E90 M3

M3-FAST · 05-30-2009, 11:29 AM

Well, had the M3 for a few weeks now and really lovin' it!

I did promise that I would do a better write up as well as detail a few subtle mods I have done......

The car is largely exactly as I expected.....and more!

Compared to the 'vert the interior is better. The leather on the seats is very soft and supple and the seats are nicer and more supportive than the already excellent M-sport ones I had in the 'vert. I am pleased I went for the fox red and would not change this if ordering again. The latest I drive is a revelation. the shortcut buttons make navigating the functions very easy. being ablt to jump from Media to Nav to Phone by one keypress is great and allows the shortcut buttons to be used for other things. The Nav is missing the infamous 7 digit search but the display on the HD LCD screen is superb. Especially the split function so I can mess with the Media as well as keep an eye on the nav directions. The phone pairs perfectly with my Nokia and I have experienced no problems or dropouts. The connected drive feature is also great and allows places to be sent from a computer to the car and pre-programmed into the nav

The logic 7 stereo IMO is a must purchase for anybody spec'ing a new car who enjoys their music. It has a 13 speaker setup (4 in each door, 2 underseat subs, 2 rear shelf and one centre speaker) - I am still messing with settings and refining them to make it sound even better but the bass and punchiness is great! When a CD is inserted it can be burned to the HDD as there is 13GB free for media. It burns pretty quick and by about track 3 the rest of the disc has burned into memory

Engine! What can I say! The 4 litre V8 sounds amazing. The burble it makes is superb and makes you want to 'press on' all the time. The missus can't believe how noisy it is in the morning when I drive down our road! It has excellent power delivery, could maybe do with a bit more grunt low down but once the revs climb, so does the mph's!! I am trying to keep it below 5500RPM for running in (Yes running in Carlos!!) but this has been exceeded once or twice

DCT gearbox is spot on and am so pleased I opted for it. Seamless fast sharp gearchanges when you want them, and a pussycat auto for knocking about town. At 30mph it is happy trundling along in 7th and trying to re-coup a few mpg's! Overall it is averaging about 16mpg ish.

The suspension is great and whilst firm, does not crash about like the 'vert did. I put this down largely to the non RFT tyres, as you can actually tell that the tyres are absorbing some of the road imperfections. Tramlining is less evident and the car feels VERY planted on the road. I have kept all the DSC settings on at the moment but may have a play once its run and the 1200 mile service done

Right, MODS! I have tried to keep them subtle - I don't want 'in your face' mods but rather ones that make you look twice to see what's changed!

I have added an AC Schnitzer rep rear spoiler painted in AW. Also swapped the chrome front grille for one finished in carbon fibre with matt black slats. Keeping the matt black theme I have added some some new side grilles to replace the stock chrome ones. These have M badges in Black/grey/silver which now match the Carbon style roundels I have fitted to the steering wheel, Alloys centre caps, bonnet and boot.

I have got some LED angel eyes to pop in yet to complete the clean white look but not got round to fitting these as yet!

When it was new I applied three layers of DoDo Juice 'Light Fantastic' and sealed the wheels with 'poorboys' wheal sealant and that has made todays mini-detail all the more easier! The dirt (and dead flys

) is literally falling off with just water. This morning I got up and before the sun came out managed to wash it, dry with microfibre, top up the shine with some Meg's 'quick detailer', clean and polish the rims, prep the tyres and clean the glass inside and out.

Thought I would share some better pics with the mods completed......

J1220 · 05-30-2009, 12:06 PM

Looks amazing. Tastefully done to and not over the top.

Where did you source the bits from?

Im looking into changing the side grills on mine to match the glass black front grills. Any thoughts on chhanging the exhaust or would that affect the warranty?

willhollin · 05-30-2009, 12:19 PM

Looks lovely Paul, love it!

M3-FAST · 05-30-2009, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J1220

Looks amazing. Tastefully done to and not over the top.

Where did you source the bits from?

Im looking into changing the side grills on mine to match the glass black front grills. Any thoughts on chhanging the exhaust or would that affect the warranty?

I like the grilles but have only seen them in matt black. All the bits have been sourced from ebay and have had them sitting in my garage for months lol!

I have not considered the exhaust really mainly due to the fact that I don't want the car any louder. Biscuits is selling his cat back one on here and is a bargain really (think he wants £350 for it?)

Dr Dave · 05-30-2009, 12:31 PM

I love your plate Paul, perfect!

16mpg? WOW!

Speedtrap · 05-30-2009, 01:13 PM

Nice cosmetic mod Paul

are you not thinking of dropping the car at all?

MIKEYBMW1 · 05-30-2009, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M3-FAST

I like the grilles but have only seen them in matt black. All the bits have been sourced from ebay and have had them sitting in my garage for months lol!

I have not considered the exhaust really mainly due to the fact that I don't want the car any louder. Biscuits is selling his cat back one on here and is a bargain really (think he wants £350 for it?)

nice mate , by the way I have bought that exhaust of Biscuits

ed335d · 05-30-2009, 01:40 PM

Looks lovely - proper car porn

Speedtrap · 05-30-2009, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MIKEYBMW1

nice mate , by the way I have bought that exhaust of Biscuits

Good one mate, great sound but its a big shame the tips were not bigger.

mjh93sa · 05-30-2009, 02:56 PM

That looks soooo nice! Congrats!

Having switched to Dodo as well (Supernatural) I have to say that I am very impressed with the results.

G33 · 05-30-2009, 03:06 PM

i used a bit of Dodo Red Mist today

car looks lovely mate

SiKkBaSs · 05-30-2009, 03:18 PM

I'm liking the spoiler. The black badges hmmm not sure. I would rather put 'em on a black car. But to each their own. Beautiful car.

PS Good to see you changed the number plates

G33 · 05-30-2009, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lightweight

I'm liking the spoiler. The black badges hmmm not sure. I would rather put 'em on a black car. But to each their own. Beautiful car.

PS Good to see you changed the number plates

i wud rather not put them on at all but yes... each to their own!

MIKEYBMW1 · 05-30-2009, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Speedtrap

Good one mate, great sound but its a big shame the tips were not bigger.

oh are the tips small then ? really wanted them larger diameter than the standard ones

Carrera RSR · 05-30-2009, 04:27 PM

Can't believe they let you have the car before my demo appointment

Absof**kinglutety beautiful car

Z4 Beemer · 05-30-2009, 04:40 PM

You have obviously been busy... and the car is looking terrific!

I also gave my wheels a coat of poorboys wheel sealer and agree that it does make subsequent cleaning much easier. One of your photos suggest you are keeping the backs of the wheels clean also.

Interesting to hear the comments on Dodo products - will need to look in more detail at them after the Menz 85RD3.02 had arrived and I manage to shift some bird poo etchings from the roof.

Where did you get the LED angel eyes from... or is it just the actual bulbs?

quattrogmbh · 05-30-2009, 05:41 PM

very tasteful.
I've been using PB wheel sealant and Swissvax Autobahn for years. Have recently tried the Gtechniq wheel sealant and am very impressed. can nearly clean the wheels with pressure washer alone. certainly dont need any chemical.

dxb335d · 05-30-2009, 06:04 PM

Ok,

It looks good mate, youve done a steve with the mods, but it does work well.

Couple of questions,

1) have you hit the 155mph limiter yet
2)have you disabled DSC yet?
3)if not WHY THE FACK NOT.

and and 4) what was your reason for saloon over coupe?

M3-FAST · 05-30-2009, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dxb335d

Ok,

It looks good mate, youve done a steve with the mods, but it does work well.

Couple of questions,

1) have you hit the 155mph limiter yet
2)have you disabled DSC yet?
3)if not WHY THE FACK NOT.

and and 4) what was your reason for saloon over coupe?

Actually Carl, I haven't 'done a Steve' as I have had all of those bits sitting in my garage for months. I even PM'd Steve a few links of where I got them so he could buy the same parts himself as he was going down similar mod routes - we just share good taste! I have had a new white M3 on order since Feb and had a mental picture of what it would look like since that very day. It now looks as I imagined without 'copying' anybody!

Only thing I 'may' change now will be the wheels, but that will involve a new set, not painting my existing rims. Might go the 'Autovogue' route as I have never seen them fitted to an M3 and they are local and may be able to 'try before I buy!'

As for your other questions.......

1) I have not hit 155mph yet no.
2) I have not disabled DSC yet no.
3) Majority of my miles have had my 5 week old son in the back.
4) Q3 has just answered question no. 4 !!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by quattrogmbh

very tasteful.
I've been using PB wheel sealant and Swissvax Autobahn for years. Have recently tried the Gtechniq wheel sealant and am very impressed. can nearly clean the wheels with pressure washer alone. certainly dont need any chemical.

Will look out for that sealant but poorboys seems pretty good also - I have heard very good reports about the Swissvax

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z4 Beemer

You have obviously been busy... and the car is looking terrific!

I also gave my wheels a coat of poorboys wheel sealer and agree that it does make subsequent cleaning much easier. One of your photos suggest you are keeping the backs of the wheels clean also.

Interesting to hear the comments on Dodo products - will need to look in more detail at them after the Menz 85RD3.02 had arrived and I manage to shift some bird poo etchings from the roof.

Where did you get the LED angel eyes from... or is it just the actual bulbs?

DoDo Wax is terrific, am very impressed so far! Goes on (and off) very easily too!

Got the LEd angels off ebay - will fit soon as I get another few hours spare from family life!

Quote:

Originally Posted by carrerarsr

Can't believe they let you have the car before my demo appointment

Absofuckinglutety beautiful car

Ha ha - had it from brand new in the end! I heard they cancelled your test drive

lol

Quote:

Originally Posted by G33

i wud rather not put them on at all but yes... each to their own!

I like the 'monochrome' look - now gonna get my rear M badge professionally decalled to match the front wing badges in Black/grey/silver

Quote:

Originally Posted by lightweight

I'm liking the spoiler. The black badges hmmm not sure. I would rather put 'em on a black car. But to each their own. Beautiful car.

PS Good to see you changed the number plates

I think the badges suit a white car the same as a black car - would not put 'em on a red or blue one tho'

I had to change the plates!!!! lol

Quote:

Originally Posted by G33

i used a bit of Dodo Red Mist today

car looks lovely mate

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjh93sa

That looks soooo nice! Congrats!

Having switched to Dodo as well (Supernatural) I have to say that I am very impressed with the results.

DoDo rules

Quote:

Originally Posted by MIKEYBMW1

nice mate , by the way I have bought that exhaust of Biscuits

excellent! Bargain of the year!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Speedtrap

Nice cosmetic mod Paul

are you not thinking of dropping the car at all?

Would love to but don't want to ruin the ride.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr Dave

I love your plate Paul, perfect!

16mpg? WOW!

16 was being conservative!

blue2fire · 05-31-2009, 01:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ed335d

Looks lovely - proper car porn

blue2fire · 05-31-2009, 01:27 AM

Lovely M3, must have paid a fortune for that plate.

Parbox · 05-31-2009, 02:02 PM

Hi mate - it looks great!

I have had mine for a few weeks now and really starting to enjoy it now that I have got used to not having the low down grunt of the 335 - I just have to work the 6mt more.

Wait to you get to sink the revs into the red in M dynamic mode - its fantastic and I hope it wont get me into too much trouble.

Really loving the M mode on the traction control - just the right amount of give.

I got mine used with 5K on the clock (graphite with bamboo leather) - therefore no run in peroiod

Have fun!!!

05-30-2009, 11:29 AM	#1
M3-FAST Defected to the dark side..... 219 Rep 5,796 Posts Drives: BMW M5 LCi Join Date: May 2007 Location: Stafford, UK iTrader: (11) Garage List 2015 BMW M4 [0.00] 2009 E90 M3 [10.00] 2007 325i M-sport C ... [9.00]	E90 M3 - 3 weeks in and pics of a few mods.... Well, had the M3 for a few weeks now and really lovin' it! I did promise that I would do a better write up as well as detail a few subtle mods I have done...... The car is largely exactly as I expected.....and more! Compared to the 'vert the interior is better. The leather on the seats is very soft and supple and the seats are nicer and more supportive than the already excellent M-sport ones I had in the 'vert. I am pleased I went for the fox red and would not change this if ordering again. The latest I drive is a revelation. the shortcut buttons make navigating the functions very easy. being ablt to jump from Media to Nav to Phone by one keypress is great and allows the shortcut buttons to be used for other things. The Nav is missing the infamous 7 digit search but the display on the HD LCD screen is superb. Especially the split function so I can mess with the Media as well as keep an eye on the nav directions. The phone pairs perfectly with my Nokia and I have experienced no problems or dropouts. The connected drive feature is also great and allows places to be sent from a computer to the car and pre-programmed into the nav The logic 7 stereo IMO is a must purchase for anybody spec'ing a new car who enjoys their music. It has a 13 speaker setup (4 in each door, 2 underseat subs, 2 rear shelf and one centre speaker) - I am still messing with settings and refining them to make it sound even better but the bass and punchiness is great! When a CD is inserted it can be burned to the HDD as there is 13GB free for media. It burns pretty quick and by about track 3 the rest of the disc has burned into memory Engine! What can I say! The 4 litre V8 sounds amazing. The burble it makes is superb and makes you want to 'press on' all the time. The missus can't believe how noisy it is in the morning when I drive down our road! It has excellent power delivery, could maybe do with a bit more grunt low down but once the revs climb, so does the mph's!! I am trying to keep it below 5500RPM for running in (Yes running in Carlos!!) but this has been exceeded once or twice DCT gearbox is spot on and am so pleased I opted for it. Seamless fast sharp gearchanges when you want them, and a pussycat auto for knocking about town. At 30mph it is happy trundling along in 7th and trying to re-coup a few mpg's! Overall it is averaging about 16mpg ish. The suspension is great and whilst firm, does not crash about like the 'vert did. I put this down largely to the non RFT tyres, as you can actually tell that the tyres are absorbing some of the road imperfections. Tramlining is less evident and the car feels VERY planted on the road. I have kept all the DSC settings on at the moment but may have a play once its run and the 1200 mile service done Right, MODS! I have tried to keep them subtle - I don't want 'in your face' mods but rather ones that make you look twice to see what's changed! I have added an AC Schnitzer rep rear spoiler painted in AW. Also swapped the chrome front grille for one finished in carbon fibre with matt black slats. Keeping the matt black theme I have added some some new side grilles to replace the stock chrome ones. These have M badges in Black/grey/silver which now match the Carbon style roundels I have fitted to the steering wheel, Alloys centre caps, bonnet and boot. I have got some LED angel eyes to pop in yet to complete the clean white look but not got round to fitting these as yet! When it was new I applied three layers of DoDo Juice 'Light Fantastic' and sealed the wheels with 'poorboys' wheal sealant and that has made todays mini-detail all the more easier! The dirt (and dead flys ) is literally falling off with just water. This morning I got up and before the sun came out managed to wash it, dry with microfibre, top up the shine with some Meg's 'quick detailer', clean and polish the rims, prep the tyres and clean the glass inside and out. Thought I would share some better pics with the mods completed...... Attached Images
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05-30-2009, 12:06 PM	#2
J1220 Private 11 Rep 96 Posts Drives: M3 Coupe 09 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Looks amazing. Tastefully done to and not over the top. Where did you source the bits from? Im looking into changing the side grills on mine to match the glass black front grills. Any thoughts on chhanging the exhaust or would that affect the warranty?
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05-30-2009, 12:19 PM	#3
willhollin Major General 275 Rep 9,914 Posts Drives: VW T5 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Worcestershire iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 BMW E92 330d SE [10.00] 2010 Transporter T5 ... [0.00]	Looks lovely Paul, love it! __________________
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05-30-2009, 12:31 PM	#5
Dr Dave Zummerzet Zyder Drinker! 117 Rep 5,541 Posts Drives: '06 330D Le Mans Blue Join Date: May 2009 Location: Somerset iTrader: (3) Garage List 2006 330d M Sport [0.00]	I love your plate Paul, perfect! 16mpg? WOW! __________________
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05-30-2009, 01:13 PM	#6
Speedtrap Lieutenant Colonel 62 Rep 1,797 Posts Drives: A very fast car :) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: London iTrader: (0)	Nice cosmetic mod Paul are you not thinking of dropping the car at all? __________________
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05-30-2009, 01:40 PM	#8
ed335d Major General 147 Rep 6,912 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Surrey, UK iTrader: (3)	Looks lovely - proper car porn __________________ E92 M3, Jerez Black, Fox Red Novillo, 19'' M Double Spoke, folding mirrors, lumbar support, front seat heating, PDC, USB, DAB, EDC, Bluetooth, Logic 7, High Gloss Shadowline, big smile
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05-30-2009, 02:56 PM	#10
mjh93sa Major General 150 Rep 5,080 Posts Drives: 530d Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Gloucestershire iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 BMW M135i [10.00] 2011 Mini Countryma ... [5.50]	That looks soooo nice! Congrats! Having switched to Dodo as well (Supernatural) I have to say that I am very impressed with the results. __________________ Gone: Fiesta - Focus - E46 320dSE - E91 330dMSport - E82 135iMSport - R55 JCW Clubman - M135i Now: 530d
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05-30-2009, 03:06 PM	#11
G33 Colonel 104 Rep 2,079 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: London iTrader: (0)	i used a bit of Dodo Red Mist today car looks lovely mate
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05-30-2009, 03:18 PM	#12
SiKkBaSs GTR'in it 186 Rep 4,434 Posts Drives: Nissan GTR Black Edition Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Kensington, London iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	I'm liking the spoiler. The black badges hmmm not sure. I would rather put 'em on a black car. But to each their own. Beautiful car. PS Good to see you changed the number plates
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05-30-2009, 04:27 PM	#15
Carrera RSR Colonel 76 Rep 2,937 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Location: Location: iTrader: (1)	Can't believe they let you have the car before my demo appointment Absof**kinglutety beautiful car
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05-30-2009, 04:40 PM	#16
Z4 Beemer Colonel 86 Rep 2,353 Posts Drives: 2009 Z4 sDrive 23i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Glasgow, Scotland, UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 E92 [0.00] 2004 Z4 2.2i [8.00]	You have obviously been busy... and the car is looking terrific! I also gave my wheels a coat of poorboys wheel sealer and agree that it does make subsequent cleaning much easier. One of your photos suggest you are keeping the backs of the wheels clean also. Interesting to hear the comments on Dodo products - will need to look in more detail at them after the Menz 85RD3.02 had arrived and I manage to shift some bird poo etchings from the roof. Where did you get the LED angel eyes from... or is it just the actual bulbs? __________________ E89 Z4 sDrive 23i... for the more discerning driver
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05-30-2009, 05:41 PM	#17
quattrogmbh Captain 27 Rep 635 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Location iTrader: (0)	very tasteful. I've been using PB wheel sealant and Swissvax Autobahn for years. Have recently tried the Gtechniq wheel sealant and am very impressed. can nearly clean the wheels with pressure washer alone. certainly dont need any chemical.
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05-30-2009, 06:04 PM	#18
dxb335d The Tarmac Terrorist 1035 Rep 29,344 Posts Drives: 997.2 GT3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: ''Fandango Towers'' iTrader: (3) Garage List 2010 Porsche 997.2 GT3 [9.50] 2003 BMW E46 M3 [6.00] 2007 BMW E92 335D [5.50]	Ok, It looks good mate, youve done a steve with the mods, but it does work well. Couple of questions, 1) have you hit the 155mph limiter yet 2)have you disabled DSC yet? 3)if not WHY THE FACK NOT. and and 4) what was your reason for saloon over coupe? __________________ 997.2 GT3
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05-31-2009, 02:02 PM	#22
Parbox Enlisted Member 1 Rep 38 Posts Drives: 1M Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Surrey, UK iTrader: (0)	Hi mate - it looks great! I have had mine for a few weeks now and really starting to enjoy it now that I have got used to not having the low down grunt of the 335 - I just have to work the 6mt more. Wait to you get to sink the revs into the red in M dynamic mode - its fantastic and I hope it wont get me into too much trouble. Really loving the M mode on the traction control - just the right amount of give. I got mine used with 5K on the clock (graphite with bamboo leather) - therefore no run in peroiod Have fun!!!
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