Project 323i

[christyles]

Purchased in May 2003 - '00 323i jet black on sand interior --bone stock with 16" type 45. Rims shown now are 17" BBS Type 42 composite cross spoke.
These shots were taken in May 2004.

[christyles]

August 2004 - Phosphyre DDE Halos, installation courtesy of Jersey. :yourmyido

[christyles]

September 2004: OEM clears from Jersey. And Audiophilia & Chopper. :yourmyido

[christyles]

October 2004:
20% limo tints sponsored by Thornhill Tints.
MarkD EAT software sponsored by Dsylva-Tech. (pic not shown)

[christyles]

October 2004:
Active Autowerke front strut tower bar from M333ee & Jessica. :yourmyido
(Sorry bout the water spots. Got lazy :zzz: )

[M333ee]

Nice bling in the engine bay :}:

Take a pic of the rear bar once you get it.

[Chopper]

Great work so far. Looks 100% better at least.

I notice you did not take a pic of the debaaadggging - nuff' said. :D

[christyles]

Great work so far. Looks 100% better at least.

I notice you did not take a pic of the debaaadggging - nuff' said. :D
Haven't finished all my pics yet.

[christyles]

The silver guage rings and AC Schnitzer pedal set. Rings purchased in August 2004, ACS pedals purchased in July 2004.

[christyles]

Debadged in September 2004. Cost of this mod... $0.00 (chopper **ahem)

[two-timer]

nice pedals :)

[Regin8r]

Looks good Chris!

[SmoothMoka]

it's like seeing a transformation of a buttafly...you know what i mean...just beautiful! :thumbsup:

[christyles]

Thanks all. And far from finished. ;)
Pics to be updatde with every new mod.

[audiophilia]

Your car looks beter and better all the time...great job, Bud!

[christyles]

Your car looks beter and better all the time...great job, Bud!
Thanks Bud. Inspiration, motivation and encouragement all in the right places from certain genuine members who I trust and respect in terms of modding knowledge. You all know you are. :yourmyido

[christyles]

AA rear strut bar, now being sent from MD, Usa. Should be here soon.

[christyles]

AC Schnitzer roof spoiler also now sent from SOCAL seller...
That'll be here soon too. And it's painted already. Stick on and watch.
Pics to come soon.

[laziemofo]

i like those gauge rings!!! i want to do that too

[Sunapollo]

Do you have tracking numbers of the AA bar and the roof spoiler ? It's fun to track the mod items :D Keep the mods coming !! :thumbsup:

[E46]

this guys ballin outta control!!!

[christyles]

Do you have tracking numbers of the AA bar and the roof spoiler ? It's fun to track the mod items :D Keep the mods coming !! :thumbsup:
yup. I keep checking. Still in transit.

[christyles]

this guys ballin outta control!!!
Yes I am Andrew. Following your steps Bro!

[audiophilia]

i like those gauge rings!!! i want to do that too
easy to do and look so good...one suggestion....do not use krazyglue! Elmers white is the way to go

[laziemofo]

where can i find some gauge rings?

[christyles]

Front end Phase 1 is partial complete. I just got a facelifted front bumper. To be painted and installed after winter. Thanks E46. :yourmyido
Now to look for a front lip addon. This is what the bumper will look like in 2005 on my 323i.

[STALKER]

Looks tight.

[laziemofo]

yo chris im also interested in an add on! if u can find some tell me! Im abandoning the idea of putting a m3 bumper on my car...i cant find one and toomuch work! unless someone has a reiger m3 front for sale?

[christyles]

Almost here... AA rear strut bar has just reached Ft. Erie Ontario.
ACS roof spoiler still in the state of Cali. Damn fedex is slow.

Anybody here have hookups with a courier service. We could use some inside pull.

[glenspeed]

glad to see the car is going to be ok and you are still modding ha! front bumper looks good...

[christyles]

I was at the body shop again today to take a peek, :crying: ;) , gonna end up getting everything changed like control arm (which just got changed in June from the last accident) needs new strut, alignment, rim refinished.

All aside, my AA rear strut bar arrived today. pics to come in a bit.

[E46]

yo chris im also interested in an add on! if u can find some tell me! Im abandoning the idea of putting a m3 bumper on my car...i cant find one and toomuch work! unless someone has a reiger m3 front for sale?

You're so lazy, hence the name "laziemofo". Having a modded car is all about the work you put into it plus the patience. You may as well be driving a STOCk car.

Come on man, M3 bumper!!

[BlueSky]

mofo.. there are tonnes of M3 bumpers for sale on fanatics...
don't be a laziemofo... get to work!
I drove all the way from Hamilton to Markham to get stuff done today...

[audiophilia]

mofo.. there are tonnes of M3 bumpers for sale on fanatics...
don't be a laziemofo... get to work!
I drove all the way from Hamilton to Markham to get stuff done today...
I thought the M3 bumper needed mucho mods to make it fit? I'd love an M3 bumper

[BlueSky]

I thought the M3 bumper needed mucho mods to make it fit? I'd love an M3 bumper

that's modding... if it's too easy.. then there's no fun... ;)

[M333ee]

mofo.. there are tonnes of M3 bumpers for sale on fanatics...
don't be a laziemofo... get to work!
I drove all the way from Hamilton to Markham to get stuff done today...

Are they done Hannice ????????

[ianS]

I thought the M3 bumper needed mucho mods to make it fit? I'd love an M3 bumper

I dun think M3 bumper look ne good on sedan. I remerber their is a guy from the old day E46TO.com that have the reiger(sp?) bumper on its TiSi sedan and everytime I saw it, I want to vomit.... :eek: M-tek flow way way better on sedan. ;)

[BlueSky]

Are they done Hannice ????????

yes... I've hidden the picture somewhere in the forum... but u have access to see it... :D

[christyles]

I thought the M3 bumper needed mucho mods to make it fit? I'd love an M3 bumper
Yes. db323's bumper needed to be modded to fit. it looks good, but the fogs don't match the exact fitment. But still looks good IMO. But so many of us have M-Tech fronts already.

[BlueSky]

Yes. db323's bumper needed to be modded to fit. it looks good, but the fogs don't match the exact fitment. But still looks good IMO. But so many of us have M-Tech fronts already.

that's because he installed a coupe M-Tech bumper onto the Sedan... and he didn't get the M-Tech fogs but instead some aftermarket fogs...

[christyles]

that's because he installed a coupe M-Tech bumper onto the Sedan... and he didn't get the M-Tech fogs but instead some aftermarket fogs...
oh ok. i get it. But there are m-Tech sedan bumpers right?

[BlueSky]

oh ok. i get it. But there are m-Tech sedan bumpers right?

yup!!! ;)
then no modification is required... perfect fitment... woot

[christyles]

here comes another m3 lip spoiler from Cali. Finally.
May as well... seeing as the body shop will be painting the front bumper and lip and the booth will be fired up with black paint, I'll get the lip spoiler done also. pics to come.

That lip spoiler I got from Bimmian was just unacceptable quality for my liking.

[Sunapollo]

Great timing !! Get everything in line and paint them together :thumbsup:

[christyles]

Haha. Just checked the Fedex tracking, my ACS roof spoiler is on a delivery truck right now. So I should get it sometime today.

[audiophilia]

Haha. Just checked the Fedex tracking, my ACS roof spoiler is on a delivery truck right now. So I should get it sometime today.
very cool...

i got two ipods heading to Pej and my M3 mirrors are here...woot

[dutty_mark3]

Haha. Just checked the Fedex tracking, my ACS roof spoiler is on a delivery truck right now. So I should get it sometime today.

i hope that as soon as you get it you sell it. :blaaaa:
not a fan of roof spoilers but to each his own.

[audiophilia]

i hope that as soon as you get it you sell it. :blaaaa:
not a fan of roof spoilers but to each his own.
yeah, sell it to me...:D

[dutty_mark3]

yeah, sell it to me...:D

why oh why anthony? you're ride's so clean as it is! please don't tell me that your next mod is a DTM exhaust... would go well with that roof spoiler :blaaaa:

[christyles]

i hope that as soon as you get it you sell it. :blaaaa:
not a fan of roof spoilers but to each his own.
Nope. :1nono: ever since I met BlueSky, that was one of my fave aero mods. But only the ACS roof spoiler. The other ones like Hamman were way too aggressive for my taste.

yes... to each our own. You'll like my Dark-Christyles-Vader ride when its all said and done. :wink2:

[christyles]

why oh why anthony? you're ride's so clean as it is! please don't tell me that your next mod is a DTM exhaust... would go well with that roof spoiler :blaaaa:
yeah. he wants roof spoiler too, first a blusky wanna be then christyles wanna be. Oh wait.. that'd make me a bluesky wannabe too. Doh!!!

[BlueSky]

that'd make me a bluesky wannabe too. Doh!!!

what's wrong with that??? :confused:

[christyles]

what's wrong with that??? :confused:
Nothing. Who said there was somethign wrong with that. The only thing wrong is I'm friggin broke cause of you. Ha ha ha ha. :yak: But at least my car looks better and I'm happy.

[BlueSky]

Nothing. Who said there was somethign wrong with that. The only thing wrong is I'm friggin broke cause of you. Ha ha ha ha. :yak: But at least my car looks better and I'm happy.

Spend $$$ on things that will make u happy... being broke is part of the modding process... :devil: :devil: :devil:

[christyles]

Spend $$$ on things that will make u happy... being broke is part of the modding process... :devil: :devil: :devil:
You're right. So here ya go. Fedex just came.
I'll get installed pics once I get the 323 back.

[BlueSky]

be careful with the install... ;)

[audiophilia]

why oh why anthony? :blaaaa:
cuz I gotz exquiste taste:D

Actually, I'm always on the fence about this mod, then I see Hannice's ride...then I likey a lot...:cool:

[christyles]

be careful with the install... ;)
Why? Anything i shoudl watch out for?

[BlueSky]

Why? Anything i shoudl watch out for?

if it's not installed properly it'll fly off easily...
DO NOT just TAPE it...
use the EPOXY that came with it...
and make sure the bonding part of the window has to be primed and cleaned throughly...

[christyles]

if it's not installed properly it'll fly off easily...
DO NOT just TAPE it...
use the EPOXY that came with it...
and make sure the bonding part of the window has to be primed and cleaned throughly...
Only came with tape. And I have more tape. But no epoxy. Prime the window? Or you mean just clean the hell out the window?

[BlueSky]

Only came with tape. And I have more tape. But no epoxy. Prime the window? Or you mean just clean the hell out the window?

is it authentic ACS??? mine came with epoxy & primer... cuz the epoxy won't bond w/ glass... u need the primer as the bonding medium...

[christyles]

is it authentic ACS??? mine came with epoxy & primer... cuz the epoxy won't bond w/ glass... u need the primer as the bonding medium...
Shiat. Have you done it before? Maybe we can do an install meet...

[BlueSky]

yup i've installed mine...
if you have all the stuff than i can help w/ the install...

[E46]

you need some of this stuff, strong as hell.. comes with all the ACS bodyparts

http://img35.exs.cx/img35/991/roofkit1.jpg

[christyles]

you need some of this stuff, strong as hell.. comes with all the ACS bodyparts

http://img35.exs.cx/img35/991/roofkit1.jpg
Thanks BlueSky & E46. I talked to my bodyshop, they said they'll take care of the install free of charge.

[christyles]

Well, finally here it is. BlueSky was supposed to help me out but busy. So I decided to take a crack myself. It was a pain in the a$$ only cause the one bolt on the bar didn't want to come off so I had to slice through the carpet and slide the bar through then mount. Anyways, besides the point, it's installed I'll test it out tonight. See how much of a difference it really makes. plus I removed all the crap from the trunk including the spare 16" conti.

I'll drop the roof spoiler on by the end of the week. M3 rear lip spoiler in transit from Cali. not Bimmian stuff. Smoked clear lens coming in from AMI motorsports Friday also.

[Jersey]

sweet man .... looks good....

[audiophilia]

looks good...just like it should be...no guessing...those M3 dudes are ghey with their guessing games...:D


Just ordered my roof spoilerwoot

[christyles]

looks good...just like it should be...no guessing...those M3 dudes are ghey with their guessing games...:D


Just ordered my roof spoilerwoot
thanks jersey & audiophilia.

I hate guessing games.

[Jersey]

i hate guessing too...but man do i love being the guy that knows

[glenspeed]

Anyways, besides the point, it's installed I'll test it out tonight. See how much of a difference it really makes. plus I removed all the crap from the trunk including the spare 16" conti.



too bad you can't really test it on the track he he... I hate winter!!!

[glenspeed]

ok you guys, I can read the below posts too... :eek:

[Sunapollo]

Looks great Chris!! Very clean install :)

[BlueSky]

nice Chris!!
sorry for not able to help though... stupid school work... :thumbsdow
did u do it "the lazy way"???
the cutout looks clean!!

[christyles]

nice Chris!!
sorry for not able to help though... stupid school work... :thumbsdow
did u do it "the lazy way"???
the cutout looks clean!!
No worries BlueSky. You can help me when I get a Gruppe M in... heh heh heh.

yeah... i was able to avoid taking off the whole liner and just a cut small piece out the rubber lining underneath on top the the strut mounts.
The cut outs were almost exact. I have to clean up the edges a bit. then I may border it black so it looks even. we'll see.

[BlueSky]

good!! i love installing GruppeM's :D

[audiophilia]

No worries BlueSky. You can help me when I get a Gruppe M in...
even i can do that install...i'll helpwoot

[Jersey]

No worries BlueSky. You can help me when I get a Gruppe M in... heh heh heh.



hehe if you are taking that mechanics course i hope you can install a gruppe M! hehe :blaaaa:

[christyles]

hehe if you are taking that mechanics course i hope you can install a gruppe M! hehe :blaaaa:
oh yeah...4got. ;)

[christyles]

I've seen some Gruppe M's on sale, what other E46models fit gruppe M that'll fit mine. I know coupes Gruppes can't fit mine right.

So if I see a let's say 325i Gruppe M 4 sale, is it safe to assume that it'll fit and I can purchase it? Thanks.

[BlueSky]

coupes/sedans GruppeM are the same...
just don't get the ones for 330... u can even steal Anthony's GruppeM if u want.. it will fit... :D

[christyles]

coupes/sedans GruppeM are the same...
just don't get the ones for 330... u can even steal Anthony's GruppeM if u want.. it will fit... :D
I don't want Anthony.s It's used & abused. And left with no shoes.

[audiophilia]

I don't want Anthony.s It's used & abused. And left with no shoes.

you could eat pansit outta my Gruppe M, it's so cleeeeeeeeeeen:)

[M333ee]

Nice Chris.

Front andd rear matching AA bars :D

[alexm520]

Front end Phase 1 is partial complete. I just got a facelifted front bumper. To be painted and installed after winter. Thanks E46. :yourmyido
Now to look for a front lip addon. This is what the bumper will look like in 2005 on my 323i.

Like the front bumper a lot.

[christyles]

It's finally on... the AC Schnitzer roof spoiler. (replica).

Sorry for the poor quality pics, and all the dust. haven't cleaned the 323 in like 2 weeks. I'll get better pics up after sunday.

[audiophilia]

Chris, your the best, but those photos suck big time:)

I want to see what it looks like bad! Can you take another -- the pic looks like the colour, etc doesn't even come close.

Are you happy with it, evne tho the pics do not do it justice? Thanks...

[christyles]

Chris, your the best, but those photos suck big time:)

I want to see what it looks like bad! Can you take another -- the pic looks like the colour, etc doesn't even come close.

Are you happy with it, evne tho the pics do not do it justice? Thanks...
Sorry. Just so lazy. I'll clean the car tomorrow. and take more pics. if not, Saturday.

yes, I am very happy with it. :}: woot Clean install too by "that" body shop. :secret:

[christyles]

Chris, your the best, but those photos suck big time:)

I want to see what it looks like bad! Can you take another -- the pic looks like the colour, etc doesn't even come close.


Ok. here some proper pics of the roof spoiler now that the car is clean.

[christyles]

Well from the summer of 2004 with prefacelift OEM bumper, to midst of repair to post repair with facelifted OEM bumper. The ACS addon lip still has to be ordered and will be added by spring as the trim mouldings on the front and license plate frame holder will be deleted and all moulded/filled for a flush clean look. The plastic trims within the bumper at the bottom have been painted body colour and no longer matte black finish.

[christyles]

Finally. M3 rear lip spoiler has arrived - made of polyurethane, it's flexible, quality & finish is good and I'm satisifed with the fitment.

Now to get it painted next week an installed.

Plus pics of my smoked corner lens. i still have to smoke the sides. Thanks for the tips E46, M333ee and BlueSky. woot

[Chopper]

Nice. Looks real stealth for sure. Cant wait to see the new lip spoiler on too. :)

[Jersey]

looks great chris...i like the smoke...you could even go darker in my opinion!!

[BlueSky]

oh man.. another update???

gotta check out the smoked lens tonight... seems like a bit too light from the pics...

[christyles]

Thanks Jersey & BlueSky, I will go darker maybe another 2-3 coats should do it.

[christyles]

They're here.
Now I just gotta get em painted, get the replacement mirror reflection part, 12pin connectors and installed by Super Sunapollo. woot

Won't get installed though til Spring when I get a bunch of other things painted.

Thanks E46!

[ianS]

They're here.
Now I just gotta get em painted, get the replacement mirror reflection part, 12pin connectors and installed by Super Sunapollo. woot

Won't get installed though til Spring when I get a bunch of other things painted.

Thanks E46!

You got 12 pin connector on your car???? what kind of mirror you get? oem? replicate?

[audiophilia]

those mirrors are gonna make one hell of a diff...

[christyles]

You got 12 pin connector on your car???? what kind of mirror you get? oem? replicate?
replica

[Sunapollo]

You should get a pair asap ian so we can have a install meet again !! :D

[audiophilia]

You should get a pair asap ian so we can have a install meet again !! :D
I'm in...!

[christyles]

You should get a pair asap ian so we can have a install meet again !! :D
As long as I have no other appt. I'm there too.
IanS, you better have a pot of coffee or some hot chocolate waiting for us.

[ianS]

So, Chris how yours mirror looks when compare to oem? So who you order it from? kensu or bavarian_motorwerks? I saw a E36 with the M5 replica and look so out of place, so I dunno is the M5 replica too big for a 3 series or because it was on a E6 :Idunno: So that's why I didn't jump on it yet. The pre-paint deal on E46Fan won't good for me, since they dun offer cosmo black! :crying: On ebay, there is a 6 pin manual fold M5 replica for sedan that selling for $190US and it should perfectly fit my car. I am still stuggle will they M5 replica look ok on my car!

[christyles]

So, Chris how yours mirror looks when compare to oem? So who you order it from? kensu or bavarian_motorwerks? I saw a E36 with the M5 replica and look so out of place, so I dunno is the M5 replica too big for a 3 series or because it was on a E6 :Idunno: So that's why I didn't jump on it yet. The pre-paint deal on E46Fan won't good for me, since they dun offer cosmo black! :crying: On ebay, there is a 6 pin manual fold M5 replica for sedan that selling for $190US and it should perfectly fit my car. I am still stuggle will they M5 replica look ok on my car!
When I see Audiophilia, I will compare my mirrors with this. I'm staring at them right now, and they look big... maybe it's just me.

[BlueSky]

bigger is better!!! lol...
the tiny mirror face on like Hagus/ACS mirror reduced the rear view by soooooo much...

Chris, do the mirror come with split glass??

[christyles]

bigger is better!!! lol...
the tiny mirror face on like Hagus/ACS mirror reduced the rear view by soooooo much...

Chris, do the mirror come with split glass??
no split glass... Hannice, you know where I can order?

[BlueSky]

if it's the same size as OEM M3/M5... dealership...
but they are pricey... u don't really need a split mirror on a M3/M5 mirror though...

[christyles]

if it's the same size as OEM M3/M5... dealership...
but they are pricey... u don't really need a split mirror on a M3/M5 mirror though...
Oh ok. Cause we can configure the angle of the mirrors to eliminate the blind spot right?

[Sunapollo]

When I see Audiophilia, I will compare my mirrors with this. I'm staring at them right now, and they look big... maybe it's just me.

I felt the same way ... they do look big when they're detached :yak:

[christyles]

I felt the same way ... they do look big when they're detached :yak:
I know it'll look better cuase the whole mirror assembly can be painted now. The OEM elephant ears i have has the black matte base. Now I can make the whole thing shiny jet black like the rest of the car. Better coninuity. I'd like to paint them friggin faded side pillars too.

[Sunapollo]

Maybe you can TRY to diy paint (custom paint match place) b4 painting professionally?? That'd be great if it goes well and save a few bills :)

[ianS]

I felt the same way ... they do look big when they're detached :yak:

So will the M5 replica looks ok on E46?

[ianS]

Revi from E46fanatics has posted up the dimension of his mirror (the pre-painted GB), so will ne1 be kind enough(such as Chris, Sunapollo...etc) to measure their M3 mirror to see how much difference then his mirror?

http://www.goodstuffs4u.com/ebayauction/MIRRORS_SIZE.jpg

[E46]

I saw the other pics of them, they're the m5 ones... not m3

they are exactly the same as the ones christyles has

[christyles]

Revi from E46fanatics has posted up the dimension of his mirror (the pre-painted GB), so will ne1 be kind enough(such as Chris, Sunapollo...etc) to measure their M3 mirror to see how much difference then his mirror?

http://www.goodstuffs4u.com/ebayauction/MIRRORS_SIZE.jpg
IanS., same dimensions/measurements.

[ianS]

IanS., same dimensions/measurements.

Ar... I still dunno should I get the M5 replica????? or should I wait until the true M3 replicate coming out....if it ever going to happen! :(

[BlueSky]

i wouldn't bother waiting for M3 style... the difference isn't that much...

[ianS]

Chris, would you mind to tell us how much you paid to paint your mirrors?

[E46]

if you paint mirrors alone, 100-150 including install, if just paint?i dunno. probably around 100

[christyles]

Chris, would you mind to tell us how much you paid to paint your mirrors?
They're not painted yet. I will do it in spring with my M3 lip spoiler.

[christyles]

Man... I'm exhausted.

I'll post pics when installed.

[audiophilia]

Just saw this on Fanatics...worth emulating, I'd think...drool

Whatchu think?

http://photos.e46fanatics.com/data/500/3996DSC00454.jpg

[STALKER]

Looks good, BBS baby!!!!!!

[christyles]

Looks good, BBS baby!!!!!!CH right?

[christyles]

Just saw this on Fanatics...worth emulating, I'd think...drool

Whatchu think?

http://photos.e46fanatics.com/data/500/3996DSC00454.jpgSick ride. I'll keep my grills chrome though. I'm halfway there. Not far from Project 323i completion.

[STALKER]

Yup, CH.

[audiophilia]

just thought the black with CHs looks drool

grill...silver, hell yeah!

[christyles]

just thought the black with CHs looks drool

grill...silver, hell yeah!Too many CH's in house. You, Yorgi, Magnus I think, Alexm520, wooying - whereever he is.

You'll like the shoes I've decided on.

[audiophilia]

Too many CH's in house. You, Yorgi, Magnus I think, Alexm520, wooying - whereever he is.

You'll like the shoes I've decided on.
lots becuz they are so :cool: :p

If you are getting what i think you are getting, your ride'll be str8pimp

[christyles]

lots becuz they are so :cool: :p

If you are getting what i think you are getting, your ride'll be str8pimpIf you have access to the Meeting Room, you are correct my shoe friend.

[STALKER]

Now only if his ride was Topaz, lol.

[audiophilia]

If you have access to the Meeting Room, you are correct my shoe friend.
:cool: and :cool:

[dw1]

Just noticed the latest change in your Sig ... "The first in Toronto to roll on 19" CSL staggered" ... can't wait to see them ... drool 19x9 rear and 19x8 front? What tire sizes did you go with?

[christyles]

Just noticed the latest change in your Sig ... "The first in Toronto to roll on 19" CSL staggered" ... can't wait to see them ... drool 19x9 rear and 19x8 front? What tire sizes did you go with?
19 x 8.5 front w/ 235/35/19 and 19 x 9.5 rear with 255/35/19.

[christyles]

2 Cerwin Vega HED-100's dual coil and Alpine V12 MRVT707 amp finally installed. Thanks to Rmanaudio and his buddy Steve. :yourmyido No pics. You have to come hear it.

JD... thanks for stickin around.

Still to be installed over the course of the next few weeks:
H&R Sport springs
Magnaflow 14815 exhaust; 2nd reso removed.

Trim mouldings/M3 mirrors and lip spoiler getting painted in about 2 weeks.

Gruppe M CAI be here in early May.
19" CSL's be here in later May.

[rmanaudio]

2 Cerwin Vega HED-100's dual coil and Alpine V12 MRVT707 amp finally installed. Thanks to Rmanaudio and his buddy Steve. :yourmyido No pics. You have to come hear it.

JD... thanks for stickin around.

Still to be installed over the course of the next few weeks:
H&R Sport springs
Magnaflow 14815 exhaust; 2nd reso removed.

Trim mouldings/M3 mirrors and lip spoiler getting painted in about 2 weeks.

Gruppe M CAI be here in early May.
19" CSL's be here in later May.

No Problem Chris....a pleasure to bring the "BASS" life into your life!

Enjoy the bass.....pump the volume....roll down the windows....and cruise like you own the roads my friend....cuz you know what....e46 drivers do own them! Not those damn tow truck drivers and soccer moms in big SUV's!

I'm thinking of putting my "back in the days competition audio equipment" in my e46 after listening to your system!

[christyles]

I'm thinking of putting my "back in the days competition audio equipment" in my e46 after listening to your system!
No rattle... :yourmyido :yourmyido

I enjoy driving even more now. str8pimp

[christyles]

It's been awhile... I've had mods sitting around and now they're finally gettin installed enmasse.

H&R sport was installed last Sunday with the help of Jeff 330ci. We installed together, shoot the shiat for the day, had a BBQ, and the drop is great - for my taste anyways.

Thanks for the help Jeff. :yourmyido :yourmyido Can we take apart the tranny next? :D

[christyles]

Whenever, I insert this special key into my cay, I get 180hp boost. :D

I can't wait to get the AA supercharger air freshner.

[christyles]

Gruppe M style CAI installed... :D

[audiophilia]

I could not believe the quality of the reps...:thumbsup::thumbsup:

To all the guys who bought, enjoy!!!

[330ci05]

Are the ACS stuff carbon Fiber??? i wanna get the front lip and rear 3x piece spoiler ... anyone knows if theyare carbon fiber???

[audiophilia]

So Chris, the car will be ready for a shoot this week...your project will be finished. What's next?

I'm hankering for a 5.
BTW, shoot me the BBQ PM again please...never got it...cheers:)

[dw1]

So Chris, the car will be ready for a shoot this week...your project will be finished. What's next?

Finished? Don't even think about it! :1nono: You're forgetting about the BBK, Headers, Super Charger, Playstation 3, etc. etc ... :yak:

[audiophilia]

Finished? Don't even think about it! :1nono: You're forgetting about the BBK, Headers, Super Charger, Playstation 3, etc. etc ... :yak:
saving for his m5

[christyles]

So Chris, the car will be ready for a shoot this week...your project will be finished. What's next?

I'm hankering for a 5.
BTW, shoot me the BBQ PM again please...never got it...cheers:)
Everything is pretty much done. Pics coming soon. All that's left is audio setup, I'm changing the setup again as I've removed the ski pass already and need to get the custom enclosure done.

Body kit... If good money comes along. Otherwise, Project 323i is complete and I move on to bigger and better things.

Check your PM.

[christyles]

saving for his m5
Boo-yah. ;)

[christyles]

installed. I also ordered unenhanced V1, in case I get tired of this enhanced look.

[christyles]

You've already seen in some other thread.

[christyles]

at Majestic Muffler in Scarborough. 2nd reso removed and replaced with stainless steel pipe 2.5 all the way down.

[christyles]

Front bumper and deplate
trim moulding all the way around
trunk grip strip
fron left fender
rust removed and repainted on 3 of 4 door sills

[christyles]

The never ending audio setup:
First I had this ugly box... which makes the car significantly heavier. That's coming out. Simple custom box being built between the 60/40 seat and rear strut bar.

Broke nothing and all can be replaced and reinstalled if required. = clean removal.

I've proceeded to remove the stupid ski sock pass. Useless as I don't ski. More progress coming.

[christyles]

Took about 10mins to install. no sweat.
I'd like to replace the bottom trim piece with either black or cf look. The silver matches nothing else in the interior but for now it will do.

So comfy to drive, the controls still getting used to where my thumb will press for the audio controls, but the notch by the thumb joint is so nice.

[Nima]

congratz, car looks sweet.

[Slke46]

The never ending audio setup:
First I had this ugly box... which makes the car significantly heavier. That's coming out. Simple custom box being built between the 60/40 seat and rear strut bar.

Broke nothing and all can be replaced and reinstalled if required. = clean removal.

I've proceeded to remove the stupid ski sock pass. Useless as I don't ski. More progress coming.

Hey Chrys how did you get your back seats to fold down? and how did you remove that ski holder thing...??? :Idunno:

[kerisabe]

Car looks awesome... 10000000000000x better than the last time I've seen! Love the M steering wheel... what about painting the trim to match your interior trim? Or just plain simple black? str8pimp

[Chopper]

Nice work Chris...looks good. YOu actually got a round steering wheel AND the airbag to go with it? I wanted to do that but its very pricey $$$!!! :angry:

[christyles]

Hey Chrys how did you get your back seats to fold down? and how did you remove that ski holder thing...??? :Idunno:
Some models have the fold down option... some don't.
Look in your trunk, there should be two levers... one on the left and the other on the right underneath the rear deck of the trunk space where the rear spkrs sit. Pull the levers and it should release the seats.

Too hard to explain how to remove ski sock. you'll torque wrench and T-30 I think it is... plus flat screwdrivers. That's about it. And just disassemble basically anything that moves.

[christyles]

Car looks awesome... 10000000000000x better than the last time I've seen! Love the M steering wheel... what about painting the trim to match your interior trim? Or just plain simple black? str8pimp
jus plain simple black. Too much beige will look formage.

[kerisabe]

Yup...that's what I thought too... :thumbsup:

So anything else on the list?

[christyles]

Yup...that's what I thought too... :thumbsup:

So anything else on the list?
M mirrors, the evasive M lip spoiler and I'm done. I thought about LED tail lights, but it doesn't look like anybody will have a quality set moulded out anytime soon.

Then comes the next project... ;) secrets

[christyles]

Side Teaser.... Hamann Competition.

Needs some minor adjustments for fitment and paint. And good to go.

[shimajer]

drool :thumbsup:

[STALKER]

looks good, you swapping the front too?

[christyles]

looks good, you swapping the front too?
Not swapping... but adding to the front.

Here's the rear... it will not look like this next week.

[STALKER]

Looking forward to seeing the final product.

[Sunapollo]

Very nice !! Can't wait to see the finished product as well :)

[christyles]

Very nice !! Can't wait to see the finished product as well :)
Me also Stephen. I know we keep talking about our parts getting shipped in and installed... but it seems to take an eternity. Where the hell is summer wheatley at?

[Nima]

congratz on the purchase

[AlpWhitE46]

holy ****, that looks good... can't wait to see whats gonna come...

call me up when ur car is finished chris, and when its all cleaned and zaioned...
ill be the first to nut on it :yak:

[Prince]

Chris .... looking solid.
Your ride looks mean as it is ... this is just taking it a step further.
Nice clean choice.
Can't wait to see the car at the meet.

Cheers
Prince

[christyles]

Thanks for the compliments fellas. The aesthetic project should all be complete by May.

[Slke46]

Thanks for the compliments fellas. The aesthetic project should all be complete by May.

Looks good man... looking forward to seeing that thing with your phat azz rims!

[christyles]

The bumper before.... & the new one,.




Ok... the swap took a littlet longer than expected and the completion has been slightly delayed for progressive reasons.

It's dirty... eventually I'll wash it.

[hytymes]

:thumbsup: Lookin' good!!

[Caddyshk]

The bumper before.... & the new one,.




Ok... the swap took a littlet longer than expected and the completion has been slightly delayed for progressive reasons.

It's dirty... eventually I'll wash it.Looks Good - ZHP like... Now all you need is that SC Kit and you're all ready for the next track day - Helmet next time too :yak:

[Jeff 330CI]

Good for you man there is nothing worse than a broken bolt. That looks great what’s next??

We should all get together for a photo shoot now that your rear bumper has trim and no holes. :yak:

[bubsy12]

LOL no holes Jeff, but I believe the dentist has left his mark LOL


About time you got that biotch off and the new one on :D :thumbsup:

Do I smell a celebratory BBQ in the future? :Idunno:

[Nima]

very nice chris

[shimajer]

wow Chris, looks hotttt. i wanna see it in person! the opening for your muffler tips is perfect

[glenspeed]

looking real good chrissy...liking the ZHP look as well... :thumbsup:

[AlpWhitE46]

Came along really nice Chris...love it :thumbsup:

[carboy88]

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[Slke46]

More pics! Looks good Chris..., just in time for your b'day playa.

[derek323i]

Wow, that rear bumper looks awesome on your car.

Got anymore pics?

[christyles]

I need to repaint the trim moldings still due to Bubsy's "dental work". And buff out a couple smudge markks. I'll pics when the weather clears up. I can't even keep the car clean for one whole day with all this rain.

It's an OEM bumper with the Hamann rear add on.

[christyles]

More pics! Looks good Chris..., just in time for your b'day playa.
Not really a b-day present. It's been sitting in my garage for abour 2 months and could never get around to it. When I finally did, I had some set backs with the re-bar during installation. But it's all sorted now.

Thanks for all the compliments guys.

[christyles]

Good for you man there is nothing worse than a broken bolt. That looks great what’s next??

We should all get together for a photo shoot now that your rear bumper has trim and no holes. :yak:
The side skirts which are sitting at the body shop still.
New front end. secrets
M3 mirrors.

Everyrhting is small little details.

I'm in for the photoshoot. Let's wait til the weather settles down a bit.
We gotta do one up at the beach Jeffy. woot

[christyles]

TEASER.... :devil:

[STALKER]

Teasers suck. After I wrote that, realized it can mean so many things, lol.

[AlpWhitE46]

Teasers suck. After I wrote that, realized it can mean so many things, lol.

bahahhaha, thanks! that cracked me up!!!

Chris, its coming along sweet bro...
i can't tell from that pic...hmm...
tornado?

[gotchya24]

m3 front?? :}:

[Slke46]

looks really wide for a front, but what the heck... its a Reiger front bumper.

[Blades]

damn that things higher then my xi.

[shimajer]

wat are u sayng, its dropped.

[christyles]

A body in my car.... :D












Actually body parts for the car. And the front bumper goes for painting. Photos to be released July 7 at GPTAutoexpo.

[shimajer]

good luck with the new bumper bro!

[STALKER]

Moving a body is easier if you chop it up.
Looking forward to seeing it.

[jeff1727]

i'm pretty sure i know what bumper it is! cant wait to see it on your car, i'm sure you'll love it! i put mine on a few weeks ago, gotta see if the fitment on your car is like mine

[Sunapollo]

Chris ... please check your pm. Thanks !

[STALKER]

I hate teaser pics.

[christyles]

I got bored of my smoked side markers which were looking a little faded... so to continue the blacked out theme going... I painted the side markers... with just enough coats to keep them looking part of the car yet enough side light to be emitted through.
BEFORE PICS

[christyles]

After Pics.

[STALKER]

stealthy.

[BMWWW]

Looking clean! :D

Upon reviewing the pictures, I've found a few places need more attention though. Need further consultation. lol

This whip gets better, and better. :cool:

[christyles]

So after a mild hiatus on the modding in 2006... I have the fever again.

Last Saturday, I was rolling through snow which my car was basically plowing through.

And 1 week later, I'm rolling on the CSL's. Man... if it feels great to be rolling on them again. The drive from TO to Kitchener was so smooth, I smiled the whole time.

Lots of work to be done though for 2007. Mostly maintenance stuff and some minor changes.

Game plan: (which probably won't happen as something else always comes up.)

0) Replace wipers for Valeo's.
1) Replace windshield.
2) Replace shocks with Bilstein HD's.
3) Replace sparkplugs with NGK Iridiums
4) Replace rotors with Brembo blanks + brake fluid flush and replace with ATE super blue
5) Coolant flush
6) Replace driver side mirror glass
7) Relalign rear bumper fitment
8) Realign side skirts
9) Re-tint windows to 5%
10) Test fitting sedan CSL front bumper next weekend. If it's all good, CSL splitters will follow very shortly. Whole front end to be painted jet black. I'm anti-CF on my car.

And I'm finally done with this car.
Btw, I'm at 212,000kms now. I've driven about 12,000 kms since January 8th I think.

[shimajer]

cant wait to see the beast. i guess i will see it when i come over on detailingg. that csl front is ognna look hot

[christyles]

cant wait to see the beast. i guess i will see it when i come over on detailingg. that csl front is ognna look hot
I don't think it will be ready yet. The CSL's splitters are on pending order until I test fit the bumper next weekend. Then I have still to get everything repainted.

I can't wait to see your car though. :thumbsup:

[colombiano]

10) Test fitting sedan CSL front bumper next weekend. If it's all good, CSL splitters will follow very shortly. Whole front end to be painted jet black. I'm anti-CF on my car. Where did buy the bumper? what it is made from ? I have to test fit mine as well, I had an impulse buy last week, it's half fibre glass half plastic composite... supposedly. I wanted to buy M3 OEM bumper but kept reading how it wouldn't fit so thought it would be pointless.

[christyles]

Where did buy the bumper? what it is made from ? I have to test fit mine as well, I had an impulse buy last week, it's half fibre glass half plastic composite... supposedly. I wanted to buy M3 OEM bumper but kept reading how it wouldn't fit so thought it would be pointless.
it's all plastic. including the grille... so I've already started chopping off the plastic grille and I will attach a metal grill to it. Not folia tec. I'd like a gun metal or anthracite finish powercoated grille to add a little contrast. Plus, if I were to get a black grille... and it chips from the driving... you will see immediately. (the problem with black).

I got it from a sponsor out in the west coast, but his company folded as the overhead was too high to keep a body kit molding business.

I'll also shave off the license plate screw holders and fill it. And I'll attach the license plate to the lower grille.

You *may* have to replace your mounting brackets to facelift... I know I will have to as oer suggestion from the vendor.

There's something about the M3 bumper that makes it look to overpower and big for an E46 sedan. IMO.

[colombiano]

nice. A noob question ... what is the average going price for a full plastic aftermaket m3 oem or csl front bumper.

[christyles]

nice. A noob question ... what is the average going price for a full plastic aftermaket m3 oem or csl front bumper.
I'm not sure about the M3 oem, but the CSl front can be had for on jlevisw.com

[colombiano]

Ok thanks just saw them at http://jlevistreetwerks.com/store/BMW-E46-3-Series-Exterior/c30_33_58/index.html?page=2&osCsid=a9c50fc16d905f4f194cfd7f5918c2bb

The guy gave me a really good deal as I dealt with him before. Lmk what pricing you get for re:preping and painting the bumper. I just looked at the bumper and there is no holes for the license bracket. This one didn't come with the plastic mesh. I'll have to get that as well.

[christyles]

Ok thanks just saw them at http://jlevistreetwerks.com/store/BMW-E46-3-Series-Exterior/c30_33_58/index.html?page=2&osCsid=a9c50fc16d905f4f194cfd7f5918c2bb

The guy gave me a really good deal as I dealt with him before. Lmk what pricing you get for re:preping and painting the bumper. I just looked at the bumper and there is no holes for the license bracket. This one didn't come with the plastic mesh. I'll have to get that as well.
MMm.... I'll be doing my own prepping to save cost on labor. Painting will be through an insider. What color is your car? I'll ask if I can swing a favor.

[colombiano]

Japan Red. Thanks. You got the hook ups for everything nicely done.

[christyles]

Japan Red. Thanks. You got the hook ups for everything nicely done.
no promises in this one...

[colombiano]

no promises in this one... Ya man anything you could do would be appreciated. I am in no rush.

[christyles]

Ya man anything you could do would be appreciated. I am in no rush.
I'm always in a rush. There's not enough hours in my day.

[christyles]

So i finally had some time test fit the CSL front bumper.

Pic 1) bumper off.

Pic 2) You can see my Gruppe M style intake, I want more to get to it, so I will be removing the CF scoop that it comes with, and have some sort of tube or large non heat-absorbent pipe to lead down to the air intake duct at the front of the CSL bumper

Pic 3) Removal of the rebar from the OEM bumper

Pic 4) Rebar removed.

Pic 5) Rebar dry fitted, because I don't want to fully secure the rebar on to the CSL bumper, I will do them piece by piece. Also, I don't have the correct bumper bracket mounts, so this was just a test. Rebar is attached to the bumper by a number of grommets and once they're removed, half of them will end up breaking due to the one-time install design. But if you do it carefully, you can resume of them, but they're not as nice as newer ones obviously.

Pic 6) CSL bumper test fit. (casually)

Pic 7) LInes up nicely with the side skirts.

Pic 8) I chopped off the plastic center grille that came with the CSL bumper, and I'll be using a metal one either in black or gunmetal of some sort.
The airdam will also have to be either sliced back / retrofit as it will hit the center grill one attached.
I will have the bodyshop remove the license plate inserts and fill the holes, repair the driver side fin and pick up some CF CSL splitters.

I originally wanted the 1 pc lip.. but no one makes it for the sedan CSL. So I am forced to pick up splitters. Oh well. I'll have the CF splitters painted jet black as I'm not a CF fan.

More updates to come as I find more time to play with my car.

[shimajer]

sweeettt mann

[asb9987]

Wait, so how much does the M3 rebar retrofit to the non_M front bumper cost? I read on Fanatics that this is an option if you want to retrofit an OEM M3 bumper onto a non-M. Can you shed some light?

[christyles]

Wait, so how much does the M3 rebar retrofit to the non_M front bumper cost? I read on Fanatics that this is an option if you want to retrofit an OEM M3 bumper onto a non-M. Can you shed some light?
I can shed some light. I don't know. :D LOL.

My CSL bumper is custom made for a sedan. So I can use all existing hardware including my sedan rebar.

[asb9987]

Damn you Chris. You let me down big man :(

Either way, I can't wait to see your car this summer. Going to be a night and day difference with the new bumper.

[christyles]

Damn you Chris. You let me down big man :(

Either way, I can't wait to see your car this summer. Going to be a night and day difference with the new bumper.
Why'd I let you down?

It will be a night and day difference. And after removing the bumper, I realized what a hack job the last body shop did on my car. Both in install and paint.

[asb9987]

I was kidding around, I meant to say that as in you failed to shed some useful light on the matter :D

Did you get yours from Euro-Spec? Who do you plan on using for paint?

[christyles]

I was kidding around, I meant to say that as in you failed to shed some useful light on the matter :D

Did you get yours from Euro-Spec? Who do you plan on using for paint?
nope. there was a compnay out west last year that decided they wanted to start making body kits, and as a deal to help them promote the company, they offered to sponsor my car. Well... things didn't work out according to plan. I ended up with a free bumper.

I have a couple places where I'm thinking of getting it painted. Depends on price is where I'll go. Kitchener has Mitek - they do the BMW and Benz dealerships out there and are very good. And one in Grand Bend. A lot cheaper.

I will pick up all the mounting hardware tomorrow hopefully and try to test fit it one last time with everything properly installed so i can see how "off" it is before it goes to the body shop for prepwork and painting.

[LCYung]

:thumbsup: Can't wait to see the finishing job

[christyles]

Here's an update from the never ending Project 323i, last year I attempted to get the CSL front bumper on, but got too busy to get around to the car. The state the car is in right now is not very presentable by any means. It's at 258,000kms approx and went through a rough winter. Lots of rust is starting to show, the front bumper got misaligned during bad weather which resulted in a missing lower grill, poked in fog light and scraped paint and cracked splash panels. Went through 3 tires this winter cause of potholes/screws. :Idunno: Alternator / belt / battery replacement at $ 1200+ at BK Motors. And I forgot to tell them not to wash the car after repair so now there are swirls/scratches all over the car. Then 3 days after that, my brake sensor lit up.

So I've decided to take her off the road for a while and just work on it bit by bit to get it back into near mint condition as possible.


This weekend, the plan was to pull off the wheels, change rotors to cross drilled Magnums and PBR's. Replace my the reverse driver side light harness, and do a brake fluid flush.

Result of this weekend: Take off front wheels. :angry: And that's it.
The passenger side caliper / brake was not a problem to take off, but the screw to mount the rotor was not coming off on either side of the front end. I've tried everything and I'm not too far away from using o2 and acetylene to get it off... :}: When I get back to it next weekend, it should be all off.

I've also pulled off the front bumper and re-bar to at some point get the front bumper repainted. replace the splash shields in the wheel wells and put in the proper the mounting brackets for the facelifted bumper on my pre-facelift which the body shop neglected to do the first time.

Stay tuned.

[asb9987]

Ouch, sounds like a rough entry into spring. I'm sure you'll have her back on the road looking in no time.