slcook54's Build Journal - 2012 Melbourne Red M3

[slcook54]

Hi all,

Proud new owner of a 2012 DCT Melbourne Red M3. Picked it up yesterday (01/05/19) for $33k with 35k miles on the clock. It's almost my perfect spec, as it’s missing the competition package, red on black cloth, carbon roof, carbon interior trim, no nav. Will add GTS wheels at a later date to make up for the missing competition package.

My journey with BMW's started 15 years ago in 2004, when I bought the Hellrot Red E36 M3 pictured below. I absolutely loved that car. It started stock, went to OEM+, then supercharged, then turbocharged, making 470rwhp on a built motor. I learned a lot of lessons with that build and recall being the happiest when the car was in its OEM+ configuration. When it was turbocharged, it was spending more time in the shop than on the road.

I'm 10 years wiser and keeping that build top of mind entering this new journey. My short-term goal will be to proactively address all the known shortcomings and just enjoy it. Famous last words, I know.

My first step will be a uniden R3 / blend mount setup and then likely do a small road trip to LA to have Malek at MRF do the rod bearings, motor mounts and throttle actuators.

I'm in the Bay Area and have no shortage of amazing shops, but will likely be using Performance Technic as my home shop for all general maintenance and upgrades.

I’m also 95% sure the exhaust is aftermarket, it’s very loud and drones at cruising speed, will be putting this back to stock for the time being and determining which setup best fits my needs. I loved my Eisenmann Race on my E36, but it might be too loud for me now.

I'll be searching around the forum later, but if anyone has any iPhone mount/holder recommendations, they would be greatly appreciated. Also if anyone has retrofitted front/rear pdc to a tablet or iPhone in a non-Nav car, that is something I'm interested in looking into down the line.

Look forward to sharing this journey with you all and hopefully meet some of you in the future.

[e90335e36m3]

One of my favorite E36s on BFC, I graduated from my own supercharged, then turbocharged E36 M3 (Estoril), to an E90 M3 then 3 E92 M3s. Almost sold the current one with 11K miles, but decided against it and ordered a Harrop SC, x-pipe and other goodies instead just this month.

After a turbo E36 M3, I doubt you'll be satisfied by an NA M3. I wasn't for me. I'll be the first to welcome you to the FI club when you inevitably go there.

[slcook54]

Thank you! That means a lot and great to see old bf.c guys on here. Were you running a TT kit or something different?

To be honest, I'm going to get my adrenaline fix on the track this time around. My 2-year goal is to be in a 991.1 GT3 RS, at which point, this car will become fully track focused. For the time being, it will stay as a reliable weekend car with bolt-ons that can also haul my 2-year old daughter around. Power wise, I'm thinking Eventuri intake, BPM software and exhaust, nothing more. Boring, I know.

[e90335e36m3]

Originally Posted by slcook54

Thank you! That means a lot and great to see old bf.c guys on here. Were you running a TT kit or something different?

To be honest, I'm going to get my adrenaline fix on the track this time around. My 2-year goal is to be in a 991.1 GT3 RS, at which point, this car will become fully track focused. For the time being, it will stay as a reliable weekend car with bolt-ons that can also haul my 2-year old daughter around. Power wise, I'm thinking Eventuri intake, BPM software and exhaust, nothing more. Boring, I know.

I ran AA's stage II turbo and their race exhaust, it made 417 whp if I recall correctly. The AA SC I had prior to made 395 whp. One thing I learned is that turbo is more fun, SC is more reliable. Hopefully the Harrop (positive displacement SC) will give me a good balance between the two, plus that 03 Cobra whine.

Man some BFCers think alike. I almost bought a 997 GT3 but after rationalizing through it bought a couple of rental properties instead and a 4K mile E92 M3. My P-car dream is sidelined for 5 years. Experimentation and FI is really what made the E36 fun. I haven't really had that passion with my E9x cars. Until my brother got a 700whp CTS-V last week as a backup to his C6 Z06. One pull to 170mph in that car and I placed the order for my Harrop the same evening. I am itching to modify so bad, and I work in Europe most of the year. Hopefully you find that with the track hobby.

[derbo]

welcome to another local!

I think OEM+ is the way to go! Hope to see you around the area. Don't forget there is Ptech, VTMotorworks (Master techs used to be at Ptech), SVBimmers, Edge Motorworks,

[Aktavate]

Congrats, nice pickup, love the E36 as well!

[Tewie]

Another MR in the Bay Area! Been seeing a lot lately.

[slcook54]

Originally Posted by e90335e36m3

I ran AA's stage II turbo and their race exhaust, it made 417 whp if I recall correctly. The AA SC I had prior to made 395 whp. One thing I learned is that turbo is more fun, SC is more reliable. Hopefully the Harrop (positive displacement SC) will give me a good balance between the two, plus that 03 Cobra whine.

Man some BFCers think alike. I almost bought a 997 GT3 but after rationalizing through it bought a couple of rental properties instead and a 4K mile E92 M3. My P-car dream is sidelined for 5 years. Experimentation and FI is really what made the E36 fun. I haven't really had that passion with my E9x cars. Until my brother got a 700whp CTS-V last week as a backup to his C6 Z06. One pull to 170mph in that car and I placed the order for my Harrop the same evening. I am itching to modify so bad, and I work in Europe most of the year. Hopefully you find that with the track hobby.

I hear you, I have 3 rental properties in Indianapolis, the cash ROI might be high, but the life ROI on boost is in another league entirely, am I right? Remind me to avoid riding in any 700rwhp cars for the time being.

Originally Posted by derbo

welcome to another local!

I think OEM+ is the way to go! Hope to see you around the area. Don't forget there is Ptech, VTMotorworks (Master techs used to be at Ptech), SVBimmers, Edge Motorworks,

Thanks for the recommendations, will check them out also.

Originally Posted by Aktavate

Congrats, nice pickup, love the E36 as well!

Originally Posted by Tewie

Another MR in the Bay Area! Been seeing a lot lately.

Thanks guys.

[Helmsman]

Beautiful ride OP - congrats!

[IND-Distribution]

Awesome pick up, I'm a big fan of Melbourne Your E36 was one of the few that really made me want to get one eventually—can't seem to part with it now that it's in my garage.

I think during our lifetime we all have to push the limit for what we do to a car...I think for a time, I took each "next" car a bit further mod-wise than the previous, but like you've said, often times the happiest moments come from a simpler time. My most recent garage additions have been more minimalist / OEM+ in a similar vein.

I'm very much looking forward to keeping up with your E9X journey!

[slcook54]

Originally Posted by Mike@IND

Awesome pick up, I'm a big fan of Melbourne Your E36 was one of the few that really made me want to get one eventually—can't seem to part with it now that it's in my garage.

I think during our lifetime we all have to push the limit for what we do to a car...I think for a time, I took each "next" car a bit further mod-wise than the previous, but like you've said, often times the happiest moments come from a simpler time. My most recent garage additions have been more minimalist / OEM+ in a similar vein.

I'm very much looking forward to keeping up with your E9X journey!

Thank you, Mike, that means a lot. And, you can bet I'll be leveraging that for future IND discounts.

[IND-Distribution]

Originally Posted by slcook54

Thank you, Mike, that means a lot. And, you can bet I'll be leveraging that for future IND discounts.

In regard to exhausts, I can tell you first hand that the E9X Eisenmann Race carries much more volume than the E36 equivalent. I have Race on both my E36 and E90 and both before / after the x-pipe additions, the E36 is much more subdued.

If you're looking for a system around the Eisenmann E36 Race, I'd probably go for either an Eisenmann Sport or an Akra system.

[slcook54]

Originally Posted by Mike@IND

In regard to exhausts, I can tell you first hand that the E9X Eisenmann Race carries much more volume than the E36 equivalent. I have Race on both my E36 and E90 and both before / after the x-pipe additions, the E36 is much more subdued.

If you're looking for a system around the Eisenmann E36 Race, I'd probably go for either an Eisenmann Sport or an Akra system.

I'm reading other threads saying even the Eisenmann sport is bassy. I'm looking for something docile at cruising speeds and exotic up top. It seems like the M Performance exhaust could be a good option.

[HELROTM3]

[QUOTE=slcook54;24200609]Hi all,

Proud new owner of a 2012 DCT Melbourne Red M3. Picked it up yesterday (01/05/19) for $33k with 35k miles on the clock. It's almost my perfect spec, as it’s missing the competition package, red on black cloth, carbon roof, carbon interior trim, no nav. Will add GTS wheels at a later date to make up for the missing competition package.

My journey with BMW's started 11 years ago in 2008, when I bought the Hellrot Red E36 M3 pictured below. I absolutely loved that car. It started stock, went to OEM+, then supercharged, then turbocharged, making 470rwhp on a built motor. I learned a lot of lessons with that build and recall being the happiest when the car was in its OEM+ configuration. When it was turbocharged, it was spending more time in the shop than on the road.

I'm 10 years wiser and keeping that build top of mind entering this new journey. My short-term goal will be to proactively address all the known shortcomings and just enjoy it. Famous last words, I know.

My first step will be a uniden R3 / blend mount setup and then likely do a small road trip to LA to have Malek at MRF do the rod bearings, motor mounts and throttle actuators.

I'm in the Bay Area and have no shortage of amazing shops, but will likely be using Performance Technic as my home shop for all general maintenance and upgrades.

I’m also 95% sure the exhaust is aftermarket, it’s very loud and drones at cruising speed, will be putting this back to stock for the time being and determining which setup best fits my needs. I loved my Eisenmann Race on my E36, but it might be too loud for me now.

I'll be searching around the forum later, but if anyone has any iPhone mount/holder recommendations, they would be greatly appreciated. Also if anyone has retrofitted front/rear pdc to a tablet or iPhone in a non-Nav car, that is something I'm interested in looking into down the line.

Look forward to sharing this journey with you all and hopefully meet some of you in the future.



Well done! Any interior shots?

[slcook54]

Better pictures will be coming in the near future. The car is currently at my Dad's house, 40 minutes away, in Walnut Creek. I was just able to secure parking in my building yesterday, so will be picking up the car this weekend to finally bring it home.

Also, the loud exhaust was the product of a loose exhaust clamp, my Dad drove it in for service and reported that the return trip was much quieter.

[JackieChiles]

Originally Posted by slcook54

I'm reading other threads saying even the Eisenmann sport is bassy. I'm looking for something docile at cruising speeds and exotic up top. It seems like the M Performance exhaust could be a good option.

M performance is perfect for that, it’s what I run also

Exotic metallic sound, but no drone. Sounds awesome.

Makes the m3 sound even more unique.

[slcook54]

Originally Posted by JackieChiles

M performance is perfect for that, it’s what I run also

Exotic metallic sound, but no drone. Sounds awesome.

Makes the m3 sound even more unique.

Great to hear. Did your car come optioned with it or did you add it after the fact? If so, where did you source it from? I see it on bmwpartpros.com for $2,150, which is the lowest I’ve found.

[JackieChiles]

Originally Posted by slcook54

Great to hear. Did your car come optioned with it or did you add it after the fact? If so, where did you source it from? I see it on bmwpartpros.com for $2,150, which is the lowest I’ve found.

Bought it used for 1000, in great condition

They are often available in the for sale section and it’s an easy install.

[dantm3]

Originally Posted by slcook54

Great to hear. Did your car come optioned with it or did you add it after the fact? If so, where did you source it from? I see it on bmwpartpros.com for $2,150, which is the lowest I’ve found.

lets see some more pics!!!! I want to see interior with the spec you have!

[BayE30]

Since you are local, if you havent picked up an exhaust setup yet, theres a complete Dinan Exhaust for sale in San Jose area. Very rare to see the complete Dinan for sale nowadays, its a great sounding setup with NO DRONE.

[tdott]

Welcome! Congrats on the pickup, i think you'll love it.

[Drifter2090]

Congrats! As for mounts, my previous E92 didn't have I drive so I had a Kuda Mount with a 2 piece proclip attached to it, I had a LG G PAD III Tablet setup running into a DAC then to Aux. It was a much better setup than the I drive in my M3, I might try and find a spot for it soon :/