Luna—The 1-of-1 Moonstone Metallic and Extended Rust Brown 2011 E92 M3

[reidetailing]

Originally Posted by W///

Funnily enough, the E92 M3 I rented when the BMW Welt in Munich used to rent cars was this exact combo, down to the Piano Black trim. This was well over 12 years ago, but I still remember that car.

Wow, I had no idea that was even something BMW did; thank-you for sharing that story!

UPDATE #8: Cutting It Close: A Satirical On My Future Career As A Meteorologist

Hey everyone and welcome back to my journal!

I am usually a very proactive person, but let me tell you that this time, I was unprepared. Unprepared to ruin the preserved title that Luna would theoretically have under my ownership of her only seeing the best weather conditions.

This update takes place in Late November 2023.

Luna’s First Snowfall?

Having just finished the extensive restoration and protective job on Project Luna, followed by the documentary and roller shots, I was ready to bring Luna back home. The only thing: It is the end of November and the meteorologists were calling for scattered flurries majority of the week…woe is me.

The day I was picking the car up, was actually the day that it was supposed to lightly snow. I quickly arranged with Steven@Elevated Auto to pick the car up as early as possible, as the snow was projected to fall at noon.

The roads were clear, no salt brine whatsoever, and I picked up Project Luna, filled her up, and safely drove her back home.








What’s funny is that it did not end up snowing that day, and the next day looked clear.
So having just picked up the car, and not really getting to enjoy it before storage, I decided to take her out for a nice drive the following day.

Everything was great, the roads were clear, I took it to a couple areas around my neighbourhood, and then it was getting late so I decided to head back home.












As I was close to arriving back home, I realized I needed to get Fuel Stabilizer from our local automotive store, Canadian Tire. I then rerouted myself to the store and noticed as I got there that it was really dark, very windy, and the clouds were rolling in — all the signs of a storm. How could this be? I trusted the meteorologists earlier this week; sure they were wrong about there being snow yesterday, but today was clear skies…how could they mistake that for a snowfall?









Well my anxiety started to kick in. I quickly got the Fuel Stabilizer, put it in the gas tank, fueled up one last time to mix it, and then dashed my way back home.

I pull onto my street, I am less than 100 meters away from the house, and spamming the garage door opener button. Tell me as I am pulling into the driveway, a blizzard starts?!

At this point, I love entertaining the idea of being a meteorologist; you can be right 30% of the time and still keep your job!

You could argue that under my ownership, the preserved title is tarnished; Project Luna has seen snow, and factually you would be correct. But give me a mulligan for the 10 seconds that snow was falling onto Luna in my driveway.

Concluding Thoughts

Thank-you all for your continuous support with both my Youtube Channel and my journal here on M3Post.


Stay tuned for next update, where I start brainstorming wheels for Luna.

[reidetailing]

UPDATE #9: Does This Count As A Modification?

Hey everyone and welcome back to my journal!

My goal with Project Luna is to maintain and preserve its originality as best as possible. This means NO aftermarket (including M-Performance and GTS) parts will go on the car. So far, I can proudly say that I have fulfilled this goal. Keep in mind the Mag Blue OG Volk TE37s are only being borrowed from my E90 racecar (Project Sky), until that car is ready…then I’ll swap the OEM 220M wheels back…or will I? Could a new set of wheels see Project Luna?

This update takes place in December 2023.

Unpopular Opinion: Wheels Are An “Enhancement”

Grab your tomatoes and pitchforks. Yes, you read the header right…I believe changing the wheels on your car is NOT a modification, but rather an enhancement. What are your thoughts on that bold statement?

As mentioned above, there will be a time in the future when the TE37s go back to their home on Project Sky, and Project Luna will sport the 220Ms again.

I do not like the 220Ms. Sure it is nice that they are 19 inches and fill out the fenders, but I am not a fan of their design. They are also a pain to clean with all the spokes, especially with the middle gap in each spoke.

With that being said, I am entertaining the idea of getting new wheels for the car and am undecided which ones to go with. To be clear, there is no budget restrictions. I am happy securing my dream wheels for this car, and will not change them out once acquired.

My criteria for the search is as follows:

• Forged
• 19-Inch
• Baller-Spec
• Blend between Stance and Track (No Stretched Tires, Not Too Meaty, Not Too Low Profile)
• Uncommon
• Silver or Matte Silver Finish

Having said that, I have narrowed it down to what I believe are the frontrunners with some, if not all, of the criteria above. I have even captured the Instagrams of the owners, for photocredit and following purposes:

BBS LM on Obsessed Studios E36:








HRE 540R on silverstoned_E92 Cade's E92:








HRE R101 on silverstoned_E92 Cade's E92:










HRE 501 on Narvin’s E92:


















BBS E88 Race Pocket on Sean’s E92:










BBS RIA on Shocotaro’s E92:










BBS RIA (Gold) on m3mcb’s E92:












OEM Competition on ka370M3’s E92:












Now that you have seen all the wheels I am interested in, let me know which you think would look best on Project Luna. I am personally leaning towards HRE as a whole. I love the brand, and the logo. It is extremely elegant, classy, and commands excellence.

More specifically, I love the HRE 501s on Narvin’s car, but would get them in a matte silver finish. I think that would hide the ugly OEM brakes and give a classy and retro look. I do also like the HRE R101s on Cade's car…that 5 spoke design stays winning…however, I do not and will not get a BBK on this car…so that deters me from opting for those.

I asked my family which are their favourites, here's what they said:

• Sister: HRE R101s
• Dad: BBS E88s or LMs
• Mom: OEM 220Ms (Doesn't like me spending money on cars lol)

Concluding Thoughts

Thank-you all for your continuous support with both my Youtube Channel and my journal here on M3Post.
Stay tuned for next update, Project Luna faces 2 small issues.

[M3SQRD]

I’d strongly recommend the R101LW in brushed dark clear (DBC). It changes color with lighting just like Moonstone. I’ve linked a video showing how Moonstone and DBC look as you walk around the car.

https://youtube.com/shorts/xav5ZZXoO...QgWcfVGrYrCQ72

FYI, I had to sell my Moonstone f82 (and my AW/FR e92 M3 and my r56 silver white Cooper S Camden) due to medical problems. The Moonstone was supposed to be my forever car

[KingLS]

Great story and build, love the color. Thanks for sharing it all with us.

[bipp]

I'm a fan of the RI-A - I have them on my car, and when it comes time to get a second set so I'm not driving my track tires on the street, I'll likely get another set. They're light and affordable for what they are, and come in a great variety of sizes that fit the E92 (18x10 ET25, 18x10.5 ET25, 18x10.5 ET22, and 18x11 ET37 - as well as a fitment that works for square setup with spacers on F8x). There is also a "blue black" finish that I want - though I'll likely just end up getting another set of Diamond Silver (also known as matte gray, if I don't clean my wheels for a week).

If you're solely looking for 19" options though, the RI-D is probably the most baller option you can get. They won't do much to hide the OEM brakes, but they're one of the lightest options - 17.4 lb for the 19x10 if I recall correctly. They are also made of duralumin, instead of the forged alu for the RI-A. Just a very, very steep cost - but you do get what you pay for.

- https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?p=10596546
- https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2096770

Knowing you though - if you for whatever reason decide to go chasing a rabbit hole of grail NLA wheels, the iND / RKP BBS FI (18") and BBS FI (19", not the FI-R) would suit the car amazingly as well.

[omgzirra_exe]

silverstoned_M3 name isn't even BEN lmao

[M3SQRD]

Originally Posted by bipp

I'm a fan of the RI-A - I have them on my car, and when it comes time to get a second set so I'm not driving my track tires on the street, I'll likely get another set. They're light and affordable for what they are, and come in a great variety of sizes that fit the E92 (18x10 ET25, 18x10.5 ET25, 18x10.5 ET22, and 18x11 ET37 - as well as a fitment that works for square setup with spacers on F8x). There is also a "blue black" finish that I want - though I'll likely just end up getting another set of Diamond Silver (also known as matte gray, if I don't clean my wheels for a week).

If you're solely looking for 19" options though, the RI-D is probably the most baller option you can get. They won't do much to hide the OEM brakes, but they're one of the lightest options - 17.4 lb for the 19x10 if I recall correctly. They are also made of duralumin, instead of the forged alu for the RI-A. Just a very, very steep cost - but you do get what you pay for.

- https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?p=10596546
- https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2096770

Knowing you though - if you for whatever reason decide to go chasing a rabbit hole of grail NLA wheels, the iND / RKP BBS FI (18") and BBS FI (19", not the FI-R) would suit the car amazingly as well.

Duralumin is just 2000 series aluminum which has a higher copper content. It was once widely used in the aerospace industry but it’s a Table III material (highest susceptibility) when it comes to stress corrosion cracking. 7075-T7351 has been used in its place for quite sometime now. I’ve seen complex parts machined from 2024-T62 that literally failed from just supporting their own weight. A table III material must have sustained stress levels < 30% of the yield strength. It requires special waivers and additional detailed stress analyses to be able to use a table III material. Aluminum 7050-T7451 was classified incorrectly as being a table III material but is used when parts have to be machined from plates > 3”-thick (3-6”) because 7075-T7351 has too much residual stress in the middle of a plate > 3”-thick. 7050-T7451 is widely used but it’s extremely expensive. High strength aluminums tend to have low/poor elongation (ductility) in the short transverse (ST) direction.

The HRE R101LW 19x9.5et22 weighs 16.6 lbm and the 19x11et42 weighs 17.4 lbm. The RI-A and FI-R are awesome looking wheels. IMO, the RI-A looks better on an e9X M3 than the FI-R. I wonder at times why popular wheels are discontinued by manufacturers when theres still demand for them. Does BBS manufacture a discontinued wheel if an owner damages a wheel(s) and is in need of a replacement(s)?

[bipp]

Originally Posted by omgzirra_exe

silverstoned_M3 name isn't even BEN lmao

maybe he meant e92ben? iirc he had a few sets of HREs and a SS2 E90 as well (which looks phenomenal lol)

Originally Posted by M3SQRD

Duralumin is just 2000 series aluminum which has a higher copper content. It was once widely used in the aerospace industry but it’s a Table III material (highest susceptibility) when it comes to stress corrosion cracking. 7075-T7351 has been used in its place for quite sometime now. I’ve seen complex parts machined from 2024-T62 that literally failed from just supporting their own weight. A table III material must have sustained stress levels < 30% of the yield strength. It requires special waivers and additional detailed stress analyses to be able to use a table III material. Aluminum 7050-T7451 was classified incorrectly as being a table III material but is used when parts have to be machined from plates > 3”-thick (3-6”) because 7075-T7351 has too much residual stress in the middle of a plate > 3”-thick. 7050-T7451 is widely used but it’s extremely expensive. High strength aluminums tend to have low/poor elongation (ductility) in the short transverse (ST) direction.

The HRE R101LW 19x9.5et22 weighs 16.6 lbm and the 19x11et42 weighs 17.4 lbm. The RI-A and FI-R are awesome looking wheels. IMO, the RI-A looks better on an e9X M3 than the FI-R. I wonder at times why popular wheels are discontinued by manufacturers when theres still demand for them. Does BBS manufacture a discontinued wheel if an owner damages a wheel(s) and is in need of a replacement(s)?

I wasn't aware about Duralumin's properties - that's interesting to know. There's a bit of confidence that if BBS is building it and it passes JWL standards, it's likely safe for a wheel - but still definitely interesting to know.

I did see that the R101LW is especially light (though a fair arm and leg to get ahold of), and I do agree on the RI-A vs FI-R. I've never been a huge fan of the FI-R - it doesn't seem to flow with the lines of the E92 very well, especially with the cutouts inside the spokes. I'm not sure about BBS's post-sales standards but I haven't seen many mentions about the old, non-R FI lately.

edit: god damn M3SQRD every time I see your Moonstone F82 it makes me wish I wasn't in middle school when the E92 was still in production so I could've ordered an individual lmao

[reidetailing]

Originally Posted by M3SQRD

I’d strongly recommend the R101LW in brushed dark clear (DBC). It changes color with lighting just like Moonstone. I’ve linked a video showing how Moonstone and DBC look as you walk around the car.

https://youtube.com/shorts/xav5ZZXoO...QgWcfVGrYrCQ72

FYI, I had to sell my Moonstone f82 (and my AW/FR e92 M3 and my r56 silver white Cooper S Camden) due to medical problems. The Moonstone was supposed to be my forever car

Don, I am sorry to hear about the unfortunate medical issues that have come about. Health is wealth. I hope that you get the opportunity to be reunited with the car or a better one in the future. Those R101LWs are too nice!

Originally Posted by KingLS

Great story and build, love the color. Thanks for sharing it all with us.

Thank-you for the kind words, King. I appreciate your support.

Originally Posted by bipp

I'm a fan of the RI-A - I have them on my car, and when it comes time to get a second set so I'm not driving my track tires on the street, I'll likely get another set. They're light and affordable for what they are, and come in a great variety of sizes that fit the E92 (18x10 ET25, 18x10.5 ET25, 18x10.5 ET22, and 18x11 ET37 - as well as a fitment that works for square setup with spacers on F8x). There is also a "blue black" finish that I want - though I'll likely just end up getting another set of Diamond Silver (also known as matte gray, if I don't clean my wheels for a week).

Knowing you though - if you for whatever reason decide to go chasing a rabbit hole of grail NLA wheels, the iND / RKP BBS FI (18") would suit the car amazingly as well.

Thank-you bipp ! You have always supported me, and I will keep my eyes peeled for those NLA iND/RKP BBS FI 18s!

Originally Posted by omgzirra_exe

silverstoned_M3 name isn't even BEN lmao

Let me live Alex omgzirra_exe ! I meant to say Cade but screwed up the name.

Originally Posted by M3SQRD

Duralumin is just 2000 series aluminum which has a higher copper content. It was once widely used in the aerospace industry but it’s a Table III material (highest susceptibility) when it comes to stress corrosion cracking. 7075-T7351 has been used in its place for quite sometime now. I’ve seen complex parts machined from 2024-T62 that literally failed from just supporting their own weight. A table III material must have sustained stress levels < 30% of the yield strength. It requires special waivers and additional detailed stress analyses to be able to use a table III material. Aluminum 7050-T7451 was classified incorrectly as being a table III material but is used when parts have to be machined from plates > 3”-thick (3-6”) because 7075-T7351 has too much residual stress in the middle of a plate > 3”-thick. 7050-T7451 is widely used but it’s extremely expensive. High strength aluminums tend to have low/poor elongation (ductility) in the short transverse (ST) direction.

Lots of great info Don, thank-you for sharing.

UPDATE #10: Vibrations And A Lecture

Hey everyone and welcome back to my journal!

Winter has finished and Project Luna is finally out of storage. My eagerness to drive Luna was short-lived…find out shortly.

This update takes place in April 2024.

Problem #1: The Rumble-strip Effect

I have been anxiously awaiting taking out Project Luna. She’s been nestled for over 4 months and is ready to stretch her legs.









My first few drives of the 2024 season were super enjoyable. I really love the E9X platform, especially with a very low mileage example. I struggle with the thought of driving it, A part of me wants to drive it all the time and evoke only the greatest driving emotions possible…after all, this is the ultimate driving machine. The other part of me still wants to maintain it as a low mileage example...I am not saving it for anyone, but love the prestige of having a low mileage example years down the road that only gets used on special occasions...#FirstWorldProblems.

Anyways, upon these early drives of the 2024 season, I started noticing on the highway that at cruising and accelerating speeds, the car had some noticeable vibrations from the steering wheel and was pulling sideways when trying to drive straight.

I took Luna to my friends at Touge Tuning for them to diagnose on their alignment rack. It was clear that the alignment was off. We quickly got that all fixed and I was on my way.

Problem #2: An Earful From My Old Man

Project Luna enjoys the luxuries of being garage-kept at all times. Having just taken her out of winter storage and enjoying her youthfulness stature, my dad quickly noticed an issue. I had just left the house to go for an evening drive, and he was about to mow the lawn. He pulls the lawn mower out of the garage, but notices a small puddle of what looked to be some sort of liquid at the front of where my car is usually parked. Keep in mind, my family are not car people…this liquid could have been oil or coolant. I had a mild heart attack when I heard this, especially since I had the oil changed by but noticed my oil levels held strong on the electronic dashboard monitoring system…so what could it be?

When I took Luna to Touge Tuning for the alignment, I mentioned to the team to inspect the leak underneath the front section of the car. I also phoned the guy who has helped me so many times, including discovering and securing Project Luna, my friend, Alex Carr (M3Post Member: "acarr6” acarr6). Given Alex’s extensive experience of owning an E92 M3, I trusted him to communicate to the Touge Tuning team what it might be. Collectively, we found that the DCT was leaking/sweating…a common issue for DCT cars. In the near future, I will have Total Motor Werkes perform the servicing and replacement with an OEM unit.

Very special thank-you to Alex, and the Touge Tuning team for helping with both the alignment and the DCT leak.

Here is a picture of the leak:

Concluding Thoughts

Thank-you all for your continuous support with both my Youtube Channel and my journal here on M3Post.
Next update I will be showcasing some life moments with Project Luna.

[reidetailing]

UPDATE #11: Be A Person Of Your Word

Hey everyone and welcome back to my journal!

Been really enjoying Project Luna lately! The novelty of owning this car holds stronger than ever.

This update takes place in April 2024.

A Promise Is A Promise

It is Christmas Day 2023, I am at the dinner table with my immediate and extended family. My cousin Nick (Nicholas) leans over to me and says, “Alexander, when you take the E92 out next year, I want to be one of the first people to drive it.” I proudly smiled and told him, “Say less buddy, we will make that happen.”

Fast forward to the first weekend of April 2024, it was the perfect weather to spend time with my family and take the car out. I phoned my sister Steph and Nick who live nearby each other and made a nice afternoon seeing them both. I first picked up Steph at her downtown Toronto condo, and then we were off to get Nick:







Nick secured, and testing the driver seat out:











Nick and his younger brother Matthew love cars. Their father (my uncle), John, got them into cars at a young age, given his love for automobiles. He has primarily owned Audis, but loves Porsche, BMW, and anything functional. His past couple cars have been Audi S4s (with the former car being a B8 S4), and his current car being a B9 S4. Nick got his license not too long ago, and practices on his dad’s B9 S4, so I definitely trust him operating my baby.

After taking Nick and Steph for a ride around his neighbourhood showing him the basics of the E92 and how everything works with the DCT transmission, we headed back to his house to get Matthew.








Nick and I then switched seats, while Steph hopped out to hang out for a bit with our aunt and uncle, and let Matthew go in the back for a cruise.

Enjoy some quick Youtube shorts of him driving the car and giving it some “juice”

https://youtube.com/shorts/qJMqDYGmL0U?feature=share

https://youtube.com/shorts/ZzpW2vBOAUM?feature=share



Afterwards, we headed back to Nick's house, dropped him off, and then headed out with Steph back to the downtown core for a nice dinner with our parents.
I had prime parking practically in front of the restaurant on the main strip, which was nice; and yes, I made Steph cross the street to take these two pictures of me in the car:








The next morning (Sunday), I decided to take my mom to church…or wait, I mean let her take me to church with Project Luna. She is not a car person, and after suffering a bad accident over 10 years ago, she has never been the same both driving and being a passenger in a car. She was beyond hesitant when I handed her the keys, and even said, “We are either going to take my car or we are not going to church anymore.” I reassured her everything would be fine, and that even though it is a sports car, it has a basic driving mode where the car operates like a normal vehicle…that definitely helped. She hopped in and we were off.


https://youtube.com/shorts/RoVOEzpkzac?feature=shared

https://youtube.com/shorts/n08HWiYILGI?feature=share




We safely arrived to church and had a nice time being thankful for all life has given us, and praying for brighter days for our friends, family, and others.

Concluding Thoughts

Thank-you all for your continuous support with both my Youtube Channel and my journal here on M3Post.
Stay tuned for next update where Luna is caught breaking necks and gets a new pilot behind the wheel.

[spammysammich]

The pressure filter cap o-ring on the DCT will flatten out over time even on low mileage cars. Probably a function of age and material choice. It will allow about a tablespoon of DCT fluid to leak out when you first start the car until it warms up and the o-ring swells. This accumulates on the inside of the cover and eventually drips onto the floor.

[KevinGS]

That's one of my all-time favorite M plates and frames. Well said.

Nice car too

[0-60Motorsports]

Beautiful Color combo.

[reidetailing]

Originally Posted by spammysammich

The pressure filter cap o-ring on the DCT will flatten out over time even on low mileage cars. Probably a function of age and material choice. It will allow about a tablespoon of DCT fluid to leak out when you first start the car until it warms up and the o-ring swells. This accumulates on the inside of the cover and eventually drips onto the floor.

This is great information. Thank-you very much bro for always supporting.

Originally Posted by KevinGS

That's one of my all-time favorite M plates and frames. Well said.

Nice car too

Thanks Kevin! The plate always puts a smile on my face before hopping in the car.

Originally Posted by 0-60Motorsports

Beautiful Color combo.

Thank-you so much man.

UPDATE #12: She’s A Real Looker

Hey everyone and welcome back to my journal!

The memories and life moments continue to roll in for me, Project Luna, and the close people around me that I am lucky to call friends.

This update takes place in April and May 2024.

Smiles Per Mile (Kilometer), But Who’s Countin’

I am racking up the kilometers on Project Luna. I drive the car to yoga, to Starbucks, to soccer, to work sometimes, to grab food, to downtown at my favourite study spot, on dates…literally everywhere. At this point, I’ve driven the car about 3,000kms; yes, she’s nearing 40,000kms!!


















That scares me to some degree, as I really don’t like the thought of the kilometers climbing, especially with a 1,600km round trip for MPact East in August 2024 with my dad. Nonetheless, it’s putting only the biggest smiles on my face every time I hop in.

Speaking of study spots, I like to hang out on a quiet little side street from the happening area of King St. W. — the party area of Toronto. Funny enough, I found this cute little seating area covered by trees right out front a tech office. When I initially arrived there, I parked a few meters away at another office building that was still in my line of sight. My buddy Shayne who lives in the area, was walking and noticed the car and called me asking where I was.

I quickly walked over and snapped a few pictures of him seeing the car in-person for the first time. Legend has it that Shayne’s jaw is still open.















After he left, I decided to park Luna closer and in front of the study spot in the private parking for the tech office employees; after all, it is a weekend, and no one is there.

As soon as I parked in this prime parking space directly in front of the study spot, a security guard came out and asked me if I worked for the tech company. I said no. He then proceeded to say that I could not park there. I let him know that I am working on the tables out front and am not causing any trouble. He then recognized the car as being an M3, and started asking me questions about it. A quick 20 second dialogue turned into a 15-minute conversation, which ended in him allowing me to park there, and me making a new friend named Chiran.

Sibling Love

One weekend in early May, I decided to pick up my sister Steph and go shopping. I’ve been meaning to get myself a nice set of professional, in-the-office fashion glasses (non-prescription) from Cutler & Gross. Unfortunately, we did not see any that Steph approved of, so we left.

Even after years of playing competitive video games (Halo 3), and being glued to computer screens in my professional career, somehow I still have perfect vision.

And as crazy as the above seems for wanting to wear glasses with clear lenses strictly for the aesthetic appearance, I just love to accessorize and add some occasional flair to my outfits in the office.

The 3 Amigos: Me, My Dad, and Carlos Santana

One of the last and most important people that I absolutely want to pilot Project Luna is my father. My dad is a simple and generous guy. He likes a nice car, but would rather not splurge on a nice car for himself to instead help my sister and I through life. This applies to all aspects of life; he would rather Steph and I have all the nice things first, and never splurge on himself. To say I am grateful is an understatement…he is a special man.

Regarding cars, as mentioned, he does like, and will appreciate a nice car, but he really is a "Point A to Point B" kind of car person. He is the kind of person where he will meet successful people at his golf course, they will somehow talk about cars and the ones they own. My dad will then come home, tell me who he met and that they were talking about cars, but then not remember or not ask them specifically which cars they had…MAJOR SMH!!! Like I said, he could care less.

So you could imagine him behind the wheel of Project Luna would do absolutely nothing for him, other than seeing me happy and sharing that special moment together; well that was exactly how it went.
I did put on some of his favourite tunes, including Carlos Santana, which really got him going, but let me tell you he was laser-focused while driving the car.

Looking back, my dad enjoyed and appreciated the moment driving the car, but that’s about it. Yes, he likes the car, but he has no plans to ever take it out for a drive. Rather, he had his moment, and will carry on with life…oh how different we are.


Here are some wholesome pictures and videos of it all:







https://youtube.com/shorts/TNfhgD9MW-U?feature=share

https://youtube.com/shorts/eZ2cV1WYKGI?feature=share

Concluding Thoughts

Thank-you all for your continuous support with both my Youtube Channel and my journal here on M3Post.
Stay tuned for next update, Luna makes a new, low-mileage friend.

[reidetailing]

UPDATE #13: New Friends, New Milestones

Hey everyone and welcome back to my journal!

We are back with another update; this time is a short and sweet one.

This update takes place in May 2024.

Similar, But Different

A while back, I remember my good friend Pedro mentioning that his dad owned a very low mileage BMW E92 M3. It is a model year (MY) 2009 that is finished in Silverstone II Metallic, and has less than 30k kms on it. Pedro has never driven the car. His dad is the only one who drives it, but rarely finds the time to given their family business. It lives its life in a storage unit resting and collecting dust next to all the family’s other toys.

I’ve always wanted to see this car in person. We finally made that happen. I phoned up Pedro, told him about the idea, he gave me the location, and off I went to meet with him and see the car.

When I arrived at the location, the storage unit door was already open, patiently awaiting my arrival. What a sight it was seeing his dad’s car for the first time. It brought so much emotion to me seeing the Silverstone II colour, as my E90, Project Sky, is also in Silverstone II. I asked Pedro if I could bring Luna in and take some side-by-side shots of the cars, and he said absolutely.

What’s crazy about Moonstone Metallic and Silverstone II is that as similar as they may seem both being silver, under certain lighting, they are completely different. Silverstone II gives off a more blue-ish hue, while Moonstone emits a gold-ish hue. They are both truly beautiful to me, and I am grateful to own two M3s in these understated, and sometimes unappreciated colours.

Enjoy the pictures and the video highlighting the difference between the two:











https://youtube.com/shorts/j-YXNogpc38?feature=share

The 40s Club

Luna is getting old!

On Saturday, May 18, 2024, she hit this milestone. Earlier that day, I went to my favourite study spot downtown. It was a beautiful day, so of course I had to take some pictures of Luna:













After a long day of studying and learning, I headed back home, and on my way back was when I hit the 40,000kms mark. I quickly pulled over and snapped a couple pictures:

Concluding Thoughts

Thank-you all for your continuous support with both my Youtube Channel and my journal here on M3Post.
As sad as I was hitting the 40 club, I remind myself of all the amazing moments I have created and shared with others since owning this special car.

Til’ next time!

[reidetailing]

UPDATE #14: Shine The Spotlight BRIGHT!

Hey everyone and welcome back to my journal!

I am beyond excited to share this update with you all. Lots of love is being shown to Project Luna in this and the next few updates.

This update takes place in June and July 2024.

Celebrations Are In Order

My sister just finished law school and her MBA with the highest cumulative average in both…what a superstar she is. To celebrate, I decided to take her to my favourite restaurant in Oakville (a ritzy suburb just outside of Toronto) for a nice meal. The restaurant is called Hexagon. It is a Michelin-star restaurant, #14 in Canada's Top 100 Restaurants, and a place where I work part-time on Saturdays as a maître d'.

Car looked good at night, so an obligatory photo was totally necessary.









Before leaving on a vacation to Europe, I went to my weekly soccer game, and took Luna out. I brought my favourite water with me — Icelandic Water. I am an unofficial water connoisseur, and let me tell you, this is one of the nicest waters out there. I prefer to have it refrigerated, and then left out for 10 minutes before opening it and consuming. I highly recommend you all try it.

Photo/Video-shoot Fresh

Seeing as this will be THE year that Luna gets driven the most, I want to do all the necessary photo- and video-shoots to have content to share throughout the year.

My Instagram account, @screamer, is focused strictly on my three cars. I primarily follow M3 owners, BMW-related automotive shops, music producers, photographers and cinematographers.

I follow quite a few talented individuals that capture special moments in the automotive community, and I will continue to rely on them to make my creative vision for Project Luna a reality.

So far, I have teamed up with my friends Justin, Mark, and Jordan to create 3 separate content opportunities for Project Luna. Here are some snippets that will be shared over the next few posts, enjoy:

Concluding Thoughts

Thank-you all for your continuous support with both my Youtube Channel and my journal here on M3Post.
Stay tuned for next update, Luna gets more love.

[reidetailing]

UPDATE #15: 2 Is Better Than 1

Hey everyone and welcome back to my journal!

Got some HEAT for you all! Enjoy the short films for Project Luna.

This update takes place in May 2024.

Videos…Plural, Were Made

I have been seeing this one Instagram account lately bring the heat with some great automotive reels of local quality rides. I reached out to Justin (IG: @chuio.media) and asked about his services.

He’s a super nice guy who is studying in university, loves cars and is an up-and-coming talent in the local automotive scene.

We planned the shoot on a Thursday evening in downtown Toronto, as I was working in our downtown office, and he lives nearby. We filmed in some pretty cool spots near The Beaches area and Distillery District of Toronto.

So the morning of, I successfully drove Luna to the downtown office, avoiding any sort of dirt on the car…great! I finish work and am now off to meet Justin for the shoot.

I’m heading there and within 500 meters from reaching the location, I’m stuck at a red light in the slow lane of the 2-lane road. Unbeknownst to me until it was too late of course, is an arborist, 15 feet away, trimming the branches off of this massive tree and shredding them in a commercial wood chipper machine right beside me…dust is blowing everywhere. Tell me how the wind is just conveniently blowing in my direction, my windows are down, and all this wood dust is blowing both on AND in my car.

I had just gotten the car cleaned by my friends at Kodawari Collective the day before, took all the backroads in the city to avoid traffic, construction, and any dusty areas, only for it to be engulfed in dust less than 500 meters from the video-shoot…c’est la vie.

Anyways, the car still looked really good and was captured perfectly by Justin.

I had two videos done. One being an ASMR video, the other being a feature video…please enjoy:

Concluding Thoughts

Thank-you all for your continuous support with both my Youtube Channel and my journal here on M3Post.
Get ready for the next update…this moonstone is rolling into the sunset.

[reidetailing]

UPDATE #16: Moonstone Just Hits Different

Hey everyone and welcome back to my journal!

Moonstone Metallic is an incredibly beautiful colour that needs to be seen in person to be truly appreciated. Having said that, working with great photographers and videographers who are able to capture the sheer beauty of this unique colour does give a stellar digital experience to those who may never see one in person.

This update takes place in May 2024.

Is It Silver or Gold?

One of my friends, Mark Millar (IG: @_markmillar), is a great photographer, whom I have known for several years. I have always wanted him to shoot my Subaru racecar, Project Gabby, but disassembled the car before we could arrange a photoshoot.

Since acquiring Project Luna, I reconnected with Mark to see if he’d be interested in collaborating to shoot the car. He excitingly agreed, and we scheduled to shoot in the beautiful suburb of Oakville, just outside of Toronto.

We shot at several locations in Oakville, including under a bridge, by the water, some highway roller shots, and at a retro convenience store. Afterwards, I treated him to a nice Greek dinner. As we were enjoying the tender souvlaki, he mentioned how he is close to securing an official marketing role for a prominent dealership in Toronto. We were chatting about positivity, professionalism, being kind to others, believing and manifesting, and dreaming BIG! We were both fully invested in the conversation, and motivating each other to be the best versions of ourselves.

A couple weeks later, he messaged me that he got the job…I absolutely love it when the universe has our back. A little positivity goes a long way, just as much as surrounding yourself with the right people in your life can change your trajectory and opportunities available. So that’s a message to always be kind, giving, and have a great circle around you who hold you accountable for achieving excellence…that will help you get to the next level.

Thank-you Mark for the great time spent together over good food, good conversations, and of course, good company.

Enjoy these photos everyone:

Concluding Thoughts

Thank-you all for your continuous support with both my Youtube Channel and my journal here on M3Post.
Remember, always try to be the light to others in a world full of darkness. We all have the power to be positive, help others, and change our lives…it just takes the right mindset, a bit of luck, and a concerted effort to want it for yourself and others around you!
GO BE GREAT!

Hope you enjoy the next update!

[reidetailing]

UPDATE #17: Stay Close To People Who Feel Like Home

Hey everyone and welcome back to my journal!

This is my favourite photoshoot to date for Project Luna. Hands down, the man behind the camera is one of the coolest and most talented I have had the pleasure to work alongside.

In this update, I highlight the importance of surrounding yourself with good people, who truly bring out the best qualities in you, all while showcasing the best pictures of Luna that illustrate her full beauty.

This update takes place in June 2024.

Don't Mess With What's Perfect

I love washing my car — and when I had my detailing business, my clients’ cars — in my driveway. While washing the cars, I would always see this white track-spec Subaru BRZ with a loud exhaust driving by. One day many years back, I remember flagging the BRZ owner down, introducing myself, and exchanging social medias.

I learned that his name is Jordan (IG: @triggermemory), he was studying at the time for his Masters of Architecture, and that he was a "rooftopper" (meaning he climbs to the top of buildings/tall structures and photographs himself and the picturesque skyline views…an illegal act here in Toronto). Having collected enough memories, heart attacks and trespassing warnings, he “retired” and wanted to focus solely on photography and his future career in architecture.

His Instagram is really unique and let me tell you, his work and creative artistic vision is unparalleled. He does not primarily shoot automotive, but instead urban landscapes and other things.

I asked him to shoot Project Luna, and he gladly accepted the proposal and mapped out the route.
When I say his professionalism is next level, I really mean it. He designed a Google Map with pinpoints of each location, a 5:45am prep meeting which he was early for, and a surprise PDF deliverable that overviewed the entire experience. Yes, I paid a pretty penny for the highly detailed work; this is the quality level I expect for such a job.

Throughout the photoshoot, I built a friendship with a very selfless, humble, in-the-moment guy, who is grateful for all he has in life. It was really inspiring hearing his story, the life challenges he has dealt with and continues to deal with, and the importance for being grateful to wake up in the morning, with a roof over your head, a family that loves you, and food on the table. Jordan says to me, "Alex, life is too short. I don't know how long I will be here for, and so I live my life every day to the fullest I am able to. I remind myself to be kind to myself, and enjoy the moment for myself and with those around me."

Having heard that, along with the challenges he faces in his every day life, I started tearing up. Sometimes, I do not realize what is in front of me, and while aware of the privilege, the tendency to take it for granted. It really put things into perspective for me...I need to do better for myself in many different aspects. Being kinder to myself, living in the moment and to the fullest, being grateful for having the basic necessities in life, being more generous to others, and to always pay it forward.

Thank-you Jordan, you changed my life.


Please enjoy this digital masterpiece, created by my friend, Jordan:

Concluding Thoughts

Thank-you all for your continuous support with both my Youtube Channel and my journal here on M3Post.
Next update will be a fun one… just call me Mr. Worldwide…

[wyatth]

Glad to see you still enjoying this one, still such a banger color combo.

[a5m]

Beautiful car. Black Blue RI-A's would go so hard on this (coming from a guy on TE's )

[reidetailing]

Originally Posted by wyatth

Glad to see you still enjoying this one, still such a banger color combo.

Thank-you Wyatt for all your support. I am thoroughly enjoying the car and will be keeping it for life.

Originally Posted by a5m

Beautiful car. Black Blue RI-A's would go so hard on this (coming from a guy on TE's )

Thank-you a5m (let me know what your name is)! Haha I likely will be opting for a square set of 19x10 OEM 359s next year, and storing my TEs for my future Frozen Silver E92 M3 that I plan to buy in the coming years.

UPDATE #18: Mr. Worldwide

Hey everyone and welcome back to my journal!

I have been enjoying life and this update showcases some of those moments, both with, and without Project Luna.

This update takes place in July 2024.

Get Yourself a BMW From Here

In July 2024, my family and I travelled to Germany to watch Portugal in the Euro Cup. On the trip, we first stayed in Hamburg, where we watched Ronaldo and the team lose to France in penalties. As heartbroken as I was, we did meet Ronaldo’s mom at this discrete hotel very close to the stadium:





After our time in Germany, we headed to Greece for the last half of the trip.

Greece is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. A country with amazing food, ecstatic people that live every day vicariously (and in debt) , and a Euro Cup under their belt (still upset that they beat Portugal in 2004). My cultural background by the way is both Portuguese and Greek.

We had a really nice time island-hopping, eating, and relaxing.
One thing that really stood out about Greece is the amount of BMWs I saw. The climate allows for some really nice cars, albeit very dusty, to be left outside year-round and still have no rust.

Please enjoy some of my favourite BMW “spots” in Greece:

The Only Acceptable Thing To First Do

We arrived back from our vacation, and boy did I ever miss Project Luna; so much so that the moment our driver dropped us back home from the airport, I took the car out for a spin with my sister.

Enjoy a few photos:

Concluding Thoughts

Thank-you all for your continuous support with both my Youtube Channel and my journal here on M3Post.
I’m dropping some HEAT next update, stay tuned.