Rebuilding and Modifying a $4000 BMW E46 M3 - Part 1

[@speedacademy]

What do you all think of our cheap M3? Good buy? Bad buy? Terrible drift car idea? Or Brilliant?

[@michaelgomez4994]

Speed Academy I product the e46 will brake. 6-8000rpm for 30sec at a time while banging gears in a stock e46 that’s already beat up. Interesting decision. Should have gotten a c5 in better condition it would be cheaper/easer to fix

[@BenFreedmanRacing]

Speed Academy nice to see something different. Definitely time for bushings and other normal replacement items but good buy overall!

[@DriftGT86]

I'm stoked too see that Bmw get some love hope there get some bushings changed :D It's a good idea to a unbeatible prize but pls check the engine because double Vanos

[@frozenpete788]

Subframe mounts reinforcements (the conv has a bit more steel in some places having no roof), conrods bearings so you don't throw a rod, roll bar, this will be a great car. It's actually not that bad considering the mileage and the price I think. I have never been a big fan of the Phoenix gelb (yellow) paint but as a drift car that will be great. Was that Moose's e36 in the background ? I saw him bombing the videoshot anyway (not on purpose :p)

[@steifan]

Good idea but those cars are heavy. Feel at home watching rusty E46 though xD

[@friguy4444]

I think you're wrong about people not wanting to see you tear this down and build it up to spec. There are a million E46 M3 videos on youtube BUT none of them show someone building one up to a drift spec masher. Go for the whole works we want to see it! IMHO.

[@earnestbunbury2103]

Tear it down and show the destruction

[@pirkkaruuska5766]

WE LOVE WHEN YOU TEAR CARS APART AND FIDDLE WITH THE MECHANICS!!

[@Haider_Malik]

ROD BEARINGS, VANOS, HEADGASKET, SUBFRAME! Ugh i know this money pit all too well lol Best of luck with it chaps - I'm excited!!

[@earnestbunbury2103]

Lol, I'm with ya. I bet there's some surprises waiting for our unsuspecting boys

[@joshbsz]

Get ready For torn subframe mounts in 3.2.1....

[@sijosue]

Thought the convertibles had reinforced subframes

[@joshbsz]

Joshua Sackey they’re less prone to *subframe mounts* ripping, but it’s a manual and the manuals were more prone to ripping mounts, because of the increased force you can exert from shifting your own gears IIRC.

[@TankRust]

This is pretty much the perfect M3 you could have gotten, since it is in an undesirable color and a convertible. If yanking out the convertible top mechanism completely is an option, you should do it. It will free up tons of room for a good rollbar/cage and will lighten up the car significantly. Lose the rear seat while you are at it. HGK makes tons of cool body panels for these. These cars drift really well out of the box, so leave the angle mods for later on once you start maxing the rack out.

[@Craig_Bolin]

I love convertibles and ugly colors. I have an 01 Z3 in Brown with 175k miles that I bought for 2.5k. I love it now that the CEL has been off for a while but I think I paid too much. No rust but every panel needs paint an or body work.

[@fastboatster]

This color actually looks good to me

[@tuurbow]

I'd highly recommend doing these things before you spend a dime on mods. 1. subframe reinforcement (cars have been written off by insurance due to how badly they can tear) 2. rodbearing replacement (2001 especially) 3. vanos rebuild 4. valve adjustment

[@chrisgreendecmeber]

Don't waste your time and money on the stock e brake, they are garbage no matter what you do to them. Find a decent hydraulic ebrake system and do a dual caliber setup. I know a company that makes dual caliper brackets for the e46 and it doesn't interfere with the abs/ wheel speed sensors

[@oOFallenThunderOo]

Yeah but those dual caliper kits require you to delete your factory e-brake system which will make it hard to pass inspection if he plans on running it on the street.There are aftermarket e brake systems available that could be modified to work with the E46 but going that route also adds cost on top of the cost to install a hydro.

[@pazi88]

But why not just add hydro e-brake on rear caliber brake line? Easy to do, it works and leaves stock e-brake still functioning for inspection. To keep ASC/DSC system working, they could use hydro e-brake with dual cylinders. But I agree, the stock e-brake can not be used for drifting.

[@chrisgreendecmeber]

+Jacob FloresIif I recall correctly they are building a "drift car" so they might as well use what works best for drifting. Chances are the factory backing plates for the ebrake is rotted beyond repair (asks me how I know lol) so no point in keeping it at all. If the car is already inspected then they can do whatever they want to it. I'm sure some shops would pass it if it had a hydro anyways. I guess we will just have to wait for some more videos to figure out all of their plans

[@heliumargon]

@@pazi88 E46 e-brake is a weird design; the handle operates shoes that expands on the inside of the disc like a drum brake. And it doesn't grab worth a darn.

[@pazi88]

@@heliumargon I know. It holds car in place and that's it. But that's why I adviced to use hydro e-brake installed to rear caliber line

[@joshuahussey7623]

Moose! Hiding in the background! Need more Moose!

[@WelcomeToTheMadness]

Stranger danger, economic danger...BMW and cheap...= headaches.

[@Xfacehack]

Nah! Some m-parts are expensive, but usually they fairly cheap and often pretty easy to replace. You just have to buy the parts at the right place and understand what's wrong with it. You hear so much shit on the internet. But Bmw in general is easy car to own and maintain. You just have to be in a "bmw mindset". Important parts like engine, transmission etc are really bulletproof! There are almost no turds out there, especially m-cars have basically no real issues!

[@merv3930]

Carl Strandberg Lol Rod Bearings and a weak Rear Subframe Mounting area is a pretty big deal

[@cdv721]

dont be a bitch. Drop the subframe and reinforce it.

[@theFORZA66]

@@merv3930 most m3s pre 2003.5 had a recall for rod bearings, and many owners did subframe reinforcment. 2003.5 and newer didnt have those issues

[@merv3930]

@@theFORZA66 I own and daily an 04. They did not fix the subframe issues and there are still rod bearing incidents.

[@tobycosford1]

"Full dentist spec"... oh Dave, you crack me up.

[@stevebarnette]

Excited for this build. I had an E46 M4 convertible with a 6 speed manual, years ago. Aside from my 911 997 C2S, I think the M3 was the best car I’ve ever had. Every time I got in the M3 I hit the M button and turned traction control off. The torque of the engine and balance of the chassis were so good for drifting. I’m surprised more people don’t do E46 M3 drift cars. Good luck, dudes.

[@dareksasasa7589]

Rob k you are idiot

[@AndreKlebleyev]

That's awesome, I got me 2001 M3 Coupe Manual for $9k with 106k miles (had rod bearings and subframe reinforcement done) also had some dings and was in a tiny crash but that's why i used it for my M3 GTR Replica build Best of luck with it!!! I'd stick with "stock power" on the S54 MAYBE do headers but honestly 1st and 2nd these cars spin the wheels sooo easily so it'll be perfect for drifting on stock power

[@-CLASSIFIED-]

i'm a sucker for bmws ... and of course i love weird and wild colored cars ... this is right up my alley lol

[@crazybmxer308]

Oil leak is most likely the cpv o ring under the #6 exhaust runner. Subframe plates id go with PS Designs they cover more area then everyone else. Headers and a tune will get you close to 30hp/15tq at the wheels. I’d also pull the valve cover and check the exhaust hub and make sure it isn’t broken

[@deweberis2709]

Great buy! The floor is not rotten. There are tons of vids rebuilding and reinforcing the whole floor.

[@THECONDOR98]

I believe all e46’s until the year 2003 has subframe issues so you will need reinforcing. But nice! At least it’s not SMG that transmission and a proper gearbox :)

[@samthenerf]

They all had the subframe problem, go look at Redish and you can see all years with cracked subframe mounts.

[@timothyer2447]

Yup, 2004 ZHP checking in. Installed Redish plates & Vincebar to lock the RACP down.

[@minirider118]

I'd love to see all the maintenance you guys do, even if it's not the first thing you do. Can't wait to see the future content on this car!

[@sigmaprojects]

For the hand brake question the easish way is to add a hydraulic hand brake setup inline with your rear brake lines. The new hand brake will provide the option to actuate when you yank on it but when you're not you will still be able to get rear brake pressure when using the foot pedal.

[@pavelk554]

will... I paid $3400 for my 03 6spd vert with 100K o n it and $3700 for my 04 coupe slicktop with 130K on it.

[@Livingmybestlife68]

Pavel Kostyurin well you stole both of those cars! That is one hell of a deal.

[@tsunamiq]

Once a Honda fan, now a speed academy fan. Keep it up guys! Love the attention to mechanic detail in all your vids!

[@feelthatfeelthat]

Super excited about this series. Always wanted an e46 m3 but didnt wanna bother with all the issues

[@kieranberkery]

Cool project car, I like the fact it's an M3. I really don't like the colour or fact that it's a rag top though... I'd be tempted to reshell the motor and M3 specific bits into a clean coupe shell with a decent chassis already... Anyhow, looking forward to seeing what you guys do with it! 👍

[@leeroy60]

Ditch the stock rear lower control arms, for aftermarket tubular double adjustable ones. They will bend easily while drifting. For the parking/hand brake. The locking button is molded onto the rod mechanism that unlocks it. It's not removable like other vehicles. I removed the grip, and slipped a piece of bent metal tube over the handle. The bend in the tube keeps the button pushed down and the tube adds the needed leverage to lock the rear wheels up and make it easier to reach. To use the parking brake, i just pull the tube forward and it operates as normal. Hope this helps! Also, cut just the muffler off. Straight pipe from axle back sounds great. Great tone and still quiet. It's not obnoxiously loud so you could still drive it around town. First mod I did on my E46 sedan!

[@stylerunner2959]

You can remove the button by force and you're right. It won't twist off like others make. I have a drift button on mines and it works flawlessly.

[@joshwalling4633]

E-brake: Tape a quarter (or whatever Canadian coin currency you have) down over the button haha, seriously it works. I’m not a drifter so I’m not aware of any permanent solution.

[@ChrisHale0629]

E46 M3 Drift car is a perfect use for an M3 'vert. Thanks for doing this so I don't have to explain yet another car to my wife.

[@of_lion22]

VANOS and subframe reinforcement (or at least replace the bushings). Still a great deal for a very cool drift car.

[@daynerampersad8968]

you guys should remove the soft top and replace it with the removable hardtop

[@Tiaan90]

I can't believe the prices you have on those over there! Cheapest E46 M3 cabriolet I found in Sweden is a US import with 190k km on it, for ~23k CAD. An E36/46 starts at minimum 30-35k CAD. These cars have likely never seen snow in Sweden though, and almost always been well cared.

[@W1llyMcKnight]

I had an e63 650 with an intermittent audio glitch. The stock stereo would appear to be still working but the speakers would cut out for a few minutes then come back for a few minutes. It turned out to be a faulty MULF/Bluetooth module. To test for the fault, locate the module mentioned, (in my case it was behind the rear seat on drivers side) remove the optic cable, if the speakers continue working without fault that's your problem. You can then decide to either leave the optic cable out and lose Bluetooth connectivity or replace the module. The modules are quite expensive from BMW as you would expect...Replacing the module with a second hand unit can also be troublesome as you will need to clone it with the VIN number of the original using software, but maybe one of your tech gurus can help you out. Good luck with the build, i look forward to seeing the progress!

[@mondomoleno.3404]

The shit eating grin on Moose's face in the background when PT says "That's going to be a fun episode".

[@briangarrett6264]

Makes me feel pretty good about my recent purchase for my wife. She is a BMW fanatic and has always wanted an e46 M3 so we found one that the dealership knew nothing about (it was a trade in on a newer chevy truck) and was going to send to auction, made them a lowball offer and they took it. We ended up with a 2003 coupe (granted it is a SMG and not a manual), that ran fine and was in WAY better shape than this one and had 137,000 miles on it for only $4900usd!!

[@AlexA-bx8jr]

actually looks pretty clean in terms of rust considering the rust on exterior.

[@dillonclark4182]

Watch Chelsea denofas videos on doing the metal tube handbrake extension he swears by them

[@BlakesGarage]

exactly what i was thinking

[@doublesidedtape1000]

Can't wait to see you guys drop the motor/trans. Also really interested to see the condition of the RACP once you drop the rear subframe.

[@MR_equis]

First thing I would do to that M3 is fix/replace all the bushings in the suspension (sounds like your rear trailing arm one is already gone), reinforced that rear subframe and upgrade the cooling. An easy mod that does gains some good horse power, is to use the euro headers or even better some Supersprint ones.

[@fastcrazy2555]

Can’t wait your guys build e46 m3. I am keep my eyes on your badass s2k all the way.

[@mrlong6267]

You can’t go wrong spending 4K on an e46 m3 especially in Phoenix yellow. Great buy 👍🏻

[@justinlee371]

Probably a good idea to look where the subframe MOUNTS to the body of the car.

[@SouthdownGarage]

Yeah man, pulling rear subframe on beemer is where it's at! We're doing that on our doner car, it's great! Especially when you get to do it twice!

[@Tommikegetitright101i]

You need catless headers easy 25hp

[@Fuzion180]

Damn that shop is sweet! all those cars stored safely tucked away, and a lift too

[@Gaby3Gonz]

The Badass2000 in the back ground tho, Love it so much

[@alpineskiman]

As a fellow Phoenix Yellow E46 owner, I’m definitely looking forward to this one. 👍

[@joshkim4438]

Damn I remember when I bought my e36 m3. It was 3k and I didn’t realize it had so many issues. Would have taken another 3k to get it back to normal. Good luck can’t wait to see what you guys do. Also the rear shock towers need to be reinforced

[@spazda_mx5]

Job number 1 has got to be to introduce those window tints and BMW badges to the Art Bin.

[@MikeRT4]

Sadly Akrapovic don't do an exhaust for the E46 M3 - you'd need to go to Supersprint for something close :).

[@DreamRacingCo]

I really enjoy using my NerpTech handbrake extension. The stock parking brake locks up good.

[@ShizaP]

I never have to worry about rust 👍

[@yojamf]

Very cool idea you do see alot of e46 m3 drift cars,but you rarley see the process so this is a cool build.

[@connarbrown1]

All BMWs come with complimentary oil leaks from factory

[@anpredictable]

Hahahaa ahh this broke me so hard. Good shit

[@sneekeruk]

Thats not bad rust, you need to see what a lot of e46's look like here in the uk.

[@sidewazemotorsports1529]

So awesome you are doing an E46 M3! Going to be EPIC!! Can't wait to see what you do to it! Pretty funny you want to do the cool bits and then take care of the mechanicals. I chose the opposite path, but am sure you will have yours done a lot faster than my schedule (and wallet) can accommodate.

[@dpedd12]

This is most exciting project I've seen from you guys yet. I really wish you guys would make this a proper drift car. Just button up the rear subframe, and then send it. Take it down to California with the z and spend some time drifting them.

[@taylormoats2099]

I really think you guys should show the viewers the process of bringing an E46 M3 up to date on maintenance. As you guys probably know, a 200K mile M3 will require levels of maintenance that most people wouldn't be able to imagine... you know, like every single rubber bush in the chassis, the VANOS, the valve adjustment, the rod bearings, the subframe reinforcement and every little articulating joint. The internet needs to know what maintenance nightmares these cars are... so they decrease in value so I can buy them all!

[@gsppuffer]

So glad I live in Houston and never have to deal with rust on any car I work on

[@jacobwoolley2114]

Please do the weld in rear subframe reinforcements will be a good episode and worth it in the long run if your drifting it...

[@patx35]

9:00 seems like both taillights are completely dead.

[@TABRO284]

Episode 2 has the answers :)

[@sarahdell4042]

That’s a steal!!

[@VS666]

oh man he is such a positive person hahaha...if i was crazy enough to buy a 300k m3 I wouldnt be able to eat or sleep i'd be in such a panic hahaha

[@janprokopenko7928]

you cant use the stock ebrake for drifting,it barely works as parking brake,drum brake isnt the best for locking the rear.

[@AndyPilot]

Im curious to see how the vanos still operates on this car with that mileage. I'd suspect the solenoid pack has already been replaced. It may be due again, if not then just change out the plate seal (oem part from bmw only like 15 dollars) Fresh oil (must be 10w60 for vanos oil pressure) will help with the vanos as well as save the big end bearings if they haven't been changed yet. Some liqui moly CERATEC can help prolong the life of the big ends and avoid dropping the front subframe and doing them (not too pricey on parts btw but labour!) That rear subframe is going to be a challenge but keen to see the outcome. Great buy BTW I wouldve done it with my eyes closed! You're going to love the car

[@ifgezroxy]

That is good bargain no matter how you look it. For that price it's not even big gamble. And for the videos, the more you have to do the better. I love watching you guys wrench away. I absolutely love the S14 videos, even though I'm more Toyota guy. :)

[@TheSHOTTA61]

Check out Active Autowerke in Miami Florida . They're one of the lead engineering shops in the BMW aftermarket. That car will pick up close to 30wheel from just tuning .

[@TwInKiEmAn99]

Don't replace the hood, just tap them out with heat. Not worth it to buy another hood.

[@jimmehvideos]

Tear it all apart and show us everything! If the ebrake button doesn't unscrew then take out the spring and make your own knob that wedges in there.

[@martinhayes5087]

Check the area where the rear subframe mounts to the shell, they have a nasty habit of tearing away from the shell, strengthening kits are available for them, maybe worth doing as a precaution before you start ripping on it :)

[@hkn_r34]

Because its everything you dont want when you buy an m3. Piss yellow color and cabriolet, atleast its not a SMG :D

[@rolandotillit2867]

You can make the SMG ok if you try

[@marcelk4275]

Haha so true!

[@marcelk4275]

Run away!

[@matt2m]

That yellow sells for a premium if it was manual and coupe.

[@FrenchValleyAirport]

That's the best color imo for the m3..

[@Doggepp]

Good price! But you seriously need to check the rear subframe for cracks, and check out something called "Vincebar" a guy in Sweden who has solved the issue with the rear of the E46 frame and why its so weak.

[@SMACK1978]

Moose will have that subframe out in 2.5 minutes. BMW=Broke My Wallet Better hustle up some more patrons...lol

[@earnestbunbury2103]

This is gonna be cathartic to watch...

[@thekiddupree5567]

A wild mooooose spotted at 11:04!!!!

[@matt2m]

We watch you for you man do you. Do the maintenance first if that’s your vibe man.

[@earnestbunbury2103]

Less to take off when that subframe is cracked, torn, and rusted

[@777MAV]

Writing this before seing full video, but maybe get a 2-door donor 316 and stuff it with M3 bits? I'm sure you can find plenty of E46 widebody kits to accommodate wide suspension, and M3 cabrio shell or original body parts are worth something. Also E46 M3 suffered from weak rear subframe mounting points - you should check condition of those. Maybe fresh rigid shell will be an upgrade...

[@mrklrbn88]

wilwood hydraulic e brake kit with dual caliper setup in the rear!!!! drift ready

[@SilverScarletSpider]

This car is so cool. Hearing that Thomas and y’all still had so many problems with the car is kinda disheartening tho.

[@richardcampbell8685]

Might as well get a wide angle kit. I did a "drift button" and that was fine.

[@bigmikes2140]

I would recommend doing a oil analysis on the engine. I have done 3 sets of rod bearings after customer had oil analysis done over the last few years

[@OscarFernandez11]

Good deal, make sure to replace the rod bearings and reinforce the rear subframe as it is prone to cracking.

[@mrhaha4444ham]

Agreed. Mix up maintenance with upgrades!

[@josephbarnes3099]

I own a 93 e36 sedan still in great shape

[@siecDarkzer0]

Damn, that's what i love about America, cheap good cars.

[@gtlegacy8]

300k on the clock in a bmw what could possibly go wrong.

[@pFbSpecV]

Moose!!! I see you!! Also get the sikky hydrualic pull up hand brake!

[@LoudGuitar14]

11:06 A wild Moose appears!

[@angelizaguirre4641]

We want to see the tear down and maintenance, its the best part

[@bySumar]

Subframes on the e46s are shit anyways, however they have stronger mountings on the convertibles. But especially on a 300k km m3 you're better of ripping it down for a restore with new bushing and stuff like that! Awesome to see that you atleast buy the car and do something with it! I bought my 01/02 m3 for 235k dollars. Ofcourse in much better shape than yours but it doesn't matter man it's still an m3 and I didn't feel like doing all the work you're gonna do. But man will you have fun! Greeting from Sweden.

[@olando1187]

The rear tires need to be swapped to be on correctly cuz they're rotational. The rust on the trunk lid was surprising to see

[@josephbarnes3099]

Great Car my son just purchased one

[@MarioFunk]

Wild Moose siting!!

[@PaulOtlewski]

When you guys start thinking about angle get in touch with SLRspeed

[@jfv65]

better check those rod bearings ASAP! they are notorious for wear. Specially if the car has been run in cold weather. As for the clutch, my e46 had ad a flow restrictor in the clutch line , it is supposed to help smooth engagement but it is actually just a crutch for people who can't operate a clutch properly on feel only. If this e46 has this flow restictor just remove it.

[@alexo1226]

Holy shit 297xxx miles 💪🏽🔥💪🏽🔥 bullet proof

[@962RACER]

blackstone oil analysis ftw for s52, s65 and s85 engines. it will give you early indication of what shape the rod bearings are in or if they are wearing at a rapid rate. that and when the vanos goes it makes the car run sluggish, particularly up top. mechanically bmw m cars are actually pretty stout if the one or two achille's heel they have is addressed.

[@xpeacemaster]

people tear the rear carrier panel out with as little as 40k on the clock. I'd look into a vince bar or something of that nature and poly to solid bushing everywhere

[@chickenfishhybrid44]

Does it have only one of the resonators deleted? Lmao. 10:30

[@JoseFlores-nb5cl]

There was one in San antonio for 2k running and I bought it. Original m3.

[@mas921]

Ultraforms!! 😍😍😍

[@SavageBunny1]

First thing you should do is rod bearings and ARP bolts.

[@davidg4026]

Guys! CDN dollars in the click bait please! I was super impressed that you got a running M3 for $4k, until I found out it was actually $5.5k... although, that's still pretty cheap! --Damn our exchange rate sucks right now!

[@mrmidnight32]

Hydro e-brake boys. No other option for a true drift car.

[@dverdin55]

Need moar M3 videos!