The new IM LATE - E46 M3

[im late]

Hey All,

Was looking at getting a 34 GTR when I sold the EVO. I took one for an extended test drive, I loved it..

Then a few weeks later I took an E46 M3 for an extended test drive, I loved it WAY more!!

So the search was on for a nice example for myself.

I had picky criteria:

- It had to be manual
- Black, silver or grey only
- Wood grain free interior
- Harmon Kardon 12 Speaker stereo factory option
- Low kms
- Full BMW service history from new
- Stock/unmodified example
- All earlier BMW campaigns had to have been done already
- And first or second owner

After looking for three months on forums, papers, internet, magazines and even word of mouth, I finally came across a grey September 2002 model all the way in Newcastle, NSW.

So I made the decision to buy it.

The whole inspection/purchase/transport and DPI pit inspection process was (luckily) a great success.

There are plans to mod, but not until after Christmas:

- BBS LM 19 x 9.5 +32mm Fronts and 19 x 11 +25mm Rears (pictures of the rims on the black M3 below)
- KW Variant 2 Coliovers
- Supersprint Race Exhaust with connecting mid pipes (non resonated)
- Bavarian Soundworks complete audio upgrade (all factory fitting, so no butchering)

"Maybe" mods:

- Supersprint Step Headers with Supersprint metallic cat system
- Stoptech 380mm 6 pot fronts and 355mm 4 pot rear brake kit
- VF Engineering "Streetsport" Supercharger System (opinions anyone on this kit?)

Not sure if I am going to put the "IM LATE" plates on it...............

Finally I have car that is not going to spend more time in the workshop than driving! (those who know me know what I have been through) :)

Hope to see you out there. :)

P.S. Sorry about the poor photos, I hope to ask someone with a cool camera who knows how to shoot great picks to help me out. :)

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd180/im_late/M3/IMG_0521.jpg
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd180/im_late/M3/IMG_0531.jpg
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd180/im_late/M3/BMWM34.jpg

The BBS LMs:

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd180/im_late/M3/M31.jpg
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd180/im_late/M3/M33.jpg
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd180/im_late/M3/M32.jpg

[HANS YOLO]

beautifull!

can i ask what you ended up paying?

[carlos spicy wener]

so much want.

when are you hoping to get the LM's?

[Jaak]

nice buy , just out of curiosity ,how did it perform against the R34 performance wise?

[Deke]

thats just perfect one of my most fav cars ever!

[im late]

so much want.

when are you hoping to get the LM's?
After Xmas, which really means prob feb next year (after sea frieght from O/S)

[im late]

beautifull!

can i ask what you ended up paying?
High 40's

[im late]

nice buy , just out of curiosity ,how did it perform against the R34 performance wise?
The skyline had greater performance than the M3 (not HUGE though)

However I had the opportunity to properly drive both cars through mundaring and to York and found that the M3 was giving me a more pleasurable driving experience than the GTR. This is my personal experience and I am in no way saying the GTR is no good, I just enjoyed driving the M3 way more than the GTR.

If the opporunity arises, I will still one day grab a 34 GTR as well (more a dream than a possbility).

[Lonewolf]

bombed!
how will the brake clearance be with the LM's, wated a set for my car but spoke clearance was an issue.

the VF kits i've seen have had issues with the blowers dying, what type of blower does it run, a V9 or V1/V2?

[_oz]

love the car, love the colour, and absolutely love the wheels!!

[jaybee]

so...much...awesome!!

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd180/im_late/M3/M33.jpg

[im late]

bombed!
how will the brake clearance be with the LM's, wated a set for my car but spoke clearance was an issue.

the VF kits i've seen have had issues with the blowers dying, what type of blower does it run, a V9 or V1/V2?
I will get the wheels first (as they are really the only wheels I want on the car) and then when I am ready to buy the brake kit I will have proper measurments done. If they dont fit then I look elsewhere or bin the idea of a brake upgrade.

Thanks for your info on the VF kit, below is the kit in more detail:

- Supercharger system setup for 4.0-4.5 psi
- V3-SC trim supercharger system (non cooled)
- Replacement cast intake manifold prepared for aftercooler cartridge
- High flow fuel injectors
- Bosch MAF housing
- GIAC ECU flash

PSI: 4.0-4.5 (Stock: n/a)
HP: 420 (Stock: 333)
Torque: 320 (Stock: 262)

It is not a HUGE increase in power but even though the motor has factory reinforced forged steel conrods, graphite coated cast aluminum pistons and a forged steel crankshaft, I dont want to push the engine too hard (longevity).

This kit might be a pipe dream for WA if there is no one that has install/tune experience for this particular kit.

It is early days, I have alot to learn.

[im late]

love the car, love the colour, and absolutely love the wheels!!
Cheers!

[Lonewolf]

I will get the wheels first (as they are really the only wheels I want on the car) and then when I am ready to buy the brake kit I will have proper measurments done. If they dont fit then I look elsewhere or bin the idea of a brake upgrade.

Thanks for your info on the VF kit, below is the kit in more detail:

- Supercharger system setup for 4.0-4.5 psi
- V3-SC trim supercharger system (non cooled)
- Replacement cast intake manifold prepared for aftercooler cartridge
- High flow fuel injectors
- Bosch MAF housing
- GIAC ECU flash

PSI: 4.0-4.5 (Stock: n/a)
HP: 420 (Stock: 333)
Torque: 320 (Stock: 262)

It is not a HUGE increase in power but even though the motor has factory reinforced forged steel conrods, graphite coated cast aluminum pistons and a forged steel crankshaft, I dont want to push the engine too hard (longevity).

This kit might be a pipe dream for WA if there is no one that has install/tune experience for this particular kit.

It is early days, I have alot to learn.

Stoptech have good wheel clearance templates to download so you will be able to tell.
Marks workshop can do VF gear, but be prepared to be ripped a new asshole, they quoted me $12k for a stage 2 kit on my car.
Good thing about a blower is you keep the awesome engine note.
I'd rather do cams, open ITB's and tuned ECU :D

[Huy]

Nice one. I say enjoy the car as is for now and worry about the vf kit later!

[tinto]

Looks great - will be amazing hunkered down on the LMs.

(I have a set on my s15 :)

[Ryan1080]

Do want! One of my all time fave cars.

Those rims suit it well imo, love the dish.

[TJ]

LMs are truly one of the greatest rims of all time

E46 M3 is also a freaking awesome pickup, well done.

Will take pics for ride :D

[hsvp]

that does look awesome very nice pick up

[SKID5]

Man nice choice of colour.Gotta love the beemers

[adrenalin]

Fuck yes so bombed !

[[SPESHAL]]

Love it, very jealous. Nice colour too.

[cplagz]

ESS Tuning, HorsepowerFreaks and ActiveAutmowerke do FI for E46 Ms.

I know of a 3.2L built motor that's for sale - turbo mani, forged internals .etc

[kurbn]

jesus thats hot

[Marti]

So hot.love the bbs rims

[Scaf]

Very nice Adam well done!

[Stef]

very nice! wasnt the evo going to be the missus car at some point?

[Joe]

That is MINT.. love that colour too!!!

[doriae86]

Beautiful car. Would love one some day myself. Enjoy it

[mitchy]

sounds like people are getting confused as to which car is yours, and which is just showing off the LM's...

will look good if they are the same spec LM's going on it though!

[JME]

Great car, the chassis on BMW's is severly underated here. Can see why you chose the BMW.

BBS LM = TOP CHOICE SON!!!!

[confuzion]

nice pickup dude, looks absolutely amazing with the LM's and one of my fav cars of all time

[MISS 13B]

Nice choice mate. You just can't go wrong with an M3.
Perfect choice of wheels too.

[INSINR8R]

Nice! Love those LM's.

[[SPESHAL]]

More 19x11 BBS LM

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/thizishterry/92108/resize92108332.jpg

:boink:

[Brockas]

Awesome pickup Adam, let me know when you want some pics :)

[Fryman]

great choice of wheels :) they suit that car.

[grogers]

those rims suit it perfectly!
love the car

[Buckets]

God I love those M3's. The straight 6 sounds off chops. When I stop being poor I'm sooo going to have to have one of these.

[im late]

LMs are truly one of the greatest rims of all time

E46 M3 is also a freaking awesome pickup, well done.

Will take pics for ride :D
I invite you for a ride in the hills.

Wait............. that sounds gay

I invite you for a drive in the hills

Shit......... that still sounds gay

Look, you know what I mean. Anytime TJ. :)

[im late]

very nice! wasnt the evo going to be the missus car at some point?
It WAS, however plans changed. She was sick of the low fuel economy and harsh ride.

So I got her an outback and she loves it.

Happy wife.....happy life.

[im late]

sounds like people are getting confused as to which car is yours, and which is just showing off the LM's...

will look good if they are the same spec LM's going on it though!
I dont expect people to properly read my original post but it says that I bought a Grey M3.

Mine is the grey one with the BMW wheels and the black one is not mine.

I will be getting the exact same wheels/offset as the black one. It will cost a packet but I have learnt a long time ago to do it properly the first time.

[im late]

Awesome pickup Adam, let me know when you want some pics :)
Thanks for the offer Paul. I will be in touch. :)

[im late]

Thanks for the comments everyone. I have always wanted LM's (even on my three GTR's).

I took out a small loan to get the car so I should have that paid off after Christmas, then I'll order the LM's.

[RICEY]

Sweet ride always wanted an M

Will I get flamed for thinking the spokes/centre of the rims being colour coded would look hawt?

[adrenalin]

Sweet ride always wanted an M

Will I get flamed for thinking the spokes/centre of the rims being colour coded would look hawt?

Common look so no.

Would look shit hot as well

[dnl777]

Bombed car mang, so much want.