09 Melbourne Red 6MT - Journey to the Ultimate Spec

[weavingtraffic]

Originally Posted by niz181

awesome build

Originally Posted by SupraSaiyan

Wow, awesome build!

Thanks guys!

Originally Posted by iamtrashman

Were you able to pick up the matching cloth door cards as well? Its looking sweet!!

Yes sir! Update to follow..

Originally Posted by AdonM3

Looks great! Where did you find the blank button to replace the EDC button?

I sold my original switch with all the buttons and found one on ebay (from non-edc car) in good shape from Mpartsworldwide. They sell button replacements online but unfortunately I wasn't able to find any blanks. Figured this was the better solution anyways.

[weavingtraffic]

Few more updates here before I really start tearing into the car. Couple of things are still waiting to ship out and once they are here I can install everything at once.

Firstly, on a slightly unrelated note.. I bought another car to tote around in and work on. One of my first few cars was a 1985 325e. I still have it, but unfortunately it is in pieces and has been sitting rotting away. The drivetrain is fully refreshed and came out of an e36, car runs amazing but has no floors, body damage, rust etc.

In all of it's former glory:


One came up locally that I couldn't pass up on. The price was amazing, had clean carfax and ultimately seemed too good to be true. Went to check it out and the owner really didn't know too much about it... I'd call it a gem of a find.

AN ALL ORIGINAL...

1988 325is!


Back to E92 content...

Rear interior and door cards are in. The car has premium audio, however the speed cloth car that the interior came from was not. Had to sacrifice the smaller rear speakers, but such is life. I may try and retrofit the smaller speakers down the line but not much priority right now.



As of right now, I don't have a solution for the rear console being deleted. My initial thoughts were to source a GTS style alcantara rear seat delete + cage but seems a bit overkill. What will most likely happen is, some sort of learning experience of building a small panel that can sit in between the seats as a delete panel. Not sure on what it will be made out of, whether 3d printed, or wood that I upholster.. but definitely something needs to happen because this looks JANKY.



Front interior is mostly the same, I still haven't worked on shift boot or ebrake boot.

However, I did find a nice piece from RW carbon. As we all know, the bmw m performance ebrake handle and boot is now NLA however the RW carbon CF ebrake handle features some nice bmw-esque alcantara and cf. I did not secure the ebrake boot since it will be coming out in the long run but you can get a good look at the handle.

[AdonM3]

Originally Posted by weavingtraffic

Thanks guys!



Yes sir! Update to follow..



I sold my original switch with all the buttons and found one on ebay (from non-edc car) in good shape from Mpartsworldwide. They sell button replacements online but unfortunately I wasn't able to find any blanks. Figured this was the better solution anyways.

Was the non-EDC switch plug and play? Aside from coding out the EDC Module.

[Ccieszyn]

I have individual audio and have often thought about deleting the CIC/Nav. What was involved with coding to maintain individual audio quality without the CIC? I believe I've read that's a challenge, and that audio quality can suffer.

Of course, I also have a flawlessly working wireless CarPlay running right now, and that may be hard to give up.

[weavingtraffic]

Originally Posted by AdonM3

Was the non-EDC switch plug and play? Aside from coding out the EDC Module.

Correct. You will also need to remove the EDC module from the car. It is located in the trunk. Remove battery tray compartment, remove plastic push pins that hold the trunk liner in place on the right side of the trunk. above the battery you will see a white tray with a few modules in it. 3 torx screws, I believe T25.. remove those and slide out the module tray. EDC module is black.

Originally Posted by Ccieszyn

I have individual audio and have often thought about deleting the CIC/Nav. What was involved with coding to maintain individual audio quality without the CIC? I believe I've read that's a challenge, and that audio quality can suffer.

Of course, I also have a flawlessly working wireless CarPlay running right now, and that may be hard to give up.

Coding isn't extremely extensive. I'm no guru and was able to figure it out. Will happily go into detail if you'd like. For starters, you'd need to source a headunit that is top-hifi/individual capable and also has Sirius XM functionality. E9x 3 series were able to be spec'd non-idrive but premium sound. Don't have part number on hand. They're out there but need to be really diligent on making sure you get the right head unit. I've done another conversion on an e91 wagon and was able to find another head unit for that, so I don't think they are rare but lots of different part numbers out there.

No issues or discerning changes in audio quality

[AdonM3]

Is the removal of the EDC module necessary? I already had a local shop code out the EDC feature.

[weavingtraffic]

Originally Posted by AdonM3

Is the removal of the EDC module necessary? I already had a local shop code out the EDC feature.

In my case, after I unplugged the EDC sensors on the strut towers and coded out edc, cleared faults, the fault had still come back. Although, the difference is that my module went bad prior to this, so perhaps because of that the fault kept coming back. That's why I removed mine. The removal process doesn't take long, but If you don't have a fault coming back then it probably doesn't matter!

[weavingtraffic]

Bit of an update here before things really start to unwind in the coming weeks.

First, enjoy some photos at LRP a few weekends ago with the BMW CCA!











Mainly writing this out for myself to have as reference but also for you folks to follow along! I've been alluding to a stockpile of parts and the last few are starting to trickle in. Here's where we are at:

Suspension/Kinematics
- GAS Spherical Bushing Front Control Arms
- SPL Front Lower Control Arms
- SPL Front Tension Rods
- SPL Adjustable Tie Rod Ends
- SPL Swaybar Endlinks
- SPL Spherical Rear Camber Arm Bushing
- SPL Race Adjustable Rear Upper Wishbones
- SPL Rear Adjustable Toe Arms
- BimmerWorld Solid Aluminum Subframe Mounts
- Powerflex *Purple* diff bushings
- Hotchkis Sway bars F/R

Brakes/Wheels
- Macht Schnell Competition Stud Conversion Kit
- 12mm F 10mm R Spacers
- PFC11 Pads Front/Rear
- OEM Replacement Rotors
- Bimmerworld stainless lines

Misc
- Ultimate Clutch pedal
- ESS Pulleys
- Cone filter + elbow (eliminating stock airbox)
- GT4 Replica Front Lip

There are a few things that still need to be ordered/addressed.
After my last event at LRP, it seems like it is time to get a HANS as well as other safety equipment. Currently in the pipeline to get ordered...

- BK Harness Bar/ Seat mounting solution utilizing OEM sliders (great info here, thanks SYT_Shadow : https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1394068)
- Undecided on race shell at this time, but considering Sparco Ergo. I run the Sparco sprints in my miata and am happy with them but looking at other options and specifically HANS compatible
- 6 pt restraints

Not sure on timeframe with how fast these things will start finding themselves on the car, but the thread will be updated accordingly!

[SYT_Shadow]

I hadn't seen this thread yet, nice work! The track bug hits hard and these are such pleasurable cars to track!

[M3_Legend]

Damn I want an E30 so bad!! nice build so far. Looking forward to more updates

[Space Fox]

This IS a wild one. Keep it up!

Regarding brake fade - good pads, stainless lines, and Motul 600/660 will get you pretty far with the stock set up. I ran them at Sebring and another local track here in FL called the FIRM a few times and it took me quite a bit of hard running to reach the point of fade.

[weavingtraffic]

Originally Posted by SYT_Shadow

I hadn't seen this thread yet, nice work! The track bug hits hard and these are such pleasurable cars to track!

Sure does. I am very much looking forward to what's to come!

Originally Posted by M3_Legend

Damn I want an E30 so bad!! nice build so far. Looking forward to more updates

Ask and ye shall recieve!

Originally Posted by Space Fox

This IS a wild one. Keep it up!

Regarding brake fade - good pads, stainless lines, and Motul 600/660 will get you pretty far with the stock set up. I ran them at Sebring and another local track here in FL called the FIRM a few times and it took me quite a bit of hard running to reach the point of fade.

Will definitely go this route until it doesn't work out for me anymore!

[weavingtraffic]

Have been itching to lower the car and bought some swift spec-r springs to hold myself over until the real suspension overhaul will begin.

Ideally I would like to install all of the SPL stuff, arms bushings, etc at the same time as the coilovers so that the car can be aligned and corner balanced.

A bit of a wait before I acquire coilovers, so this is my temporary solution! I justified it by one of the OEM springs starting to sag

Very happy with how the car is sitting and despite the higher spring rate, impressed as all hell so far with these springs. There is no bounciness, crashing of the suspension, popping noises or anything out of the ordinary. Turn in is vastly improved and car feels flatter when taking turns. This is the ride height the car should sit at from factory!!!



Swift spec R vs OEM



Macht Schnell stud conversion & 12mm/10mm Spacers



Front suspension dissassembled



Mock up of GT4 lip from POM Performance
Fitment is okay, supplied hardware is bad.



One of my favorite things, extended gas pedal for more comfortable throttle blipping!




....and

DONE!

[Rino924]

Awesome progress

[amrazM]

How are you liking the ucp? Im on the fence about getting one.

utimate clutch pedal.

[weavingtraffic]

Originally Posted by amrazM

How are you liking the ucp? Im on the fence about getting one.

utimate clutch pedal.

Still waiting on it from Turner... ordered 2 months ago. Will report back when I receive it!

[Ccieszyn]

Originally Posted by weavingtraffic

Coding isn't extremely extensive. I'm no guru and was able to figure it out. Will happily go into detail if you'd like. For starters, you'd need to source a headunit that is top-hifi/individual capable and also has Sirius XM functionality. E9x 3 series were able to be spec'd non-idrive but premium sound. Don't have part number on hand. They're out there but need to be really diligent on making sure you get the right head unit. I've done another conversion on an e91 wagon and was able to find another head unit for that, so I don't think they are rare but lots of different part numbers out there.

No issues or discerning changes in audio quality

Yes please. If you have a few moments, would you share more details around coding and part numbers? I'm leaning closer and closer to the conversion. Thanks!

[ilove90m3]

Originally Posted by weavingtraffic

Have been itching to lower the car and bought some swift spec-r springs to hold myself over until the real suspension overhaul will begin.

Ideally I would like to install all of the SPL stuff, arms bushings, etc at the same time as the coilovers so that the car can be aligned and corner balanced.

A bit of a wait before I acquire coilovers, so this is my temporary solution! I justified it by one of the OEM springs starting to sag

Very happy with how the car is sitting and despite the higher spring rate, impressed as all hell so far with these springs. There is no bounciness, crashing of the suspension, popping noises or anything out of the ordinary. Turn in is vastly improved and car feels flatter when taking turns. This is the ride height the car should sit at from factory!!!



Swift spec R vs OEM



Macht Schnell stud conversion & 12mm/10mm Spacers



Front suspension dissassembled



Mock up of GT4 lip from POM Performance
Fitment is okay, supplied hardware is bad.



One of my favorite things, extended gas pedal for more comfortable throttle blipping!




....and

DONE!

nice car

[weavingtraffic]

Small update.. haven't had any issues like this in many years now but I guess the more you drive, the higher the likelihood...



Was merged into at low speeds due to an inattentive driver. Driver fled the scene. Unfortunately not PDR-able and will be going into the body shop soon enough. Going to need a replacement wheel as well. Oh well.

In the meantime, I decided to get another set of wheels which will be the dedicated track set. Thanks SYT_Shadow!!

Bimmerworld TA5R 18x10.5 + 24 and decided on Hankook RS4's 275/35 all around.

Looks killer IMO.





Also ordered a replica GTS wing from POM performance. Never again will I order from them. Stay away. Wing arrived with riv nuts broken off and bouncing around inside the wing. Tried to save it and dremel into the sides that would be hidden behind the end plates but the carbon composite was too thick. Wing up rights also did not fit right and were not flush with the trunk surface whatsoever. Garbage product.

Should've just sent it back but whatever. They are not answering any emails either.

Looked cool when I was mocking it up at least. Will end up waiting on aero until the time comes and go a different route than GTS wing.





Lot of stuff going on lately so haven't been able to do much on the car. Finally received my hotchkis sway bars so will start the first round of suspension changes in the next few weeks

[1FastSicilian]

Wow nice progress! Where are you in CT? I’m pretty close to the board of NY/CT and was thinking about putting together an e9x cruise for some local guys.

[weavingtraffic]

Originally Posted by 1FastSicilian

Wow nice progress! Where are you in CT? I’m pretty close to the board of NY/CT and was thinking about putting together an e9x cruise for some local guys.

Thanks man! I'm in Stamford, always down for a drive. Don't see many e9x guys around here so am very much looking forward to it

[1FastSicilian]

Originally Posted by weavingtraffic

Thanks man! I'm in Stamford, always down for a drive. Don't see many e9x guys around here so am very much looking forward to it

oh nice!! I work in White Plains and live about an hour north..

Are you on instagram? I plan on putting something together but I'll be posting on there before here probably.