Z3 M Coupé Resto and Engine Rebuild !

[Clubber]

Hey everyone,

In the brief time I spent on this site, I realized that most of you are not only CSL fans but also general ///M car lovers, just like me. So I thought I could share my little restoration projects of my other ///M cars for others to hopefully enjoy.

This is the restoration of my '00 M Coupé which I acquired almost two years ago ;

The car was turbo'ed by the PO which I admit was part of the charm for me although I am a die hard NA man. I just wanted something different then my old Dakar Yellow M Coupé (Gone). But after a few months of ownership the novelty of Turbo setup wore off and I missed the driving characteristics of a strong NA engine.
So , I have started work on reversing the car to NA and doing other bits and mods along the way.

I had a similar thread for my Dakar MC last year which was fun to create, here it is,

Dakar MC Restoration From Turkey (http://www.z3mcoupe.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11136)

I know many of us like these build threads so I decided create another one for the new ride.

Here is a list of things we did first,

-Turbo Kit taken out
-Extra Gauges and control units (EVC,AFR DEFI etc.) taken out
-Engine Cover stripped of cheesy paint theme
-All the fluids replaced (TWS for Engine, FM Booster for Diff, SRT for brakes and OEM Trans Fluid)
-Alu look door trim installed ( To match the exterior color )
-New Floor mats put and leather bordered
-Custom Pedal Set designed and installed
-Engine taken out for NA rebuild and stripped of boy racer paint
-Hamann Roof wing replaced with ACS piece.
-Replaced painted grills with OEM chrome parts.
-OEM Short Roof Antenna put in.

What is next ?

-Full NA engine rebuild
-CF Airbox
-Repainting every engine part to stock colors
-Polishing stock headers before install
-Removing Hamann Side Skirts and maybe rear side diffusers ?
-Leather reconditioning of the interior
-Adding red stitching to door grabs and center console L pieces
-Replacing aftermarket headunit and cd changer with OEM parts
-ECU tune to run the airbox
-Replacing worn BBS center caps with new ones.
-Major detailing including underbody to finish everything off.

and as always taking care of little surprises and hiccups along the way :)

So, lets begin,

This is her, aka " Junior " the day I bought her with po's plates,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/fotoraf4.jpg

First things first, we replaced all fluids, (TWS for Engine, FM Booster for Diff, SRT for brakes and OEM Trans Fluid)
Old Diff oil. This so called lifetime oil was literally black,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image11.jpg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image12.jpg

New OEM Diff Oil with FM Booster put in ($$$$!)

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image13.jpg

Before moving in to engine rebuild, I made some cosmetic enhancements,
Replaced the black door trims with alu look trim to give a little contrast to the cabin and reflect the exterior color.

Before,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image16.jpg

After,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image17.jpg

Then got some new floor mats and leather bordered them in red to highlight them a bit, ( You can almost see the boy racer gauges on center console )

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image19.jpg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image18.jpg

Then replaced the Hamann pedal set with custom pedals made specifcly for my car by www.bmwpedals.com

Hamann set before,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image20.jpg

Custom Set,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image32.jpg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image34.jpg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image36.jpg

Last thing for the interior was to remove the turbo control units and replacing the ashtray,

before,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/TurkeyZ3M56.jpg

after,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image27.jpg

[LeinsCSL]

Very nice Clubber :thumbs:

Always loved these, just a pity I can't even fit in the drivers seat, never mind drive one :(

[Clubber]

Very nice Clubber :thumbs:

Always loved these, just a pity I can't even fit in the drivers seat, never mind drive one :(

Thanks my friend. I admit they are a tight fit but well worth it :)

[Clubber]

And then I moved to the engine. How the engine looked when I got it. With lots of custom paint and F&F colored hoses and etc..

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/TurkeyZ3M33.jpg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image7.jpg

And then the engine came out for the rebuild,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image37.jpg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image38.jpg

First I wanted to attend to the engine cover. Removing the old paint and preparing for repaint to OEM black.

Used a fair bit of paint remover,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image21.jpg

Paint remover working its magic,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image22.jpg

Lots of scrubbing with sand paper and wire brush,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image23.jpg

Almost there,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image24.jpg

Then I let it cool down a bit and moved to the engine block for the same process,

Terrible red theme :(

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image41.jpg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image46.jpg

Paint remover applied,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image47.jpg

Spray washed,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image48.jpg

Almost there,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image49.jpg

I'll have another go at it with gas and alcohol before the paint this weekend.

Super glad with the cleaning stuff, I set my sights on the throttle bodies. Since those are a little complicated to dismantle, I left the job to my mechanic and then I started.

Before,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image44.jpg

Almost two hours of scrubbing, washing and brushing with various stuff,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image45.jpg

I believe they turned out pretty good.

More to come...

[Roland]

:smt023

[///martin]

very nice project :smt039

[Clubber]

:smt023

very nice project :smt039

Thank you guys.

[Clubber]

After the clean up, I put the first coat of black paint on the block.

First I masked all the necessary areas and heated each side before paint,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/fotoraf2.jpg

Then the first coat of black was sprayed,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/fotoraf3.jpg

I want this paint to stick so I am taking my time with it.
I put the second and third coat of paint on the block and finally it looks clean and new.

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/fotoraf2-1.jpg

Now that the block was ready, we started the rebuild. Piston and rods prepped,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/fotoraf3-1.jpg

First the crank went in,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/crank.jpg
Then the pistons,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/fotoraf4-1.jpg

Done a bit more engine work,

Put on a new water pump and installed the oil filter housing after a thorough clean up,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/oil.jpg?t=1358265397

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image2-2.jpg

Oil pan put back,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image32-1.jpg

New head gasket in,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image52.jpg

Headgasket before cleaning,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image4.jpg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image5.jpg

and cleaned and installed,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image2-1.jpg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image42-1.jpg

Almost there. Engine should be done by the weekend. Still looking for the headers, they are hard to find :(

[cslsuperfan]

Great work Clubber

:-D

[Clubber]

Great work Clubber

:-D

Thanks.

[Clubber]

Engine coming along nicely. Cams and flywheel have been installed today and as always lots of more cleaning done.

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image-1.jpg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image2-3.jpg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image3-1.jpg

Alternator serviced and cleaned,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image5-1.jpg

Starter motor cleaned,

Before,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image6.jpg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image8-1.jpg

After,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image9.jpg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image10.jpg

and finally, new BBS center caps have arrived. Current ones are very worn and scratched.

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image4-1.jpg


Thermostat housing cleaned,

Before :

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/fotoraf1-1.jpg

After :

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/fotoraf2-2.jpg

Fuel rail cleaned and painted matt black for OEM look,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image7-2.jpg

Housing installed and pulleys painted ;

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image2-4.jpg

Injection Tube Connecting Pipes cleaned (It's the little things ;)

Before and after,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image9-1.jpg

Throttle bodies installed,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image-2.jpg

And I bought an used headers which didn't have any cracks or welds and all it needed was some love,

Before,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image11-1.jpg

Obviously this rusty junk can't go in to my fresh engine like that so, I sent it to my polish guy. He rested the headers in rust remower chemical for a day and the next day, he polished the metal using three different polish pads from hard to soft. The result,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image10--exx.jpg

That's it for now, more to come...

[Clubber]

We closed up the engine, engine cover repainted in OEM matt black. Needs a little cleaning but a whole lot better than the ricer grey paint before,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/fotoraf2-3.jpg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/fotoraf4-2.jpg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/fotoraf1-2.jpg

Then I saw the transmission laying on the side of the shop and decided to give it a good cleaning. I forgot to take a before shot but I can tell you it was almost completely black from dirt and oil.

found this pic online, not mine but mine was even dirtier,

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NDQ1WDU5Mw==/$(KGrHqRHJEUFBgLECLkJBQkDh+D)VQ~~48_79.JPG

And after a lot of pressurised water and other stuff,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/fotoraf5-2.jpg

My mechanic told me, in a few days, he would put the engine in so today, I cleaned up the engine bay as much as I can and man did it loose some dirt. It is really hard to capture the clean look on camera but you guys will get the picture I guess.

Before main look,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image3-2.jpg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image5-2.jpg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image6-1.jpg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image4-2-1.jpg

After, general look,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image-3.jpg

Steering rack before,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image6-2.jpg

After,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image1-2-1.jpg

Before,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image7-3.jpg

After,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image3-3-1.jpg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image2-5.jpg

more to come...

[Clubber]

We received a bunch of small stuff including a lot of clamps, bolts and cosmetic stuff like covers and bins etc.

New cylinder head side cover,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image-4.jpg

new washer fluid reservoir,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image1-3.jpg

and tested a heat shield cleaning on the undercarriage, turned out pretty good,

before,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image4-5.jpg

after,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image3-5.jpg

Just when we were having fun with cleaning, I got a call from post office and this arrived. Wanna guess whats in ?

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image2-7.jpg

No, it's not a home theater system :)

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image5-5.jpg

Finally my CF airbox has arrived and since the engine was in display only mode, we tried it on for wannabe race engine look :)

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image9-3.jpg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image6-4-1.jpg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image8-4-1.jpg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image11-2.jpg

It looks all business, best money spent on the engine IMO. That ghetto sticker will come off, don't worry. It will be replaced with a " BMW M Power " sticker. next, the engine goes back in :)

[Clubber]

The engine went in, most of the cabling are done, wheels and calipers are restored.

First, we took of all four wheels cuz the lips on the BBS rims had slight clearcoat peeling and scratch marks on the edges. I took them to my wheel guy to have them dismantled and cleaned. He took them apart and cleaned each lip,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image3_zps7a944123.jpg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image1_zps3de286aa.jpg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image2_zpsdb039ec0.jpg

Inside the rims were filthy,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image4_zpsa3bb6bba.jpg

Since the wheels were apart, I decided to polish the lips for a change since my polish guy is awesome, I thought they might look good.

Before they came back from the polisher, I found the opportunity of having the calipers and wheel wells out in the open, so I decided a through clean of the area,

Front Stoptech BBK Calipers before,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image5_zpsf6b100e1.jpg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image8_zps0a6c1a79.jpg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image7_zps90923309.jpg

They needed major cleaning and some touch up. I emailed Stoptech to ask for their red color code but they said they don't have one and the closer code to their paint was Dodge Viper Red. I found the paint code online and went a paint shop to produce a small amount for touch up.

Viper Red,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image_zps209d281d.jpg

The color seemed too bright for my calipers untill I found out have much filth and dirt was covering the real color of the calipers, so we gave them a nice clean and scrubbing.

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image4_zps30f297c5.jpg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image3_zpsc3cde747.jpg

And after a lot of touch up, here's how they looked,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image10_zps3fac7379.jpg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image12_zpsf5daaec6.jpg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/fotoraf2_zps1ebfe300.jpg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/fotoraf1_zps6ced641a.jpg

[0-60Motorsports]

This was an awesome build. Beautiful car.

[Clubber]

This was an awesome build. Beautiful car.

Thanks my friend.

[Clubber]

Then we moved on to the rears, OEM calipers looked worn and the disc base was all rusty, We gave spray black to the calipers and spray silver to disc bases for OEM look,

Here they are before,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image9_zpsdce4bcfd.jpg

After cleanup and paint, much better,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image2_zpseea7ce8f.jpg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image1_zps1b226060.jpg

and the next day, my wheel guy called me to check the wheels polished before he mounted the tyres, they looked great :)

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image6_zps0d6336fb.jpg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image8_zps9d1241c4.jpg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image7_zpsd02ff6de.jpg

After my approval of the splendid work, they went on the car,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image18_zps2cd1d332.jpg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image16_zpsc6347b87.jpg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image15_zps963a23e9.jpg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image14_zpsaed58597.jpg

and finally mu lonw awaited injectors arrived as they were the last missing parts for engine start up,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image13_zps7f81eab7.jpg

All lined up and installed,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image19_zps91a3a6e7.jpg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image20_zps296cea88.jpg

Later on, the transmission will go in and mated to the engine. Then there will be some welding on the exhaust as there is a slight line up problem. Later in the week, we plan to start up the engine with CF airbox and continue with ecu mapping for it. Keep watching !

[alexk]

Make sure you remove the paint from the hub of the brake discs (that the wheel attaches too).
You might have issues with bolts getting unbolted.

[CraigMillwardCroft]

Nice rims :thumbs:

[Clubber]

I just realized I didn't finish up this thread.. Let me continue ;
Cleaned up some of the heat shields under the trans,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image2_zps334dcf99.jpg

Missing additional fan came and installed,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image1_zps76d98161.jpg

Wheel bolts looked worn and rusty, so a fresh coat of paint helped,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image_zpsec259c3d.jpg

and finally the radiator was cleaned, you wouldn't believe the amount of dirt came out of that thing. Just take a look to see the difference,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image5_zps21a7f257.jpg

Later on, CF airbox is mounted,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image3_zpsed710001.jpg

Here is a short video of the first start -up,

S50 rebuild start-up - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCrns-sAjCg)

Then we started reassembling some of the new parts like water bottle, radiator heat shields, o2 sensors, additional fan, bits of interior (center console etc.)

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/foto11F0raf2_zps9905caf2.jpg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/foto11F0raf5_zpsb23db217.jpg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/foto11F0raf4_zps818d08ef.jpg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/foto11F0raf1_zps921a8534.jpg

airbox in all its glory :)

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/foto11F0raf3_zps53cb59ec.jpg

Later on, we moved on to closing of the disastrous holes of the hood pins. The holes are filled before paint.
,http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/foto11F0raf_zps202810ea.jpg

With these works, we arrived at the final stage which will include ; adding a cat for comfort ( way too loud now that the turbo is off )
Fine tuning the Alpha N Tuning on the ECU
Painting the hood and bumpers ( due to stone chips and aero stuff mount holes )
Reconditoning the interior and adding a few new touches...

[Chrispy]

Great job!! What have you been using to clean up all the engine parts? I've always had trouble cleaning up cast ally parts.

[Clubber]

Great job!! What have you been using to clean up all the engine parts? I've always had trouble cleaning up cast ally parts.

Thanks. I usually use alcohol and wd-40 and on some stubborn dirt and grime, some caliper cleaner works like a charm.

[Clubber]

The car was way too loud so installed cats to reduce the noise and it worked like a charm,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image-5_zpsc61a009a.jpeg

Now that most of the engine and mechanical stuff out of the way, we switched back to cosmetic part. The bonnet and bumpers are getting ready for clean-up paint.

Holes from the hood clips filled and primed,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image1-4_zps544e968e.jpeg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image2-8_zps733a4ebb.jpeg

The holes for the hamann aero parts on the rear bumper filled and primed,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image3-6_zps72f80719.jpeg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image5-6_zpsb7282676.jpeg

Licence plate holes filled and bumper fully primed,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image6-5_zps931c3e08.jpeg

A few days later,

The car got out of paint shop, the paint is flawless and the hood looks 10x better without ricer hood pins. Smooth front bumper without licence plate also adds to the clean look. I am very happy with the results. Before paint shots, we took care of tiny details again :)

First, I sanded and waxed the headlights as they were really worn and blurry,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image-5_zps344733ca.jpeg

Then, I replaced the old looking bumper lights with new ones, old vs new,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image1-4_zpsca097274.jpeg

On the car,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image2-8_zps52b4ba58.jpeg

Finally replaced the number plate light as it was also pretty discolored and dirty,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image4-6_zpsaa250a21.jpeg

Old vs. new,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image5-6_zpsb9f39167.jpeg

New one put in, much better,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image6-5_zps592a6248.jpeg

After these little youth touches, she looked much younger :)

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image3-6_zps214434da.jpeg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image7-6_zpsae2fa24e.jpeg

Now that majority of the work is done (engine rebuild, paint, mechanics etc.), it is time for the interior. Tomorrow, I'll drop it to my upholstery guy for a little freshen up and some personal touches :) We're almost there. Keep watching ...

[cslsuperfan]

Clubber

your attention to detail is admirable, the heat shields look new.

Fantastic work on such a deserving model

BMW certainly lost their way with the models post Z3M

[LeinsCSL]

That's looking superb Clubber, good work! :thumbs:

[shimmy]

Is TR = Transyvania?

[alexk]

clubber > very good :beer:


shimmy > TR = Turkey :blalalala:

[northernjim]

Excellent work Clubber! Your car is looking much much better for all your work, just don't let it get hit by bits of MIG falling out of the sky :clown:





Is TR = Transvestite?


That's more like it for you

[Clubber]

Clubber

your attention to detail is admirable, the heat shields look new.

Fantastic work on such a deserving model

BMW certainly lost their way with the models post Z3M
Thanks a lot my friend. Yeah those shields turned out perfect. I also agree that Z3M has better chance of being a future classic than any other following Z car.
That's looking superb Clubber, good work! :thumbs:
Thanks a lot.
Is TR = Transyvania?
TR stands for Turkey.
clubber > very good :beer:


shimmy > TR = Turkey :blalalala:

Excellent work Clubber! Your car is looking much much better for all your work, just don't let it get hit by bits of MIG falling out of the sky :clown:



hahhah thanks. She is safely stored at home. Glad you liked her.

More to come...

[Clubber]

Then the car got back from my upholstery guy. He used his usual tricks and skills to liven up the interior. Instead of retrimming in the interior with new leather and such, we went for restoration route.
First, the seats were switched (left to right) so that the entrance bolster were hidden on the other side, then the worn padding got renewed with firm, fresh ones to give extra bit of tight look. Then they were warmed up and weted back to back for a few times. This makes the loose leather stretch back to its original form. Lastly they were washed. Here are the results,

During washing,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image-5_zpsbedaa8d0.jpeg

Finished look,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image12-2_zps93282117.jpeg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image11-3_zps385425dc.jpeg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image10-3_zpsd5c9a505.jpeg

Once the rest finished, then came turn for my little personal touches. To keep the black and red theme, I contrast stitched the door grab and center console sides.

Door Grabs,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image1-4_zpsca34f2c9.jpeg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image2-8_zps82d2d3c1.jpeg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image3-6_zps9599d100.jpeg

and the center console sides,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image4-6_zps58eb0de3.jpeg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image7-6_zpsd6686429.jpeg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image5-6_zps55cdc303.jpeg

Finally matt painted the airbag, as it was very shiny. Not very clear in this picture but the result is very good.
Overall, I am very happy with interior works. next will be wheel alignment, quick detail.

[Clubber]

After 4 months of exhausting and challenging restoration process, I collected my car again ! :hurray::hurray::hurray:
As soon as I got her from my mechanic, I took it to my detailer for undercarriage wash and protection and a quick wax for the body work.

After the undercarriage wash,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image-5_zps8e5f4f3d.jpeg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image1-4_zpscbe9451a.jpeg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image2-8_zps79a74fd7.jpeg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image3-6_zpsaff8166e.jpeg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image4-6_zps1ae733f9.jpeg

Engine after little clean up and shine,

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image6-5_zps72fb764f.jpeg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image7-6_zpsd7b24edb.jpeg

And after a quick wash and wax, here she is again, Junior :)

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/image9-4_zpse325e209.jpeg

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/IMG_0507_zps2f5cb492.jpg (http://s593.photobucket.com/user/TheSultan2/media/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/IMG_0507_zps2f5cb492.jpg.html)

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/IMG_0534_zpscb1f7786.jpg (http://s593.photobucket.com/user/TheSultan2/media/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/IMG_0534_zpscb1f7786.jpg.html)

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/IMG_0599_zps14637fbf.jpg (http://s593.photobucket.com/user/TheSultan2/media/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/IMG_0599_zps14637fbf.jpg.html)

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/IMG_0600_zps3063bda7.jpg (http://s593.photobucket.com/user/TheSultan2/media/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/IMG_0600_zps3063bda7.jpg.html)

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/IMG_0558_zpsebd0f9ca.jpg (http://s593.photobucket.com/user/TheSultan2/media/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/IMG_0558_zpsebd0f9ca.jpg.html)

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/IMG_0563_zps57c52e6d.jpg (http://s593.photobucket.com/user/TheSultan2/media/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/IMG_0563_zps57c52e6d.jpg.html)

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/IMG_0565_zps85116c30.jpg (http://s593.photobucket.com/user/TheSultan2/media/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/IMG_0565_zps85116c30.jpg.html)

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/IMG_0566_zps6045f85b.jpg (http://s593.photobucket.com/user/TheSultan2/media/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/IMG_0566_zps6045f85b.jpg.html)

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/IMG_0576_zpsf2761a20.jpg (http://s593.photobucket.com/user/TheSultan2/media/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/IMG_0576_zpsf2761a20.jpg.html)

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/IMG_0580_zps5a406c87.jpg (http://s593.photobucket.com/user/TheSultan2/media/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/IMG_0580_zps5a406c87.jpg.html)

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/IMG_0606_zps2133327b.jpg (http://s593.photobucket.com/user/TheSultan2/media/Z3%20M%20Resto%20Project%202013/IMG_0606_zps2133327b.jpg.html)

I'll have a proper photoshoot very soon which she deserves but until then I plan to drive her as much as I can. I surely missed her very much. Without the turbo setup, the car is the NA gem it always was and with the added charm of the CF air box, she sounds incredible. I'm trying to keep her under 4K rpm's during break in. I'll have more to report on how she drives and etc once the break-in is over.

There are still very little things need adjusting which is the point of break-in procedure. To check the car in all areas. I'll make a list of things I notice and hope to take care of them during the break-in service.

Thank you all for watching and following my progress. It has been blood, sweat and tears as usual but well worth it in the end. Pro photoshoot is to come tomorrow...

[cslsuperfan]

I've just been under my car at the weekend

I've got some work to do

Lovely work Clubber

Please list your top 10 cleaning products!! especially for the underside and engine bay

:thumbs:

[shimmy]

I've just been under my car at the weekend

I've got some work to do

Lovely work Clubber

Please list your top 10 cleaning products!! especially for the underside and engine bay

:thumbs:

You see, here is the problem.

1. We drive them and enjoy them.
2. They get old and at same time value goes up.
3. We start cleaning them and polishing the shit out if them
4. We don't drive them coz they will get dirty
5. We stop enjoying them.

It's a slippery slope!:whistle:

[Clubber]

I've just been under my car at the weekend

I've got some work to do

Lovely work Clubber

Please list your top 10 cleaning products!! especially for the underside and engine bay

:thumbs:
Thanks a lot. I mostly use Meguiar's products on almost everything. Except for windows and washes. I use nanolex window polisher and nanolex washcoat(epic) for wash+wax. search it on you tube, you would be surprised by the results.
You see, here is the problem.

1. We drive them and enjoy them.
2. They get old and at same time value goes up.
3. We start cleaning them and polishing the shit out if them
4. We don't drive them coz they will get dirty
5. We stop enjoying them.

It's a slippery slope!:whistle:

Well it is kinda true but I actually play hard and work hard. Meaning, I really drive them as they were intended but when it is time to put them in their cage, I clean them inside out.

[Clubber]

Here are couple shots from the trio photoshoot...

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/IMG_6221_1m_zpsad4605f5.jpg (http://s593.photobucket.com/user/TheSultan2/media/IMG_6221_1m_zpsad4605f5.jpg.html)

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/IMG_6207_1_zps5864b666.jpg (http://s593.photobucket.com/user/TheSultan2/media/IMG_6207_1_zps5864b666.jpg.html)

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/IMG_6184_2_zpsdb3c2690.jpg (http://s593.photobucket.com/user/TheSultan2/media/IMG_6184_2_zpsdb3c2690.jpg.html)

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/IMG_6141_1_zpsc3d75d72.jpg (http://s593.photobucket.com/user/TheSultan2/media/IMG_6141_1_zpsc3d75d72.jpg.html)

///M Colors ;)

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt18/TheSultan2/IMG_6123_ms_zps25162db3.jpg (http://s593.photobucket.com/user/TheSultan2/media/IMG_6123_ms_zps25162db3.jpg.html)

[LeinsCSL]

That's a great car collection Clubber - the //M link between them all, but each being different enough from the other too

I have to be careful jumping from the CSL into my E30 though, as my brain isn't good enough to remember that the brakes aren't anyway near as powerful and that there's a thrid pedal down there somewhere to use! ;)

[Clubber]

That's a great car collection Clubber - the //M link between them all, but each being different enough from the other too

I have to be careful jumping from the CSL into my E30 though, as my brain isn't good enough to remember that the brakes aren't anyway near as powerful and that there's a thrid pedal down there somewhere to use! ;)

Thanks my friend. I actually love the variety of my cars. Each represent a different era and different driving experience. CSL is the ultimate track took, M Coupe is the city hooligan and E30 is the pinnacle of back road fun. They all have a special place although I must admit E30 is the best of all. It is simply magnificent to drive, look and own.

[cslsuperfan]

You see, here is the problem.

1. We drive them and enjoy them.
2. They get old and at same time value goes up.
3. We start cleaning them and polishing the shit out if them
4. We don't drive them coz they will get dirty
5. We stop enjoying them.

It's a slippery slope!:whistle:

I hear you.

A happy balance needs to be maintained

The csl owner at the BMW meeting in munich had the perfect antidote..
2 CSL's!!!

[Clubber]

I hear you.

A happy balance needs to be maintained

The csl owner at the BMW meeting in munich had the perfect antidote..
2 CSL's!!!

Wish we were all so lucky :) I say enjoy them while we can. All these cars will outlive us anyway, don't be too sorry for them :)

[cslsuperfan]

Wish we were all so lucky :) I say enjoy them while we can. All these cars will outlive us anyway, don't be too sorry for them :)

I agree

We're still all driven to maintain our favourite cars to extremes and as shimmy rightly says too much stressing over the car's wellbeing can tarnish enjoyment of a great car....whatever model you're custodian over.:thumbs:

[Clubber]

I agree

We're still all driven to maintain our favourite cars to extremes and as shimmy rightly says too much stressing over the car's wellbeing can tarnish enjoyment of a great car....whatever model you're custodian over.:thumbs:

Custodian is the perfect term, I agree :)