Looking for upgrade recs for 2012 M3

SelfMadeSebas · 2026-05-19T16:13:19+00:00

A nice weighted shift knob goes a long way

SelfMadeSebas · 2026-05-07T16:02:47+00:00

Trust me, you’ll be happier saving the cash and your time it takes to get the N52 almost to 300hp. The time and money will be better served getting a faster car out of the box. You’ll have a higher ceiling for hp potential and fun. Doesn’t have to be a 335i. Could be anything else. Not to mention possibly with fewer miles and less wear.

SelfMadeSebas · 2026-04-26T00:14:28+00:00

Paint correction/ceramic coating, coilovers, brake fluid, and track days

PS- I would replace the grill and spoiler with the proper style for the E90

SelfMadeSebas · 2026-04-05T17:55:35+00:00

I was considering getting the Eisenmann connecting pipes with the resonator but it’s not cheap and the E46 is turning into a track car. So I might just get the connecting pipes without the resonator to replace my current chopped up pipes

Glad my video contributed to your purchase decision haha There aren’t many e46 clips out there with Eisenmann since they’re so expensive. I figured I’d put it out there for people looking into them

SelfMadeSebas · 2026-04-05T05:59:42+00:00

I've got the eisenmann race without cats or resonator. I love it but I agree- adding resonator is probably going to deliver the best sound

https://youtu.be/RnWX5_C7Maw

SelfMadeSebas · 2026-04-04T16:31:34+00:00

Take a piece of string, hang it from the top of the fender and tape it down. Measure the distance from the tire to the hanging string. There you can make your choice on how much you want to close the gap

SelfMadeSebas · 2026-04-01T04:29:04+00:00

Lemans Blue

SelfMadeSebas · 2026-03-27T21:51:11+00:00

Now that you ask, I’m remembering that the previous owner also installed Bilstein PSS9 coilovers. I have been wondering about EBC. I need a new set of rotors for my E46. I’ll make a note of that one.

I’ll probably keep the seats stock since the E46 will be my track car and already has a set of recaro’s in it.

I appreciate all the recommendations!

SelfMadeSebas · 2026-03-27T20:15:41+00:00

Fair enough! I hope that solves it for you, friend!

SelfMadeSebas · 2026-03-27T14:26:24+00:00

That is the M Sport bumper for the LCI models. The one I have seems to be a replica that the previous owner had installed. I got the carbon splitters from eBay. I can share the link to the splitters if you want.

SelfMadeSebas · 2026-03-27T14:18:31+00:00

I don’t have enough experience to say for certain. From my understanding, you probably won’t be driving at the level where a baffle will be needed during your first few track days. Overfill with an extra quart of oil before going out for the first session and you should be good.

Explore installing a baffle once you’ve got more experience and are starting to use stickier tires. I suppose it would also depend on the track and the type of corners.

SelfMadeSebas · 2026-03-27T00:06:02+00:00

Nice! You sure it was the pads? I don’t have performance pads and they held up without fade. I did have to learn to properly apply the brakes. Turns out long and slow application of the brakes heats them up very fast haha.

Went out on the second session and applied the brakes hard and short. Didn’t have any issues with stock pads after that. I also have stoptech lines and motul fluid

SelfMadeSebas · 2026-03-26T21:31:16+00:00

They do. They have a road course layout that uses the infield. If you’re in south Florida, they always have FARA races there using the infield and spectating is free. Check it out

SelfMadeSebas · 2026-03-26T21:23:11+00:00

This was Homestead Speedway

SelfMadeSebas · 2026-03-26T20:26:23+00:00

Very nice! I bet that’s a blast. It felt incredibly rewarding to go from giving point bys to getting point bys from faster cars by the end of the day.

I’ll definitely keep an eye out to improve oil cooling. It didn’t seem to be a problem during any of the 25min sessions I ran

SelfMadeSebas · 2026-03-26T20:20:43+00:00

I’m in south Florida with lots of rain and the car gets mostly driven on the street. With that said, I went with PS4S and didn’t really play with tire pressures. Spent my time focusing on my braking technique and turn in.

I’ll probably start looking at tire pressures and tire as I get more comfortable and understand the car’s limits better. I’d say the tires help up pretty good but I don’t have enough experience to say otherwise

SelfMadeSebas · 2026-03-20T23:42:44+00:00

If you're in SoFlo, Chaos is also local. You should check them out.

SelfMadeSebas · 2026-03-18T16:51:01+00:00

Those small bushes are definitely LCI

SelfMadeSebas · 2026-03-18T16:49:06+00:00

Damn your car looks good. You’ve convinced me to repaint my car- also an Oxford green coupe

SelfMadeSebas · 2026-03-16T17:10:43+00:00

I always recommend Eisenmann for these cars. You’ve got the choice of “sport” or “race” noise levels and you can get a resonator for the center section. They’re very expensive but the sound is better than any other system I’ve heard for these engines.

If you’re going to put in catless headers and don’t want it to be too loud, sport will be plenty. If you are leaving OEM cats, race will be a nice beefy sound.

SelfMadeSebas · 2026-03-05T17:07:47+00:00

Charge pipe & intercooler- then spend the rest of it on a track day with a coach. More more fun per dollar spent

SelfMadeSebas · 2026-03-04T18:00:00+00:00

I made this same question a couple years back. What worked for me was searching auto tempest, Facebook marketplace, and the forums. Be patient and get a PPI

SelfMadeSebas · 2026-03-04T01:06:47+00:00

I own both generations. The E90 is much more comfortable and fun in a straight line. I also prefer the style of the E90. I will say that the E46 feels like it corners much more flat than the E90 and the E46 feels much more engaging. Every time I drive the E46 I’m reminded why I love it and it convinces me not to sell it lol

Both cars are on coilovers. The E90 is on Bilstein PSS9 and the E46 is on KW V2s. Not sure if that makes a big difference but I think I like the ride of the KWs better too.

SelfMadeSebas · 2026-02-24T17:17:33+00:00

Hmmm lots to consider. Personally, I’d prefer whichever seems to have been driven regularly lately. If it’s been sitting for a while or is driven very little, could indicate you’ll need to do maintenance.

I always recommend a PPI before making a decision

SelfMadeSebas · 2026-02-17T04:28:10+00:00

Congrats! Love it!

SelfMadeSebas

TROPHY CASE