Backstory: I purchased a 2002 E46 M3 in January, 2012 with the intent of making it a Street/Track car. Fast forward two years later, and it was just a track car. I had a full cage done, complete front and rear aero, the suspension was completely upgraded, and the S54 was delivering as much power as a N/A S54 can (without spending thousands on it). I was able to get the weight down to about 2,600lbs (without driver) and it was putting down well over 300whp. It was a lot of fun and performed great, but at the end of the 2014 Season after three years of abuse the SMG started giving me problems. The car would sit for the next 3 years.
F80 M3: I bought a 2015 F80 M3 at the tail end of 2014. Originally, I wasn't planning to use it as a "replacement" for the M3, but between the SMG issues on the E46 and a lack of time/motivation to fix it, I quickly began prepping the F80 for track use. I was very surprised to find that the F80 was an extremely competent track vehicle. With just a Tune, Downpipes, Pads, Brake Fluid, and some other minor upgrades, I was able to run within 2 seconds of my fastest lap in the M3 at Watkins Glen.
2016-2017: Unfortunately, I did not have the time to do any events in 2016 and 2017. So, I wanted to come back in 2018 with a vengeance! I purchased two N54's, a DCT Transmission, various performance parts, stock parts, and a 2011 335is w/ 61k Miles to use as a donor vehicle to realize my dream - the same 2002 E46 M3 with an N54 and a DCT Transmission.
2018: Earlier this year, I began putting the puzzle pieces in place to make this a reality.
The M3 is currently at my body shop having a number of upgrades done. More on that later.
The 335is donor vehicle has been stripped down and the new wiring harness is in the process of being built, among other things.
A number of performance parts have been either installed or are on order from various vendors. More to come on that later as well.
I have swapped S54's into E46 Sedans, E36's, and even a Datsun. I've rebuilt and replaced several S54's, so I have a lot of experience with the platform, BMW's wiring, etc. Everything has been pre-planned out so this should be fairly straight-forward, albeit slow moving. I will keep the thread updated as things progress.
Here's some photos of the 335is in its current state:
F80 M3: I bought a 2015 F80 M3 at the tail end of 2014. Originally, I wasn't planning to use it as a "replacement" for the M3, but between the SMG issues on the E46 and a lack of time/motivation to fix it, I quickly began prepping the F80 for track use. I was very surprised to find that the F80 was an extremely competent track vehicle. With just a Tune, Downpipes, Pads, Brake Fluid, and some other minor upgrades, I was able to run within 2 seconds of my fastest lap in the M3 at Watkins Glen.
2016-2017: Unfortunately, I did not have the time to do any events in 2016 and 2017. So, I wanted to come back in 2018 with a vengeance! I purchased two N54's, a DCT Transmission, various performance parts, stock parts, and a 2011 335is w/ 61k Miles to use as a donor vehicle to realize my dream - the same 2002 E46 M3 with an N54 and a DCT Transmission.
2018: Earlier this year, I began putting the puzzle pieces in place to make this a reality.
The M3 is currently at my body shop having a number of upgrades done. More on that later.
The 335is donor vehicle has been stripped down and the new wiring harness is in the process of being built, among other things.
A number of performance parts have been either installed or are on order from various vendors. More to come on that later as well.
I have swapped S54's into E46 Sedans, E36's, and even a Datsun. I've rebuilt and replaced several S54's, so I have a lot of experience with the platform, BMW's wiring, etc. Everything has been pre-planned out so this should be fairly straight-forward, albeit slow moving. I will keep the thread updated as things progress.
Here's some photos of the 335is in its current state:
