Euro A08 E46 M3 Build: Part II

[BlackCat]

What a journey it’s been!

She’s fourteen years of age, and still a looker!

I do not take her out as often as before (although I’d love to) and now gracing my garage with just weekend short drives to the neighbourhood watering hole.

As with the coming of age, she’s in need of the usual maintenance and freshening up!

The last six months have seen a flurry of car related activities. Mostly acquiring replacement bits and bobs, and some major hardware/firmware upgrades. Hint hint!

My first thoughts was to revive/continue with my original build thread, but I think a new one would be more appropriate.

I will now be posting my build journal in this new thread instead. Sort of a new chapter...

So stay tuned, subscribe and join me in my build journey!

 

[bmwm]

What a looker.

 

[Joshua Smith]

She's a freaking stunner! 06' love it!

 

[BlackCat]

Please accept my apologies for not updating the thread on a regular basis... I have been busy at the garage!

Like in all builds, it is best to strip the car down and clean what is necessary. As my focus [at this point anyways] is under the hood, so we'll start there.

With the air intake manifold and filter housing removed, all grime and gunk is revealed!

There seems to be some problems uploading photos... I'll post them up as soon as I have resolved the upload issues. Stay tuned!

 

[enkil]

Still stunning

 

[BlackCat]

The engine bay half empty. Parts taken out and cleaned.

 

[BlackCat]

More cleaning

 

[BlackCat]

Satisfying results

 

[BlackCat]

Air rail reinstalled, throttle body cleaned, cylinder head cover removed and replaced.

 

[BlackCat]

I bought this RD cylinder head cover some years ago and never had the chance to install it until now.

 

[BlackCat]

Most of these parts will not be reinstalled and will be stored. Replacement parts awaits...

 

[BlackCat]

As I’m doing all of this alone and at my home garage, progress can be very slow at times. Please excuse me if I do not update the thread often. I’m trying my best but at times I lack the proper special BMW tools to work with. Do accept my apologies

A ‘special’ tool loaned from a buddy; my constant guru/technical reference besides YouTube.

 

[BlackCat]

I’ll be installing this over the coming days so do check the thread for updates.

 

[BlackCat]

Parts replacement where necessary and conversion completed today; pending wire harnesses for the IAT, air intake actuator and flap position sensors.



Next phase will be the suspension, brakes and all bushings refresh. And perhaps a coat of paint... Any suggestions for which colour I should go for?

 

[BlackCat]

As you know, the CSL was a limited production run of 1,383 units and ended around 2004. Parts are difficult to come by and if they do pop up once in awhile, are pretty astronomically priced!

I need three wire harnesses and scoured the net but as expected, none was available. Only two other options: custom order or DIY. I decided the latter...

We’ll see how this turns out!!!

My sincere thank you goes to a club member here for allowing me to scavenge through his workshop for a used loom and his patience! Thank you dear friend

Enjoy the pics and let me know if you guys have any questions.

 

[BlackCat]

Sometimes, you’ll need to take a break and pause... doing it alone can take its toll and when frustration sets in, that is where you make mistakes and even worse, break stuff!!! Fortunately, I take my time and take my tea at intervals... Can’t afford to break stuff too!!!

One good way of taking breaks is to plan ahead... one, two or even three steps ahead! What’s next, how/where to get it done and when.

This arrived, so it’s good time to have that tea...

 

[maxxsp]

Nice to see you still have the M3 Blackcat! You'll be happy with the Ohlins for sure, I love my set.

 

[BlackCat]

Nice to see you still have the M3 Blackcat! You'll be happy with the Ohlins for sure, I love my set.

Thanks bro! Had to save some pretty pennies for these but I’m glad to finally get a set.

 

[BlackCat]

Finally... got all the three harnesses done this evening! Hopefully I can get these connected tomorrow morning and do some test drives

 

[Joshua Smith]

Keep up the amazing work @BlackCat and the post coming! Can't wait to see the finished car