Not a CSL but thought I share the next project

[m3dragon]

I know this is not a CSL but I am sure most of you will appreciate the effort being made. If not well just remember you guys get all the good cars :beer:

Please be aware this is a VERY picture intensive build thread.

(place holder for build sheet link)

The following build thread is the conversion of an E46 M3 into an E46 M3 GTR Street Car. Unlike most “GTR” conversion, you see people make, this is meant to be as close to factory as possible using parts that are available today. Unfortunately, some parts will have to be aftermarket, as the OE parts are no longer made or were never available.

This build is planned to be completed hopefully within the next two years to be a showcase car for the 2016 event that I am planning for the E46 M3. As with my other build to make a CSL, a fully document process of the change will be posted here along with another in-depth build sheet.

I hope you enjoy the process and I welcome questions and ideas, as my hope is to make this somewhat a community project. By this, I mean ideas are welcome but in the end may not be used due to time, cost, or just too far out there. Those enthusiasts who wish to help / learn in this build process are welcome to come out and help once the build begins.

What is a GTR Street Car?
The E46 M3 GTR street car was made for BMW to compete in the Le Mans Race Series. For a complete history on these cars there is some website that offer limited data. The few image that exist are pictured below. Love or hate looks, this is the plan on what the car will look like once I am done. A note is that some changes will be made as to accommodate parts being used and some customizing to make unique.

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/Street/BMW_M3_GTR_Street_Car_(1).jpg

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/Street/BMW_M3_GTR_Street_Car_(2).JPG

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/Street/BMW_M3_GTR_Street_Car_(3).jpg

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/Street/BMW_M3_GTR_Street_Car_(4).jpg

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/Street/BMW_M3_GTR_Street_Car_(5).jpg

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/Street/BMW_M3_GTR_Street_Car_(6).jpg

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/Street/BMW_M3_GTR_Street_Car_(7).jpg

[m3dragon]

The Project Car
The car that is being used for the body of this project has been around on the M3forums for a while. I am stating off with a 2003 E46 M3 in manual and 133K on the motor.
There will be a lot of parts for sale soon from this car in order to fun the build. If you need parts, please check the for sale section to offer your support in this build.

The donor parts car will be a E9X M3 for the motor transmission and other bits. This is still in the process of being scourced.

Project Cars History
The car I was told started off life with screen name Mr. wolfe. Here are the images I could find of the car online at the beginning. No history beyond this:

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/Mr_Wolfe/100_0393-1.jpg

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/Mr_Wolfe/DSCN0672.jpg

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/Mr_Wolfe/IMG_1760.jpg

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/Mr_Wolfe/IMG_1762.jpg

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/Mr_Wolfe/IMG_1767.jpg

[m3dragon]

The car then was passed on to M3froums member spumoniM3

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/spumoniM3/DSCN0498.jpg

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/spumoniM3/DSCN0499.jpg

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/spumoniM3/DSCN0498.jpg

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/spumoniM3/DSCN0663.jpg

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/spumoniM3/DSCN0664.jpg

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/spumoniM3/DSCN0666.jpg

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/spumoniM3/DSCN0667.jpg

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/spumoniM3/DSCN0668.jpg

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/spumoniM3/DSCN0670.jpg

[m3dragon]

The last M3forum member to have the car before me was Tsnipe. Images of the car Set 1:

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/Tsnipe/tsnipe_(1).JPG

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/Tsnipe/tsnipe_(2).JPG

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/Tsnipe/tsnipe_(3).JPG

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/Tsnipe/tsnipe_(4).JPG

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/Tsnipe/tsnipe_(5).JPG

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/Tsnipe/tsnipe_(6).JPG

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/Tsnipe/tsnipe_(7).JPG

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/Tsnipe/tsnipe_(8).JPG

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/Tsnipe/tsnipe_(9).JPG

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/Tsnipe/tsnipe_(10).JPG

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/Tsnipe/tsnipe_(11).JPG

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/Tsnipe/tsnipe_(12).JPG

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/Tsnipe/tsnipe_(13).JPG

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/Tsnipe/tsnipe_(14).JPG

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/Tsnipe/tsnipe_(15).JPG

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/Tsnipe/tsnipe_(16).JPG

[m3dragon]

Car moving out west

Car was packed up and shipped out west to start its new life on the other side of the US. The car as you see in the images needs some TLC but over all in is in good shape for what is needed.

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/Car_in_transport/transport_(1).JPG

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/Car_in_transport/transport_(2).JPG

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/Car_in_transport/transport_(3).JPG

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/Car_in_transport/transport_(4).JPG

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/Car_in_transport/transport_(5).JPG

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/Car_in_transport/transport_(6).JPG

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/Car_in_transport/transport_(7).JPG

[m3dragon]

First progress update: Living in the car hating state of California, I had to get a smog check done before I registered. Took the car on my usual 20 minute warm up run and had no issue. Car is mechanically sound just looks like the ugly duckling. Made it to the smog station, kept the car warm before they pulled into the bay.

Only idled for 3 minutes before they pulled it so I was not worried about passing now. Go in take care of the paper work, come back out to see how the car does with the usual test. Guy is doing his usual visual check and was waiting for him to do the sniff test and what happens, they pull the car out as all they needed was a computer. WHAT! I went through all that and you just did a computer check to pass. While that is YAY it was a DOH!.

So those in CA who are reading this I got the 411 from the station. They are now finally slowly rolling out the computer only test. Select places have it and are ensuring it works. Any car 1996 till now is computer only. Older requires the full sniff test.

Next step is to begging tear down as well as find a wrecked E9X M3. I am having the damdest time getting one. Friend of a friend is trying but no luck / unknown if they are bidding on either copart or IAA. If someone has a lead I am all ears.

[m3dragon]

I was waiting to post this for some odd reason but I don't know why. At any rate, the donor car has been found and acquired. She is a roll-over but runs and drives and is on here way west. Delivery date is Friday 3/28 WHOHOO.

Project will not start for a few a month or two as the shop where the majority of the work will be done is almost complete. I will share the shop pics once it is done. For now here is the pics of the car at copart.

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/Donor/E90_donor_(1).JPG

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/Donor/E90_donor_(2).JPG

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/Donor/E90_donor_(3).JPG

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/Donor/E90_donor_(4).JPG

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/Donor/E90_donor_(5).JPG

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/Donor/E90_donor_(6).JPG

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/Donor/E90_donor_(7).JPG

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/Donor/E90_donor_(8).JPG

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/Donor/E90_donor_(9).JPG

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/Donor/E90_donor_(10).JPG

[m3dragon]

That plot has thickened with the E90 M3 donor car. What I had reported was it was a roll over with unknown mileage. I was working on the shop space with some buddies and we discovered it was not a roll over. Instead we found it went through a building and has 24K on it. Mileage is easy as car turns on and drives. The reason we know it went through a building is there is sheet rock and insulation in and around the car.

It has a winter tire setup so likely someone lost control and found a house or office building. Images of are the car after I picked it up from the shipper and have it resting inside the shop. Last image is of the shop under construction along with the chasse car.

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/Donor/E90_EndMarch_(1).jpg

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/Donor/E90_EndMarch_(2).jpg

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/Donor/E90_EndMarch_(3).jpg

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/Donor/E90_EndMarch_(4).jpg

[alexk]

Very nice !

I have a few pictures of an original M3 GTR street version.
I saw it in Munich in the M headquarters ;)

[LeinsCSL]

Excellent, and best of luck with the project. Keep the updates coming please!

[AlexGTT]

Great project! Wow, white M3 looked very neglected.

Also, shite wheels on the V8 but suspect they were thrown on post-roll.:whistle:

[Yanto]

Awesome project, good luck with it !

[0836whimper]

Excellent - re-creating an E46 M3 GTR - great project and someone needed to give it a go:thumbs:

Hope all goes well and keep us updated.

[Neil M]

Nice! I'm surprised that no one on here hasn't done it. Put a V8 in a CSL and it's job done! :thumbs: Best of Luck.

[CraigMillwardCroft]

Nice! I'm surprised that no one on here hasn't done it. Put a V8 in a CSL and it's job done! :thumbs: Best of Luck.

It was done years ago I thought, nice job in an SG one, trying to make it as quick as the SB ones :whistle:

[m3dragon]

Car just got registered to CA today... FINALLY. Took little longer then I wanted from being busy and my wife went into labor two weeks early so our first child was born on May 4th. Already looking at the Recaro seats for the little man =)

[Neil M]

Congratulations Adam, that will put an end to any of the ongoing projects. Fatherly duties must prevail. :thumbs:

[m3dragon]

Congratulations Adam, that will put an end to any of the ongoing projects. Fatherly duties must prevail. :thumbs:

HAHA only for a few weeks so I get the essential bonding time with the little guy. I get 6 weeks off paid so my awesome wife said after the first three weeks off, I should during the day use the time to finish our yard and the shop for the project build. Then i get dad time all evening till bed time.

Helps to have such a awesome wife.

[m3dragon]

Wife said I had to share that we already are starting our son off early in his M career. Close friend made the Roundel Binnie and M blanket for our little guy.

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/M-baby.jpg

[AlexGTT]

Now that's dedication! Congrats. :thumbs:

[Loaded]

Very nice !

I have a few pictures of an original M3 GTR street version.
I saw it in Munich in the M headquarters ;)

Lucky you Alex!

:thumbs:

[glendog74]

Wife said I had to share that we already are starting our son off early in his M career. Close friend made the Roundel Binnie and M blanket for our little guy.

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/M-baby.jpg

Love it! Congrats! :thumbs:

[m3dragon]

Sorry for the lack of updates. Between new baby, yard word and trying to finish the shop, time has been rather thin. Hopefully the lift that was ordered will be in this next week so actual work on the car can begin. For now it is waiting for the lift and finishing the shop organization and cleaning.

Some parts for the car did arrive. Below is an image of the parts needed for the carbon fiber roof less the carbon fiber panel. In the boxes are the roof rail, headliner, glue and cover brackets.

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/Roof_parts.jpg

Here is a sneak peak of the shop space. Not organized nor are the benches in the right area. But this will give you idea why it is taking so long. Once the shop is done this will be a place for learning. By this I mean a place to work on car by invite as well as make DIYs or classes on welding or Vanos timing. Advantage of have a private facility available.

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/Shop_peek(2).jpg

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/Shop_peek(1).jpg

[Neil M]

So far - so good, I see you've already appointed a member of the security staff.:thumbs:

[m3dragon]

At last tear down time. Lift is in.

Anyone that wants to get dirty and learn, I am starting on the E90 this Sunday. I should also have lots of parts for sale soon.

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/lift2.jpg

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/lift1.jpg

[m3dragon]

Project underway at last. With the helps of a few forum members, we were able to get the car turned around and started the tear down process. Hopefully we will be able to get the engine out next week.

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/E90-Teardown(1).jpg

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/E90-Teardown(2).jpg

[shimmy]

Wife said I had to share that we already are starting our son off early in his M career. Close friend made the Roundel Binnie and M blanket for our little guy.

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/M-baby.jpg

bloody missed this, fantastic, well done (but they do cost a few cars over their lifetime!!)

[m3dragon]

bloody missed this, fantastic, well done (but they do cost a few cars over their lifetime!!)

When he gets old he can help dad with car projects. His hands will be smaller then my bear paws. LOL

[0-60Motorsports]

Looking forward to more updates, especially when it comes to electronics and software/coding.

[Mark CSL]

Congrats to you all :thumbs:


Keep us updated on the build we do like pix :whistle:

[m3dragon]

Made a new friend on the drives and found out he is a BMW tech for Performance Motor Works. Funny part was I used to use Performance until I was told they were gone. Now I find out there are still there and can also do CSL ECU flashes for E46 M3 guys. Long story short I am glad I have my old service shop back as well a new friend who made getting the motor out WAY easier.

Here is how to remove a S65 out of an E90.

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/S65-Remove/S65-TearRemove(1).jpg

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/S65-Remove/S65-TearRemove(2).jpg

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/S65-Remove/S65-TearRemove(3).jpg

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/S65-Remove/S65-TearRemove(4).jpg

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/S65-Remove/S65-TearRemove(5).jpg

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/S65-Remove/S65-TearRemove(6).jpg

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/S65-Remove/S65-TearRemove(7).jpg

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/S65-Remove/S65-TearRemove(8).jpg

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/S65-Remove/S65-TearRemove(9).jpg

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/S65-Remove/S65-TearRemove(10).jpg

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/S65-Remove/S65-TearRemove(11).jpg

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/S65-Remove/S65-TearRemove(12).jpg

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/S65-Remove/S65-TearRemove(13).jpg

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/S65-Remove/S65-TearRemove(14).jpg

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/S65-Remove/S65-TearRemove(15).jpg

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/S65-Remove/S65-TearRemove(16).jpg

[0-60Motorsports]

Awesome! Whens the test fitting in the E46 m3?

[m3dragon]

How to remove a S65 from a E90:

http://youtu.be/DrGg_C7wKbc

[m3dragon]

OK So the updates have taken a while to get done, sorry about that. With the help of some M3 forum members we have completely stripped down the E90 M3 to just its shell. We also started a little on the E46 to being that tear down and prep. The M3 sadly is in VERY bad shape, more so than I thought. Hopefully it is not so bad I can still use it.

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/2014August/augustGTRupdate(1).jpg

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/2014August/augustGTRupdate(2).jpg

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/2014August/augustGTRupdate(3).jpg

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/2014August/augustGTRupdate(4).jpg

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/2014August/augustGTRupdate(5).jpg

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/2014August/augustGTRupdate(6).jpg

[m3dragon]

Look at what Mr FedExaclause dropped off for me to take over to the shop. Large box with fragile written all over it. I wonder what it could be.....

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/2014Sept/Fedackause.jpg

[Neil M]

Whatever it is, it has a very polite label attached! ;)

[Mike R]

Any news on this :)?

[m3dragon]

I will updates in a few weeks. Been a tad busy.

[Mike R]

Is your thread on the US forum more up to date? If so, could you PM me the link pretty please?

[m3dragon]

Is your thread on the US forum more up to date? If so, could you PM me the link pretty please?

They were but bot anymore. I have made some changes.

[Loaded]

Why i can't see any of the project's pictures?

[sailorbaz]

I was wondering that too but I'm guessing he's moved or removed them...

[m3dragon]

Killed this build and then restarted it. Sold the cars and parts from the ones in this thread to build my raptor up. Now starting all over again so will make a new thread.


GTR project reboot. New chassis car acquired and new thread will be stared.

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/GTR-2.jpg

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/GTR-2-1.jpg

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/GTR-2-2.jpg

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/GTR2-3.jpeg

http://www.raddrives.com/builds/gtr/GTR-2-4.jpeg

[mattCSLnut]

Love the LSB M3 :smt055 looks soooo good in Cali. sunshine :smokin:
That roof rack has got to go though ;) it's almost as bad a Chris's mud flaps :whistle:

[sailorbaz]

Everything looks so good in the Sunshine, shame we don't get any in UK or Ireland.