Building a street legal E92 M

[dorian_c]

I have always tracked my porsche GT cars and am hoping to build a more dedicated M track car. I will keep it street legal for now and owning a track and a trailer is a bit of a challenge for now.

I am wondering if I should focus on later E92 M cars over 2008 and 2009 ones. Some are suggesting that the later iterations have updated rod bearings? If I have to choose between a higher mileage 2012 vs a low mileage 2008 in similar price range, which one would you go for? Assuming both are very well maintained.

Thank you.

[Redd]

I'd go 2010 or newer just for the newer CIC idrive and LED tails. Otherwise they're pretty much the same mechanically. There was an RB update but you're probably gonna change them out anyway when you get the car so it doesn't really matter.

[dorian_c]

Originally Posted by Redd

I'd go 2010 or newer just for the newer CIC idrive and LED tails. Otherwise they're pretty much the same mechanically. There was an RB update but you're probably gonna change them out anyway when you get the car so it doesn't really matter.

Thank you. I guess if I were to turn off traction controls etc. and change out the suspension, those updates would not matter. LED is a nice touch but not that important to me either.

[E92Bean]

Originally Posted by dorian_c

Thank you. I guess if I were to turn off traction controls etc. and change out the suspension, those updates would not matter. LED is a nice touch but not that important to me either.

If a pure track car you may aswell get the older car. Spend less on a non competition/ edc car.

[F4rmost]

FWIW I bought a higher mileage '08 E92 to develop into a "track car." I say that in quotes, because really right now it is far from a dedicated track car like some of the cars on this forum.

Right off the bat I would do rod bearings, TA's, and injectors if they have not already been done, so as Redd stated, rod bearings are really a moot point. Vanos covers are something to consider, especially if you are tracking. I went CarBahn there, as I believe the bolt-on style covers are the best.

I have an LCI e90 that I daily drive, my E92 is pre lci, and I will say the newer iDrive is much nicer. If you plan on street driving a lot, then it is a nice thing to have. If you are looking to strictly track, or even have a clubsport style car, I would rather have a single hump.

Synopsis: LCI vs Pre LCI really doesn't matter if you plan on really tracking it. I also wouldn't be very worried about miles as long as the big 3 has been done AND there is a history of proper maintenance. If you plan to street drive a lot and want iDrive, the LCI iDrive is a lot nicer.

[tdott]

It really shouldn't matter, since you would be replacing all the main components (rb, ta, suspension, wheels, tires, brakes, etc)

Most then to go with the best deal in their price range but its always good to buy the best condition one in your price range, there is little reason to over spend to buy a lower mileage, super clean example unless you have a blank check budget.

[dorian_c]

Thank you all.

Does LCI and pre-LCI have same mapping? Some have reported that LCI's have better throttle responses. Or is that due to the iDrive?

My plan as a start include half cage, get rid of back seats, brake, suspension and seats, and all the necessary maintenance. I may add links/arms if I need to achieve certain setup.

[tdott]

Originally Posted by dorian_c

Does LCI and pre-LCI have same mapping? Some have reported that LCI's have better throttle responses. Or is that due to the iDrive?

There is no hardware differences that would cause "better throttle response", 241E is the latest DME version, which it's possible older cars may not have, but if they were at the dealer under warranty, it's also possible that they got the update.

or if it had a tune, usually turners update to the latest version, then upload their tune file. So if you are getting a tune done at some point, then it really doesn't matter what software version the car is on.

Additionally it's easy to update the software version if you ever needed to, so i wouldn't say that would impact my buying decision. These are instructions to update to 241E
https://www.m3post.com/forums/showth...ht=241E+update

[bigjae1976]

Only hesitance with an 08 car is there are some updates or changes that are not related to LCI so some parts might be a little trickier to find. And I think MDM was added at some point?

But don't think it really matters. The major stuff didn't change over the E9X lifespan. MDM is a crutch...should have DSC off.

[tdott]

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

I think MDM was added at some point?

But don't think it really matters. The major stuff didn't change over the E9X lifespan. MDM is a crutch...should have DSC off.

MDM was available in early 08 cars, just not all cars had it.
It was an option, there are some LCI low optioned cars that didn't have M Drive option. But it's still possible to have M Drive without iDrive. It can also be retrofitted if needed.

[omgzirra_exe]

If you’re after a 2008 E92 M3 Competition 6-speed with under 100,000 miles for $30K asking, I’ve got one, but it’s in SoCal and you’re up in Canada.

Specs;

Just under 100k miles

6-speed manual

Rod bearings replaced by SSR Performance (2019)

Öhlins Road & Track coilovers

Eisenmann Race exhaust

Fifteen52 Sector RSR wheels – 19x9.5 ET22 front, 19x10.5 ET25 rear
Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires – 255/35/19 front, 275/35/19 rear

OR

Forgestar F14 SDC - 19x10 ET20 front, 19x11 ET27 rear
Michelins Pilot Sport 4S Tires - 275/30/19 front, 295/30/19 rear

Macht Schnell intake charge kit

Carbon fiber roof (refinished) + rear spoiler

Adaptive xenon headlights

Side marker delete

Dynamic Damper Control, M Drive, Comfort Access

iDrive with navigation

Maintenance & Upgrades:

Rod bearings (SSR Performance, 2019)

Differential fluid (2021)

Oil change, battery, accessory belts (current ownership)

Windshield + rear window replaced

Roof, bumper, and driver rear quarter panel refinished

Headlight lenses restored

Interior updates: door sills, trim, iDrive knob, pedals, center console cover

Interior:

Fox Red Novillo leather

Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel w/ tri-color stitching

M3-branded mats, LED door logo projectors

Power-adjustable memory seats

Cruise, auto climate, rain-sensing wipers

[tdott]

Originally Posted by omgzirra_exe

If you’re after a 2008 E92 M3 Competition

[omgzirra_exe]

Originally Posted by tdott

gotta shoot the shot lmao. paper weight taking up space