BMW E46 M3 Rear-End Restoration - Project Cologne: PT 14

In this episode of project Cologne, the track build continues with the BMW E46 330i 6-speed Touring. We reassemble the complete M3 rear-end with many upgrades such as solid alu bushings, camber arms, spherical bearings, we replace the fuel pump & fuel lines, diff input shaft seal, service the propshaft, install a short shifter, Delrin control arm bushings, Bilstein B16 PSS10 coilovers, Gauge.S, performance vibration damper (crank pulley), Recaro Pole Position seats, and head out to the Nürburgring for practice laps.
Sorek, Gauge.S, 10% off with code M539RESTOFF10 - m539.sorek.uk/
Bimmerworld - www.bimmerworld.com/
Yurkan, BMW strut braces (use code M539) - yurkancages.com/
Performance brakes & more, use CODE: M539 - www.brakes-shop.com/
Powder coating service - werners-pulverbeschichtung.de/
Valerio, car buying and transport service, email: [e-mail]
Valerio's YT channel - / @valerio-andrej
New Merch shop! - m539restorations.com/
You can support me on Patreon! - / m539restorations
Follow me on Instagram - / m539_restorations
Video operator/editor services: orion.ozo?igshi...
Aqua (vapor) blasting cabinet 1215 - www.vaporblastingequipment.co...
Find Liqui Moly oil and additives for your car - www.liqui-moly.com/en/service...
BendPak lifts - www.bendpak.com/
Luuk, BendPak & Quickjack Europe - liftmotive.com/
Massive thanks to Radu from RT Design Studio for making new merch happen! - www.rt.md/
Email: [e-mail]

[@sorekuk]

Thank you Sreten! I really blushed at bit on 38:10 when you said so many nice things about Gauge.S! I made this for my Yellow E36 Touring (back when it wasn't even yellow) and it was always focused for OEM+ BMW enthusiast. Your kind words mean really a lot to me. I am happy that you found it useful and relatively easy to use and install. Please let me know your feedback after time of use as I always want to improve the product and with internet connections auto updates are easily to deploy to all devices in future. Have happy time with your car and I knew you going to want oil cooler after first lap on The Ring when you seen actual oil temperatures! Data is everything!

[@BMWMike]

I'm seriously thinking about getting one for my compact, after I saw GaragE36's recent video about installing them. I'll be doing an M54B30 swap first.

[@Flyppy21]

Hey Sorek, I've been thinking about buying your Gauge.S for a while now (stumbled upon it before this video aired) and I've been wondering since if your Gauge is able to read the oil temps (of an M54B30) from the CAN signal or if I'd have to install an extra sensor for that?

[@xVansTV]

@@Flyppy21 Sreten also said that the oil temp needs a sensor for his car, its not from the can signal.

[@MarchuxProductions]

Oh, you were on Misha' s channel too, I remember that car :D

[@sorekuk]

@@Flyppy21 data for oil temperature is available from ECU. But Sreten wanted to have extra one and he used combined sensor for oil temp and pressure Bosch pst-f1 But if you only need to take oil temperature then any stock car will provide that. Note that it's over Kline not CAN bus (canbus is only used for button control)

[@ThePwak007]

The only channel where longer videos make me happy. With other channels it just means 90% more talking and 10% more work. Your videos fly by!

[@alrightletsgo470]

Please show the after effects of 10 laps around nords. Tyre wear. Brakes. Rubber build up in guards. Belts. Debris impacts. All of it. It’s super interesting to look at

[@EsTee932]

While we're at cool things developed for old platforms: there is a device you can connect to your CD-Changer port (if you dont have one, there is a breakout cable) and it gives you a bluetooth interface on your old OEM Radio or monitor and displays the music you listen to. Steering wheel controls also work. You can even accept calls and talk with the OEM microphone. This thing is called BlueBus. A youtuber called e39source explained in detail how to install it.

[@lubosdanek4413]

He already has it in his daily E39 I think...

[@juliusmarz3662]

You should also install a interference filter before the Bluetooth module to avoid whine noises.

[@EsTee932]

@@juliusmarz3662 I got mine in the trunk, so that is not an issue. The M54B30 would cover the noise anyway :D

[@j.d.8593]

He already did that on his Project Rottweil (E39 530i Touring).

[@EsTee932]

​@@TheJo96joI had an aftermarket radio once. That thing was garbage...

[@SalvaBarbus]

You can actually see how much the car has improved with just the video, it's quite amazing. The nasty spots of understeer that you could see before are basically gone, and that new shifter seems glorious! I also agree with your decision not to push too much on that day. Better to get used to the car than to feel brave, turn traction control off, and end up meeting the barriers. And it's all too easy to feel brave when you're there, jacked up on adrenaline, feeling invincible. Kudos for this video, and very much looking forward to the next videos of Project Frankfurt, and, especially, Project Marseille.

[@Sjavaaa]

Plus you dont need to proove anything, just have fun. And standing in green jacket near tottaled car isn't funny at all.

[@jessphuqette1716]

​@@Sjavaaaspeaking from past experience?😅😅

[@Sjavaaa]

@@jessphuqette1716 yep )))) payed a lot for stupid mistake because i was careless...

[@DefenderPuma]

Yes he's a lot better already. Kudos for taking up the challenge.

[@WouterB76]

That inline 6 sound never grows old. Awesome job Sreten!

[@paullaw5054]

Glued to this video like an oil protester to the M25. Sheer brilliance. Loved the rebuild, hung on for grim death around the ring. Thank you for that.

[@zuzweitzurzeit]

Es ist schön zu sehen wie all diese Verbesserungen am Fahrzeug wirken und es sich beim fahren bemerkbar macht.Grandiose Arbeit die du da mit all deinen Autos machst mit sehr viel Liebe und Hingabe zum Detail,deine Videos sind super spannend und es macht eine Freude sie zu sehen wenn man beim zuschauen ein lächeln im Gesicht verspürt.Sehr gerne mehr davon,danke!👍🏻🍀👏🏻🙏🏻

[@timmi370]

i would really recommend innstalling a 350 deep to medium dish steering wheel in Suede and getting a taller shifter . that way u will get the steering wheel closer to urself and dont have to move your shifter hand so far from the steering wheel . talking from experience . steering wheel is a game changer . u will gain alot more controll with a solid steering wheel . u will feel much more comfortable ! trust me on that ! the shifter does also give alot . just how you will enter ur gears will feal alot different . safer and shorter . less movment . more focus . 🤠😎 car is getting cooler by the day ! sick build !

[@TeRenSSh]

What an episode Sreten! I just want to thank you for the content tou are able to push and the amount of work you put into your videos. I remebmer the first video i stumbled upon when searching for some car content since chrisfix got lazy. It was project Bilbao, the roadtrip. My heart jumped when i actually saw you getting next part out, as i was hungry for some content. It is great to see somebody actually making content and keeping his word and shedule. I watch every video with passion and will continue until the last one. Keep up the great work Sreten! Much thanks for all the work you do!

[@aDaWaN]

I thoroughly enjoyed this episode! Driving on the track really shows you the value of all the upgrades you done. Being able to do 10 ring laps on a single day without issues is a huge testiment to the build quality of this car. I am excited to see the car return next year. Apart from the oil cooler and the brakes, you could sneak in a set of semi slicks... Thanks for the video!

[@denniscarreno5882]

Streten you are the master mechanic…..wow! Different tools to remove different parts…..you have invested a lot of $$$$ to get the job done….no job is big or small enough for you to fix…..you’re the best in my book…..love all your videos for a guy who knows nothing about replacing or fixing stuff….Streten you are the chosen one! Hehehehe…..keep up the good work…

[@Bu5h1d0o0]

I mean it's one of the most uninteresting and unimportant things in the video, but Nurburgring looks beatiful in fall weather, it's absolutely mesmerising to look at the scenery while you're driving, great video as always Sreten, looking forwards to more content based around racing and drifting.

[@mike.bevels]

From driving on the Nurburgring to a full 66-minute episode only a few days later. Sreten, you are a legend. Also, that digital gauge cluster looks amazing. I'm going to see if one is offered for my E30 or E36.

[@GFTW3BBIE]

Great video as always! You probably already know this but the reason your traction control is kicking in so violently is the change of steering rack. I have the same issue in my E46 M3 as I have changed to a purple tag myself. From some light research there is some coding you can do to tell the abs module about the change of ratio but that is outside of my expertise and I mostly have it off while track driving although I really should get it sorted!

[@STiBebi]

Misha and you made me addicted to the Nürburgring, was nice to see both of you in each others video (at 1:00:04, he was with the gray Polestar) Was kinda funny, that usually Mischa is the one, who is in "full send" mode on the track, yet now, you were the one :D Now i just wait for spring to come, where this Project continues. Really amazed, what a 20 year old Bimmer is capable for with just a bit of love (and with great OEM stuff) Nice work Sreten!! Aaaaaaand now, back to the DoJo, great content cooooooming uup :D

[@mehn850]

Misha mentioned Sreten in his video when he flew by 😅

[@matmul4850]

​@mehn850 which video?

[@C0RREB0RRE]

​@@matmul4850The round up of the season on his own channel. Where he is cruising in his polestar

[@mehn850]

@@matmul4850 kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4XTeoSIiauhfZIsi=yVGitCfPN7RSJEg1

[@D3nn1s]

Oh lol i noticed the polestar out of all cars and was thinking hes quite chill amd the car could def be faster than that haha

[@5t4w3k]

Wow I didn't expect that. Yes this is My 156 GTA and Yes for those days it was a crazy project that I am using now and I am very happy about it🤪👍💪👏 Thank you 👍

[@Danydaniello]

The transformation this car been through from the moment when you bought it is amazing. Looking forward to seeing your progress on the ring.

[@daneaxen3751]

One of your best episodes ever!! Every one of us knows about the Nürburgring but after riding with you for a couple of laps I cannot stop thinking about moving (or vacationing?) near there! So much fun- thank you Sreten!

[@RobertsPelite]

Greetings from Latvia. Its much easier to first hit seal a bit inside, and then drill a hole and screw. Then seal is "unstick" from its position and come right out. Best content, keep it grinding.

[@andynicoll8566]

That was definitely a good one Sreten. The track vid had me on the edge of my seat.

[@markcollins457]

I'm happy you invited me along for the ride😊😊😊

[@stevec9704]

You are so lucky to have the Ring in your back yard. And you are getting waaay better driving that beautiful touring. Love the episodes. Keep’em coming. 👍 thank you.

[@kingbobbob123]

I'd recommend an oil cooler with a thermostat if you're going to be driving it in any sort of colder weather or colder track days since you drive to the track. Awesome to see the progress both you and the car are making.

[@M539Restorations]

Of course, S54 oil housing and intercooler are incoming. :)

[@MariyanTsonev]

Kind of got back in time watching you improve your wrenching skills few years ago, but this time will see your progress as a driver, so a great addition to the channel! Would take the liberty to suggest a bit more detail on the wrenching here and there on tasks that were covered in previous videos. Got that suggestion while watching the fuel filter change - gotta do the same, but can't remember in which video the fuel lines were explain. Great work, love to see so many handy tools used in the wrenching, now I need to browse the net and upgrate my tools set :D.

[@concretegym1897]

This channel is my "Netflix and chill" ! One of the best on youtubehood😊. Looking forward to more and more exciting stuff with racing and other projects !

[@bsaravanja]

Great video Sreten as always. Just a little advice for track driving, try to be more gentle and progressive when releasing the brake pedal that will reduce your understeer when exiting the corner.

[@N911GT2]

Rule of thumb at Swedenkreuz is you start braking from the roadsign into a straight line and turn in afterwards. But be safe there, if you get it wrong you're going te have a bad day. I wish I had a gauge like that for my Porsche's. That's epic!

[@duka_duka]

Every time I watch Sreten do something this great on project Cologne I'm proud to be e46 owner

[@EpicbrineLP]

47:52 that transition was soooo smooth

[@jmhofmeyr]

Training in the wet with traction off is actually better because you can slow right down, play with the throttle around a corner and still get the rear to break lose, you will get a feel for grip levels and how the car reacts while going very slow which is what you want, just like on a skidpan. In the dry you need to speed up or use allot more throttle to get it to break lose and also it can snap back more violently. Not to mention burning rubber.

[@crisholmurb007]

This is now a brand new car. Only the shell left of the original one. Very impressive!

[@toineleuverink9905]

The 'Bob's your uncle' and 'tighten till you see stars' cracked me up! 😂

[@chrispoole4413]

I watch plenty of KZbin laps of the ring. I often worry about the mechanical condition of some of the cars on track. Not this one! Credit to you.

[@meatball_deluxe]

I don't know of any channel where an hour goes by so quickly and it doesn't get boring.

[@zoidberg444]

I love this channel - crazy German guy, BMW's and repairs. What's not to like.

[@502Chevy]

I quit watching ‘Ring videos after the Queen passed away but now I see the need to jump back in! Thank you so much Sreten for all you do - the mechanicals and the driving, great fun!

[@unternichtuber4310]

not just a workshop video but a mission with an end purpose...to take on the 'Ring and we get to go along for the ride....awesome.Great episode really enjoyed it,best yet and I have been here since the start.Keep it up!

[@4nish1993]

That spring compress tool is sick!

[@JoeWolsing]

The work you did on the car was as satisfying as always, but hey your laps on the Nordschleife were also very exiting and entertaining! Congrats and thanks for sharing!

[@santiagoportalupisanchez7126]

The perfect example and dream. You pick a car and slowly becomes a track tool by test & try. It is a pleasure to follow this rebuild as a special one.

[@ShoelessTim]

Your lap work looks really smooth. You seemed much more at ease in the car on the ring this time.

[@mju7752]

Impeccable driving round the ring, a solid performer.

[@BHSAHFAD]

I love this channel immensely, great video. I feel like watching you build the car is like eating steak dinner and then watching you drive the car on the Nürburgring was like eating the dessert!! I toughly enjoyed this video. I would pay to watch your videos. Good stuff M539, I mean it.

[@vuteng4388]

I recommend swapping out the rear shock mounts to the e46 cabrio/m3 mounts. They are reinforced from the factory as the coilovers will pop through the stock ones quite fast. Also, add reinforcment plates to the towers in the front and rear, they will mushroom.

[@alexmacdonald4270]

Great seeing you transform the car for track use, and then to see the fruits of you labours on the track. You looked very capable out there, I loved the whole video. More like this please. 😜

[@yurkan_cages1]

Thank you Sreten for part 18.00...it was an honor to participate in your project even though until the moment I arrived at your workshop, I had no idea who it was about😆✌️ Gruß Marin

[@robblaauboer5862]

Wonderful result , you may be proud of yourself and I enjoined the uploads. I have driven for 18years a compact 325 I and still miss the car every day !Looking forward every month your next upload. greeting from Holland 😊

[@corollarijder]

Finally...the "plongjnk" back when you do a before and after❤

[@davidfitzpatrick4041]

Sreten gets to do those jobs that big and small garages and mechanics never eant to do ....All that dirty hidden rusted dtuff underneath ....you have built a new car 😅. The shifter knob and that brilliant data monitor from the UK are awesome.

[@sjgrundy]

Awesome, good Ring skills! We (myself and about 10 other like minded BMW wielding Brits) will be doing at least one track day there next year, been going for years, so much better and safer than touristenfahrten, you’re welcome to join us if you like. Keep up the excellent work and thanks for all the hours of enjoyment we’ve all had from your channel! Cheers 👍

[@jimcondray4632]

Very few things in the automotive world are as satisfying as a perfectly executed heel and toe shift while drifting through an apex then coming out of the corner flat out. Enjoyed this video immensely!

[@Volllastkanal]

Absolutely beautiful build and video! Really inspirational to see an E46 getting these tasteful upgrades (: Wish you all the best on your journey!

[@veritate8955]

Nice to see you here, love your channel too :-)

[@leif011]

Very satisfying video to watch. Thank you Streten! Good luck with your learning how to track this car, I don't know much but this but I can see you look more comfortable on the track and I think that's a big part of being successful in this.

[@bobfrankish8883]

TBH I can take or leave Nurburgring videos, we have all seen so many, but top marks for all the work done to the car as always.

[@heelandtoe_]

Welcome to the black financial hole of track cars. It seems like you're hooked, and i'm stoked. Cant wait to do some laps next year in the M3 with you! Last couple laps really looked good, getting there!

[@Shotyoudie]

This project is one of the best things yet. It combines you, a car and an actual use of the car. Then the improving upon it. Great recipe!

[@McMaster1500]

It was great to see you enjoying the laps Sreten. Its amazing how far one of your first projects has come, cant wait to see more. Great video!

[@c0llym0re]

So happy for you Sreten, what a beauty you have built 🤩

[@gmbs81]

You did so well on the Ring. I'm impressed!

[@tri2swim]

Love each project but as an E46 owner, Cologne is my go-to. Always come away with ideas as well as inspiration to keep the TLC going on my 20 year old 6 speed. You're having an impact on the Bimmer owner community. Thanks for that!

[@abhinandanvasudevan6540]

the VGF guy helping out explains why the U5 line extension to my area of the town isn't complete yet :D solid video as always

[@almar0k]

Amazing, it could be a netflix series to be honest, it's way more interesting than the most there.

[@blastingweevil2968]

good choice by leaving the traction control on especially in damp conditions with a car you have been working on and while still learning !!

[@PedroM125]

What an amazing episode! The E46 sounds and drives amazing! And the Gauge was awesome! Congrats @sorekuk

[@Mario12342010]

my favorite series so far, i love seeing your progress in the track and how you push the car the more comfortable you get with it, sucks to have to wait till march.

[@tarekkhoury5384]

Speechless… OMG what a superb episode!! I mean..don’t know where to start from!! The upgrade and meticulous work!!! The spec info!!! The work done!! And to top it up the amazing and super nice track runs!!! I can’t wait to see spring time on this car!! And also this car should be like the B7 Alpina, mint inside out!! Super nice episode thank you

[@Karl-by6ub]

Out of the ball park, home run video 👍

[@gabsky2365]

This gives me so much more inspiration to build my 02 325i slick top as a track car. Amazing what you can do. Thanks for all that you do for the community. So thankful for you wisdom and insight…

[@horstszibulski19]

Loved the data overlay, great addition! 👍👍👍

[@CDriver32]

So good to watch this channel.... the level of detail to the work and projects is fantastic...

[@saadgt2009]

I re-watched your previous drive on the Ring, the car's newly found stability in corners is obvious and stunning. Kudos 👍👏🖖🙏

[@wilku1301]

All of your videos and this one are an absolute pleasure to watch. Thanks to you I have implemented a few rules when it comes to repairing and replacing parts, f.e. I clean everything that I replace and disassemble, and I install o.e.wherever possible and when price is not x 5 :) I totally envy the car :) gl

[@av8bvma513]

55:45 PASSING A PORSCHE ON THE RING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GO BABY GO BABY GO BABY GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Fido8xD]

Very nice to watch you! I had exactly the same dream as you, except that I am stuck with a major bodywork repair on my BMW e46 330d. You just gave me great motivation to finish my project as soon as possible and outdrive you on the green hell!

[@G10v4nn1]

Love the series! Brings back a lot of memories... I used to own a 320d Touring and did a complete suspension overhaul as well, but I only had access to a lift and basic tools, not to a complete workshop. Had to ghetto rig a lot of things (e.g. a transmission jack made from a tool cart and a regular car jack, pressed out the rear subframe bushings with pieces of wood as adaptors,...), it took me three weekends, there was a lot of swearing but the way, the car handled afterwards was extremely rewarding. Keep up the awesome work!

[@ahenn5973]

I like your work and your love for bmw sir Sreten. I am living in Belgium and i am proud that BMW are loving cars in my country. Wish you the best and have fun with your passion!

[@simonomisimonomis]

Cutting the crimps off the fuel lines is awesome. the best thing i learnt from you so far

[@thegenius46m]

Make sure you add the front strut tower reinforcement plates! Also recommend programming M track mode from the M3, which will do wonders if you keep the dsc on, especailly with the lsd now. It'll cut in CONSIDERABLY less. I have it on my ZHP and its epic. LMK if you need info

[@davidsimpson4382]

As always a pleasure to watch the dedication to "correct style engineering" Thank you indeed for another great episode.

[@trackone2374]

When a channel's content is soooooo good, you watch hour long videos multiple times 🙂. Thank you for creating this amazing content!

[@user-ck7ko9tc3d]

The only channel where an hour long video goes by in no time

[@hawkertyphoon4537]

You show us so much wrenching that this was - even for me - an awesome payoff for all your invested Time. It is not a formula car, staying humble was the right choice. I love, absolutely LOVE being onboard with you. Einfach GEIL, Mann!

[@roseyboi1]

Top notch work as always and happy to see you enjoy the car. Looking forward to the next stage in the build.

[@shrkys4]

Awesome! glad you're enjoying your new track toy, what a great conversion! The short shifter makes shifts look so natural and effortless in the video. Love to see the Nordschleife with all the fall colors. Thank you for yet another cracking video and series!!!

[@Matteo_Grilli]

Hi Sreten, I watched this video only yesterday and I regret not having seen it before. I really appreciate how you are modifying this car and the editing of the video is perfect as always. Also great experience on the track! I can't wait for oil cooler installation and more Nurburgring laps next spring!

[@Bunzietto]

Is amazing, how inspirational are there videos. You show us that with the right amount of knowledge ad willpower, you can transform a cheap neglected car, in an amazing trackish toy. Thank you

[@mikemoyercell]

The BMW DSC is actually an awesome setup - I watching while you were on the track. I'll never forget an experience I had in my 03 e39 530i sport package - it really works great.

[@xrstopherpopp120]

As an avid automotive enthusiast and restorer, I totally felt the glory of this build then ride. Great co pilot video adventure. You da best!!!

[@adamc2136]

The rabbit hole continues. I can already see you are getting more comfortable driving on the track. Main thing is, you are having fun. Awesome!

[@legioner9]

Whenever I hear the word pristine, your E46 immediately springs in mind. It is such a quality car yours, so well taken care of and with the very best high quality parts in it. You are my favourite driver on the Nürburgring and I want you always to win.

[@dil6969]

Even through the video, it's clear what a magnificent job you've done setting this car up for the track. Over the rumble strips and carousel in particular it's clear the suspension is keeping the chassis very composed. Watching Misha's track driving you even see a lot of factory sports cars get very upset over those surfaces. That multi-function display is super rad too. You've done very well and no doubt this will be the perfect platform to hone your driving skill. Now I need to do the same with my cars.

[@Quattro_Joe]

I miss the Nordschleife so much. Roll on May 24. Great video as always good sir

[@Nedim-ow1sh]

Najljepši E46 koji sam ikad vidio! Bravo majstore kapa do poda.

[@jdmfreak22]

Project Cologne was my favourite series in the whole channel. Project Cologne v2 is my new favourite project. I'm enjoying these videos A LOT.

[@mauriciofloriani]

With each episode I become more of a fan, incredible projects with great enthusiasm... congratulations from Brazil.

[@Landshark928]

Congrats Sreten with your upgraded daily! Awesome decarbonizing on the Ring! Cheers!🎉🎉

[@philippn.8856]

47:06 Schwedenstreusel und Käsestange 😂 ich liebe es, wenn du deutsch sprichst 😂❤

[@giorgininua9074]

I wish my e46 330i dropped by his garage so he cant say NO to put his brilliant hands on it 🤭 Huge respect for all hard work and amazing videography.

[@londonlore5881]

Pump! Pump man! Quicker!! 😮 I’ve not laughed out loud so much in a LONGGGGG TIME! 😂🤣 Thanks Streten!! 👍🏽👍🏽