SignatureJames formerly jsyang15: E90 M3 V3.0

[SignatureJames]

It's a good feeling of nostalgia typing up a ANOTHER build thread. It seems that I can never escape not owning a M3 around in my car stable. Bouncing back between the E46 & E9x, I still rank the S54 as my favorite but the utility and the irrational S65 always plays with my emotion.

This will be lucky #7. I guess I couldn't have planned for a worst timing for the V8 with these California gas prices. This time around, the intention was to build a capable daily driver first with track business support/ monthly HPDE spec pedigree. Prior to my previous builds, I am embracing my "old man less is more" concept with OEM + aesthetics & minimalist top shelf hardware.

As always, European Auto Source has taken on the task to execute my vision!

Exterior:
M Performance Carbon Fiber Splitters
M performance Carbon Fiber Mirror Caps

Engine:
Macht Schnell Stage 2 Intake + Pulley
GTS Tune Alpine / Coding/

Suspension:
Motion Control Suspension Coilover 1 Way x Bimmerworld/ Ground Control
Titan 7 O.W.L. Titanium Lugnuts Raw
Macht Schnell Race Stud Conversion

Brakes:
Essex AP Racing Radi-CAL 9668 / 9449

Wheels:
Titan 7 T-S7 Iridium Silver 18x9.5 +22/ 18x10.5 +25
Michelin 4S 265/35/18 285/35/18

11.8.19 photos c/o European Auto Source

[joe@trinityautosport]

[RC Post]

Nice mods for an amazing daily!

[e90///M3]

Looks amazing!
Just curious... what made you choose MCS 1w vs other brands?

[//steve\\]

I love this so far. Can't wait to see what's next.

[//steve\\]

Originally Posted by e90///M3

Looks amazing!
Just curious... what made you choose MCS 1w vs other brands?

My thought on this is likely that it's all he needs and wants the simplicity. Lots of people like to think they need 2-way or 3-way adjustable shocks but the reality is if you aren't racing and don't know how to set them up properly you can easily do more harm than good and end up with a car that just doesn't ride or handle as well as it should.

[akkando]

My friend just got back from Hawaii and said gas was a lot cheaper there....

[Drifter2090]

Looks amazing!!

My only problem with Titan7 wheels are the center caps, I wish we could fit the BMW ones on!

[E90M3velocity]

Clean and simple brother

[HELROTM3]

Stunning! What's your plans with the exhaust?

[wyatth]

Super clean, nice work! All it needs is black grills.

[SAMM3Y]

"Not a bad way to spend $10,000"

[derbo]

mmmmm

[jritt@essex]

Gorgeous! We're looking forward to watching this one develop. Thanks so much for choosing Essex and AP Racing!

[SignatureJames]

Leaning towards a MPE or akrapovic but the latter hinders my chances at a stress free Laguna Seca dB haha

Originally Posted by HELROTM3

Stunning! What's your plans with the exhaust?

No love for the chrome? Haha. I actually bought all brand new chrome kidneys & side gills. I’m embracing my old status

Originally Posted by wyatth

Super clean, nice work! All it needs is black grills.

You pretty much nailed it. At the local HPDE’s, studying some of the fastest local guys, many of themwere on simple 1 way setups. To me, they eliminated a lot of setup time Variables by simplifying it with alignment / tire compound & spring rates to nail a “1 setting fits all”. As some of them graduated into 2 & 3 ways, they initially dropped or stayed stagnant in their times until they got all the rebounding / Damping kinks worked. This isn’t my first rodeo so at this point in my life, i came to an understanding of what my vehicle’s intentions are so I think a quality 1 way with a solid built shock like MCS will do its job!

In the end,

Originally Posted by //steve\\

My thought on this is likely that it's all he needs and wants the simplicity. Lots of people like to think they need 2-way or 3-way adjustable shocks but the reality is if you aren't racing and don't know how to set them up properly you can easily do more harm than good and end up with a car that just doesn't ride or handle as well as it should.

[Richsocal12]

looking good man! leave the chromes pls

[Bimmer Barney]

Originally Posted by SignatureJames

Leaning towards a MPE or akrapovic but the latter hinders my chances at a stress free Laguna Seca dB haha

No love for the chrome? Haha. I actually bought all brand new chrome kidneys & side gills. I’m embracing my old status

You pretty much nailed it. At the local HPDE’s, studying some of the fastest local guys, many of themwere on simple 1 way setups. To me, they eliminated a lot of setup time Variables by simplifying it with alignment / tire compound & spring rates to nail a “1 setting fits all”. As some of them graduated into 2 & 3 ways, they initially dropped or stayed stagnant in their times until they got all the rebounding / Damping kinks worked. This isn’t my first rodeo so at this point in my life, i came to an understanding of what my vehicle’s intentions are so I think a quality 1 way with a solid built shock like MCS will do its job!

In the end,

If you're just talking about rear section, then Akra will pass Laguna no problem. Friend has been with me to many LS laps and he has Akra evo titanium rear section and has never had an issue.

[derbo]

Originally Posted by Bimmer Barney

If you're just talking about rear section, then Akra will pass Laguna no problem. Friend has been with me to many LS laps and he has Akra evo titanium rear section and has never had an issue.

I was able to pass Laguna with OEM exhaust mod 4-pipe too.