Just dropped a deposit on some M Power - Trackday Project Car

hey mate, I think you mentioned earlier you were flashing csl FA setings. you cant flash csl settings onto anything that doesn't have the mk60 module, yours is pre face lift so it wont have it, anyone who tells you otherwise is fibbing unless you are exchanging ecus, but that's a dramatic waste of money much better off geeting a blower/charger.

all it gives you is m-track mode which you would switch off on the track anyway, oh and duty rates on the brakes and as you dont have csl calipers these would just be rubbish anyway.

just trying to help :)
 
Will Gill said:
hey mate, I think you mentioned earlier you were flashing csl FA setings. you cant flash csl settings onto anything that doesn't have the mk60 module, yours is pre face lift so it wont have it, anyone who tells you otherwise is fibbing unless you are exchanging ecus, but that's a dramatic waste of money much better off geeting a blower/charger.

all it gives you is m-track mode which you would switch off on the track anyway, oh and duty rates on the brakes and as you dont have csl calipers these would just be rubbish anyway.

just trying to help :)
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Hi Will

Im flashing the SMG module m8 which is possible on all SMG cars, it gives you the CSL shift speeds, rev matching and launch control.

You are right in saying the CSL M-Track mode only works on cars with MK60 module which is very late 2002 cars and mainly 2003 onwards.

So Im just doing the one which makes a difference, the SMG, I want those 0.08ms shifts and rev matching. :D
 
Scania said:
Just a thought.....


http://www.moseleymotorsport.com/parts_e46.htm
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Now that is not bad at all and they are local, shall give them a call at somepoint in the future sure. :)

Front bumper and front bonnet be perfect, be nice to save 10-20kg of the front end.



Removed all the roof lining tonight, along with sun visors, lights, plus once curtain airbags and metal brackets are out, should be upto 5kg out the highest part of the car. :)
 
Just realised I quoted the std e46 bonnet - the M3 variant is £199+VAT

I'm not even sure if they are still trading mind you - I know the building is listed for sale, Nigel - the owner - was looking to retire the last I heard and looking at the site again, it's not had an update in a long time.... :/

Worth a call to find out one way or the other.
 
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Hi there

An update:-

1. M3 XSV Plates arrived - £20 as reg was included in sale :D
2. Changed Vanos oil filter - £5, took 2 minutes. :)
3. All roof lining removed, trim, interior lights etc. - £0
4. CSL SMG firmware loaded onto SMG module. - £0

The shifts are now even faster but smoother as well. Full auto is now smoother and quicker too. S6 mode though, mental! :D
 
Awesome - how long did it take to update the SMG software? Was the Vanos filter particularly dirty when you changed it? Tempted to do it on mine.
 
NickXX said:
Awesome - how long did it take to update the SMG software? Was the Vanos filter particularly dirty when you changed it? Tempted to do it on mine.
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The flashing procedure is rather intensive and quite dangerous. You have to keep the voltage around 13-14v on the battery, sub 12.5v or above 14.5v could cause it to crash and brick the module.

So you either need a Ctek 13.6v charger or run jump leads from another car. I went with jump lead option.

I then used BMW DIS to clear any error codes and then made the files using WinKFP and then did the flashing process which takes approx 15 minutes. Once this is done, the cog of doom will be lit. Switch car off for 10 minutes. Come back to it and wipe any error codes once again, switch off for 5 minutes.

Now switch on and all should be fine, if CSL firmware is working you will notice the car always defaults to A3 mode when turning on and you'll have 4500rpm launch control. Driving wise you will notice its quicker but also smoother and S6 changes are nothing but brutal.


My vanos filter looked clean, which on cars which have had frequent oil changes it will, but some can look dirty/clogged. At £5 and literally a 2 minute job to change out, it is good preventative maintenance and something which in my view should be changed every 20k miles. :)
 
Awesome - I'll get my Vanos filter changed I think. I've heard stories about people changing them and getting Vanos failure shortly after, but can't see how changing it could ever cause problems.

I knew the CSL SMG update was involved and risky, but that is a lot of effort! I think I've got a CTEK at my parent's so might give it a go.
 
NickXX said:
Awesome - I'll get my Vanos filter changed I think. I've heard stories about people changing them and getting Vanos failure shortly after, but can't see how changing it could ever cause problems.

I knew the CSL SMG update was involved and risky, but that is a lot of effort! I think I've got a CTEK at my parent's so might give it a go.
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Needs to be a Ctek10 with 13.6v or just use jump leads. :)

Well can't see how the filter would cause a failure unless it came off as it just clips on, just gotta make sure you put it on properly.

If my Vanos fails, I shall cry and people will know not to try it, but as long as it stays attached to the bolt, then the filter should not cause any issues and as such any failure would be a mere coincidence.
 
So then.

Just been out driving in Gibbo's M3, short review:

his drivers bucket seat is brilliant. seating position is excellent, very touring car esque. the 5 point harness is comfortable, I can really see this as being a big advantage on track.

Engine is a delight. only ever driven a 1 series and a lower end 3 series from the bmw stable before and the E46M3 engine stomps them for character. previous bmws that i had driven were a bit dull but this engine sings and offers immense shove throughout the power band.

SMG - i am converted. gearbox is spectacular. easy to use and very responsive. makes the whole experience much more 'racecar'. Personally I would have preferred the paddles to have a more metallic/mechanical click to them but i am sure that would be an available mod already. The changes are ferocious, putting that down to the CSL software as it feels very aggressive in comparison to the passenger ride i had when he first got the car. the blips on the downchange are very addictive :D

noise - the exhaust sounds superb, very raspy. lack of interior really amplifies this but it is totally silenced when cruising in a higher gear.

DSC - very odd feeling. totally kills the power and stops you making dumb mistakes. i obviously had it on for the drive as 1. its not my car and 2. i have only limited RWD experience.

Really looking forward to a few laps in it next track day. awesome car Gibbo, thanks for the drive mate.

*clicks back to the m3 section on pistonheads*
 
Rich was no problem, the grin on your face said it all. :D

Just had engine compression checked, 185-195psi across all six cylinders which is pretty much bang on what a new engine is, very happy with that. :)
 
panthro said:
If youre using the M3 on the track, and the Jag to drive everyday to work etc, whats happening with the 911?
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I am using the 911 as a daily, M3 as track and bit of fun here and there, Jaaaaag as winter car or long commute.

But mid-end next year shall sell the 911 no doubt or trade it against something.
 
The S54 is a bullet proof lump mate assuming the recalls were done on the lower end but I think very few go pop and they can take a lot of hard work. Couple of my mates had new lumps under warranty but I've not heard of any major points of failure. Give it beans and look after it and it will look after you.
 
Housey said:
The S54 is a bullet proof lump mate assuming the recalls were done on the lower end but I think very few go pop and they can take a lot of hard work. Couple of my mates had new lumps under warranty but I've not heard of any major points of failure. Give it beans and look after it and it will look after you.
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What recalls m8 and I take it BMW can check from the VIN if all recalls have being done or if any are outstanding?

Yeah its proper quick, think by the time I am finished it could even have the 911 in a straight line. :D

I did see an E60 M5 engine with 34k and all ancillaries for sale other day for 4k, and trust me I seriously considering sticking it on the CC and plonking the 5l V10 in the car, 545BHP would be crazy! :D
 
Housey said:
The S54 is a bullet proof lump mate assuming the recalls were done on the lower end but I think very few go pop and they can take a lot of hard work. Couple of my mates had new lumps under warranty but I've not heard of any major points of failure. Give it beans and look after it and it will look after you.
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How do they cope with big miles, say 100k+?
 
hurfdurf said:
How do they cope with big miles, say 100k+?
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Well my first one ended up with well over 130k miles and was a right tack monster after the chap bought it off me and I know most the engine people who specialise in M's speak highly about their reliability.
 
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