Derek's E90 slicktop OEM+ Project

[derbo]

2011 E90 M3 project
IG: @lowtecderbo

# Background

Hi everyone!
I'm Derek. Back in 2017, I picked up an E90 M3 to replace my beloved E46 ZHP sedan. I originally bought the 2004 330i ZHP (Black Sapphire, 6MT, cloth interior) in 2009, thinking it would cure my urge to modify cars. That didn’t last long.

What began as a simple daily driver quickly evolved into a weekend and HPDE machine. With a few key upgrades, it became a comfortable street car that could still hold its own on track. Eventually, I started wanting more power—but an S54 swap or forced induction wasn’t in the cards. So, I made the tough decision to let it go and move on to the E90 M3.

I’ll always miss that ZHP.

# Derbo's Philosophy

Internal BMW document slide said it the best when referring to the CS model designation:
"Racetrack optimized + everyday suitability."


The goal for this build is to strike the perfect balance between streetable comfort and track-ready performance. My benchmark is the Porsche 911 GT3 Touring—refined, capable, and purpose-driven. I’m also a fan of region-specific features that add real function, like Euro tail lights with amber turn signals and rear fog lights, so you can expect a few of those touches as well. Ultimately, this will be my personal vision of the ideal E90 M3.

# Entries

• 2017-11 OE Exhaust mod (4pipe) Thanks to Exhaust works in Belmont, CA!
• 2017-12 Rod bearing replacement. Thanks to Performance Technic in Fremont CA!
• 2018-03 BBS RE1535 GT4s, Apex Wheel studs, TPMS deleted Link
• 2018-05 BimmerGeeks OBD cable and 241E update Link
• 2018-10 EDC Delete, MCS 2WNR Coilovers, Stock Dyno numbers Link
• 2018-12 Motorsport Hardware lug nuts, AlpineMSS Tune, new plates Link
• 2018-12 Mpower Motorsports Throttle actuators Link
• 2019-01 AFE CF intake Link
• 2019-01 OE BMW CF rear spoiler Link
• 2019-02 OE BMW Euro rear fog button Link
• 2019-03 OE BMW Spectacles tray, relocated ashtray power outlet, Bimmerworld brake lines, PFC08 track pads, new BMW OE rotors Link
• 2019-04 Laguna HPDE day! Link
• 2019-05 Power steering mod Link
• 2019-06 OE BMW Euro tails, SSD CIC Navigation Link
• 2019-07 Venoxy replacement gauge overlays and gloss black M3 emblem. Link
• 2019-07 Kremersino Apple Carplay module installation Link
• 2019-10 LederManz wrapped BMW steering wheel Link
• 2019-11 Motorsport tow strap and ECE aspherical mirrors Link
• 2020-01 BMW Combox retrofit, ACP Fiascos Link
• 2020-03 Stoptech ST60 BBK install Link
• 2020-06 Back to Wheelbolts, BBS Black center caps, Supersprint F1 Race Exhaust Link
• 2020-08 GAS monoballs, SPL Parts front end links, ACP module update Link
• 2020-09 AIM Solo2, Thunderhill HPDE! Link
• 2020-09 360carbon GTS LIP Link
• 2020-11 Spinout aftermath, Titan7, 200TW tires, spring change Link
• 2020-12 Thunderhill West 1st time! Link
• 2021-02 Coolant temp sensor, Fuel breather valve, Ultimate Clutch pedal Link
• 2021-04 Thunderhill 3-mile, engine malfunction, new rims! Link
• 2021-04 Autosolutions SSK, idrive controller fail, air flow sensor? Link
• 2021-09 Summer update, airflow sensor, C&C, center caps, 7/31 track day Link
• 2021-10 Fall Update, AP Racing Link
• 2021-11 Laguna Seca Link
• 2021-12 Z4M 70Ah AGM Battery Link
• 2021-12 Dinan Stage 1 tune, going CARB Link
• 2022-02 Sonoma Raceway Link
• 2022-06 Dinan pulley, Laguna Seca Link
• 2022-11 Sonoma Raceway Link
• 2023-04 Thunderhill Raceway, M Perf Exhaust v2Link
• 2023-07 Laguna Seca Repaved! Link
• 2023-11 Sonoma Extreme wet! Link
• 2024-02 Stage2! and MCS rebuild! Link
• 2024-07 Mid-2024 update Link

Media

## Youtube Channel for Videos
https://www.youtube.com/@lowtec-derbo

## Instagram


I'll continue to update this main post as items come by Thanks for viewing my journal with this wonderful car!

[jiggz]

From one ZHPMafia member to another, good to see your introduction post here Derek!

[derbo]

Originally Posted by jiggz

From one ZHPMafia member to another, good to see your introduction post here Derek!

Thanks Jeff!

[dj_dub]

Congrats on picking up this beautiful E90. Glad to see another one added here in the Bay Area.

[Helmsman]

Welcome Derbo! Congrats to a great car - AW sedan cant go wrong..😊 - enjoy in health!

[CSBM5]

Beautiful car Derek! AW slicktop looks fantastic.

I used to have a ZHP in the stable also -- 2003 Imola/Alcantara slicktop 6MT. I had a great time autocrossing that car co-driving with my daughter in D-stock class back 12 years ago. She went from driving a manual the first time to the next day autocrossing it. It was a fantastic car for her to learn autocross and track driving. She has owned the car for the past 10 years, did some more mods along the way (GC coilovers, Turner sway bars, 8.5/255 square, etc) and now has no clue what "modern" car she would want to buy, so the ZHP is still going strong at ~150k miles.

Ok, a few M3 questions now...

Did you go with BE bearings? How many miles are on the car?

I'm wondering how you ended up with ferric gray wheels? I thought the 219M went to silver with the LCI? Perhaps the prior owner switched? A moot point really but just curious. They look great with the Alpine White.

Regards,
Chuck

[BOOF-M3]

Great write up Derek, I would have enjoyed it if it had been longer. Are you planning on cloning the ZCP suspension and EDC settings? Keeping her stock? Or do you plan on going aftermarket and doing some HPDE events?

[165_M3]

hey derek, good to see you also here,

-atom

[IND-Distribution]

I always love reading journals like this. Congrats on the pickup and welcome to the E90 family! I still miss my ZHP...was such a good all around car like you said.

P.S. That's one hell of a lineup for a breakfast cruise. What do you have planned next?

[marksae]

Nice car Derek! Can't wait to see your build!

[TigerTater]

Nice thread! The mafia was abundant with normal car threads...here it's all to the max. Nice to see a normal build thread!

[derbo]

Originally Posted by CSBM5

Beautiful car Derek! AW slicktop looks fantastic.

I used to have a ZHP in the stable also -- 2003 Imola/Alcantara slicktop 6MT. I had a great time autocrossing that car co-driving with my daughter in D-stock class back 12 years ago. She went from driving a manual the first time to the next day autocrossing it. It was a fantastic car for her to learn autocross and track driving. She has owned the car for the past 10 years, did some more mods along the way (GC coilovers, Turner sway bars, 8.5/255 square, etc) and now has no clue what "modern" car she would want to buy, so the ZHP is still going strong at ~150k miles.

Ok, a few M3 questions now...

Did you go with BE bearings? How many miles are on the car?

I'm wondering how you ended up with ferric gray wheels? I thought the 219M went to silver with the LCI? Perhaps the prior owner switched? A moot point really but just curious. They look great with the Alpine White.

Regards,
Chuck

I loved my ZHP! It had all sorts of OE goodies and the major modifications were very similar to your Daughters. GC Coilovers with Swift 448/560 springs, Stoptech ST40 332mm Front, M3 rear end, Apex ARC8 17x8.5 all around, UUC TSE3 exhaust. I will forever miss it!

I can't believe I forgot to put the mileage! It had 51k and some change when I bought it. Originally I wanted BE bearings but they were out of stock with no ETA during December. I opt to do the WPC treated bearings with ARP Bolts. They were replaced just shy of 53k miles at the end of 2017.

2011.5 (09/2010 prod date) cars received the bright silver paint and COMBOX upgrades. Mine is a 2011.0 built in 05/2010 so it is the original wheels. The PO did put a lighted ZHP knob on it, rear foglight button hack, and a few coding items that I already was planning to do!

Originally Posted by BOOF-M3

Great write up Derek, I would have enjoyed it if it had been longer. Are you planning on cloning the ZCP suspension and EDC settings? Keeping her stock? Or do you plan on going aftermarket and doing some HPDE events?

I know, I know. I'm summing up like 3-4months here! Plus I was watching the Superbowl while creating this.

I'll quote myself here:

Originally Posted by derbo

# Competition Package EDC
The Competition Package Electronic Damping Control has revise settings compared to the standard EDC from the M3. There is mainly two differences that has been noted online.

1. 10mm shorter springs on the ZCP.
2. Revised Sport Mode to enable variable dampening instead of static 75% stiffness.

##Goal
I originally wanted a ZCP M3 cause those Style 359 rims are the best rims BMW makes. The Suspension had a slight difference that probably would've made me keep the car stock in that aspect. However since rims are just rims and I read on forums of people successfully coding in their EDC to ZCP EDC, I decided to start hunting how to do this. Forums were somewhat unhelpful as most of the folks who knew offer paid services to do it.

Code my standard EDC into ZCP EDC and document it somewhere online.
The DSC portion of the ZCP package I believe is just Euro MDM. Euro MDM allows more slip angle than the US MDM. Nuff Said.

That is coded into the MK60_M3.Cxx with the follow parameters:

US_VEHICLE    Nicht_aktiv
MDYNAMIC_MODE_USA    Nicht_aktiv
M3_UEBERSTUEUERN_MUE_0    wert_00
M3_UEBERSTUEUERN_MUE_1_2    wert_00

### The Research
With the help of NCSDummy, I opened up the DATEN File for EDCK65.C1A to see input values and their corresponding data values.

Short description:
dx9023 = Non-ZCP E90 with EDC
dx9030 = ZCP E90 (EDC is standard)





As shown above, the options row shows the requirements to meet in order to use that value as default. An exclamation mark means negate in this situation. The Data row is the output to the module and in this parameter, they are identical. This means this parameter doesn't care if you are a ZCP or non-ZCP, you are getting this value no matter what.

However, in the below one they are different data values of C8 and A0. What these actual values mean is beyond me. However, this helps conclude my research to a specific finding.





### Proposed coding

Code every parameter to dx09030 should apply all the values from a ZCP to my EDC module. I suppose you don't have to do every parameter as some of them offer the same data value but it is faster(lazier) to just code dx09030 all the way through.

I'm pretty sure this will work as most people suggest feeling revised settings after coding in the ZCP values. However since they either didn't know what they were coding or someone did it for them, I am not 100% sure this will work. (99% maybe.)

With this setup, I could see that the sport setting now was dynamic and not static like the non-ZCP EDC models. This helps setup my car to be ready for the swift springs.

Originally Posted by dj_dub

Congrats on picking up this beautiful E90. Glad to see another one added here in the Bay Area.

Thanks man! I think I saw your car at the Ultimate Driving Event in SF with the new 5 series. I saw a nice E90M space gray on TE37s so I assume it was you! I was able to hit top 8 in the city for the auto-x portion but that was all I could do without knowing the brakes of that boat! Looking forward to meeting you someday at a HPDE or meet.

Originally Posted by Helmsman

Welcome Derbo! Congrats to a great car - AW sedan cant go wrong..�� - enjoy in health!

Thanks man! I was trying to pick Space Gray as my first choice but being that the pool is so tiny, I'll take what I can get. AW is my 2nd choice so I'm very happy about that.

Originally Posted by ato///M3

hey derek, good to see you also here,

-atom

Thanks man!!

Originally Posted by Mike@IND

I always love reading journals like this. Congrats on the pickup and welcome to the E90 family! I still miss my ZHP...was such a good all around car like you said.

P.S. That's one hell of a lineup for a breakfast cruise. What do you have planned next?

My friend with the STI and I felt a little out of place lol. At the moment, I want to get the GT4s installed. I probably will delete TPMS and convert it to FTM so I can get indirect flat tire detection for now.

The original goal is to have a nice weekend car that is capable of doing HPDE at an advanced group level. That probably means I will be getting Ohlins R&T in the future but like I mentioned to Mark in the quote above, I want to retain EDC as long as possible.

Originally Posted by marksae

Nice car Derek! Can't wait to see your build!

Thanks Mark! Mike sent me pics of your TEs and Akra exhaust that had me drooling..

[dj_dub]

Originally Posted by derbo

Thanks man! I think I saw your car at the Ultimate Driving Event in SF with the new 5 series. I saw a nice E90M space gray on TE37s so I assume it was you! I was able to hit top 8 in the city for the auto-x portion but that was all I could do without knowing the brakes of that boat! Looking forward to meeting you someday at a HPDE or meet.

Haha Yeah man, that was me! I had a trackday at AutoClub Speedway in SoCal a few days after that. Rolled up there with my track tires and track pads squealing away. lol

Nice! I placed 3rd in my group...but nowhere near as fast as you or the rest of the top 10 for SF. That car was a boat, hopefully they pick a funner car at the next UDE.

Hope to see you at a local trackday or meet bro! We have monthly M meets in Fremont if you're interested. Usually a strong presence of well modded E9Xs there.

[STooK]

Welcome and that is one clean sedan! These are getting harder and harder to find so definitely a good find. Enjoy in good health!

[EnVe46]

Excellent build thread my man! Car looks great and looking forward to following your progress. Great find on a rare beast!

[E92_TYLER]

Looks great! Congrats!

[derbo]

Originally Posted by STooK

Welcome and that is one clean sedan! These are getting harder and harder to find so definitely a good find. Enjoy in good health!

Originally Posted by EnVe46

Excellent build thread my man! Car looks great and looking forward to following your progress. Great find on a rare beast!

Originally Posted by E92_TYLER

Looks great! Congrats!

Thanks, guys! I'm happy I got a slicktop 6MT E90. I don't really need the headroom but it just looks cooler without a sunroof!


##BBS GT4 RE Wheels
BMW Motorsport GT4 Race Car Rims of choice! Pic courtesy of Precision Sports Industries.

Specs:
18x10+40 21.6lbs



I have a few items on the list to buy before I can mount the rims. I'm also opting out of TPMS sensors as the hole for the rim

• Apex 15mm/18mm Spacers (ordered)
• Apex 90mm Wheel stud kit (ordered)
• BBS Red Centercaps
• 275/35/18 Tires

At this point, the M3 is my secondary car and isn't driven as often as it should be. I also plan to do HPDE with the M3 but I am not 100% how often. These two points provide a dilemma of which tire to get.

Option 1: TireRack has graciously let me know that the Michelin P4S is now available in 275/35/18 and available to order right now with their chat specialist or on the phone at $286 a tire. I've been very happy with PSS over the years as a street tire and the P4S should not disappoint. I'm not so sure how well it will perform on the track with relatively stock suspension and lack of camber.

Option 2: Bridgestone RE71R would be more HPDE orientated at $264 a tire but at the expensive of wear rate and poor wet traction compared to the P4S "eco" tire.

I'm leaning towards the P4S simply because I don't foresee myself doing THAT many HPDEs in a year. I'm hoping the P4S can do 1-2 HPDE weekends annually without much fuss.

[derbo]

This car gives me giggles every time I downshift. The noise it makes!!!

[EnVe46]

Hahaha I feel the same way. The sounds this car makes is intoxicating

[derbo]

Originally Posted by EnVe46

Hahaha I feel the same way. The sounds this car makes is intoxicating

Something about ITB's making that whoosh noise during a downshift just makes me giggle.

Looks like I have some competition from my Fiance's new ride.






##Coding

A few folks have expressed interest in the parameters I've set on my car. I've built out a spreadsheet of all the items I have found to be useful for myself and the column Current value that has values show active parameters set.

https://goo.gl/WgbYXa

##Tires

I've decided to go with 275/35/18 PS4S but will be waiting for a deal from Michelin rebates like the cheap skate I am.

[CSBM5]

Check with your local Discount Tire on the PS4S. I just bought a set my E39 M5 last week; rear size is 275/35-18, and it just became available last week. DT price on that size was $247 which is close to $40 lower than TireRack.

Very pleased with the tires.

[TigerTater]

Looks a nice driveway!

I'm also contemplating tire selection, the new ps4 are rated very well, but the price is so high. The conti extreme contact sport have got very positive reviews and are the same class and run almost 400 less per set...think I'm leaning that way running 275-35-18 square.

Do your mirrors fold in automatically when you park or lock? Mine fold in when the fob lock button is depressed 1.5 seconds ...would love it to be automatic.