Scutch's 2012 Japan Red E92 M3

[Scutch]

Well, having been away from the M scene - at least in an owning-a-car sense - for almost a year, I decided to bite the bullet, completely cripple my finances and jump back into the M3 hotseat. I've been posting for a few months, trying to decide between an E92 M3 or an M140i. It was a tough choice, but ultimately I was led down what I hope will be the correct path by both the M3 community, and more surprisingly, the BabyBMW.net community

First off, I was looking for a Monte Carlo Edition. I didn't know much about them, but enjoyed oggling over examples on other boards. I came to the conclusion that I wasn't paying the sort of money they were commanding, quite simply. Beautiful cars, but I decided to go for a younger model, in either Melbourne Red or, preferably, the much rarer Individual Japan Red (Electric Red), of which I believe only 37 were made, 12 of those wrapped in matte and called Frozen Editions.

Spec wishlist was less than 45k miles, Competition Pack, DCT, EDC and as many options as I could get.

I got frustrated seeing £30k+ price tags and started watching E92 M3 reviews on Youtube, and noticed that the white cars looked really good. This opened up a new spectrum of choices for me, so I put a thread up about them. I then got a message off a guy on M3Cutters, who claimed he knew where a Japan Red car may be for sale, and only 45 minutes drive from me. I figured it would either be out of my price range, or not the spec I wanted. After a bit of sleuthing on M3Cutters, I found the owner and sent him a message. The car wasn't for sale, but he would be willing to let it go, and it was for a price I was happy to pay. Then I read the spec and my mind was already made up.

• 2012 Japan Red
• 40k Miles
• Competition Pack
• EDC
• DCT
• Fully Loaded - Nearly all options ticked (well, aside from rear blind) - £82.5k new
• Extended Black Leather with Individual Red Stitching
• Logic7/HK Surround Sound
• Eisenmann Race exhaust (OEM exhaust with black tips included in sale)
• 12mm Spacers
• Michellin Sport 4's
• FBMWSH with Service Pack
• BMW Extended Warranty
• Full Protective GTechniq Paint Detail

Anyway, travelled with the missus to go and see the car a few days later. Loved it. Then one week on and it was mine. I've already bought the Performance spoiler from BMW, so that should come tomorrow, and the front splitters should be here next week too. I was debating painting the wheels silver, but I have to admit as these are part of the Individual Shadow Gloss option, I'm growing to love the contrast. We'll see. Also waiting on my personalised number plate going on next week too.

A few (completely unfiltered to capture the colour) pictures to kick things off. Apologies as these aren't the best locations and I was just trying to make the most of the weather while it's stopped raining up here, so a distinct lack of tyre shine. I appreciate this colour or car won't be to everyone's tastes, but I love it, and I've had some positive feedback from random folk in town about it already - always nice.





















Can't wait to get the rear spoiler on, as I think it's missing that at the moment, and the front splitters should harden the front end up, too. I also have to say, the noise this thing makes; Oh my word. It is incredible. I've never driven a V8 before, and if it was just for that hypnotic growl and then dragon-esque roar, I'm completely sold. Love it.

The journey starts again! I'll update when I can. Hope you enjoy

[IND-Distribution]

Great find, love the color.

[silverstonem3]

Very nice! love the full leather with the red stitching!

[Scutch]

Originally Posted by IND-Distribution

Great find, love the color.

Thank you. It took a while! The colour is lovely. In the sunlight it changes to several different shades

[rdoctor]

Congrats! Beautiful color! I've never seen this color in person. You mention it sort of changes in sunlight. Is it a metallic based paint?

[Scutch]

Originally Posted by rdoctor

Congrats! Beautiful color! I've never seen this color in person. You mention it sort of changes in sunlight. Is it a metallic based paint?

Yeah it's a very rare colour. I think there's only 25 of this colour around, as 12 were wrapped to create the Frozen Red special editions.

I'm not sure it's metallic, as it looks very solid in certain lights, but it takes several different photographs depending on the surroundings. Very difficult to capture its true colour - much like Valencia Orange

[JJH]

Great looking car, great colour and a very special package. And with the steering wheel on the correct side too .....

[SunDevil_M3]

Loving it! ZCP wheels just always look so great!

[Not Sure]

beauty. that's a proper red.

[S65V8]

great red, nicely done! agree on the V8, it's really a special experience, and argubly in a package that hasn't been recreated in the same way (mustang gt350 too big, too heavy...corvette z51, not practical, bigger...etc.).

[Helmsman]

Good choice Scutch, car looks lovely! You're on Cutters as well mate, different name, haven't seen you?

Cheers

[tdott]

Beaut!

[vincE92M3]

Cool car! Rare color indeed. Congrats!

[jeff@autocouture]

sickkkkkkk love the color! glad you found one!

[Scutch]

Fitted my OEM BMW Performance spoiler yesterday evening. Very pleased with the results. Improves the rear end stance and appearance no end. Just waiting on the front splitters and my plate documents coming back now. Then onto an LED interior kit and H8 Angel eye bulbs for completion

Some iPhone snaps, excuse the quality:

[JJH]

Looks good mate. I have the OEM one as well and the fit and finish is top notch, as you would expect.

As for the interior LED set, you probably have more options than we do here in my part of the world but I went for these and am extremely happy with the results > https://www.ecstuning.com/b-ziza-par...335ledint~kit/. On that page, you will find a very useful installation guide (as a PDF).

[Scutch]

Originally Posted by JJH

Looks good mate. I have the OEM one as well and the fit and finish is top notch, as you would expect.

As for the interior LED set, you probably have more options than we do here in my part of the world but I went for these and am extremely happy with the results > https://www.ecstuning.com/b-ziza-par...335ledint~kit/. On that page, you will find a very useful installation guide (as a PDF).

There's a chap on M3Cutters who provides the kits mate (http://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=95) but that guide on the link you sent was superb! Many thanks for that

[Scutch]

Fitted my Ebay carbon fibre front splitters (which were a surprisingly decent fitment) and number plate. Also installed the H8 bulbs so I've no yellow angel eye ring anymore. Will get some pics of those up tomorrow if the weather is nice. It's done nothing but rain all day today.

Anyway:









I now need to install the LED interior kit, and order some front indicator bulbs/LEDs to de-tango the front end

[Munichm3]

Holy smokes! Love the color! I'm a sucker for red! Keep her until the days of petroleum are over!

[Scutch]

Few more shots:

[vincE92M3]

Looking good! Which eBay seller are the splitters from? Do any of the edges not sit slush?

[Scutch]

Originally Posted by vincE92M3

Looking good! Which eBay seller are the splitters from? Do any of the edges not sit slush?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/REAL-CARBO...53.m2749.l2649

They're fairly decent for the price. Didn't need to mould or heat them or anything. Just used 3M tape and one of the original screws into the underside of the bumper.