Nicks Melbourne Red Competition Sedan

Motorsport.Nick · 12-16-2018, 12:00 AM

Hi guys,

Wanted to make a build thread to capture the progress my new car goes through into the future.

My name is Nick, I've been driving BMWs for 15+ plus years.
Im absolutely a brand advocate and community enthusiast. Had many E30s, an E36 M3, E46, E90 335i and most recently an E34 M5 that I restored over the last few years, which I sold to purchase the E90 M3! The other cars in my fleet at the moment are a 97 Landcruiser and 08 328i wagon.

Anyway - on to the new car!

2011 Melbourne red over black M3
63,000 miles

DCT
ZCP / Competition Package
Individual Audio
Comfort Access
Cold Weather Package

Modifications: H&R springs, window tint, carbon fiber front lip, MS intake and aluminum paddle shifters.

Insanely impressed with the car so far. Its tight as a drum, the paint condition is outstanding. I haven't found a single paint flaw, which blows me away for a 7 year old car. The S65 sounds devine under WOT... omg. This is my first V8 powered car. Im in love.

Here are some pics. First thing to do with a new car? Wash it.

Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr

After! Melbourne glow in my drive way

I've always wanted a red car, this color hits the spot.

Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr

Only did a light engine bay wipe down but it looks much better. I'll bust out some heavy elbow grease for all the nooks and crannies with a dedicated detail.

Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr

Not much to show inside, everything got a wipe down and vacuum.

Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr

Baby seat installed

Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr

Two questions for the local experts:

Is bluetooth music streaming an option that wasn't included on my car? I thought 2011 model year had this standard? My production date is 5/25/2010 did I just miss this?

How do I adjust the center console arm rest?!

Transfer · 12-16-2018, 12:13 AM

Nice ride! Looks super clean. You found a real winner.

For 2011s there is this 2011.5 and 2011.75 nonsense and yours sounds like it was produced before combox Bluetooth streaming.
https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=842533

thkfast · 12-16-2018, 12:15 AM

To access bluetooth music streaming use the MEDIA button , the upper left hand button on Idrive. It's sometimes a 2 step process. Pair phone, then bluetooth media (or something like that). I wish I was sitting in my car to see. It should have it. But "Transfer" might be right. Sorry.

Center arm rest. Just pull it forward or push it back to adjust it, there is no locking mechanism.

Love the RED! Oh man.

shimmy23 · 12-16-2018, 01:30 AM

Was this the mb for sale in eastern Washington?

jiggz · 12-16-2018, 01:54 AM

Congrats, car looks great.

This is the salvage title car from Tri-Cities WA right? Looks like you reconsidered after initially passing on it? Nice buy, price was right

Helmsman · 12-16-2018, 01:56 AM

Welcome and congrats to that M3, looks stunning! Quick work on those seats to get some shine off, plenty of good advice on the board!

wbM3 · 12-16-2018, 02:04 AM

Score! Congrats!!

amrazM · 12-16-2018, 07:39 AM

Your build date is 05/11 indicating you don’t have bt audio

Nice car tho, I love MR

Motorsport.Nick · 12-16-2018, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shimmy23

Was this the mb for sale in eastern Washington?

Quote:

Originally Posted by jiggz

Congrats, car looks great.

This is the salvage title car from Tri-Cities WA right? Looks like you reconsidered after initially passing on it? Nice buy, price was right

Haha! Love that all the local guys recognize the car from CL. After I had it inspected, got the full story and pictures I was easily convinced that this was legitimately a fluke that resulted in a branded title. It made moving on this car a no-brainer!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Helmsman

Welcome and congrats to that M3, looks stunning! Quick work on those seats to get some shine off, plenty of good advice on the board!

Thanks!
I'll be getting to business soon enough.

shimmy23 · 12-16-2018, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Motorsport.Nick

Quote:

Originally Posted by shimmy23

Was this the mb for sale in eastern Washington?

Quote:

Originally Posted by jiggz

Congrats, car looks great.

This is the salvage title car from Tri-Cities WA right? Looks like you reconsidered after initially passing on it? Nice buy, price was right

Haha! Love that all the local guys recognize the car from CL. After I had it inspected, got the full story and pictures I was easily convinced that this was legitimately a fluke that resulted in a branded title. It made moving on this car a no-brainer!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Helmsman

Welcome and congrats to that M3, looks stunning! Quick work on those seats to get some shine off, plenty of good advice on the board!

Thanks!
I'll be getting to business soon enough.

It's because we all wanted it too. Glad it's still local for us to

over. Congrats man!

Motorsport.Nick · 12-26-2018, 09:55 AM

Loving this car so much. Can't stop driving it!

Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr

Things I've noted in first week together:

The blower motor has a squeak. Might need a new unit? I'll try to remove it to inspect and lube first unless you guys have some better advice.
DCT shift speed button is sticky. Needs to be removed and cleaned...?
The M button makes a big difference. Very nice to switch from normal driving to M mode!
The gas tank on this car is tiny!
Very strange that there is no way to put the car into Neutral without starting it.

More later, gotta "run to the store"

Motorsport.Nick · 12-29-2018, 10:46 AM

Spent some time with the car last night. It still feels like I'm bringing the car up to a neutral baseline. A few more little things and I'll be really happy.

Started the day by washing her (and our wagon) then did a quick pass over the whole car with the orbital. The paint is in great condition but even a single application it took out a ton of swirls.

Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr

Before

Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr

After

Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr

Exhaust tips were leaving a lot to be desired. Even after a wash they were super cloudy looking but I suspected they could shine again with some elbow grease and metal polish. End result was great!

Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr

Needed to remove the front lip and see the car in stock form for a while. Not a big fan of GTS lip. Seems too big for my taste. It also makes the car insanely low.

Before

Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr

After

Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr

Then popped out the start button to investigate the chipped trim piece.

Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr

Shot it with gloss back and clear coat. Much better but I'd like to try red to match the car...? We'll see what I can come up with.

Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr

Then moved on to investigate my sticky DCT button. Cleaned it well but the problem is the leather on the console that seems to be making contact with the sides of the button. Not sure what to try next. Open to ideas.

Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr

JackieChiles · 12-29-2018, 12:26 PM

Nice car, mr zcp ftw ! (Mines an e92 manual but close enough)

I too prefer no lip. Nice looking car and great job getting it back in pristine shape

Motorsport.Nick · 01-10-2019, 03:23 PM

Little update:

Had to get a front license plate mounted after getting two tickets in a row.... this is... while parked! Arggg, we have some ruthless meter maids downtown Portland.

Bought a new blower motor as I was hearing some funny nosies when the fan was on high speed.

Also, I took some photos:

Willsonville_Rd-2 by Nick Butler, on Flickr

Willsonville_Rd-7 by Nick Butler, on Flickr

Willsonville_Rd-8 by Nick Butler, on Flickr

Willsonville_Rd-9 by Nick Butler, on Flickr

Willsonville_Rd-11 by Nick Butler, on Flickr

Loving this car so much. I still have that feeling like, "this isn't my car" every morning coming to the garage to go to work haha!

Thanks for reading!

IND-Distribution · 01-10-2019, 03:45 PM

YES! Another Melbourne sedan

Welcome to the club! The S65 is a truly special experience. I thought the S38 was a rather special endeavor also...that's a car I (still) really miss. Any photos of yours?

Looking forward to see what you do with the E90!

mattpete13 · 01-10-2019, 04:56 PM

Awesome pick up and good work so far!
Your stable is what I hope mine to look like very soon... on the hunt for my e92 although I may end up in an e90 so I can take the kids around with me more easily. They love BMW's as much as I do.

I'll be following enjoy!

Studntloan · 01-11-2019, 10:19 AM

Congrats, looks amazing!, im a sucker for Melbourne,

IRMthree · 01-20-2019, 11:25 PM

MR on a E90 ZCP looks great

Motorsport.Nick · 01-20-2019, 11:31 PM

Thanks for the nice words guys.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike@IND

YES! Another Melbourne sedan

Welcome to the club! The S65 is a truly special experience. I thought the S38 was a rather special endeavor also...that's a car I (still) really miss. Any photos of yours?

Looking forward to see what you do with the E90!

Of course. She was an amazing car! Sterling silver with M cloth interior.

SummerSunset-1 by Nick Butler, on Flickr

SummerSunset-11 by Nick Butler, on Flickr

BlackInteriorTrim-3 by Nick Butler, on Flickr

Got my new blower motor installed. Obvious damage seen on the fan.

Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr

Not sure whats next. Tires likely

jaehshim · 01-21-2019, 10:29 AM

first time your car made me think perhaps i should have gotten a red sedan...
this E90 sedan with ZCP rims in any color is by far the best looking "modern classic" BMW, along with E46 comp pack.

Helmsman · 01-22-2019, 02:15 PM

Yeah lovely to follow these new owner threads and get to follow when another M3V8 is coming back to shining, great work Nick!

0-60Motorsports · 01-27-2019, 11:45 AM

Looks fantastic. You need spacers and body colored front bumper reflectors. Get a tune from Alex @ Alpine on the forums. You'll love it even more then.

12-16-2018, 12:00 AM	#1
Motorsport.Nick Captain 161 Rep 689 Posts Drives: M Sedans Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Portland iTrader: (0)	Nicks Melbourne Red Competition Sedan Hi guys, Wanted to make a build thread to capture the progress my new car goes through into the future. My name is Nick, I've been driving BMWs for 15+ plus years. Im absolutely a brand advocate and community enthusiast. Had many E30s, an E36 M3, E46, E90 335i and most recently an E34 M5 that I restored over the last few years, which I sold to purchase the E90 M3! The other cars in my fleet at the moment are a 97 Landcruiser and 08 328i wagon. Anyway - on to the new car! 2011 Melbourne red over black M3 63,000 miles DCT ZCP / Competition Package Individual Audio Comfort Access Cold Weather Package Modifications: H&R springs, window tint, carbon fiber front lip, MS intake and aluminum paddle shifters. Insanely impressed with the car so far. Its tight as a drum, the paint condition is outstanding. I haven't found a single paint flaw, which blows me away for a 7 year old car. The S65 sounds devine under WOT... omg. This is my first V8 powered car. Im in love. Here are some pics. First thing to do with a new car? Wash it. Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr After! Melbourne glow in my drive way I've always wanted a red car, this color hits the spot. Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr Only did a light engine bay wipe down but it looks much better. I'll bust out some heavy elbow grease for all the nooks and crannies with a dedicated detail. Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr Not much to show inside, everything got a wipe down and vacuum. Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr Baby seat installed Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr Two questions for the local experts: Is bluetooth music streaming an option that wasn't included on my car? I thought 2011 model year had this standard? My production date is 5/25/2010 did I just miss this? How do I adjust the center console arm rest?! __________________ Nick \| 2011 Competition Package M3 Sedan \| @Restoration_Motorsport on IG
	Appreciate 5 Aktavate239.50 EnVe461028.00 E90M3velocity330.50 slowm3133.50 PACarGuy625.00 Tweet Quote

12-16-2018, 12:13 AM	#2
Transfer Major General 5219 Rep 5,874 Posts Drives: Bronco Wildtrak, Tesla MYP Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Issaquah, WA iTrader: (1)	Nice ride! Looks super clean. You found a real winner. For 2011s there is this 2011.5 and 2011.75 nonsense and yours sounds like it was produced before combox Bluetooth streaming. https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=842533
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-16-2018, 12:15 AM	#3
thkfast Major 261 Rep 1,030 Posts Drives: 2015 F82 M4 Sakhir Orange DCT Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cedar Rapids, IA iTrader: (1)	To access bluetooth music streaming use the MEDIA button , the upper left hand button on Idrive. It's sometimes a 2 step process. Pair phone, then bluetooth media (or something like that). I wish I was sitting in my car to see. It should have it. But "Transfer" might be right. Sorry. Center arm rest. Just pull it forward or push it back to adjust it, there is no locking mechanism. Love the RED! Oh man. __________________ "The likelihood of one individual being right increases in direct proportion to the intensity with which others attempt to prove him wrong." 2015 F82 M4 - Sakhir Orange Metallic 2013 E92 M3 / 2013 E92 335is / 2010 E90 335i / 2007 E90 335i
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12-16-2018, 01:30 AM	#4
shimmy23 F15 daddymobile 2135 Rep 3,275 Posts Drives: GS X5 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: WA iTrader: (3)	Was this the mb for sale in eastern Washington? __________________ -brandon F15 Glacier Silver journal
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12-16-2018, 01:54 AM	#5
jiggz Brigadier General 1998 Rep 3,538 Posts Drives: E90 M3\|F15 X5 50i Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Seattle iTrader: (2)	Congrats, car looks great. This is the salvage title car from Tri-Cities WA right? Looks like you reconsidered after initially passing on it? Nice buy, price was right
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-16-2018, 01:56 AM	#6
Helmsman Major General 4111 Rep 6,853 Posts Drives: 2011 AW E90 M3 ZCP Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Stockholm, Sweden iTrader: (0)	Welcome and congrats to that M3, looks stunning! Quick work on those seats to get some shine off, plenty of good advice on the board!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-16-2018, 02:04 AM	#7
wbM3 Enlisted Member 8 Rep 37 Posts Drives: ZHP Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: PDX iTrader: (0)	Score! Congrats!!
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12-16-2018, 07:39 AM	#8
amrazM mTekMods 1982 Rep 2,720 Posts Drives: like a granny. Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Manhatan iTrader: (1)	Your build date is 05/11 indicating you don’t have bt audio Nice car tho, I love MR
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12-26-2018, 09:55 AM	#11
Motorsport.Nick Captain 161 Rep 689 Posts Drives: M Sedans Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Portland iTrader: (0)	Loving this car so much. Can't stop driving it! Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr Things I've noted in first week together: The blower motor has a squeak. Might need a new unit? I'll try to remove it to inspect and lube first unless you guys have some better advice. DCT shift speed button is sticky. Needs to be removed and cleaned...? The M button makes a big difference. Very nice to switch from normal driving to M mode! The gas tank on this car is tiny! Very strange that there is no way to put the car into Neutral without starting it. More later, gotta "run to the store" __________________ Nick \| 2011 Competition Package M3 Sedan \| @Restoration_Motorsport on IG
	Appreciate 1 Justin@autocouture199.50 Quote

12-29-2018, 10:46 AM	#12
Motorsport.Nick Captain 161 Rep 689 Posts Drives: M Sedans Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Portland iTrader: (0)	Spent some time with the car last night. It still feels like I'm bringing the car up to a neutral baseline. A few more little things and I'll be really happy. Started the day by washing her (and our wagon) then did a quick pass over the whole car with the orbital. The paint is in great condition but even a single application it took out a ton of swirls. Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr Before Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr After Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr Exhaust tips were leaving a lot to be desired. Even after a wash they were super cloudy looking but I suspected they could shine again with some elbow grease and metal polish. End result was great! Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr Needed to remove the front lip and see the car in stock form for a while. Not a big fan of GTS lip. Seems too big for my taste. It also makes the car insanely low. Before Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr After Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr Then popped out the start button to investigate the chipped trim piece. Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr Shot it with gloss back and clear coat. Much better but I'd like to try red to match the car...? We'll see what I can come up with. Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr Then moved on to investigate my sticky DCT button. Cleaned it well but the problem is the leather on the console that seems to be making contact with the sides of the button. Not sure what to try next. Open to ideas. Untitled by Nick Butler, on Flickr __________________ Nick \| 2011 Competition Package M3 Sedan \| @Restoration_Motorsport on IG
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12-29-2018, 12:26 PM	#13
JackieChiles Lieutenant 218 Rep 467 Posts Drives: 2011 MR M3 6MT Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Texas iTrader: (1)	Nice car, mr zcp ftw ! (Mines an e92 manual but close enough) I too prefer no lip. Nice looking car and great job getting it back in pristine shape
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-10-2019, 03:23 PM	#14
Motorsport.Nick Captain 161 Rep 689 Posts Drives: M Sedans Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Portland iTrader: (0)	Little update: Had to get a front license plate mounted after getting two tickets in a row.... this is... while parked! Arggg, we have some ruthless meter maids downtown Portland. Bought a new blower motor as I was hearing some funny nosies when the fan was on high speed. Also, I took some photos: Willsonville_Rd-2 by Nick Butler, on Flickr Willsonville_Rd-7 by Nick Butler, on Flickr Willsonville_Rd-8 by Nick Butler, on Flickr Willsonville_Rd-9 by Nick Butler, on Flickr Willsonville_Rd-11 by Nick Butler, on Flickr Loving this car so much. I still have that feeling like, "this isn't my car" every morning coming to the garage to go to work haha! Thanks for reading! __________________ Nick \| 2011 Competition Package M3 Sedan \| @Restoration_Motorsport on IG
	Appreciate 3 Aktavate239.50 E90M3velocity330.50 neilum869.50 Quote

01-10-2019, 03:45 PM	#15
IND-Distribution BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 8977 Rep 10,640 Posts Drives: G80 M3 / G82 M4 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Chicago iTrader: (3)	YES! Another Melbourne sedan Welcome to the club! The S65 is a truly special experience. I thought the S38 was a rather special endeavor also...that's a car I (still) really miss. Any photos of yours? Looking forward to see what you do with the E90! __________________ IND DISTRIBUTION \| 866-963-4520 • INSTAGRAM • YOUTUBE • FACEBOOK • FLICKR
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01-10-2019, 04:56 PM	#16
mattpete13 First Lieutenant 117 Rep 364 Posts Drives: 2011 e91 6mt Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: SE MA iTrader: (2)	Awesome pick up and good work so far! Your stable is what I hope mine to look like very soon... on the hunt for my e92 although I may end up in an e90 so I can take the kids around with me more easily. They love BMW's as much as I do. I'll be following enjoy!
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01-11-2019, 10:19 AM	#17
Studntloan Studntloan 567 Rep 606 Posts Drives: M4 GTS / E30 M3 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: NY iTrader: (4)	Congrats, looks amazing!, im a sucker for Melbourne,
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01-20-2019, 11:25 PM	#18
IRMthree Captain 29 Rep 741 Posts Drives: F80 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: WestCoast iTrader: (5)	MR on a E90 ZCP looks great __________________ Current: F80 M3 ZCP Past: E92 M3 DCT Coupe, E46 M3 SMG Coupe
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01-21-2019, 10:29 AM	#20
jaehshim Major 478 Rep 1,370 Posts Drives: E90 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: NE iTrader: (3)	first time your car made me think perhaps i should have gotten a red sedan... this E90 sedan with ZCP rims in any color is by far the best looking "modern classic" BMW, along with E46 comp pack. __________________
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01-22-2019, 02:15 PM	#21
Helmsman Major General 4111 Rep 6,853 Posts Drives: 2011 AW E90 M3 ZCP Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Stockholm, Sweden iTrader: (0)	Yeah lovely to follow these new owner threads and get to follow when another M3V8 is coming back to shining, great work Nick!
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01-27-2019, 11:45 AM	#22
0-60Motorsports Brigadier General 726 Rep 3,094 Posts Drives: BMW M3 JB 04 Coupe Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Kingdom of Bahrain iTrader: (1)	Looks fantastic. You need spacers and body colored front bumper reflectors. Get a tune from Alex @ Alpine on the forums. You'll love it even more then. __________________ Current Mods: 2004 E46 M3cs JB/CSL 2010 E70 X5M AW/BLACK 2011 VW Golf R DSG White/Black IG: @060Motorsports
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