Build Journal - E90 M3

[Mtreee]

Hello everyone and welcome to my build journal. I had previously owned a Jet Black E92 M3 6-Speed and have regretted selling it immediately after.
So, I recently picked up this Jet Black E90 M3 DCT. I wanted to start a journal for memorabilia as I regret not doing so for my E92, and contribute to the community and meet new people along the way.

The car has most of the maintenance done already so that saves a lot of time, and I am planning on doing a street build; nothing over the top, primarily focusing on handling.
I don't ever plan on going forced induction on these cars as I would like to retain the natural form of the car.

Currently sits on KW HAS Kit which I am planning on switching out to KW V3 first, then some SPL goodies.

[lauuming]

Congrats and welcome back!

Both DCT and 6 speed are amazing... Welcome back! I had a E92 M3 Manual years ago and picked up a E90 M3 Manual a couple years ago as my daily ...

Id have to say the E90X is my favorite generation of M3s, there is a nice balance between power, engine noise, handling and overall driving experience.

[clubsport.m3]

Very nice! I owned an E90 M3 in jet black last year, never should have sold it. It's so much more appealing than Jerez.

[Mtreee]

Originally Posted by lauuming

Congrats and welcome back!

Both DCT and 6 speed are amazing... Welcome back! I had a E92 M3 Manual years ago and picked up a E90 M3 Manual a couple years ago as my daily ...

Id have to say the E90X is my favorite generation of M3s, there is a nice balance between power, engine noise, handling and overall driving experience.

Thank you, I agree there is something about the S65 that is so addicting and wanting me to come back, and the feel of handling is so much more rewarding compared to newer cars.

Originally Posted by clubsport.m3

Very nice! I owned an E90 M3 in jet black last year, never should have sold it. It's so much more appealing than Jerez.

Thank you and yes I much prefer Jet Black over the Jerez, I originally wanted to find an AW to try something new but couldn't resist the black hahaha.

[Drifter2090]

Looks like a good base! Love both 6MT and DCT, corrected and coated jet black is so nice

[Mtreee]

Update:

I have been fairly surprised and amazed at how this KW HAS kit handles paired with EDC. I picked up some goodies from Pom Performance;
GTS V1 front lip, rear kick spoiler, and installed a rear diffuser that came with the car, these cars most definitely need a front lip to complete the front.





Also picked up a set of TE37 SLs from System Motorsports in Formula Silver, going to pair it with some OG stickers in black and let the ceramic do its cure onto the wheels.
The stocks will be for sale on the private seller's forum for anyone interested.

[Drifter2090]

Gonna be so nice with the TE's, I am not a fan of 220m wheels lol

The KW H.A.S kit and EDC is amazing for daily street use, rides well even at the lowest setting

[Mtreee]

Originally Posted by Drifter2090

Gonna be so nice with the TE's, I am not a fan of 220m wheels lol

The KW H.A.S kit and EDC is amazing for daily street use, rides well even at the lowest setting

219m/ZCP > 220m everyday

I can't wait for tires to come in, with your input I have more confidence in lowering to specs I want once its on thank you

[Drifter2090]

Originally Posted by Mtreee

219m/ZCP > 220m everyday

I can't wait for tires to come in, with your input I have more confidence in lowering to specs I want once its on thank you

219m/ZCP > 220m 100%

Yeah man give it a try on a lower setting, will still ride well

[Mtreee]

April Update:

TE's are on, wrapped on Yokohama A052 265/35 and 295/30. Beyond happy with these tires, sticky tires for the road and not loud. Shout-out to @Drifter2090 for the advice, the rears are at the lowest setting and it still rides just as good!





Got around to replacing the front pads and rotors, and decided to upgrade to Hawk HPSP. These pads have way less brake dust and have great feedback.




Found this new Megan axle-back setup for half off due to a dent on the top of the muffler section. I'm planning on pairing with a Bimmerworld X-Pipe and it should sound pretty cherry

[Rino924]

Wow it is looking great! Getting my tires mounted tomorrow so I can join the TE club. Been a long winter waiting.

[KanseiDorifto]

Originally Posted by Mtreee

April Update:

TE's are on, wrapped on Yokohama A052 265/35 and 295/30. Beyond happy with these tires, sticky tires for the road and not loud. Shout-out to @Drifter2090 for the advice, the rears are at the lowest setting and it still rides just as good!

Attachment 2863693
Attachment 2863689
Attachment 2863694

Attachment 2863692

Beautiful! Our cars are almost twins but mine is Jerez Black. Funny thing is I also just picked up TE37SLs from System, but in Dash White and also waiting for my OG stickers. Spent a lot of time debating versus Formula Silver. I guess this is pretty much what my car would've looked like if I had gone FS hahah

I assume from the pictures you're running the OEM wheel bolts? I'm thinking of whether to switch over to studs before I mount, even though I don't have plans to switch wheels often.

[Richneerd]

TE37's

They look good on any car!

[Mtreee]

Originally Posted by KanseiDorifto

Beautiful! Our cars are almost twins but mine is Jerez Black. Funny thing is I also just picked up TE37SLs from System, but in Dash White and also waiting for my OG stickers. Spent a lot of time debating versus Formula Silver. I guess this is pretty much what my car would've looked like if I had gone FS hahah

I assume from the pictures you're running the OEM wheel bolts? I'm thinking of whether to switch over to studs before I mount, even though I don't have plans to switch wheels often.

A buddy of mine actually has the same spec set but in dash white, Im tempted to test fit them and see how they look hahaha. Im actually running studs right now, it helps a ton when mounting/dismounting but if you are planning on running spacers in the future I would def recommend getting studs. Also for me its aesthetics also hahaha

[Mtreee]

Originally Posted by Rino924

Wow it is looking great! Getting my tires mounted tomorrow so I can join the TE club. Been a long winter waiting.

Im most definitely spoiled and grateful its sunny where I live all year round, congrats on the set cheers!

[Mtreee]

Originally Posted by Richneerd

TE37's

They look good on any car!

M3 starter pack

[Mtreee]

End of May Update:

Ended up ditching the OEM + KW HAS set up and went with Broadway Static coilover setup, 12K F 20K R with Swift springs. These coilovers provide great value and so far only have good things to say about them. I also paired it with SPL FLCA and the car feels more alive and sharp.



Sadly, the TEs are long gone now but went to a good home. I am looking into a 10.5 squared set up next which would help me achieve the fitment I am seeking after. Ended up selling the 220m to upgrade to a set of 219m which are one of the better stock sets that came with the E9X.



Still long ways to go but I am happy that every add ons onto the car is making a noticeable difference for me and getting into terms with the car. The car feels and looks so much different from when I first brought it home.

[Mtreee]

July Update:

Snagged a great deal on a set of BBS RI-A 18x10.5 +25, wrapped with some Federal RSRR 275/35/18. Installed SPL TRE to pair with the SPL LCA, got the car aligned and so far no complaints and the car feels much more direct with steering input. The tires are audible but not enough to bother me and with music on/exhaust can barely notice it.



Very content as this was the fitment I was seeking after

[GcD]

Very nice build.

[Pauliecas]

Looks good. I like that diffuser

[ZachE90M3]

Originally Posted by Mtreee

April Update:

TE's are on, wrapped on Yokohama A052 265/35 and 295/30. Beyond happy with these tires, sticky tires for the road and not loud. Shout-out to @Drifter2090 for the advice, the rears are at the lowest setting and it still rides just as good!

Attachment 2863693
Attachment 2863689
Attachment 2863694

Got around to replacing the front pads and rotors, and decided to upgrade to Hawk HPSP. These pads have way less brake dust and have great feedback.

Attachment 2863690
Attachment 2863691

Found this new Megan axle-back setup for half off due to a dent on the top of the muffler section. I'm planning on pairing with a Bimmerworld X-Pipe and it should sound pretty cherry

Attachment 2863695
Attachment 2863692

Love TEs! My set from system should be here Monday!! I went with 18x9.5+15/10.5+20. What was the offset on yours? Just curious because I went 265/35 for the fronts and hoping they'll fit haha

[Mtreee]

Originally Posted by ZachE90M3

Love TEs! My set from system should be here Monday!! I went with 18x9.5+15/10.5+20. What was the offset on yours? Just curious because I went 265/35 for the fronts and hoping they'll fit haha

I had 18x9.5 +22 / 10.5 +20; it should have no problems fitting!