BMW E92 M3 review one year later - Modifications/ Upgrades *** 8,600rpm flat out in action ***

I share everything I've learned the last year since buying, modifying & running my 2011 e92 M3 Comp pack.
With a few camera's & microphones this video will hopefully give a good insight into e92 M3 life.
If you enjoy the video make sure you give it a thumbs up & subscribe for more content to come.
Links :
Rebuilt throttle actuators : www.rebuild.org.uk/buy-rebuil...
Replacement fuel injectors : www.ecstuning.com/b-bosch-par...
Tuning : arperformance.co.uk

[@user-zb6ez4jl3u]

The f80 seats look so good in the E92!

[@stoneautomotive]

Really completes the car 👌

[@GinolasVideos]

@@stoneautomotive whats the weight of the F80 seats like compared to oem? :)

[@stoneautomotive]

Ginola's Videos they are a little lighter as all the motor mounts are plastic instead of steel but still no where near as light as a bucket seat

[@MRMillennial]

Starting a movement to support small KZbin channels u have my support ❤️

[@stoneautomotive]

Thank you 😊

[@diogoe9xtwo289]

I have been ages looking for an explanation like this. Thanks for you words on this beauty, I'm so tempted to get one this or the next year. Great vid lad

[@stoneautomotive]

Glad to hear it’s helped 👍

[@vWaLLBangz]

Brother your e92 sounds amazing. Perfect setup for the true sound of the car without much rasp. And I love the raspy ones too. More inspiration for my own

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks 👍 certainly happy with how it’s turned out 😎

[@GTAMODMAKER1]

I'm already addicted to this car whithout even owning one.... Thanks for this great and informative video!

[@stoneautomotive]

😎

[@oliverfernandez4273]

Really helpful man, I currently have a 2011 335i N55 and have been toying with the idea of upgrading to the M3 - all for that V8 rumble. This most certainly helped :)

[@stoneautomotive]

Glad to hear & hopefully given you the push to enjoy V8 life - it’s a special experience 😎

[@dcpatters0]

Fantastic upload. The E92 just makes all the right proper noises. Such a lovely V8 soundtrack.

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks - certainly one of the best exhaust notes from the M3 range 😎

[@bar1ton1]

@@stoneautomotive From any range, I'd say. Love it.

[@Jay-Quallin]

Just bought a 2010 E92 Comp Pack and this video has given me so many things I need to check even after putting Rod Bearings to the top of the list (58k mileage unchanged currently) but luckily the throttle actuators have been replaced. Thanks so much dude, massive help.

[@stoneautomotive]

Glad it helped 😎

[@Patr1ck2332]

Great video mate 👊🏻

[@jamesharrison1344]

Great video, informative and clear, learnt a lot from this. Thanks.

[@stoneautomotive]

Glad you enjoyed it James 👍

[@d.4063]

As an E60 M5 and E92 M3 owner I have to say this is one of the most comprehensive and neutral reviews of the E92 M3 platform. Really well done. 👍🏻 Like the other in depth videos as well.

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks for the kind words 😎

[@littlenit907]

Love the transitions!!

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks & glad you enjoyed 😎

[@michaeltempler9373]

What a great video, we’ll done.

[@martiniv8924]

Pretty frank comments about the big end shells , my thoughts exactly , who wouldn’t rag them from new, and cold, service history or not 😆

[@DB8GT5]

Lots of concise info. Well done mate

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks 😎

[@marksshot6083]

This is what a car video should be like , Bro you are a dying breed, its super hard to find a good informational usable vid like yours, RESPECT ✊, nowadays in car vids all these punks do is know shit and just throwing around daddys money and providing 0 fucking value! I am considering to pull the trigger on the e92 m3 for years its a gorgeous car and the V8 sound for me is the most important 60% of the experience in my opinion. You have provided me with a full range important information and I feel a lot better and prepared when I get one of these! Thank you and you deserve to have million times more subs

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks for the kind words Marek - always good to hear and keeps me pushing to make more content 👍 I’m sure you won’t regret it, M-car ownership has its ups & downs but over all it’s fantastic fun!

[@mygt8a4re]

Great vid, thank you for sharing this helpful information!

[@stoneautomotive]

Your welcome Justin and glad you enjoyed the video 👍

[@greenham07]

Brilliantly informative video! The 92 is the one car I regret selling, Hopefully will be back in one one day and will definitely get the m4 seats, car looks epic 🤙🏻

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks & glad you enjoyed the video 👌 Seats from the M4 are a must do upgrade 😎

[@francoisbalavoine1316]

@@stoneautomotive To me, the M2 competition seats look nicer and newer than the ones of the M4, can those seats fit in the e92?

[@stoneautomotive]

François Balavoine should fit - basically the same seat although I have never tried to confirm 100%

[@tigamilla2594]

Great video man - those downshift noises are addictive and lead to child like laughter sometimes when im driving mine ha hah

[@stoneautomotive]

Glad you enjoyed 😁 Haha indeed, wonderful sound though 👌

[@meandthefamily1485]

I love E46 M3 , but a friend bought a e92 M3 3 years ago and I was hooked with the noise a V8 screaming , but the E46 is so much better to look at just my opinion !

[@DaleSteel]

I had coils go on my e60 m5 2 weeks after warranty ran out. Thankfully BMW stood on and repaired it free anyway. Was impressed with BMW here.

[@stoneautomotive]

That is good of them, they normally use any excuse not to pay out 😅

[@K20TypeR]

What a great video. I’ve been fortunate enough to drive quite a few models from the ///M division but not owned one myself. Next car will without a doubt be an E92 M3. Love your car and what you’ve done with it.

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks, it’s certainly come along way during my ownership 👍 I’m sure you won’t be disappointed with an e92 M3 😎

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks, it’s certainly come along way during my ownership 👍 I’m sure you won’t be disappointed with an e92 M3 😎

[@AAplayer13GOA]

Learnt something new!

[@meandthefamily1485]

Credit to you that video mate ,very informative straight to the point enjoyed it !

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks & glad you enjoyed 👍 was worried I may have been waffling on abit lol! The e46 M3 especially with the CSL bumper, boot lid & diffuser is such a stunner (in my opinion too 😂) when I have them parked next to each other I can just sit there and admire them for hours, sad I I know.. The lust for the e46 M3 goes way back for me and with the recent road trips holds such fantastic memories

[@meandthefamily1485]

Definitely not ,good content cheers

[@meandthefamily1485]

@@stoneautomotiveyes spot on about CSL cosmetics on e46 , e92 is about the engine mainly in my opinion but e46 s are that popular for a reason !

[@raymondlynch5424]

Great video with equally great content ✔️👌👍😎

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks Raymond 😎

[@mattvann8553]

Great video! Really helpful. Looking to buy a e92 comp pack early July.

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks - good luck on your search 👍

[@ElitePayne47]

Great Video, great sound

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks 👍

[@YaseenAli-zn9ej]

My dream car. I’m only 17 right now but I’m gonna work my butt off for this thing. Hopefully in the next 2 or 3 years I can get one

[@stoneautomotive]

Good for you having a goal and working hard for it 👌 fantastic cars but I dread to think what your insurance will be in your early twenties 🙈

[@YaseenAli-zn9ej]

Stone Automotive yeah that’s the only issue😂😭

[@stoneautomotive]

The benefits of getting older 😂 Well until you buy yours I’ll have more content coming to the channel with the e92 to enjoy 😎

[@adamanis4320]

Ideally Buy a house yaseen first...then a M3 😉

[@alexmartinez280]

As for breaks, I switched to Farado race pads all around and the performance difference is big. Very big. Yes they make noise but my driving style doesn’t use much brake at all, only when I need them and this works perfect. For reference I switched out stock rotors AND pads at 115k miles and both still had a good bit of life left on them.

[@Assimilator1]

DS 2500s? PS, it's 'brakes' ;)

[@Lebelu2007]

Really enjoyed this video, thanks!

[@stoneautomotive]

Glad to hear 😎

[@Lebelu2007]

Stone Automotive my next car will most likely be an E90 M3. Your video has been very informative and helpful. Sounds great with the pre-cats our and 2 pipe mod!

[@johnpaull135]

BTW I had an e46 M3 for about 5 years loved it but the e90 M3 Comp Pak I not own is in a different class just love it and that V8 is the best. My son had an F80 for 3 year just sold it now for an X3M comp pak. But having driven his F80 a lot I like the e90 much more such a great chassis and total package Jp

[@stoneautomotive]

I can honestly say I enjoy all the M3’s I’ve driven/ owned - all so different in there own way but as you mention, certainly something magical about the V8 S65 😎

[@KevinButtle]

Awesome video - Perfect when I am just about to buy an E92 M3. Thanks 👍

[@stoneautomotive]

Glad you enjoyed Kevin 😎 There’s a few more videos on the e92 playlist on the latest adventures with the car 😬

[@KevinButtle]

@@stoneautomotive - I will have a watch of your other videos over the next few days. Loved your videos on the Z4M too. We clearly have a similar interest in great sounding engines 👍

[@stoneautomotive]

@@KevinButtle enjoy these engine whilst we still can 😎 You’ll have to excuse some of the poor audio in the early videos, channels come along way since it started 😅

[@billyhurst4319]

Best model M3 ever made !

[@stoneautomotive]

😎

[@theworldsyourlobster1583]

I have to say the v8 sounds cracking , and throaty with the k & N induction, good informative information, well done straight to the point , you really have made me think about the tyres , PS4 looks like the way to go , I’m running supersports on my 987.2 3.4 , still making up my mind what to get next , I don’t drive a lot in the wet as is only really a weekend toy , toying with cup2s which everyone says are iffy in the wet epic in the dry , but I read a lot the PS4’s are the happy medium...but there again I never drive like a loon in the wet anyway and the cup 2 are ment to be epic ... mmmm you have probably sold me on the PS4 , first world decisions :-)

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks & glad you enjoyed the video 😁 Have been looking to fit the Cup 2’s to my e46 M3 as that’s only a weekend toy & like yourself don’t generally test my luck in the wet! Have been really impressed with the 4S tyres though 👌

[@bonk65]

Great info. Thanks mate!!

[@stoneautomotive]

Glad you enjoyed 👍

[@timstaples9230]

Good review mate. You know your apples.

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks Tim - it’s been a steep learning curve 😂

[@zareff]

Good video. Spark plugs also seemed to be consumed fast and effect performance quite a bit. I run a redline 5w-50 in the cold climate i'm at. It also seems to run oil temps cooler in the summer.

[@stoneautomotive]

Hi, glad you enjoyed the video 👍 Have also considered running a slightly thinner oil for the winter months as it’s certainly thick for winter weather

[@kalheer]

That is one tidy M3.. 👌🏼

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks 😎 few more bits to go but happy with how it stands currently

[@johncreedon7847]

On my second e92 m3, driving them over 5 years now daily, epic car. Great video. I disagree with you on the brakes, for daily fast road use the stock setup is great. Really good. When I had my e46 the stock brakes weren’t good. I had to change them. But never felt the need in the E92. I also love the cold start sound, it’s epic. Wouldn’t change it for the world !!!!

[@stoneautomotive]

Hi John, strange as I found on spirited drives the stock set-up could not hack it.. (maybe expecting to much) but the Performance friction pads have resolved this for fast road use for me 💪 I can see why those like the cold start, it does sound aggressive but the rest of my road does not approve at 6:30am lol + the more I looked into it many advise spinning the engine up to that rpm from cold is also not going to be great for the rod bearings, an already weak component on the e92. Glad you enjoyed the video for most of it 👍

[@johncreedon7847]

Stone Automotive yeah it’s quite load arite , especially at that time of the morning. I live in Ireland, tuning companies for m cars are non existent. If I lived across the pond, I would probably have my car more modded like yours. Dct software would be first on my list

[@stoneautomotive]

John creedon - ECU worx offer remote gearbox & mapping software for those outside the UK 👍

[@drifteraway5648]

Pads are really mandatory. But, brake fluid and performance brake lines must be part of the braking improvements.

[@sundeepubhi]

I had one for 2 years after an E46 too. I agree, it is a slow burner, but it really gets under your skin. F80 is not a suitable successor IMHO. V8 is just so much more special, and noise is a no contest. Great vid!

[@stoneautomotive]

The noise is such a shame with the F80 M3 even now with tuners trying the equal length exhaust systems - no match for the S65 V8 💪

[@stephenkean4748]

this video should come with an 18+ warning...the sounds!😍😍

[@stoneautomotive]

V8 goodness 😎

[@drew5200]

🔥

[@alexmartinez280]

Since you removed cold start, might as well do what I did and remove that secondary air pump and related piping. It’s a few lbs off the top of the V and less for the car to have to deal with. The S65 and the e92 both are phenomenally good once tweaked a bit to uncork their original beauty.

[@adamanis4320]

Any more info on this would be useful

[@agostinhojosealexandre5594]

Sir, what good have you done to your exhaust!!! WOW and the downshifts oh my my

[@stoneautomotive]

Hi, it’s had the pre-cat delete + 2 pipe modification completed (check out the E92 M3 part 1 tuning video on the channel for full details 👍)

[@drifteraway5648]

Pilot Sport 4 S is really a great deal!

[@MrKamJ]

I love my supercharged E92 M3, dont think I could ever sell it. I have had the oem seats custom retrimmed in alcantara/leather with m performance stitched into the headrest, but love the f80 ones in yours!

[@stoneautomotive]

Hopefully I shall be reviewing my friends ESS charged one at some stage this year, never happened with Covid ☹️ Nice! Bet that wasn’t a cheap day out, the M4 seats are mega & look the part too! I have a full instal guide on the channel if you decide to fit a set 👍

[@MrKamJ]

@@stoneautomotive ahh ok nice shall look forward to that, yes it certainly wasn't cheap especially as I went for the 650 kit. Yeah I've seen that video you made it look simple! Lol! I have some pics and videos on my car on Instagram feel free to let me know what you think especially on my seats, Kamster1984. Its going in for meth injection next month and then individual audio retrofit, then I think im done! Lol!

[@stoneautomotive]

@@MrKamJ blimey with the meth it will be animal! Seats look good - imagine the M4 seats re-strummed like that 😎

[@MrKamJ]

@@stoneautomotive i know right! Cheers buddy, I know they would look awesome! Thats probably on my list then im done lol

[@MichaelRenardson]

Great video! Surely can't go to f80 after experiencing that v8 soundtrack?! E92 all day long :)

[@stoneautomotive]

Hopefully if I can make some decent revenue from KZbin I’ll look to purchase an F80 M3 with crank hub failure and install an S85 (v10 from the E60 M5) - that would be Naturally aspirated heaven 🤤 The money the channel makes currently we’re about 20 years away from the build 😂 Glad you enjoyed the video - more to come 👍

[@MichaelRenardson]

@@stoneautomotive wow what a motive! S85 is heaven - when they're not being rebuilt! May as well go the whole hog and mate the v10 to the e92 manual box - heard its the box they used in the US for the v10 manuals..

[@drifteraway5648]

Shift pads and Alcantara steering wheel are mandatory

[@2ndProtects1st]

Rod bearing premature wear prevention 5w50 oil and 90c thermostat (motoRad 880090 from Dodge Viper) 10w60 is ⚙️ gear lub.

[@anthonyenglish9298]

Brilliant video, thanks. Was wondering if the decat is an issue at MOT time?

[@stoneautomotive]

All fine if the secondary cats are still in place, the exhaust system does need to be hot so a good drive there and it passes every year 👍

[@SolidestSnake]

How did you record the sound on the close up of the speedo? Sounds so clear and crisp. I’ve got the Eventuri carbon plenum and intake in mine and want to record it like you’ve done. Great work btw.

[@stoneautomotive]

Hi, Rode microphone in the engine bay (just to the side of the intake filter) with a microphone extension lead to the GoPro Hero 4 that’s attached to the steering column surround. Carbon plenum aka V8 CSL should sound fantastic 😎 Thanks & glad you enjoyed the video!

[@roymoorman5990]

Thanks for the informative video. I'll start looking into the M4 seats because I hate the high seat position and I'm 6ft3. I might remove pre-cats but need OBD2 readiness check to pass, which no tuner will confirm in writing. Why did you remove the air filter housing ? Afraid of getting hydrolock due to the K&N filter ?

[@stoneautomotive]

Glad you enjoyed, the seats do make a big difference 👍 It’s a different intake to the K&N filter for the stock airbox it’s there own intake system (K&N 63-1116 AirCharger intake kit) it came with the car when I bought it and I’ve been really impressed with the intake note & air inlet temps are very similar to stock

[@14KShadow]

Great little video. Are they as bad on fuel as people say? Will be using this as a guide when buying one.

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks 👍 really depends what you have driven/owned before to compare. Normally average 200-220 miles to 60 litres of 99 octane fuel but can see 280-300 miles on a big motorway run. Compared to my old 320d it’s terrible lol but compared to my e46 M3 it’s not a great deal different considering the engine size.

[@dontsleeprepeat]

great video thanks

[@stoneautomotive]

Your welcome & glad you enjoyed 😁

[@dontsleeprepeat]

Stone Automotive very informative, great quality both sound and audio. Also I like the structure / editing.. you’re the first person I’ve seen cut between points using a short vid of the exhaust.. I noticed lots of small things haha! I’m looking to buy an E92 M3 very soon. I’ve adored them for years. The new seats and alcantara steering wheel are a must! You’ve got good taste. Peace, enjoy your weekend!

[@dontsleeprepeat]

I meant both visual and audio***

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks again for the kind words 👍 The idea for the rev-counter/ exhaust shots was to “try” and keep it interesting due to the length of the video (it’s now fast becoming the format for all my videos - shall see when others start copying it 👀) More stuff to come from the E92 M3 😎

[@r1matsta]

Great vid and very informative .. how has the k&n induction changed the feel of the drive? Any difference or negative feedback... I have just bought the kit but not fitted it yet , it sounds amazing but was worried about heat soak

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks 👍 I’ve been running data logs recently diagnosing a previous issue I had and also started monitoring the air inlet temps - on the move it’s identical to a stock airbox but in traffic I was seeing 10-15c higher than a stock airbox I logged. I can only put this down to the steel heat shield as opposed to the plastic on the stock. The plan is to have a carbon fibre heat shield made using the K&N steel one as a template which will allow for the mega intake noise and no heat soak.. that’s the plan any way lol

[@willjames618]

Was the traction control off or on when it kept slipping in the rain? Btw, this is the best detail review on the M3 I’ve came across so far. Thanks ~

[@stoneautomotive]

Almost certain it would have been in MDM as I find on the road it’s enough to play without ending up on the other side of the road on a spirited drive (I’m lead to believe the MDM with the GTS software is supposed to be more relaxed than the normal version - certainly gets a good angle on especially in the wet 👍 The e46 M3 is always off as the traction control is awful at letting you have any fun at all! Thanks & glad your enjoyed the video - more of the e92 in the playlists 👍

[@jacobstone3198]

Lovely car

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks Jacob 😎 Full Karbonius carbon fibre intake going on next month 😬

[@jacobstone3198]

@@stoneautomotive Very nice indeed 👍. I have an E93 330i it looks very nice but need a bit more drama in my life so I think it's going to be M3 time soon just need to test drive one. Strong last name by the way!

[@stoneautomotive]

Awesome bits of kit but used prices are certainly very strong currently, great if your selling not if your buying 😅 Thanks, works well for the channel & snap 😬😅

[@jacobstone3198]

@@stoneautomotive I'm hoping prices go down a bit for winter time!

[@spencer02161]

Excellent vid... Could you please confirm what mm drop you went for front and rear ? And what brand springs ? Cheers.

[@stoneautomotive]

Glad you enjoyed the video 👍 Springs are the only ones available from Eibach, full details in my spring video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKbId4CYnLxkrZI

[@adamanis4320]

Who’s here because they’re after an M3

[@danmcgowan4761]

Any extra info on getting M4 seats? Do they just bolt right in to the old seat tracks? Looks great!!!

[@stoneautomotive]

Full video on the channel 👍 (should hopefully be linked at the end of this video)

[@mikedifford4269]

Great vid dude. I’ve got an alpine e92 m3 myself. Got the 4 pipe mod booked in for next week (nervous about the cold start lol), and then going to Evolve for the test pipes and a remap. Be keen to hear where you got your rear spoiler as I can’t find a reputable retailer online!

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks & glad you enjoyed! Sure you wont be disappointed with your trip to Evolve (brave man with the 4 pipe mod + cold start 🤣) Spoiler was fitted by the previous owner which was from SSDD - there stuff it generally pretty good for the cost compared to genuine BMW M performance stuff (purchased my e46 M3 CSL replica bumper from SSDD)

[@mikedifford4269]

Stone Automotive Yeah, the idea is to have the cold start deleted ASAP. Have you heard a 4 pipe in person? I’m only going by vids, and it sounds insane on the drive by’s!

[@stoneautomotive]

2 pipe mod wasn’t enough for me, pre-cat delete on top of that and it is borderline to loud, literally people stopping in there tracks to look round from 100+ metres away when you let it sing to the redline (good and bad & bad reactions from the public) 4 pipe modification on its own would be loud, remove the pre-cats too and I think it would be to much & that’s coming from me that has a lot of loud stuff in the garage 😂 Once the pre-cats are removed it makes and almost thunder sound, when the car was on the dyno at Areeve I had to put my fingers in my ears when I was stood behind it lol

[@mikedifford4269]

Stone Automotive hmm, yeah, I’m not to sure tbh. I have a milltek cat back currently, I was debating evolve test pipes and a stage 2 without the Exhaust Mod. Would that be enough sound wise? Obv get the performance benefits still!

[@stoneautomotive]

Always a tough one as people’s opinions on the perfect noise level will vary, what I can tell you is I heard a 4 pipe back box & full x pipe (all catalysts removed) and it just sounded broken to me. Worth getting your self along to some e9x meets and listening to them in person, i can confirm mine is much more violent sounding in person than that video really shows

[@bp10e]

Great video. Pretty accurate all things considered. Where do you have the mic placed for the engine note? Inside the engine bay?

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks 👍 Yes microphone in the engine bay (you can see the GoPro mount in the engine bay next to the air filter on the intro)

[@d.4063]

@@stoneautomotive how does the intake sound inside the cabin? How does the K&N cold air intake compare to the Karbonius in terms of sound, roar and performance?

[@stoneautomotive]

@@d.4063 The K&N gives a nice intake note for the cost, the Karbonius is another level! The Karbonius just sounds more “pure” and I would say a good 40% louder than the K&N. What’s epic with the Karbonius is really feel it through the cabin which is really hard to pick up on camera! Zero regrets fitting the kit & even more happy now I have a standard back box fitted (more details on my Instagram page)

[@d.4063]

@@stoneautomotive Thank you for answering so quickly. This is exactly the info I was looking for. I am considering a lot of mods that you have done, but am hesitant because I want to retain OEM quality or improve on it. This kind of info really helps. I'll go and follow your Instagram page. Thanks once again ✌🏻

[@jakefromstatefarm9721]

I’m 6’3” and the factory seats are just fine for me. I couldn’t imagine sitting any lower in the car, however, I own an E93 so perhaps fit that model they are lower than the E92. I already feel like I crawl out of the car. Also I would definitely stay away from Alcantara on the steering wheel if you daily drive. That stuff feels great but is total junk. It’ll get greasy and gross in a short time and if you don’t clean it, it becomes a slippery mess. And if you do clean it enough it’ll fall apart and end up gross either way.

[@stoneautomotive]

I guess seat height will always be a personal preference, for me I like the top of the steering wheel to be almost inline with my eyes “really sitting in the car” The Alcantara wheel has been fine for daily use over the last few years, only washed it once abs still looks great! I do keep my hands clean before driving though

[@daveisasdavedoes3558]

Just an FYI, there are no revised shells from BMW that resolve the clearance issue. The only change was the materials and that was for compliance, not to address the issue.

[@stoneautomotive]

Yep I’m aware it was the decision not to use copper in the shells but the specialist gave measured it and confirmed there is an ever so slightly larger clearance (but as many have confirmed does not resolve the issue)

[@daveisasdavedoes3558]

Stone Automotive Thanks, would you mind confirming which specialists validated this? Evolve and Redish have both stated that there is no difference. (Unless I've missed something) 🙂 I did the rod bearings in my 36k mile LE500 which is a late June 2013 build and the rod bearings had .076mm of clearance (it should be between .05 and .059). The real kicker is that with the later cars that have the aluminium bearings, you cannot reliably do an oil analysis. Personally, I'd also recommend doing the rod bearings on any age car of any mileage and fit the ACL or King trimetal bearings as you'll at least be able to do the periodic oil analysis. Great videos btw, really informative, I hope you don't mind the comment 🙂

[@daveisasdavedoes3558]

Stone Automotive Also, one final thing worth noting, when they're checking the clearance of the bearings, if they're using OEM bolts, they'd need two sets of bolts to properly check the clearance, the OEM bolts are stretch bolts and cannot be used, you'd have to torque up with one set, check clearance, then redo with the second set. This may explain the slight difference in clearance. Also, the OEM bolts have an 11 step tightening sequence 😄

[@stoneautomotive]

It was a thread on M3cutters/forum I was reading/ researching them - I’ve not measured them so have only gone by what I have seen online (internet rumours & hear say can be lethal 😂🙈) There’s certainly lots of opinions on the matter and such a shame it plagued the S65 - I really feel cold start on 60w oil during those early morning winter drives can’t be helping but I’m not an engine builder to say that’s a big reason - I think bottom line is 6-8,000rpm or 1 year oil changes whilst respecting the engine until upto temperature, always sub 2,500rpm / max quarter throttle (easy with the route I take to work and the DCT in auto shift mode 2) Always good to hear the opinions so welcome the comment 👍

[@alexmartinez280]

Are those the seats from an F80 M3?? I never saw that done before and I’ve been around E9X with mine since 2013. Stock seats are ridiculously heavy and my No. 2 mod to come after the carbon air box. The Recaro CS Sportsters in your CSL are the ones for me but dang those look sick too. What’s the weight difference in the front pair?

[@stoneautomotive]

I’ve covered a full fitting video on the channel - the seats are from an M4 for the tilt feature as also a coupe 👍 CS seats are awesome but do love the heated option so the M4 seats are a good compromise - they are lighter than the standard e92

[@adamanis4320]

Good informative video. Would be good to have some text on the vid. If you can share a link for the brake pads and the other useful-tips that would be great.

[@stoneautomotive]

Hi Adam, Glad you enjoyed the video 👍 That’s a good idea regarding adding all the info to the description - shall look into to adding it. The brake pads are from a company called PFC (performance friction) and o run there Z-rated compound for road use, link below to where I purchased mine www.kamracing.co.uk/car-tuning/bmw/bmw-3-series-e90-e91-e92-e93/brakes/bmw-3-series-e90-e92-performance-friction-brake-pads-m3.html

[@adamanis4320]

@@stoneautomotive thanks so much. I mean on the video itself, but to the description is even great 👍🏼. Hopefully picking my new m3 up soon 🤞🏼

[@Jon_Yale]

Hey mate, great video. When you say about replacing the 'shells' are you talking about rod bearings?

[@stoneautomotive]

Hi Jon, yes (probably should add that in the description 😅)

[@Jon_Yale]

@@stoneautomotive awesome, thanks bud. I'm moving from an F80 to an e92 so watching loads of KZbin. Your is one of the best videos iv seen for upgrade info. I'm surprised, the bearing replacement isn't actually that pricey. If you get them done, it that then something you don't need to worry about?

[@stoneautomotive]

The e92 M3/ S65 engine is certainly appearing to be a more solid unit compared to the F80 (crank hub, turbo seals, charge cooler etc) are all big fail points on the S55. Having driven a friends M4 recently that was stage 2 it was certainly fast but really lacked any enjoyment for me (I was set on getting an F80 M3 this year but driving his put me off 😅) Injector failure seems to be the most recent issue for the V8 but a full set from Bosch is £250-£400 depending where you shop so not a big expense for the piece of mind 👍

[@Jon_Yale]

@@stoneautomotive yeah I had to do the injectors on the F80, quite a bit more expensive than that I think. I have to say, although I think the f80 is both gorgeous and fast in equal measure it really isn't doing it for me. I can't wait to try out the V8 and see if I can get that feel and character I'm after. I think all cars have there issues the best thing about buying an older car is that none of them will be a suprise.

[@stoneautomotive]

I wasn’t blown away by the e92 when I first picked it up 2 years ago (was in the shadow of my e46 M3) but with a few upgrades it really transforms them, the pre-cat delete, remap & GTS gearbox software for the DCT box really wakes them up - main upgrade for me was the M4 seats, actually feels like a proper M interior with them fitted 😎 All the best with your search 👍

[@drifteraway5648]

Exaust. Fully new and lighter one. Without any cats and lightest muffler you can have. Amazing sounds and weight reduction.

[@stoneautomotive]

It’s almost to loud now, removing any more silencing would be carnage 😂

[@drifteraway5648]

@@stoneautomotive Hell yeah! 😂

[@mattjohns6812]

Great vid mate! did you ever do the comparison with your mates supercharged one?

[@stoneautomotive]

Hi Matt, glad you enjoyed the video 👌 The super charged one is still on the cards, with Covid this year the owner hasn’t had the car out much for us to get a date in the diary ☹️ Fear not it’s still well on my radar 👍

[@mattjohns6812]

@@stoneautomotive Cool. I was guna do the same to mine this year but put it on hold to see how things panned out? Mines booked in for one in March. Bloody Covid.

[@stoneautomotive]

You going Super charged in March? Nice if so 😎 Got to the point with mine where I realise I’m happy with its current pace, still have a carbon plenum for the noise in mind and a few other bits I want to swap over from the M4 but will go into that all in the next “plans for 2021” video - should be up next week 👍

[@mattjohns6812]

@@stoneautomotive Yeah ive had mine for about 4 years as a daily and im finding i want more grunt down low as well as up top so going for the G1 charger. Ive had a x pipe from evolve and remap but that didn't do it for me. Only bought my e92 as my e36 evo was off the road and ive fallen in love with it.Look forward to the next vid.

[@stoneautomotive]

That makes sense, charger really turns them into an animal! Nice, still haven’t driven an E36 but if the feeling is the same as going from the e92 > e46 in terms of rawness/ light weight I can imagine they are great fun 😎

[@courtneyrager2166]

Great content 👍🏼 Was wondering if you went Sportline or Pro kit on the eibachs? I’m looking to go that route, although the fact mine’s done 70k already I’m slightly nervous about invalidating the warranty on the dampers.

[@stoneautomotive]

I went Pro-line (black springs) it would sadly void your standard BMW warranty but mine is looooong out of that lol.. hit 70,000 miles this weekend too

[@courtneyrager2166]

Stone Automotive thanks James. I asked as the rear was quite low. Love the look, would just be worried if it rubbed on hard cornering as I take mine on track here and there. Take it you’ve had none of that since fitting?

[@stoneautomotive]

I couldn’t comment for track use but went for a very spirited drive whilst filming and had no rubbing from the rear

[@karl1608]

Would you do pre cat before back box and see how it felt/sounded does two pipe back box yield any power benefits ? Best e9x M3 video I’ve seen . Bravo

[@stoneautomotive]

The pre-cat will deliver the gains and a slightly raspier/ evil sound on the stock back box which is great if your looking for more torque/ power. Back box modification gains zero performance but does up the the volume 👍

[@leland12345]

I can't even understand what his first rec is. I like the upgrade seats because like he says ride height is nuts, I have bamboo beige interior so I doubt it could match.

[@stoneautomotive]

The 1st recommendation is connecting rod bearings (google them for the e92 M3/S65 - sadly a weak spot on this fantastic engine ☹️) Yes the seats sit much lower & I’ve managed to drop the seat a further 20mm by deleting the runners 👍

[@willjames618]

Fuel injector failure is very real! It happened to me and it scored the cylinder heads and wall. The engine had to be replaced

[@stoneautomotive]

Sadly shorty after releasing the video I started seeing it pop up a few times on the owners club with injector failure 🤦‍♂️ Sorry to hear of your failure, I was thinking of getting my injectors tested/ cleaned only a few weeks back for a job this year! What was your situation - full throttle of just normal driving?

[@willjames618]

@@stoneautomotive Yea I would definitely get them tested or replaced to have peace of mind. It was full throttle due to a Camaro trying to race me on the freeway 😆 I realized later I should of just got a stoker kit instead of paying for a rebuilt engine. Now I’m just waiting for the engine to give me an excuse so I can stoke it 😁

[@stoneautomotive]

@@willjames618 bad day for you when that happened ☹️ The reason I ask is I only hear of it happening at full send (makes sense given that’s where the injector duty cycle will be at it’s highest) The stroker builds are big money! Certainly be good fun with some more power though 😬

[@willjames618]

@@stoneautomotive Yea, I’m looking at some high performance injectors. There’s tons of info on them that I’m still learning on. It’s big money for those who think they will have little money. That’s not the case with you, your on your way to 100k subs Keep up the hard work 👍

[@stoneautomotive]

@@willjames618 Thanks Will, plenty more BMW content to come - BMW 1M video goes live later today 😎

[@KevinButtle]

Hi James - When you filmed this video did you have a microphone inside the engine bay to capture the induction noise? The induction sounds great with the K&N filter fitted in your videos. Much raspier than the standard set-up, even with the airbox lid removed. Did you find the car performed ok with the K&N cold air intake fitted as I know a lot of people get upset about removing the original airbox and heat soak issues.

[@stoneautomotive]

Hi Kevin, There is a mic in the engine bay for these videos when the K&N was fitted(you can actually see the black gopro mount at the end of the filter on the intro from memory when the video pans across the engine bay) as per our messages you need to buy the carbon fibre intake set up if you want it to sound like that in the car 😉 but if you have a silly loud exhaust it will over power the intake. Finally I will add the videos do no justice for the carbon intake - in person it’s night and day different 👌

[@KevinButtle]

@@stoneautomotive - Thanks James - I had a feeling you must have had a mic in the engine bay for the induction noise to be so loud. Shame you can't get that level of induction noise inside the car with a simple cold air intake. A Carbon Plenum is definitely on the wishlist now. Thanks for your help, once again ;-)

[@Murphy252000]

What you thinking of the Clio mate, I’m saving to buy a cup with low ish mileage, are they worth it, some craic?

[@stoneautomotive]

Hi, the 172 Cups are fantastic value for money & certainly never fail to put a smile on my face 😎 doesn’t have the luxuries of the m-cars for daily use but there’s a steep increase in running & purchase cost so all relevant 👍 my cups certainly a little hard core for daily use but still fun on the road

[@drifteraway5648]

DCT new high quality oil and RADIATOR would be highly recommended if you do not want to even dream of problem.

[@stoneautomotive]

Haven’t had any issues with the current cooler (so far)

[@drifteraway5648]

@@stoneautomotive Consider that if want go harder on road or track. 😉

[@andylaws4247]

Great looking and sounding car. Any engine probs so far?

[@stoneautomotive]

Touch wood it’s been okay, had an alternator fail & the injectors & rod bearings were changed as preventive maintenance 👍

[@USMANKYOUSAFZAI]

Sounds like you still like the E46 just a tad bit more than the e92. Would be interesting to see what a 4.1 diffed e46 pulls like compared to an e92. Granted itll be slower but how close does it get.

[@stoneautomotive]

Oh yes you would be correct, the e46 M3 is the ultimate in full thrills driving for me in the current collection - such a wonderfully balanced car ozzzing with character 😎 I think upto 100mph there wouldn’t be a great amount in it with the e46 being lighter + 4.1 diff but after that BHP is required to push past the wind resistance.. where to test this theory in April when the e46 is back out 🤔

[@USMANKYOUSAFZAI]

@@stoneautomotive somewhere in Mexico /Wales perhaps. Or a nigh time run on the motorway.

[@stoneautomotive]

A night run in Mexico could be doable 🤔

[@johnpaull135]

Did you get the Dyno numbers sorted out. If so what sort of RWH did you get once you did the test pipes?? Jp

[@stoneautomotive]

The car was booked in with Surrey Rolling road in April, covid-19 put a stop to that 😩

[@gregs8685]

Great video. Don’t trade it for an F80 M3. That would be a downgrade in most categories save for outright speed.

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks Greg, the e92 M3 will be staying for a few more years I would have thought 👌

[@2ndProtects1st]

Look into Troyjeup S65 S85 engine builder. Troy recommends 5w50 redline oil instead of 10w60 gear lube. Also he recommends 90c thermostat (motoRad 880090 from Dodge Viper) which will allow s65 s85 come to temp much quicker. Premature rod bearing wear happens on cold start with 10w60 which is too thick to lubricate the tight tolerance bearing. I own an e92 m3 comp pack 2013. I made the switch to 5w50 and to warmer tstat and my s65 idles soo smoothly and revs much quicker. Also the warmer thermostat leans out the engine a bit, which tightens the cylinder walls for better compression and cleaner burn. More compression equals more power and less oil consumption. Troyjeup on Instagram no affiliation.

[@stoneautomotive]

I have heard of owners running slightly thinner oil especially in very cold climates but on the flip side I have seen a few cases where owners have run the standard 10w60 for over 80,000 miles with very little wear - ultimately for me it comes down to how you drive the car from cold 👍 Interesting about the 90c thermostat, never heard of that change/ upgrade before

[@2ndProtects1st]

@@stoneautomotive easy swap and you’ll notice a big difference especially with the warmer thermostat.

[@ahmetkrasniqi3787]

hello, is the cable duct for the microfilter cover clipped and screwed?

[@stoneautomotive]

Hi, not sure what your referring to I’m afraid.

[@Noroofn55]

Beautiful car, is it possible to put m4 convertible seats into e93 m3 convertible?

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks, with regards to the convertible seats in an e93 I honestly have no idea - I can’t see why not but until you pull it apart there’s no way of knowing sadly (was trial and error with my instal)

[@francoisbalavoine1316]

Sorry about this, but I just can't understand the first recommendation, my english is not that good. You mean it's a must the rod bearings? Or what? Could you please write down the 10 recommendations, at least the technical ones? Really into the market for an M3 e92 and this review has great info but no totally clear to understand for me... thanks! Congrats for the video!

[@stoneautomotive]

Hi, it’s the con rod bearings that fail due to tight clearance + thick engine oil when driven hard from cold (I’ve covered a video on the channel - e92 M3 rod bearing replacement 👍) Sorry if it’s difficult to understand.

[@francoisbalavoine1316]

@@stoneautomotive Thanks for the reply!

[@kid2519]

I bought 2011 BMW E90 M3 at 120,000 miles for $24k USD. I hope I made a good purchase.

[@stoneautomotive]

As long as it’s been looked after mileage wouldn’t worry me 👍 obviously rod bearings and fuel injectors being preventive one should be changed if they haven’t already in my opinion

[@CaptainPlow69]

Are the M4 seats a direct bolt in or do you have to get rails that work with them?

[@stoneautomotive]

All detailed in the fitting guide 👍 (but yes M4 seats & runners bolt straight in) kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpSldZJupqiod5Y

[@CaptainPlow69]

@@stoneautomotive thanks fella, I'll check that link out!

[@jeffzahnd]

Great video, any details on the intake and exhaust you went with? I was thinking about simply doing electric cutouts between the cats...what do ya think?

[@stoneautomotive]

Hi, glad you enjoyed the video 👍 It’s a K&N intake system - does make a nice induction note on full throttle 😎 pass on a valves exhaust, let that V8 sing 24/7 👌

[@jeffzahnd]

Stone Automotive what muffler/exhaust did you go with? Sounds amazing

[@stoneautomotive]

Jeff Zahnd it’s the standard exhaust with the back box modified to what they call a “2 pipe” modification - all detailed in my tuning video below 👍 kzbin.info/www/bejne/oousgqdoZaxgbZo

[@Ahogg1992]

After having a clio 182 and now owning a Megane rs250 I need to get my red fix would you say the m3 is as fun to drive as the Renaultsport at normal speeds e92 or e46

[@stoneautomotive]

Certainly more fun if you enjoy rear wheel drive, the Megane 250 (reviewed on the channel) was never as fun as the Clio 172 Cup if though it had the faster pace and limited slip diff. The e46 M3 is the perfect balance of fun/ performance for me, as much as I enjoy the e92 it still doesn’t have the rawness of an e46 M3 but the e92 is a better daily

[@Ahogg1992]

@@stoneautomotive for me the meg was the best compromise at the time the clio always needed an extra gear as it was to buzzy on a dual carriageway lacked the creature comforts etc but I wanted the essence of the clio to to remain (fun). Since owning the meg for a while you start to realise that it's a complete weapon that imo has a better chassis. I think I always knew that the e46 is the right choice but it's hard not to get drawn in by bhp number these days and if I could warrant a f80 m3 I would probably go for it but then you have the problem of how much of that power can you actually use. thats one thing the clio showed me it's much more fun to extract every last drop out of a car than have 30% you can reach without being a dick. It's a tricky choice. Options I have considered. Golf r/140/240 and mx5 turbo Go full sensible with a 330d or something with mx5 turbo E46 M3 E92 M3 Carrera 997.1 Heck even a s14/s15 set up for handling rather than skids

[@stoneautomotive]

The e46 M3 has the grown up refinement whilst still having a great degree of fun and if you had to the car will still be a great daily driver 👌 Would avoid anything diesel as a drivers car, a 335d with hybrid turbos will push an e92 out the way in a straight line but you would never just want to take it for a spin/ Sunday drive. F80 M3’s are great (minus the exhaust note) all out fun car not so much but like the e92 great daily/ sun day blaster compromise. Certainly lots of choice, worth trying a few before committing 👍

[@Ahogg1992]

So for me it would be my daily but I have the Mrs golf to steal when she's not working and would only need to use it on weekends

[@get-it-up-utlou5553]

Great video! Do you mind how much you paid? Mileage ? Cheers !

[@stoneautomotive]

Hi, thanks! I paid market value at the time but they don’t seem to have moved much since then for the competition! Just ticked over 70,000 miles

[@get-it-up-utlou5553]

@@stoneautomotive 70,000 still got plenty in them , especially if well maintained ,thanks for letting me know, keep up the bmw content , brilliant 👍

[@silaslabouve9031]

i’m thinking about getting an e92 m3 but i’m just out of high school, would be that be a good decision? i have a good job and the payments wouldn’t be too bad but i’m worried about something happening to the car

[@stoneautomotive]

If you buy one with some sort of warranty and you can afford it go for it, personally buying one of these is only half the expense as tyres, brakes, fuel etc soon start adding up very quickly. The problem is they can & do go wrong and when parts fail it gets expensive especially if your not handy with the tools. For me if you have £20,000 to spend on a car you should look to buy one for £15k and keep a few thousand tucked away just in case if it doesn’t come with any sort of warranty.

[@silaslabouve9031]

Stone Automotive what would you say is a reasonable price for an e90 m3, and at what mileage would it not be worth buying, etc. 100k miles or more.

[@drifteraway5648]

H&R springs, right? Which model, please?

[@stoneautomotive]

Eibach sport line springs (all detailed in my spring fitting video)

[@SashoS91]

What are shells that you talk about?

[@stoneautomotive]

Old video now (sorry about the quality) kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJuyZqlnZruYgZo

[@Assimilator1]

That's another word used for the bearings

[@skorpion16pp]

Do you have k&n intake 63-1116?

[@stoneautomotive]

It did have the K&N CAI kit fitted in this video (microphone in the engine bay though) now has the full Karbonius intake fitted which makes it sound like the microphone clip from inside the car 😬

[@michaeltempler9373]

Sorry, just got to the part re selling - don’t do it! You’ll regret it. Like an absolute tool I sold mine, I’ve been through a couple of cars after it, including an (gasp! no mean comments!) Audi R8 (blegh!) and I kid you not, I miss my M3 every. Single. Day. Don’t. There’s nothing, nothing like it. Don’t do it. If you’re weird like me you can’t buy the same thing if you’ve had it before (coz I’m just dumb, leave it at that) and you’ll regret selling it for ever. Buy another car if money’s not an issue, but just keep the damn thing. Promise, it’s not worth the grief you’ll experience if you sell it😂

[@stoneautomotive]

It’s certainly a car/ engine that will no longer be available again with emissions, I do become very attached to cars/ bikes especially when I’ve built or modified them to my liking - she’s safe certainly for the next few years (especially if I can pull of the garage build off as detailed in my latest video) the V8 is a master piece in the e92 😎 what are you driving now to fill the gap?

[@michaeltempler9373]

Stone Automotive yeah, it’s a honey of a car. Loved the fact that it’s wasn’t a fussy car, could drive it perfectly for a daily like a normal car and make like a crazy person when you’re feeling frisky. Loved it to death, was an absolute dummy for selling it. Ugh, was getting over my R8 dalliance and about to try a Porsche (cayman GT4?) and Covid happened, so we’ll have to wait until lockdown etc is back to normal. Hoping the GT4 will give me that duality & fun factor that the M3 spoilt me for....good luck with the build, I’m sure it’ll be a success - subscriber now, so I’ll know just after you I guess😂. #dontsell.....think it’ll catch on?

[@iysisrose]

*What was the first one on the list ? My bad ya accent heavy my niiggaa...*

[@stoneautomotive]

No worries - bottom end shells (google BMW e92 M3 bearing failure it’s a known issue with them 👍)

[@Ahogg1992]

What's you comparison to a E46 M3 these days?

[@stoneautomotive]

I’m gonna be honest and say the e92 is really winning me over, sad to admit I haven’t really missed the e46 M3 this year 😮 Hopefully actually get some miles on the e46 next year, I think it’s because it’s sat in the garage in bits that the novelty has worn off a little. E92 just does everything and is still great fun especially with the v8/ DCT combo

[@Ahogg1992]

@@stoneautomotive interesting how time can change things. Would be good for you to get out in a more standard e46 so you can reassess.

[@fvresonanator]

You sure the cold start high rpm is not to build up oil pressure? It's actually oil pressure that's more important on cold start, not the rpms (to an extent)

[@stoneautomotive]

100% certain - watch any engine builder or car specialist that starts a vehicle that hasn’t been run for some time and they will always crank the engine with fuel/ignition off to ensure oil pressure is achieved. All the new stuff does it now to get the catalysts upto operating temperature, almost certain this has been a big factor on e92 rod bearing excessive wear when combined with cold external temps and 10w60 weight oil

[@fvresonanator]

@@stoneautomotive fair enough, nice car btw

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks 👍 pretty much where I want it to be (few more little bits left 👀)

[@drifteraway5648]

Carbon fiber seats helps to reduce weight, a big issue on this car.

[@stoneautomotive]

Shame the e92 is so heavy - would have been fantastic if it was sub 1,500kg fully loaded

[@drifteraway5648]

@@stoneautomotive Indeed. This wonder needs a diet so bad! 😂

[@rjac001]

Please refrain from revving your engine in neutral, it's not good for the engine / bearings

[@YungCwalk]

idk mate kinda seems like beans

[@stoneautomotive]

I don’t know what you mean by this comment 😅

[@DaleSteel]

You won't love f80 like e90

[@stoneautomotive]

Yep! Gone off that idea as time has gone on 😅