Finished up the RTAB install tonight. The passenger side went much quicker, the bushing wasn't as corroded inside the sleeve as it was on the drivers side for some reason. Since it went so quickly, also finished up installing the FCABs as well. These were a little bit more difficult to slide onto the control arms than what online videos depict and the FCABs that were on there really weren't in bad shape after-all, but I figured why not since I already had the parts.

The next things to tackle are the brake rotors, pads, caliper, ss lines and fluid then the power steering line. After that, an alignment and the car is ready to go for VIR!

(Going to wait to do the tie-rods for when I do the control arms after closer inspection shows no wear...that Indy shop is nuts).

Here's the old bushing being pulled out with the special RTAB tool I rented. You can see how the housing is covered in corrosion.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7202/6...388015b8_b.jpg

Here's the new bushing pressed in:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7205/6...35225be0_b.jpg

Shot of the driver-side FCAB ready to come off:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7054/6...1deaa1ff_b.jpg

Passenger side now on:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7036/6...c19f91f4_b.jpg

Here you can see the leaky power steering line (right under the front sway bar):
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7043/6...6e0177ff_b.jpg

I thought this was cool, check out the oil pan and the oil feed line from the factory. Pretty heavy duty stuff :) Also, you can see the oil temp sensor. It's right there for easy access should it die:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7194/6...6eb55363_b.jpg


brakes, power steering line and eventually manifolds...she's just about 100% fixed :)

Great attention to detail, seems like your leaving no stone unturned trying to get it back to showroom quality!

I have been in 2 e46 m3s both suspension modded and I owned a e39 m5 that has also suspension mods. gotta tell you, m5 is where its at. to me the m3s feel too tight. the m5 is more of a loose car but with grip and handling of a m3. But im thinking i might buy a m3 in the future. they just have the sexy looks. but I really miss the m5's v8 engine :(

Thanks and I like my cars like I like my women...

German and high maintenance? :P



Damn RTAB's lol. I had Delrin RTAB's on my E36 M3 and those things squeaked like a damn baby bird - echoed off all the buildings when driving down a street. Glad to see you didn't do Delrin!

I love how you document everything with clear pictures. All member's journals should be like yours :-p

Haha, maybe!

Yeah, I've been reading a lot about RTABs prior to going OEM w/ limiters. Seemed the early adopters went with poly and delrin before they figured out that the bushing needs to be able to deflect on multiple axis.

Thank you, and all avatar pics should be like yours :-P


So the next purchase for the car will be a set of Koni shocks after listening to some more opinions about what would work best for a DD. Turns out that Konis with stock springs gives the best performance/ride for the money until you grab some TC Klines or KWs, etc. in the $2k range.

Works for me since this car will be seeing next to zero track time and mainly a 60/40 highway to city mix.

Since I'll grab the shocks next month, I will be holding off on the alignment after doing the FCABs and RTABs. Minimize my driving in the meantime to save tire life.

Haha, it sure leads to some awkward moments when people seem to think I'm a chick...

I was a bit confused by your decision to go with cheap (ok, not cheap like racelands, but compared to Ohlins FLAG) coilovers after your decision to DD it... I'm a lot less confused now :)

Yeah, the $773 cost is why...normally they're $1k up and the only reason I considered them was because they're produced by KW for daily driving use. Normally, if it's $1k I'm all like F THAT NOISE! but these appeared reputable from reviews and manufacturer.

small update:

-brought my zaino kit down here to NC so that the car can be properly handwashed. Automatic washes are the life of an apartment/condo resident but even the high dollar ones fail to deliver results like I can get with zaino and some elbow grease.

-car needs an alignment, but due to "special tools" being required, only a BMW dealership can do it according to Firestone. So much for convenience! (Firestone is across the street from my place).

-brake system and power steering hose are left on the to-do list. hoping to get that done in the next month sometime. Then I gotta figure out what to do with the install of the new manifolds.

-also looking at a set of used Konis and H&R springs for the car for $450. I will sell the springs for $180 or so since lowering springs aren't optimal for shocks on this car.

Awesome as usual Dave!

Thanks, Ben! Work has slowed down on it since either my friend or I have been out of town on the weekends, tied up during the week, etc. That and there really isn't much left to do until I save up for wheels, etc.:)

No issues to report otherwise, I averaged 28mpg on the trip to PA and back. A solid 26 normally. It just drives so well. I'm looking at getting some leather treatment lotion for the car to bring back the drivers seat a little bit. I've learned that the Nappa leather dries out within about two months and will form creases when it does. I need to take a few out. I bought the BMW car care kit and will be using that until it's empty, then switch over to Gliptone for the top coated leather to hopefully get rid of the creases.

Gotta love those BMW alignments. Same aggravation with the MINI, although the alignment was cheaper than an oil change, so go figs.

Have VAC align her For you, I am positive they have the right tools.

Haha, its a great way to keep people coming back to the dealership!

At least they're not expensive. :)

I'm in NC, otherwise I'd take it to VAC for sure!

As soon as I get a shipping quote, I'll be buying a set of Koni sport shocks with Eibach Pro-Kit springs. Shouldn't sacrifice much drivability but give me a little more damping ability. The Eibachs won't lower the car much (0.6" front, 0.8" rear) and this setup is almost what Dinan trots out for their S1 kit. (The Konis they use are said to be revalved).

I also am looking at a Koni/H&R combo, but from what I've been reading the H&R springs are stiff and lower the car a bit more, which takes away from the bump travel too much.

Still my DD for awhile...although there might be a move to Charlotte/change in career that would involve a company car. At which point, the M3 gets a garage and will be brought back to brand new condition over time. :)

Konis purchased. $360 shipped. baller.

my god where did you find koni's so cheap ??? just to buy FSD's for my car are like 600$, thats not even talking about Koni Yellows

they're used off a locals car with low mileage (10k). I also picked up H&R springs to go with them, but may trade those out for Eibachs for ride comfort.