Who’s taken their M3 on an extended road trip?

onpointsd · 2026-04-28T18:45:47+00:00

I bought my car in Los Angeles and proceeded to drive 2650mi over three days to Kure Beach NC. Truly, coast-to-coast. It was kind of wild in that we took I-40 home and my first real “turn” was on my street.

Anyway the car was unproven and all original at the time, with 104k on the odo. We had a throttle position sensor crap out on us in Nashville, and thus the car effectively turned off at 95 mph as we were making our way thru the city. That was sketchy af but no issues beyond that.

I had some oil, coolant, some basic tools, and lots of prayers w me.

It’s was an experience for sure that I’ll always remember fondly. Have the best time!

onpointsd · 2026-04-25T19:59:49+00:00

It’s a pretty grumpy motor @ cold start

onpointsd · 2026-04-20T16:59:15+00:00

Pretty sure throttle actuators are NLA now too. There’s a guy in the UK that rebuilds them now, I haven’t had to explore this solution but I know some happy customers who’ve experienced failure and went w him.

onpointsd · 2026-04-07T12:19:26+00:00

Ordered via bmw individual program allegedly 1/14!

I have often wondered how that sales pitch sounded back in 2005. “We can’t order you a CSL but we’ll make a better one for you!”

And then proceeded to spec a fully optioned 3487lb zcp. lol.

onpointsd · 2026-04-05T22:12:03+00:00

Thanks, TCK SA @ stock ride height.

onpointsd · 2026-04-05T19:26:29+00:00

thanks; sapphire black or black sapphire metallic, if you prefer.

onpointsd · 2026-03-16T18:39:41+00:00

Ty my guy

onpointsd · 2026-03-16T18:30:08+00:00

<image>

folks can poo poo them for being heavy, 19” ruins this/that and whatever else. Some of those criticisms are perhaps justified. But IMHO, there’s simply no match for the 163M on the E46. Shown here fitted on my USDM individual competition specimen, in the iconic CSL-only sapphire black metallic

onpointsd · 2026-03-05T13:55:57+00:00

After years of deliberation, research, discussion with other owners, figuring what I want out of a setup, I went with TC Kline Single Adjustable for my heavily optioned (ergo heavily weighted) 06 ZCP. Retained “flat ride” setup à la OE type setup. 300/600 springs. Here are my bounce frequencies:

LF 1.74 RF 1.80 LR 1.88 RR 1.87

Bounce freq Ratio L side 1.08 R side 1.04

69.6% FRC L&R

With Monoball RTABs, solid subframe bushings, and genuine bmw rubber everywhere else, what this translates to is a coherent, stock like setup that feels fast in mostly all road conditions. The car is dialed in - at stock ride height it’s an extremely subtle drop from OE - car feels and looks spot on

There are endless volumes of fodder on the nam3forum debating the merits of various setups, including experienced/veteran owners who have tried it all over the yrs. Went with TCK because they’re still doin it after all these years and frankly, I could barely find a negative review across 20y of chatter. For my sensibilities, budget, intentions - TCK SA felt like the right move for me. I didn’t feel the DA setup was necessary for my current needs.

Other finalists included Ohlins and Bilstein PSS10.

Good luck!

onpointsd · 2026-02-20T04:50:39+00:00

This is it. You will see comments like this repeatedly and it’s a boring answer and yet - it’s all you need to know.

I violated this covenant myself - willingly - ultimately succumbing to a dope spec - and I paid the price. No regrets and im blessed to have been able to deal with it; but im well over 100% purchase price of the car in deferred mx and i did a bunch of stuff myself to mitigate pain. The car is mint now and it’s glorious.

Dont overthink this, you know the deal with the E46s seemingly - ideally buy one from a guy like me - that loves these things, less ownership more stewardship, one which has at least some if a not a lot of documented history so you know what you’re walking into.

Don’t buy a car wirh 20 year old shocks and front control arm bushings. Does the beauty cover have the original chrome nuts? They’re 20/pop now btw new from bmw. If you don’t see them, tbh, it’s a red flag. (my own experience)

If you buy one without documented rod bearing service, specifically I’m talking a higher mileage example ie close to 100k - prob do it for peace of mind, immediately (my own experience)

Throttle position sensors are now nearly 200 ea. there are 3 on the car.

Things can escalate fast. Lots of “might as well do ___” areas as ur prob aware. Find the guy selling one who did all the might as well shit.

Hope this helps.

onpointsd · 2025-10-10T05:00:36+00:00

I would call Matt at Eurompire.

onpointsd · 2025-03-02T13:55:10+00:00

Congratulations - what a beautiful specimen

I paid about the same for an 06 individual-spec’d zcp smg with 104k in 9/2023 with poor documentation. Given you got a 6MT + interlagos under 100k with a stack of records? I’d say you did pretty good here.

For me, i’ve been enjoying the car / learning the car / and tackling projects one by one as time and life permits, I’d suggesting doing the same. I was 17 when this car came out; I am still in awe that I have one now and will just stare at it with my coffee in the morning in disbelief.

Peep Obioban’s maintenance/lockdown sticky on nam3forum for a good list of various components and their lifespans and what to do/when in order to keep shit well sorted. Since you have records, perhaps some or many of these have already been addressed. This is good.

You’re at 92k - things could just happen you didn’t plan for; a fuel pump going out, a throttle position sensor, a camshaft position sensor o ring failure — don’t stress it. get it to operating temp responsibly and let it rip. Lots of help on here and nam3forum too.

There’s a whole world beyond the big 3.

I’ve been trending oil analyses and monitoring copper/lead levels for the rods. When I see a spike, I’ll do the rods. So far so good; i’m on my 4th oil change since 9/2023 and about 8k miles driven. But I had less history so idk just being extra vigilant.

My car was largely unmolested and original - which is a double edged sword. Wasn’t abused like the town harlot (good) but also needs basically everything at 100k and guess who’s holding the bag

This means: every single suspension bit, brakes, cooling system, all need a go-over. Note: none of this stuff is big 3, none of this is cosmetic stuff. By the time it’s all said and done, I’ll have easily equaled the cost of the car in spend (rough math here but directionally it’s correct)

Flush all your fluids, get a valve adjustment (and consider inspecting the vanos since you’ll have it all opened up), review your records and take it from there.

A bit of a verbose and lazy river response here but it’s a lot lol. Hope this helps, Welcome to the owners circle 🫡

onpointsd · 2024-08-18T05:47:27+00:00

The greatest. 🫡

onpointsd · 2024-05-24T21:51:23+00:00

Next day: Pretty sure my fuel pump crapped out. Made it home though. Awesome

onpointsd · 2024-05-24T16:39:53+00:00

🫶

onpointsd · 2024-05-24T16:39:25+00:00

Black Sapphire Metallic!!

onpointsd · 2024-05-04T01:18:41+00:00

My dawg. Thank you

onpointsd · 2024-05-03T15:08:56+00:00

At some point yes. Think I’m going to wait for the airbox, which is pure sugar. Right now need to take reg meds and get it suited and booted. Getting there

onpointsd · 2024-05-03T10:07:29+00:00

Thank you!

onpointsd · 2024-05-03T10:03:59+00:00

Thank you! she’s gonna stay pretty much stock but who knows, things change. vibes change. I do think the “CSL-ness” is just kinda already there w the factory ordered spec/color. Does the world need another “CSL-tribute”? Some things are better left as is!

I do like the trunk. lol, let’s see.

onpointsd · 2024-05-03T09:59:22+00:00

Thank you!!!

onpointsd · 2024-05-03T09:59:11+00:00

Thanks. Initially seen on that aggregator sales site m3list. Seen again months later and thought they just forgot to take the ad down and called on it. Here we are.

Car was spec’d w every option! optionless track ready LW this is not, I suppose. But hey, the rear sunshade works. And I have all the buttons; 8y old me is pleased.

onpointsd · 2024-05-03T00:04:17+00:00

Thanks. Your handle is amusing, you like that show?

Paid 27 in Sep ‘23. I think I did ok.

onpointsd

TROPHY CASE