maxxsp's E46 M3

[maxxsp]

Fitted a new Thermostat and Coolant Temp Sensor recently.
The issue was with the coolant temp climbing near the 3/4 mark on the gauge while driving, whether or not I was pushing the car hard. Temp would come down soon after I idle (at the traffic lights for example). Aux fan would kick in on high most of the time with both aircon running and off. Suspected faulty thermostat and/or coolant temp sensor.
Changed both and the aux fan no longer kicks in at full speed, even when idling. Have not had the chance to take the car for a drive yet as I have the exhaust off waiting for parts to come in but I think the issue is solved.

New Thermostat and O-Ring

New Coolant Temp Sensor

Old Coolant Temp Sensor - Notice the worn O-Ring

Old Thermostat - The spring was not seating correctly causing the thermostat spring action to be rough. This lead to it being stuck closed sometimes.

 

[LiteBulb]

Hi max,

How much did you get the led tail lights for?

I wonder if the leds will burn off individually.

 

[maxxsp]

Hi max,

How much did you get the led tail lights for?

I wonder if the leds will burn off individually.

I got the retrofit kit for around 2k from my source in the US. If I'm not mistaken I was quoted 2.5k lights only here.
Note that if your car is a 2001 model you are likely to need to change the Light Control Module because the earlier LCM cannot be programmed.
The other way is to get some taiwan made leds (Eagle Eyes or Depo) which have a built in resistor so you won't get the 'bulb out' warning lights.

I have not heard of failing leds being a major issue for the genuine tails.

 

[maxxsp]

Installed the Intravee II + Alpine KCA-420i on Friday night with help from e34_lover.
Initial plan was to route the cables directly to the front of the car and have the Alpine KCA-420i sit behind the glovebox. After routing everything had to abandon the plan as the unit is too big to sit behind the glovebox and would be a waste of space to just leave it IN the glovebox
Ended up pulling everything back out and routing to the bottom of the passenger seat. Then we ran the iPod/iPhone cable from there into the glovebox.

Testing the setup to make sure everything works

Routing the cable under the rear bench

Adjusting & checking the cable length

Removed side sill to run the cables under the carpet

iPod/iPhone cable pulled to the glovebox area

Finished pics will follow, was too tired to take the finished pictures. Also found out one rear tweeter was blown so I have ordered a pair of upgraded tweeters from Bavarian Soundwerks. Will post install pics of that once I receive them!

 

[e9thy2]

nice ride n owsome job done bro...

 

[maxxsp]

Took the exhaust off to replace all the gaskets and bolts with the help of e34_lover.
The muffler on this car is heavy as hell, on closer inspection all 3 exhaust hangers were broken as well.
The bolts and nuts were so badly corroded they could not be removed.
In the end it took 5 hours to remove 6 rusted bolts with a dremel, rust flash and a vise grip.

The midpipes finally apart

What was left of the bolts and nuts

 

[maxxsp]

Exhaust Mounting brackets were all rusted so got one of my boys to help me clean them up before I sprayed them.

Before - Very rusty...

After grinding with a polybrush & wire wheel

Sprayed with Rustoleum 'Heavy Rust' Primer and then finished with Rustoleum High Temp Matte Black

 

[gnoy26]

happy for you bro. i can feel how much u love your car

 

[M.Directspares]

if you found any coins please return it to me... . Great job Meng!!

 

[maxxsp]

if you found any coins please return it to me... . Great job Meng!!

Haha!! Found 50p and about 70sen under the rear seat.
Not included with purchase??

 

[M.Directspares]

its for you..hari raya angpow. hehe

btw mind sharing which type of spray gun are u using for the paint?

 

[haywire]

A gift from my better half!

Intravee II + Alpine KCA-420i for the M3.
Have connected it to test and it works!
Now need to find the time to run the cables to my glovebox in front for easier access.
Have received beta version 6.02 from Intravention to enable the extras such as PDC display on the Nav unit as well as other options such as auto-locking and a very cool 'Journal' feature. Now need to buy a PCMCIA Serial adapter so I can update the firmware.

Which version of the firmware you have bro? I've got the latest v.6.02 build 6627.

 

[maxxsp]

Which version of the firmware you have bro? I've got the latest v.6.02 build 6627.

They sent me V6.02-6549 but I have yet to install it as I don't have a laptop with serial port.

 

[maxxsp]

its for you..hari raya angpow. hehe

btw mind sharing which type of spray gun are u using for the paint?

I am using Rustoleum Spray Cans with a Can Gun attachment. Gives much more control when spraying and its only RM12.50.

 

[haywire]

They sent me V6.02-6549 but I have yet to install it as I don't have a laptop with serial port.

No need laptop with serial port la bro...just buy a USB to serial adapter and install the driver. Works fine for me.

 

[maxxsp]

No need laptop with serial port la bro...just buy a USB to serial adapter and install the driver. Works fine for me.

I will be getting a Serial Expresscard so it can also be used to connect to my brother's OBDI E36 M3.
Very hard to find info on which cards work...it seems the cheaper USB-Based cards won't work.
Don't want to buy the USB to Serial for just one update haha

 

[maxxsp]

Got all the new parts together and refitted my exhaust with the help of e34_lover.

Old & cracked Exhaust Hanger (The other 2 were in even worse condition!)

New Hangers

New Exhaust Hanger Supports

New Front Exhaust Hangers

New Gaskets

New Exhaust Torx bolts

Forgot to take pics of the exhaust reinstalled but basically mounted with stainless steel hardware wherever possible to prevent rusting. Also used copper grease on all bolts & nuts to ensure the stainless ones do not seize.

 

[maxxsp]

Some other stuff that arrived. Haven't had time to install them yet!

6 speed Illuminated Gearknob

Replacement left strut mount cover

Bavarian Soundwerks upgraded rear midrange speakers for Harman Kardon system

 

[anaksarawak]

Are those Bavarian Soundwerks 4"?

 

[maxxsp]

Are those Bavarian Soundwerks 4"?

If I am not mistaken they are 2.5"
These are the ones
http://www.bavariansoundwerks.com/product/541/323/BMW-E46-Midranges-Rear/

Just discovered there was nothing wrong with my stock ones, one was just unplugged behind the rear panel.
I may be selling these if anyone is interested.