honest, I'm not out to do too much, but definitely want to fix the 'little' issues like the lights, ride hight.... I want to upgrade the speakers with some JL's. Been emailin this US firm that can sort me JL Stealthboxes, 500/5 amp and some component 6.5" fronts for the same price as just the 500/5 amp in the uk (~£800). At less than half UK price, to hell with the warranty issues :D

Maybe a winter project coming up?

[BigFas]

Jay, where you getting the JL audio equipment from? if you could either post up or PM me the contacts that'd be great. I'm after some w7 subs and the one contact I had in the US is being a dick

[-Jay-]

Hi

I found that most US firms on the web wouldn't post to the UK, but these do:

http://www.nexxon.com (it's a LOUD site)

They've been pretty helpfull so far. If they don't list it just ask, thats what I did for the Stealthboxes, this is what they've quoted me:

JL SB-B-3SER99/8IB4 $445
JL 500/5 Amp $629
XR-650-CSi $269

shipping for everything:

$291 air mail rr $177 parcel post

So that's $1520 incl slo-boat shipping which equals roughly £836!!

Result. :cool:

[BigFas]

Nearly $300 shipping? Fuck that!!!! The component prices are good. I will get another buddy in Carolina to purchase from these guys and apply PROPER shipping charges, that's just taking the piss

[-Jay-]

Hey Fas

Does your Carolina mate take shipping orders for a few extra $?

BTW on E46 Fan./UK page do you remember that CastroFidel guy? He (Scott)should be in the UK by now with his bimmer. Would be cool to get a Suffolk ET connection going - says he used to own a detailing shop - would be good to have a resident detail pro on the forum??

[BigFas]

Gonna speak to my guy this week, see what he can do, hopefully he has some hookups, those units on that site are pretty expensive. If he can buy them on my behalf I will let you know.

A for CastroFidel, yeah, I remember him. As for an ET connection, that's what this forum is for, bring him on over. If you mean, can you guys be inducted into the inner sanctum, post pics of your car, list your mods and we'll see :)

[kam32oi Cab]

hello! nice car you got there. Big end bearings?!? how?! on a BMW M3, id have thought that they have bullet proof engines..

iv driven an e46 M3 and they are amazing, i love the way the roar like a lion when you floor it and the way it pulls and fishtails and they donut so dam easily :eek:
in other words i love em! :D :cool:

[peppernick]

id have thought that they have bullet proof engines..

The S54, you kidding??

[-Jay-]

Hi, believe me, it's all too real.

I'd placed my order and then about a week before delivery I found out from boards in the US, that nearly ALL 2001 to May 2003 M3s have to have this 'Service Action' when they next come in for a service. BMW don't call it a recall as it's not a safety issue. If it goes, it's new engine time! I'm glad that mine has only got 10k on the clock as it's unlikely to have had the weak bearing shells begin to wear significantly. Not that I'm constantly listening out for knocking noises or anything :eek: I feel sorry for the guys that have 2001 cars and 80k on the clock - wear must have set in by now and probably worn the crank as well. Now, that's more serious , engine out I guess for starters.

Here's some info from M3Forum.com:

BMW SERVICE ACTION ON M3 S54 ENGINES – AUGUST 2004

(Q1) Why is BMW announcing a service action on M3 S54 engines?
(A1) We have determined that certain BMW M3s with S54 engines could experience premature engine damage. The engine connecting rod bearings were not manufactured to BMW quality standards. As a result, the bearings can overheat and fail prematurely if the vehicle is operated at higher engine speeds over an extended period.
(Q2) How many cars are affected by the service action?
(A2) Approximately 20,000 M3s are affected in the US (48,000 Worldwide).
(Q3) Which models are affected?
(A3) BMW M3 Coupe/Convertible equipped with S54 engines and produced between February 12, 2001 and May 22, 2003.
(Q4) How many M3s with S54 engines in total were sold in the US?
(A4) Approximately 28,600 M3s with S54 engines have been sold in the US to date.
(Q5) How did BMW become aware of the problem?
(A5) BMW became aware of the problem through its own quality control processes.
(Q6) What is the reason for the defect?
(A6) The connecting rod bearings were not manufactured to BMW quality standards. As a result, the connecting rod bearings are susceptible to overheating and subsequent premature failure if the vehicle is operated at higher engine speeds over an extended period.
(Q7) How does the driver become aware of the problem?
(A7) If the connecting rod bearings were to fail, the damage is often accompanied by engine knocking or a loud rattling noise. If this were to occur, the driver should pull over to a safe location, turn the ignition off and call BMW Roadside Assistance at (800) 332-4BMW to have the vehicle towed to the nearest authorized BMW center.
(Q8) Is this a safety issue?
(A8) No, this is a long-term durability issue. The vehicle can still be operated with no immediate need to have the repairs carried out. The driver would become aware of the problem if the engine started knocking or making a loud rattling noise. If this were to occur, the driver should to pull over to a safe location, turn the ignition off and call BMW Roadside Assistance at (800) 332-4BMW to have the car towed to the nearest authorized BMW center.
(Q9) What is the solution to the problem?
(A9) The affected cars will require replacement of the connecting rod bearings and the engine management system will be programmed with the latest software.
(Q10) BMW conducted a service action in March 2003 for an internal engine problem. How is this service action different?
(A10) Our original investigation identified a problem with contamination of the engine lubricating system during assembly and unfavorable tolerances in the engine oil pump in M3 S54 engines produced from October 2001 through February 2002. The current service action addresses a quality issue with the engine connecting rod bearings which can result in premature wear.
(Q11) How many cars have experienced this engine damage?
(A11) To date, only a small percentage of cars have experienced engine damage caused by premature connecting rod bearing wear.
(Q12) Is BMW aware of any accidents or injuries attributed to the problem?
(A12) No.
(Q13) Will BMW initiate a recall?
(A13) No, this issue will be addressed through a service action.
(Q14) How will affected customers be informed?
(A14) Affected customers will receive a letter from BMW of North America, LLC informing them of the service action. Affected customers are asked to contact their authorized BMW center to schedule an appointment for the service action.
(Q15) How long will the repair take?
(A15) The repair will take approximately 1½ working days to complete, however, the actual time will vary depending on center scheduling.
(Q16) Are there any repair costs for the customer?
(A16) No.
(Q17) Can customers continue to drive their cars?
(A17) Yes. However, BMW recommends affected customers schedule an appointment for the repair with an authorized BMW center as soon as possible. In the unlikely event that your engine is knocking or making a rattling noise, please pull over to a safe location, turn the ignition off and call BMW Roadside Assistance at (800) 332-4BMW to have the vehicle towed to the nearest authorized BMW center.
(Q18) Does my M3 Coupe/Convertible have a 6-year/100,000 mile engine warranty extension?
(A18) To show our commitment to customers, BMW provided this warranty to all 2001, 2002 and 2003 model year BMW’s with S54 engines.
(Q19) Why is the M roadster/coupe not affected by this service action?
(A19) The design of the M roadster/coupe is different from the M3 Coupe/Convertible. Most important, the M roadster/coupe has a lower maximum speed, 7600 rpm vs. 8000 rpm in the M3 Coupe/Convertible. As a result, the connecting rod bearings are not subjected to the same stress as those in a M3 Coupe/Convertible.
(Q20) Do customers have to wait to receive their notification letter before having this repair performed?
(A20) Yes. BMW is in the process of implementing the service action to ensure that the necessary parts are at the BMW centers prior to sending out the owner notification letters.
(Q21) When will letters be sent to affected customers?
(A21) Mailings are scheduled to commence in August 2004.
(Q22) The engine in my M3 was previously replaced. Does the service action still need to be performed?
(A22) It depends on the production date of the replacement engine. The customer should consult with the authorized center or customer relations to confirm whether the vehicle is affected.


Here's the service tech information and instructions:

http://members.roadfly.org/bmw_e46_...tins/110404.pdf

[kam32oi Cab]

iv heard the cranks wear down quickely too, whta the point of making an unreliable engine tho?? hmm strange