Hemisport's E46 M3 Vert and New Daily Driver
- Thread starter hemisport15
- 219 comments
- 21,794 views
- 1,301
- Pennsylvania
Thanks! I'm always on bf.c reading up on anything and everything I can. I also plan on making it to a few shows this summer. 👍
Thanks! It's gonna be pretty tough letting go of the Corrado for a lot of reasons, but I know I'll behind the wheel of one again later in life so that makes me feel a little bit better.
Sounds like a plan, thanks! If any mods see this before I send them a message, could you move the thread for me?
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- 1,301
- Pennsylvania
No big updates, just washed and waxed the M today.
And then I bought this stuff...
To help bring back some life to my interior. I went over the whole interior once with Armor All cleaner and twice with their conditioner and it didn't do much. It appears that the leather wasn't treated much by the last owner and needs a more serious treatment, hence me buying the Leatherique.
Other than that, I need to get a new roundel for the hood, new tires, redo the headliner, and remount the rear spoiler. Hopefully I'll have pics to go along with that work.
And then I bought this stuff...
To help bring back some life to my interior. I went over the whole interior once with Armor All cleaner and twice with their conditioner and it didn't do much. It appears that the leather wasn't treated much by the last owner and needs a more serious treatment, hence me buying the Leatherique.
Other than that, I need to get a new roundel for the hood, new tires, redo the headliner, and remount the rear spoiler. Hopefully I'll have pics to go along with that work.
- 4,213
- Puerto Rico
- motortrend
Looking good, leatherique is amazing, especially on leather steering wheels that get very greasy. Just make sure to leave it in the heat (preferably not sun) for a long time to ensure good results. You'll love the look of that rejuvenated clean matte leather (dang I sound like a spokesperson for them 
) also you can take a heat gun or hair dryer to the bigger cracks to make sure the leather softens up and absorbs the liquid. Don't expect it to look perfect, especially with just one go, but it will definitely look better. Make sure to post some before/after pics 👍
) also you can take a heat gun or hair dryer to the bigger cracks to make sure the leather softens up and absorbs the liquid. Don't expect it to look perfect, especially with just one go, but it will definitely look better. Make sure to post some before/after pics 👍
- 1,301
- Pennsylvania
Looking good, leatherique is amazing, especially on leather steering wheels that get very greasy. Just make sure to leave it in the heat (preferably not sun) for a long time to ensure good results. You'll love the look of that rejuvenated clean matte leather (dang I sound like a spokesperson for them
Thanks and I'll definitely be taking pictures. It's supposed to be at least 85 every day this week so hopefully this stuff arrives soon so I can take advantage of the heat.
- 1,301
- Pennsylvania
- 1,301
- Pennsylvania
New tires are here! Now I'll finally be able to throw this car around some corners...
- 17,337
- United Kingdom
Thanks! And come get em, it just gives me another reason to get a set of M Systems...
hnnggg
If you did, just make sure you get two left hand and two right hand wheels, rather than three and one like the pic!
E36 looks f'in great though, much nicer than the Corrado!
Actually, I'm weighing up using my mates 2.9 VR6 Corrado whilst he's on a driving ban, since it attracts can get specialist insurance it's a third of the cost to insure of my 320d!
- 1,301
- Pennsylvania
If you did, just make sure you get two left hand and two right hand wheels, rather than three and one like the pic!
E36 looks f'in great though, much nicer than the Corrado!
Haha nice catch with the wheels, that would look pretty awkward!
And thanks, the E36 suits me much better than the Corrado. I really noticed it a few days ago. While I was super excited the first few times I drove the M3, that new car feeling faded away kind of quickly... not in a bad way though. Whenever I sit in my Corrado, I get a familiar feeling and remember how much fun I had driving it. That same feeling of familiarity comes back every time I get behind the wheel of my M... it just feels right, like I have been driving that car forever. It may sound lame or corny, but it's true.
- 1,301
- Pennsylvania
Not much of an update, but I did my first mod...
A genuine ZHP shift knob. Now I understand what all the hype is about. If you own a BMW and don't have this shift knob then you better change that.
EDIT: Forgot to mention the best part, I bought mine off a friend for $15. Expect to pay $60-$80 for a brand new one.
A genuine ZHP shift knob. Now I understand what all the hype is about. If you own a BMW and don't have this shift knob then you better change that.
EDIT: Forgot to mention the best part, I bought mine off a friend for $15. Expect to pay $60-$80 for a brand new one.
- 6,041
- Puget Sound
- Crash852
Nice! ZHP knobs feel fantastic, and I think it's one of the cheapest/easiest mods you can make to make a significant difference in the feel. I've got one on mine, and I love how solid and sure it feels, and I love how well it grips in your palm.
Now if only they had lighted ZHP knobs...
Now if only they had lighted ZHP knobs...
- 1,301
- Pennsylvania
It honestly is. I didn't think it would completely change the feel of changing gears but it does. Now I have to delete the stupid CDV...
As for lighted ZHP knobs, they are available...
http://leatherz.com/Merchant5/merch...ct_Code=IllumZHPShiftKnob&Category_Code=Knobs
That's just the first result from Google, I'm sure you can find them cheaper. I would have gone this route if I didn't get such an awesome deal on mine.
- 5,303
- Riverside, Ca
- GTP_Leonidae_MFT
E36's are great cars. Even the more mundane models seem to shrink around you and offer feedback that I haven't experienced in any other car.
- 4,213
- Puerto Rico
- motortrend
On the topic of the lighted ZHP, you might as well get the F10 m5 one which is that basically and cheaper. Thing is, the boot is relatively small. Then again, that LeatherZ one doesn't include the boot
EDIT: It has the 2001+ connector so it would need some work on your car plus it has the 6MT pattern so forget it. It's what I'll do for mine though
EDIT: It has the 2001+ connector so it would need some work on your car plus it has the 6MT pattern so forget it. It's what I'll do for mine though
- 1,301
- Pennsylvania
Indeed they are. My non M3 friends absolutely love their cars... Don't get me wrong the always say they wish it was an M, but they still love it all the same haha. The hype was definitely true with these cars, maybe a little underpowered for the US owners like me, but you can't get a much better driving experience for the price.
Yeah, that picture was a random one off of Google or Amazon but I forget which. There are illuminated ones with the 5 speed pattern available, I knew someone would spot the 6 speed in the pic. And you are correct, for E36 owners it does take a small amount of work to make the the knob light up. From what I've seen most people draw power from the cigarette lighter.
You're going to love that shift knob, also you might want to look into a short shifter (Z3 or Z4 if they're compatible with the M5). I've heard that the gear shift in the M5 was noticeably longer/sloppier than the E36, but that's all personal preference and I have no real experience with it.
- 1,301
- Pennsylvania
Not much of an update, but I replaced a turn signal bulb and cleaned it. I still need to redo my headliner/rear deck and the passenger side widow regulator died on me.
Here's a random pick though.
Me all the way to the right, my brother in the middle, and our loaner car from BMW. It was a brand new 328xi with the luxury package. The 2.0 liter 4 cylinder is surprisingly quick and sounds like a diesel at idle, the ride was smooth, but I hated the steering... it was so light and disconnected from the road. I didn't feel very confident throwing it around and I couldn't really tell where the car was going. Also note the difference in size between the new one and my brother's '07.
Here's a random pick though.
Me all the way to the right, my brother in the middle, and our loaner car from BMW. It was a brand new 328xi with the luxury package. The 2.0 liter 4 cylinder is surprisingly quick and sounds like a diesel at idle, the ride was smooth, but I hated the steering... it was so light and disconnected from the road. I didn't feel very confident throwing it around and I couldn't really tell where the car was going. Also note the difference in size between the new one and my brother's '07.
- 1,301
- Pennsylvania
Not much of an update unfortunately, but the car will be going to the shop soon to have some problems sorted out. I'm thinking it needs a new battery and the blower motor stopped working so that needs to be taken care of too.
In other news, I'll be graduating college in a little under 4 months so I've started to compile a list of things that will be done to the car (after I get a job of course):
-Purchase a daily driver (thinking E53 X5, 335ix, or an Audi)
-Basic Tune up (plugs, filters, fluids)
-New brake pads (probably Akebono for better performance and less dust)
-Fix my headliner and rewrap the rear shelf
-Cooling system refresh (new water pump, thermostat, Z3 S54 or Zionsville radiator, etc) Mine should be fine for a few more years, but I'd rather do it preventatively.
-Complete suspension refresh (replace all bushings, subframe reinforcement, shock tower reinforcement) Maybe buy coilovers, but not for a while.
-Replace all window trim, weather stripping, and replace windshield trim (the windshield trim is really dry rotted, no pics of it though)
-Stromung Catback exhaust w/ Euro 3.5" intake, M50 manifold, ASC delete, tune.
-Baverian Soundwerks stereo upgrade (It's the ultimate driving machine, but definitely not the ultimate listening machine)
-Rewrap interior in Modena or Red leather (I'm leaning towards red, but this won't be for a very long time)
Obviously it's going to take a while for all those things to get done but I'm in no rush. I want to keep the car as clean as possible and mostly OEM. And here are a few pics from this summer and winter.
And here is a picture of the rag after I used the Leatherique.
I'm going to use it again this summer, but this time I'll put bags over the seats so the product can really get into the leather. I took before and after pictures of the interior, but they came out terribly and you can't see the difference. In person it was very noticeable.
And on a random note, I was looking through the old pics in this thread and this one made me laugh...
So much has changed since this pic. The Ford Edge was replaced by a X5, the Sebring was replaced by a 328ix, my friend's tC is about to be replaced by a black '98 M3 w/ a worked S52, and the Corrado is long gone.
In other news, I'll be graduating college in a little under 4 months so I've started to compile a list of things that will be done to the car (after I get a job of course):
-Purchase a daily driver (thinking E53 X5, 335ix, or an Audi)
-Basic Tune up (plugs, filters, fluids)
-New brake pads (probably Akebono for better performance and less dust)
-Fix my headliner and rewrap the rear shelf
-Cooling system refresh (new water pump, thermostat, Z3 S54 or Zionsville radiator, etc) Mine should be fine for a few more years, but I'd rather do it preventatively.
-Complete suspension refresh (replace all bushings, subframe reinforcement, shock tower reinforcement) Maybe buy coilovers, but not for a while.
-Replace all window trim, weather stripping, and replace windshield trim (the windshield trim is really dry rotted, no pics of it though)
-Stromung Catback exhaust w/ Euro 3.5" intake, M50 manifold, ASC delete, tune.
-Baverian Soundwerks stereo upgrade (It's the ultimate driving machine, but definitely not the ultimate listening machine)
-Rewrap interior in Modena or Red leather (I'm leaning towards red, but this won't be for a very long time)
Obviously it's going to take a while for all those things to get done but I'm in no rush. I want to keep the car as clean as possible and mostly OEM. And here are a few pics from this summer and winter.
And here is a picture of the rag after I used the Leatherique.
I'm going to use it again this summer, but this time I'll put bags over the seats so the product can really get into the leather. I took before and after pictures of the interior, but they came out terribly and you can't see the difference. In person it was very noticeable.
And on a random note, I was looking through the old pics in this thread and this one made me laugh...
So much has changed since this pic. The Ford Edge was replaced by a X5, the Sebring was replaced by a 328ix, my friend's tC is about to be replaced by a black '98 M3 w/ a worked S52, and the Corrado is long gone.
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- 4,213
- Puerto Rico
- motortrend
^Owning a bimmer affects everyone around you something similar happened with my family
something similar happened with my family
- 1,301
- Pennsylvania
^Owning a bimmer affects everyone around you
They're infectious haha. I nearly had my dad convinced on an E92 M3 coupe, but he ended up with his dream car (Challenger SRT8).
- 4,213
- Puerto Rico
- motortrend
Can't blame him, I was persuading mine to go for the Cayman but he wanted the E92 M3 since a long time ago. Then again, now that I've driven it I wouldn't change it for a Cayman.
- 1,301
- Pennsylvania
Well everybody it's been a little year since I bought my M3 and so far everything has been great! The car is still stock (for now and I'll get to that) and it has recently rolled over 77,000 fun filled miles.
I just got the car aligned yesterday so it no longer pulls to the right and it handles much better, it definitely oversteers a little more but it's very manageable. And I mentioned modification plans in a previous previous post and things are going to be a little out of order. I'm going to do the slightly irresponsible thing and purchase an exhaust first before tackling maintenance and other stuff. I have an opportunity to purchase a Rogue Engineering DMS at a great price and I've decided to go that route. It's slightly louder and I'm not totally sold on how the twin muffler setup will look on my otherwise stock car, but based on all the reviews I've read the Rogue exhaust and Stromung are two of the best when it comes to a balance of tone and volume.
After that purchase I'll go back to saving and preparing myself for other maintenance that will surely happen at some point. And hopefully I'll have some good pictures for you all soon enough, my friend Andrew who is a photographer for LoweredLifestyle and StanceCoalition wants to go shoot our cars (he also has a Cosmos M3 coupe).
Thanks for looking!
I just got the car aligned yesterday so it no longer pulls to the right and it handles much better, it definitely oversteers a little more but it's very manageable. And I mentioned modification plans in a previous previous post and things are going to be a little out of order. I'm going to do the slightly irresponsible thing and purchase an exhaust first before tackling maintenance and other stuff. I have an opportunity to purchase a Rogue Engineering DMS at a great price and I've decided to go that route. It's slightly louder and I'm not totally sold on how the twin muffler setup will look on my otherwise stock car, but based on all the reviews I've read the Rogue exhaust and Stromung are two of the best when it comes to a balance of tone and volume.
After that purchase I'll go back to saving and preparing myself for other maintenance that will surely happen at some point. And hopefully I'll have some good pictures for you all soon enough, my friend Andrew who is a photographer for LoweredLifestyle and StanceCoalition wants to go shoot our cars (he also has a Cosmos M3 coupe).
Thanks for looking!
- 1,301
- Pennsylvania
Haha thanks! Although I think the $6k it takes to buy one might cost you less than spending your life in prison...
In other news, I have a job interview with an investment management company coming up so that means I may have a source of income! That obviously means more attention for the M... given that the interview and everything goes well. In the meantime, I'll just have to spend my graduation/birthday money on the car.
- 7,173
- Jakarta
haha congrats ! i'm still in college so i when i saw someone like you who had just graduated and got an E36 M3, i just have to envy you man ! anyways good luck on the interview, hope you got accepted 👍
- 1,301
- Pennsylvania
- 7,173
- Jakarta
Haha i hope so, but from where i live its nearly impossible to get one of these unless i have a connection
- 1,301
- Pennsylvania
UPDATE TIME! Long story short, I got the job and now I have some money to spend... until my student loans take over my life haha.
SHINY THINGS
No more candles for headlights!
And they come with the aim motors and switch to control the height/level of the projector which is a pretty cool "rest of the world" option.
And then I'll be picking up this shiny thing on Saturday!
And the car goes in on Monday to have the headliner and pillars wrapped in black microsuede. That one was a gift from my parents for my birthday. After all of this is done, I'll go back to saving until I buy a new steering wheel around the end of fall. Around winter I should be able to start tackling the cooling system and suspension. This is all quite different than what I had originally planned a few posts ago haha. Things really change once you're part of the real world!
SHINY THINGS
No more candles for headlights!
And they come with the aim motors and switch to control the height/level of the projector which is a pretty cool "rest of the world" option.
And then I'll be picking up this shiny thing on Saturday!
And the car goes in on Monday to have the headliner and pillars wrapped in black microsuede. That one was a gift from my parents for my birthday. After all of this is done, I'll go back to saving until I buy a new steering wheel around the end of fall. Around winter I should be able to start tackling the cooling system and suspension. This is all quite different than what I had originally planned a few posts ago haha. Things really change once you're part of the real world!
- 1,301
- Pennsylvania
Just picked it up today and I'll hopefully be installing it tonight!
New rouge engineering DMS by Jersh., on Flickr
This thing is looks amazing. The welds, the finish, everything.
New rouge engineering DMS by Jersh., on FlickrThis thing is looks amazing. The welds, the finish, everything.
CAMAROBOY69
Premium
- 18,567
- Michigan
- CAMAROBOY69
Ohhhh so shiny and beautiful. 
