2003 BMW Alpine White / Imola Red M3 E46

Got to!

I am still a JDM guy at heart.

HKS FTW!

I also got something else for the M3 I will post it in a bit.

 

Could be, my brother was talking to me about another coilover company I think called BC that makes them for APEXi and Greddy. So maybe.

 

yeah, Bor Chuan. they just released their own line of coilovers as well. they make Megan RAcing coilovers too. kind of interesting knowing about this. makes me wonder about a lot of the name brand companies.

 

wow i have been gone for a little while and i come back and everyone had or has clean ass new cars....

very nice car daniel...im jealous....

so whats next mod?

 

M3 e46 HKS Hipermax Installed and Lowered

Update: I have gotten the HKS Hipermax coilovers installed by Darin at West End Alignment in Gardena. The alignment was done as well as corner balancing. I just must say I tip my hat of to Darin. He is very professional and takes great pride in his work. He spent quite of bit of time on my car to get it perfect.

Anyone in SoCal looking to get some suspesion work done, please do yourself a favor and trust yourself to Darin. His reputation speaks for itself. Just vist any forum whether you have a M3, NSX, Porsche, S2000, 350Z, etc. you will only hear good things about him. He will take some time prior to install to discuss your needs about your suspension and will suit the setup to match your preferences. Remember he works by appointment only usually 2 weeks in advance as he gets booked up.

18008 S Vermont Ave
Gardena, CA 90248
(310) 808-9233

Ok, about HKS Hipermax Coilvers. I must say these are exactly what I wanted. The ride is extremely comfortable and even when lowered it rides much better than stock. The spring rates are perfect for the street and firm enough for spirited driving. (I chose a softer dampening, for driving around town). The quality is top notch and I really love the look of the traditional anodized HKS purple. The M3 was moderately lowered and has much more threading to go down much lower. I chose for functionality than having it slammed. Well on to the pics.

 

HKS FTW

It Looks Great I Love the Idea Of Having
a Lower and More Comfortable Ride...

 

NEW M3 E46 BBS ZCP 19" Wheels

I also forgot to post, I did get some new wheels. Actually I bought the same wheels I had on before, just new. The old set had too many curb marks for my taste. As most know I am a little pretentious when it comes to shit like that. Here are pics of the old wheels, which already have been sold.
http://www.jdmchat.com/showthread.php?t=4585

Anyhow they are OEM BBS ZCP 19" Wheels from the Competition Package sometimes they are referred to CSL Wheels but the fronts are 19" x 8" (instead of 19" x 8.5") and the rears are 19" x 9.5". I kept the existing tires which are Bridgestones RE050A and had VIP STATUS (Formerly know as "STATUS") do the install. I chose them to do the install as they are known to work on high end cars and didn't want to risk getting any scratches on my new wheels. Thanks Rick for the great service. http://www.vipstatususa.com

Here are a few pics, sorry they are crappy as I used my iPhone.

M3 with no wheels.

Check of the LS-F. The blue color looks awesome in person.

A group shot.

My M on the lift.

Wow this is what I call VIP!

Queen Latifah's Benz.

 

Thanks. I will take more shots on a level ground. My driveway slopes some.

 

looks stock :ermm:

congrats on having them in though.

 

No way does it look stock. Look at the first picture in the thread, this car was high. There was about 3 fingers all around. Now on a level suface there is about 1/2. It is pretty low, no wheel gap.

 

thats so cherry.

where did you get your hks coilovers i would like some but they are hard to find for the IS300.

 

I get HKS (retailer).

Also there is no HKS coilover applications for IS300.

 

there was, they were discontinued. but they may still make the altezza app i dont know. but as far as i know they would be the same

 

all of the good stuff for my car is discontinued

 

Well I haven't posted anything in a while. I had a couple of things need to be fixed. Constant Pressure Valve is leaking, FCABs (Front Control Arm Bushings) are shot and the passenger side seat belt pretensioner is faulty as well.
I did take it to South Bay BMW to fix everything under third party warranty, they wanted like $2300 for parts and labor. Anyhow the inspector from Vehicle Protection Plus came out to approve the repairs and decided to VOID my whole warranty due to the HKS suspension. I was like WTF???

So I am going to deal with them to get a refund for the remainder of the VOIDED warranty prorated of course and possibly see if I can recoupe some money from small claims court. Total :bs:

In the meantime emw1.com in Arcadia will do replace the CPV for $200 ($1400 is what South Bay BMW wanted), dipshits wanted to remove the header which isn't needed, guess they just want to charge the several hours worth of work cause that is what the book says. It is common leak and a little hard to get to, because of the tight fit, but alot M3 owners has Indy shops replace it in about 1.5 hours or did it themselves. I just don't have access to a lift.

Darin at WEST END will do the FCABs and front end alignment for $135, I am supplying the version 2 OEM bushings, the old ones were discontinued as they had problems with them failing in a short amount of time. Also, Ic an never say enough good comments about Darrin and his work.:thumbup:

And I will replace the seatbelt tensioner, part is $73.52 part number 72119119551 for reference (Again SB BMW wanted $500). #2 in diagram.



As for new parts nothing really new done to the M, I did have new version 2 OEM RTABs (Rear Trailing Arm Bushings) installed with the Ground Control Stability Kit. Greatly improved the rear end, as it was getting quite unstable at higher speed lane changes or on corners on the freeway. Now the front is acting up and they are toast but they will be fixed on Tuesday. Below is a picture of the GC Stability Kit, which are essentially strong plastic washers.



http://www.ground-control-store.com/products/description.php/II=673/CA=103

 

Here are a few pics after a car wash. I am thinking of going a little lower as there is quite alot of ground clearance and the ride quality is superb at the moment and am sure it will be great still if I go down about another 1/2".

I don't want it slammed, as I do like a mix of asthetics and function, but a tad tucked may look more agressive. What do you think?

I also got painted bumper lenses (OEM) from Turner Motorsports to get rid of the ugly amber markers. Probably the first mod that E46 owners do.

Here are some pics.

 

I think it looks great! But going a little lower would'nt hurt and you can always go back up if you loose any ride quality.

 

Thinking of putting my M3 on the market. Pretty much looks the same, not sure what will replace it but I have a couple ideas in mind.

 

GTR...........i mean........what?

 

LOL. I wish, not in this economy.