[NYBulldog]

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Ever since seeing 63NP's conversion years ago I've wanted a wagon. More recently redEYEjedi's has helped me realize I really wanted one. Another one like damp21plbe's has also made me reinforce the idea.

I've gone through a bunch of cars, mostly ///Ms. But I've wanted to get more practical lately and was looking hard at a Cayenne. I've slowly grown tired of going and faster and faster. I know, sounds weird. Maybe I'm just getting older. I also have to bulldogs and I got rid of my Clubman after I took it to South America. But it was never really an appropriate dog-car for me.

So about two months I found a 2009 328i xDrive Touring for a great price. I wanted it to be an LCI so I wouldn't have to additionally make those upgrades. The plan right now is to do all the cosmetics of the M3 and in 6 months or so go ahead and do a full drivetrain conversion or at the very least add a supercharger.

In the past few weeks I've been looking and looking for used E90 M3 parts but I've had really no luck. I've been eBay-ing hard for weeks and everything I find has stories or even just more expensive or similarly priced to new parts. So almost 90% of the parts are all brand new from Prestige BMW. Nothing like having brand new OEM parts. I've spent about $3500 so far with a bunch more stuff to go.

As I go along I'll share build pics and add part numbers to help a few people along the way.

[NYBulldog]

Originally Posted by NYBulldog

Your hood looks super clean. I honestly didn't even think there was another E90 M3 Hood option unless I wanted to get crazy with Vorsteiner. In any case, I want the wagon to look exactly like OEM with OEM parts so its just a specific look and feel I want.

I should be getting some new pics today. I got a message that said that the fender washer tank may need to be slightly modified to make the new M3 fender work. For now it was just moved a bit to see how precisely the panels would fit.

This should help with all the part numbers:
09 Bracket, side panel, entrance left 1 41317180343
09 Bracket, side panel, entrance, right 1 41317180344
16 Mounting bracket, sidewall, left 1 41008044985
16 Mounting bracket, sidewall, right 1 41008044986












PLEASE KNOW THAT THIS CAR WILL NOT SAY "M3"... there are custom stickers replacing those fender badges

Originally Posted by NYBulldog

Okay guys I got an update today. I'll be back in NY in 9 days. Will add more pics then.

I hate my amber reflectors on my M3. I kind of like them on this though. I think they'll stay.. for now.

Paint has not been buffed yet. Just freshly mounted. Bumper needs to be adjust. Everything else is spot on as expected. Even OEM parts some times fit funny.

Originally Posted by NYBulldog

So its been pretty slow because I was trying to make a decision on the rear quarters. Very difficult to find them used. I found a guy on eBay that wanted a fortune for both and unwilling to negotiate.

Considered doing a custom widebody which could look very OEM too but I got the impression the wait would be too long and there was a lot of potential to not be happy with the end result. Got in touch with Prior Design to use their rear FRP flares that adds the OEM M3 widebody for a standard E90. Seems like a solid product but the wait time was too long. In the end I just picked up the phone and called Prestige BMW again. One side has been delivered. Waiting for the other side to come in.

Picked up some black M3 seats off eBay. Got a nice deal. They are E92 seats, I'm going to attempt swapping the bottom frame and panel from my stock seats. If it doesn't work I'll just resell them. The standard seats are just crap. Really no idea how this comes on a BMW. Its like a flat bench.

Also bought BMW Performance 135i Front Calipers from forum member 545iMike. Thank you!

Picked up some used OEM ZCP wheels.

Still looking for the driver side M3 mirror. Already have the passenger.

Originally Posted by NYBulldog

Thank you. The updates are coming a little slow but they are coming

I appreciate it although I'm sure getting the parts shipped will be a pain. Truth be told I'm almost done. Will keep in mind for sure. Thanks!





So here a few pictures. The other new quarter finally came in from the dealer. Coilovers are also in. I think I might pee myself when I see my perfectly good quarter panel get chopped up. This is not a junk car. Never been in a accident. No dings. I'm just an idiot and want to make an M3-style wagon.

Originally Posted by NYBulldog

A few picture updates. I still can't believe I cut a perfect quarter panel... moving on. There are a few ways to integrate the M3 quarters, this is what we chose. I've seen a bunch of different cuts.

Progress is slow... I know. Its giving me time to gather other goodies. Brand new OEM M3 powerfold mirrors with Carbon caps... yes please. Got some awesome tips with the ///M engraving for the custom exhaust system.

Originally Posted by NYBulldog

Thank you! Progress is slow. But it is advancing. Next week we start the rear bumper. Then it's all about aligning every panel. Unfortunately I'm going to stick with the silver. I am considering wrapping it. And I'm looking really hard at reupholstering the interior to a different color.



Passenger side done.

Originally Posted by NYBulldog

These updates are not sexy but they are made to show the progress in case you want to attack a similar conversion. There are plenty of thread that show info and final results. I'm trying to show a little more when possible.

REAR BUMPERs were chopped up but its still need a few edges shaved. The cutting line under the piece of the stock bumper for example was just left from the initial cut. As you can see though, it all lines up pretty well. Now we need to make sure the top edges line up to the quarter panel perfectly. It will get plastic welded on Monday. I'll try to get some pics for you guys.

Originally Posted by NYBulldog

Thank you! My idea right now is to progressively shave it down. The stock E90 M3 bumper also has the style line. If you look a few posts above in the picture of both bumper you'll notice it. The M3 bumper just has a shorter line. Not too worried about it.

The big problem is that the tailgate and corner of the quarter panel are shaped completely different to an E90 which uses a trunk and also slightly different taillight assembly. Nothing is DRASTICALLY visually different but they are different enough that it could not simply be a bolt on. The side length is different. The top center is very different. Below are pics so you can see what I mean.

Originally Posted by NYBulldog

lmao thank you ... I wasn't able to pass by the shop at night but I got this picture from the morning. We lined up the bumper panels and staple-welded them together. Next is plastic welding/bonding them together using adhesive and plastic material. Then shave everything down best as possible. From there we can prep and hopefully primer tomorrow. Will get you guys some pics tomorrow.

Muffler is off. Undertray is gone. Quarter panels have been seam sealed. Haven't relocated the EVAP canister yet. I know you guys hate me for these lame a5s posts.

Originally Posted by NYBulldog

PROGRESS... bumper is in working primer.

So we used a combination of plastic welding with semi-rigid plastic repair epoxy. I'm really happy with the evercoat. The texture and feel is exactly what I was hoping for to keep rigid with a little give. Once it cured it was fully sanded down. It came out practically perfect with very little need of a filler. The top design line that wraps around from the E91 bumper has now been shaved to disappear in the ends. Its in primer now as you can see, just light coats. The next step is ensuring the bumper has zero defects, prepping and primering again. I am also doing the PDC rear retrofit so we have to drill out the holes. I have the entire retrofit kit thanks to pepsih.

I believe the jams will be in paint by Friday. Rear end should be painted next week. I'm really hoping the cosmetics are ready in two weeks.

Originally Posted by NYBulldog

I wanted to snap some pics so you can see how tucked in the stock wheels really are. Its definitely nothing earth shattering but its significant. Finally installed the OEM M3 Mirrors.

I sent out my CIC and a few modules to marius76 to get them configured. I'm also doing the PDC Retrofit, obviously doing the Xenon conversion, and adding 6FL with Apps and all that jazz.

Just a note. A buddy of mine asked me why I didn't just buy aftermarket parts. Truth be told is as I'm getting older I'm understanding how important it is to do things properly. And for me, having chicken wire, fiberglass anything, or weird fitment its just not something I'm willing to accept anymore.


There is a bonus shot of my buddy's i8 at the end. We went for a cruise with a ton of lambos and other exotics.

Originally Posted by NYBulldog

Its really not THAT far away but it kind of is. I'm hoping to keep updating over this next week.

Thanks buddy!

Lol I can't discriminate on E91s, I love them all. Gotta enjoy them all.

Finally got some kind of an update. I hope next week I'll be closer to finished.

Got the ZCP wheels , I think I may need some spacers though too lol

I haven't had the chance to actually even check it out. From what I did see though, the tracks are the same. They are a bit bulky. I want to disassemble the bottom section and see if I can transfer over the seat belt guide. If I can't its pretty simply, I'll just create a guide that will be affixed to the rear outer bolt-down. Exactly as if it were a race seat. I'll definitely post any hiccups.



Well I haven't posted any updated because I've been busy. I also traveled for a bit. And more importantly I decided I wanted to repaint the entire car. It just didn't seem right to have a brand new front end and that's it. So the entire car including the front end was repainted. Also painted the roof jet black. And lastly... I did have the entire car sprayed at once but for whatever reason we had weird paint/clear reaction in the booth so we had to respray a few parts a bunch of times. The rear bumper had to be reworked a few times because we had some funky waving. The reassembly begins tomorrow.

The car has not been wet sanded, buffed and polished yet... and the paint job is so good you couldn't tell. Titanium Silver is a real pain in the ass BTW.

Originally Posted by NYBulldog

Here's a few shots from today. Getting the interior put together. All the trim has been paint-matched. I had the radio and AC panel painted jet black along with a few other little details, it looks phenomenal. Pulling a bunch of stuff out of boxes to reassemble. Tomorrow I get my hood back, had a small little issue. Might repaint the rear bumper again, I have this slight uneveness in the silver flakes... its very slight but I think I'm gonna do it anyway. I'm getting so tedious I'm afraid to scratch the car after all this lmao. CF Performance splitters will be installed tomorrow. There is a whole lot of cleaning to do. None of the surfaces have been wet sanded, buffed and waxed yet. Shout to Taras_k for the fender stickers, http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1124474

Originally Posted by NYBulldog

- PDC control unit
- Four PDC sensors
- Four adhesive holders for PDC sensors
- Retrofit wiring
- Coding
- PDC Signal Speaker
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...t/66200399633/




Retrofitted the PDC today and working on the 6FL/Combox Retrofit. A lot of little washers and things installed today. What a pain in the ass. Lights are on. Tomorrow I'm hoping to install the bumpers and make the car look more "whole". Will post pics then.

Had the car up on a jack to put temp wheels on while I take off the OEM TPMS off the stock wheels. I put on my E46 ZCP wheel just to see how the offset sat, looked pretty good surprisingly. OEM E9X ZCP Wheels are getting prepped for this car, bought new tires.

Originally Posted by NYBulldog

Got my gloss jet black window trim back and picked up some OEM 219Ms, putting the Blizzaks on.

Originally Posted by NYBulldog

So we had a significant setback yesterday. Was pissed at the time but I'm over it. The rear bumper will need to be painted again. We had a problem with the left rear bumper bracket without noticing it so I got too aggressive with the bumper and kept mashing it until I broke a clip and flexed the weld union of the two bumpers (E91 and E90M) and therefore cracked the paint... F&$%! There was a space right below the corner curve of the quarter panel that didn't want to sit properly. We were able to wiggle it into place post-crack. But I'm gonna put the rest of the car together anyway and then take it back to the damn paint shop one more time.

Right side rear is perfection. Side Skirts went on perfectly. Performance splitters were installed on the front bumper. Really happy the PDC retrofit in the rear looks OEM.

I have OEM ZCPs and OEM 219Ms with Blizzaks. I really wanted to put the ZCPs but with our northeast weather I think I just need to suck it up and put the 219Ms on.

Bought the OEM Euro N52 Oil Cooler. My oil filter housing has begun to leak so I figure I might as well upgrade. Should be here soon from Germany.

I've weather-proofed my ST coilovers and the Performance front BBK should be refinished in red shortly. Bunch of other stupid little things done too.

**None of the paint has been wet-sanded, buffed, waxed and there is tape adhesive everywhere.

Originally Posted by NYBulldog

So I first took apart each piece. Then I used Por15 Metal Prep to clean off the coating ST/KW uses. Make sure you remove and stickers. Wiped it down and covered the threads with electrical tape. Then applied Por15 Glisten PC clear coat. After letting it cure then used a lithium greaser on all the threads. Done.

I had my OEM window trim surround painted in jet black. I think I will get the pillars done or maybe even just buy the overlay piece from overseas. They are really cheap compared to replacing it with the OEM stuff and the end look is almost identical.





So not much has been done but the rear bumper repair has begun. I have the silver front bumper reflectors but I think I'm gonna put on the ambers to bring her to pure OEM US-spec and do a natural modding progression as time passes. I just ended up finally installing the TPMS on my ZCPs for now. This storm has pretty much took any focus off the car. Bonus pic of Chubby with the winter vehicle. No matter what car you drive in the winter for the love of god get winter tires. Its all the difference.

Originally Posted by NYBulldog

Got a little more progress today. A few more brand new OEM parts delivered yesterday. The trunk floor bucket needs to be changed for a 335i/M3 one... its the same exact floor size but has a narrow and really small bucket compartment. The charcoal filter should also be relocated for an open area to route a second pipe. Exhaust is basically done. The rear shot is during tip adjustment. It sounds pretty good. Its just a simple muffler delete with tips. Resonator is intact. BTW the stock muffler is a very heavy piece of crap. ZCP wheels refreshed. Putting on all the wheel liners. Doing the 135i BMW Performance front brake retrofit. To get the 135i Performance brakes to work on the 328xi you need to shave the spindle just to the first bolt, obviously have to modify the brake shield. The calipers should be ready to mount tomorrow. So its gonna be slow as hell but will stop on a dime.

Originally Posted by NYBulldog

A little more progress today. Slowly but surely. I need to get a rear BBK soon.

Originally Posted by NYBulldog;19302718}

I put the ambers on and I couldn't be happier. :love:
I've put away the paint-matched silver reflectors for now. I installed the FRM today, what a pain in the fcnkn a$s. Retrofitted the connectors in the fender light. Really didn't get much done. Filled the gas tank, car died on me lol. Still have got a while to go. After everything is sorted it still needs to be left at the paint shop for the rear bumper, plus I want to paint a few more details in Jet Black including the window pillar trim.

[img

http://i.imgur.com/E6G5bmZ.jpg?1[/img]

Originally Posted by NYBulldog

If only things could happen faster. Coilovers installed, set halfway. Euro Oil Filter Housing with Oil Cooler (I can post the details tomorrow if anyone is interested). Refreshed the gaskets, new oil filter and oil of course. Fender grills in installed. DIY stealth bulbs to get rid of the egg yolk look. I'm waiting for the underbody shields. Alignment is tomorrow. Rogue spacers will be on. Hopefully the car is in the paint shop next week. ughhhhhhhhhhhh

Originally Posted by NYBulldog

I swear this damn car will never be ready. One thing after another just keeps delaying everything. And its all stuff I want, not need.

I have the passenger seat out next to an M3 seat with lumbar trying to figure out how to make it work 100%. My wagon has non-sports seats with heat. Adjustability worked fine on the M3 seat until I hit the heated seat function and the seat just died completely. No idea on the lumbar, didn't have the chance to check it.

I bought the ESS Tuning VT1+ Kit. I know many of you will be disappointed. I'm not sure if this is temporary or not yet. I suck... I know. Tomorrow I'll have it dyno'd for baseline stock numbers.

Hate, really hate the wide view sideview mirrors. I think I may get a matte transparent piece of vinyl and overlay on that section. I'm going fc#ing cross-eyed.

Car is registered and insured finally with the loathsome NY yellow plates. Vanity has been ordered.

Drove it to Chipotle in Greenwich. The ST Coilovers are fantastic. The ride is really nice. Not feeling the muffler delete just yet. Its a little too loud... what the hell else did I expect? lmao Will likely by a slim muffler to bring down the noise somewhat. Really enjoying how it looks. Multiple people are noticeably confused.

Originally Posted by NYBulldog

I finally drove the car on the highway. The I-95 is a great place to get a feel for a car. I do need to modify the muffler delete, its a touch too loud for me. But the car drives fantastic. The handling and ride is very much what I wanted it to be. Not harsh, firm but with some daily driving give. I noticed how aerodynamic that car felt. In the morning we had a little bit of snow/rain so when I finally stopped to look at the car after everything you could see how all the dirt swooped to mostly the back... very happy. Its a bit more aerodynamic than with its original stock body.

...

So yesterday I went to The Shop in Norwalk, CT. Awesome place and crew, James seems like a real standup guy. Very clean and neat shop, they had some nice machinery in there. The whole dyno setup was real nice too.

They just installed a new dyno about 6 weeks ago. They use a Mustang Powerdyne with 4 wheel measuring rollers for AWD... so I've been warned that the numbers (James himself also mentioned it) will be very conservative compared to other dynos, specifically to a Dynojet.

I already assumed the car would make very low power... somewhere around 160awhp taking into consideration BOTH the drivetrain power loss and the Mustang Powerdyne's convervative numbers.

We did 3 runs (pulls) using 4th gear for peak. Dyno sheet posted. The car made 181awhp and 171tq. Disappointingly low of course, but having mentally prepared for it... not too shabby. So just using a simple and loose percentage of 20% loss makes it right about factory expectations.

So the Baseline Dyno is in. The only "engine" modifications at this FIRST DYNO SESSION is a muffler delete and Euro oil housing cooler.

FEDEX Tracking says the VT1+ should be here Thursday next week. Let's see.

....................

Below are MY specific details:

Modellbezeichnung: 328xi
Ausführung: USA
Typschlüssel: UU33
E-Code: E91 (MUE)
Karosserie: Touring
Motor: N52B30M1 - 3,00l (172kW) - N52N
Antrieb: Allrad
Getriebe: Automatisch
Produktionsdatum: 29.10.2008
Werk: München


N52B30
2996 cm³ (183 cu in)
6 Cylinder, 24 Valves, Reihe
172 kW (234 PS) at 6500 U⁄min
270 Nm at 2750 U⁄min
10,7:1
Bore Stroke 85 mm x 88 mm
91-98 Octane Only

170 kW (230 hp) @ 6500 270 N·m (200 lb·ft) @ 2750

2008-06 - 2010-01
UU33
E91 (MUE) UU33 328xi Touring
N52B30M1
172kW
All Wheel-Drive
LHD USA

.............


The car goes back to the body shop one last time next week for final retouching, a few additional painted goodies, and full panel adjustment. The car will then finally get prepped for wetsanding, buff, etc.

Originally Posted by NYBulldog

Nice spotting. I've randomly seen people drive in and take pictures of the car lmao. I'm glad to see a spotted pic

I don't know the first version of "The Shop" so I can't comment on that. I made my dyno appointment on the phone. I showed up the day and hour of and everything was very straightforward. I spoke to James for a bit, cool dude. Looks like his strong suit is doing engine modifications. There were some beasts in there. Like every single shop on the planet, there will always be complaints so I'm not surprised. I'm a firm believe that you should take your car to various shops for various specialties. For example, an engine builder can probably do alignments but they likely won't be as good as an alignment shop.




















So a box showed up today. Earlier than expected. Hopefully there is time to do it within the next week.

Originally Posted by NYBulldog

Thanks dude!





Techs were as excited as me... and gave me shit for having a slow wagon lmao . I pulled it into their backup bay. They wanted to size up the instructions and what not.

Originally Posted by NYBulldog

Had some progress today. These guys were not messing around.

Originally Posted by NYBulldog

So today I received my file back from ESS and it was TUNED within 20 minutes. Upon initial startup I could already hear the idling smoothing out. I'm told the car needs to adapt so I will have to drive it a bit. Once it feels "ready" I'll take it to the dyno. I thought I had a screenshot of the Programming Complete, damn it I guess not.

I was trying to figure out the intake pipe situation. Its a little long and intrudes with my M3 brake duct. I made some cuts in the duct but I think the proper solution will be cutting the silicone down so I'm not at risk of water damage.

I have not taken it out yet. I installed the spacers and I had a touch of rub in the rear which I can't believe, I was sure it was perfect. I had a leaky valve stem in one wheel so I wasn't able to take it out for a spin anyway. We'll see what happens tomorrow.



ALSO, had my chrome trim wrapped in Gloss Black on the Panamera Turbo. Oh man, it looks SO much better. Keith from K-Custom Design in Port Chester, knocked them out. Freaking flawless. Must see this guy if you need any vinyl wrapping or decals. Very cool dude. Shameless plug, I'm just a VERY happy customer. I don't know if its correct for me to plug him and give away his number but in case anyone in Westchester County is looking for someone, this is your guy: 914-469-1954

Originally Posted by NYBulldog

I know you guys are tired of my thread lmfao but I'm just trying to share the experience.

So I took a look at the spacers and they fit perfect. Freaking perfect. I was sure my body guy had curled in my rear quarter panel inner lips but they weren't done. So now I'm gonna have to use the fender roller very lightly to curl it up at the hot zones. Its really not much but if I choose to lower the coilovers even further it will definitely be a big problem. Front spacers are 18mm and rear are 15mm. Took some pics so you can see the "flushness". The car should be aligned today too.

Because of this I still haven't taken it for a hard spin around the block. I'm itching.

Also received my the rear view camera setup. Since having it on the Panamera this is simply now a must-have. I know its stupid but I like it.

Originally Posted by NYBulldog

Can't use M3 size tires on xDrive. Below are the accepted combos and remember I am using staggered wheels front and rear. Later on I will play with it, not a necessity right now. That 275/245 combo is calling my name. I do have a set of OEM Style 219M...could go beefy on those.



These are OEM M3 Competition (ZCP) Wheels. Style 359.
Front Wheels - 19x9" ET31 (25.4 LBS, 31mm offset) - BMW Part # 36-11-2-284-055
Rear Wheels - 19x10" ET25 (26.6 LBS, 25mm offset) - BMW Pat # 36-11-2-284-060
Additionally it has 18mm front spacers and 15mm rear spacers for aesthetic purposes.



I am using this install as a guide. http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1005301 I bought the exact same parts, wiring it the same way which seems to makes sense. Spoke to my coder, should be easy to activate just as shown. However there are two pins from the RCA that go into the rear CIC connector, a smaller 12 pin connector. My car doesn't have it, I'm assuming cars with more options may. Its actually the male pin plug plus its covering cap, making it a two-piece. The part numbers are 61138387206 & 61138384550. The instructions don't get into that part and I'm assuming people just have them plugged without the connector. However, I want my ish like OEM so I did a little research and ordered these little things. The physical install was pretty simple, the shop had it done in an hour just taking their time with the covers and what not. I bought the camera with the handle and it feels even nicer than the OEM one and releases exactly like it. My understanding is you don't even need existing PDC for this camera setup to work. Anyway, I did retrofit OEM PDC on my car because I also wanted that option. Probably a waste of money blah blah blah.






So I just had the camera installed. I am still waiting on coding, haven't had time to do it. I have to remove the ZCP splitters because I guess when I originally installed them they did not grip securely. I'm assuming because it was so cold out at the time, I did have doubts as I installed them originally. No big deal, I have the new 3M tape. I need to take the car out for another spin for it to keep adapting. I ordered the Gen2 upgrade kit from ESS Tuning with the injectors, pulley, flash... I need it to be maxed out. I've pushed the car a little bit but its still break-in period so I don't want to beat on it, just drive it for a few miles. The kit is very nicely put together. I'm going to chop the silicone intake, I don't like how low it goes, too bad I chopped the damn brake duct already. The past few days I've just done a quick stop at the shop I've run into enthusiasts taking pictures of car. Its cool to see other people get excited about this car. Some guy who knew a ton about BMWs pulled up in his F10 550i M-Sport and we spoke a while about a bunch of cars, cool convo.

Meanwhile she just sits.

Originally Posted by NYBulldog

So I just got back. I haven't even seen the car. Pick up where we left off some time next week.

I picked these up today though.

Originally Posted by NYBulldog

Not much to update you guys on. This is my forever project. I haven't really been able to see the car much because of light surgery I had but I haven't even been back a week now anyway. I did drive it today, it felt really solid.

The ESS charger sounded and performed very nicely to my butt-dyno. It was pulling nicely. I have the Gen. 1 VT1+ Kit. I have ordered the Gen. 2 Injector/Pulley upgrade but it has yet to come in and I will probably wait a little bit longer until installing it anyway.

Next week my upholsterer will take my rear seats and the E90 M3 seats for "re-trimming". I had bought a set of E92 M3 seats in black novillo leather originally but found this Fox Red interior just as I came back from my trip and I had to have it. I will wait for the car to get to 95% before I install the E90 M3 seats. No need to put them in unnecessary danger ha!

I tried coding the car late last night yesterday but for whatever reason the cable had some interference and it seems like its gone faulty. Sucks.

I purchased the P3 VIDI Gauge and will still need the Analog Boost Sensor. Really unnecessary but I like the way it looks and it gives you tons of information. The updated electronic shift knob (like 335iS) will be installed with a manual boot. Its crazy how dated this original shift knob is.

While I was gone the rear bumper was reinforced again and custom brackets were made to hold the bumper properly along the quarter panel for a perfect fitment. After shaving down the inner lips of the rear quarter panels I'm still getting more interference than expected and its annoying the hell out of me. I will have lips trimmed down as much as possible, similar to how Porsche does it, and have the inner and outer quarter panels spot welded for perfect clearance and flexibility. Depending on how much stress it makes I may need to repaint the quarters. The bumper will need to be refinished... again.

Will wait until the car comes out of the bodyshop before installing the from Performance Splitters again. Hopefully add a matching rear diffuser soon too.

Vanity plate finally installed.



Apologies for the terrible pictures. Forgot my 6SPlus in Lima. I am using a 5C for now hahahahha.

Originally Posted by NYBulldog

Hardwired by Valentine V1 today. Started the shifter mod. The STs look to have properly settled, it looks so low. Its only cranked halfwar. Should have pics Thursday. Saturday the seats will be picked up. Paint shop can't put my car in for 2 weeks. I have to modify the rear quarter lips anyway so I guess that's fine. I'm looking around the entire car to see if there is anything else. Just noticed my front fender color seems to be a touch off (not the fitment, all E90 M3s have the droopy bottom edge, actually considering shaving it). In person it doesn't. The entire car was painted at the same time but I had the front end repainted again because the flakes looked to grainy, espcially the hood. This is some bullsh!t.

Originally Posted by NYBulldog

So I had the quarter panel lips trimmed. As you can see, they are a lot thinner. My Panamera comes like that even thinner from the factory. Our cars should too. It was a little bit scary hahahha. I had weld the inside edges of the outer and inner shell a little bit. As expected, the heat messed up some of the paint on the outer flat lip. A metal sander evened out the cut marks. They were finely sanded and prepped shortly after. I should have plenty of clearance for tire/wheel upgrades and cranking down the coilovers... I'm hoping anyway. You are seeing it in some crude stages. I forgot to take a picture of the welds and torched outer.









My upholsterer checked out my Fox Red seats and I pulled out the OEM seats to compare the difference between them. E91 VS E90 Rear-Fold. Here are the differences... for anyone that cares.

1) Bottom Seat: IDENTICAL. The rear bracketing is the same
2) Top Split Seats: Same dimensions, same design. The E91 has the Fold Release Handles on each side so added cutouts. The E90 does not have these. The split pin and pivot is the same, pin is about 3" long. The rear backing is different. The E91 has a side latch (female) on the edge of each side for lock-in. E90 has latches (male) a little more towards the center. The fold-out armrest with ski-pass are identical.
3) Outer Pads: The E91 and E90 have the same design starting from the bottom going to the top. The E90 continues to extend into a longer piece with more leather and turns hard at the top where it flows into the rear bench of the sedan. The E91 is "cut" short. If you flip them over the brackets are the same but stop shorter and do not have the hard upper turn section. E91 uses plastic Covers that fit over these Pads to pass the seat belts.

As you can see, you can't put an E91 interior in an E90 rear-fold because the Outer Pads do not have the height and because the Top Split Seats have Release Handles. But you can re-trim an E90 rear-fold interior into an E91.

Originally Posted by NYBulldog

Man I'm slowly dying... its taking too damn long. And of course now that its warmer both my paint shop and upholsterer are super busy . I'll be at a cars and coffee meet for sure when she's ready


I finally put together the console and head unit trim. I've had it sitting forever. The rear camera has been hooked up some time ago so hopefully I don't have to take it apart again. I LOVE how the trim pieces came out in gloss black. They have no buffing or treatment as of yet. I'm even considering keeping the orange peel so its a bit tougher. All the silver trim is paint-matched BTW, it used to be all wood (besides the M steering trim).

I'm sending out my M3 steering wheel to Don at Dallas Custom... he's the man, he's done a few for me now. I'm gonna have him do it real similar to my Porsche ones. Below are some pics in case you are curious. LCI shifter will be remounted at the end of it all. I took apart my normal shifter and took out the selection module and fitted it to the manual boot. However I am having my upholsterer custom make me one. So I don't want to full install and of stuff yet.

I had some Red BBS caps laying around, just curious to see what they would look like. I don't think I'll put em on but I was really curious.

[Alex_323i]

Mad props for you sir for doing this build! subscribed!

[TitanLH8]

Can't wait for updates!

[Vitalität]

subscribed

[guop]

Good luck!

[bsmoov]

Good luck...

Here is mine:

[Phil325i]

Originally Posted by bsmoov

Good luck...

Here is mine:

Deffo something wrong with the shutline between hood and grille. That panel gap is far too wide...

[NYBulldog]

Thanks so much for the encouragement guys! I went to the shop today but they were swamped. Tomorrow we will have the rad support and hopefully most of the front end installed. Unfortunately I'm going on a trip for a few weeks. I will be receiving email updates in the next few days. The most time-consuming part will be the rear end but we already planned it out and it should be somewhat straightforward. I'm excited, can't wait to see her done. I'm only missing a side view mirror and working on wheels and seats .

Originally Posted by Alex_323i

Mad props for you sir for doing this build! subscribed!

Originally Posted by TitanLH8

Can't wait for updates!

Originally Posted by iDrive3

subscribed

Originally Posted by guop

Good luck!

Nice conversion. I see you have the sedan M3 fenders so that means they are original and so should be the front bumper/hood. The fog light kit threw me off for a second. Very cool. What other plans do you have for it?

Originally Posted by bsmoov

Good luck...

Here is mine:

[StevenY.]

Subscribed for updates!

[NYBulldog]

Originally Posted by Phil325i

Deffo something wrong with the shutline between hood and grille. That panel gap is far too wide...

I didn't take a good look until now. You're right. Maybe it needs the M3 radiator support or specific mounting brackets?

[bsmoov]

It was just adjustments that had to be made from the Duke Dynamics hood.

LTMW did the work.

Here's a more updated pic:

[SheaButter]

Go take some shots in downlighting instead of direct light. It's ruining your gorgeous build!

[damp21]

good luck I'm waiting for updates

[NYBulldog]

Originally Posted by bsmoov

It was just adjustments that had to be made from the Duke Dynamics hood.

LTMW did the work.

Here's a more updated pic:

Awesome! And I love seeing her doing work . In that pic it looks nicely aligned and proper. :thumbup
Please share more pics when you can. Love it. Making me anxious for mine.

Edit: Didn't realize it didn't have vents so it was an aftermarket hood. Looks real good.

[mazaa93]

[NYBulldog]

I've been avoiding driving the M4 like the plague because temptation makes you want to make an impulse buy. I've walked buy it and checked it out at the dealer but never test drove it because I know the implications. Well... a good friend of mine came to visit with his 80-mile-old M4 with every damn option available. He gave me the keys... Damn it I love it. I want to abandon ship LMAO. I will do my best to not sell everything and buy an M4. So today we started pulling off the rad support, nothing big so I didn't bother to take pictures. I bought an E46 M3 Convertible a few months back and that car was getting a few touch ups... paint was REAL rough. This f$%^&ing M4 though... lol. I may need to do the drivetrain transplant sooner than later.

[Agent11br]

in, love anything e91, esp a build like this

[motoridersd]

DUDE!

This is my dream for my 2011 E91 MT. Definitely in for the build. Unfortunately for me, I think the drivetrain needs to be from a newer year car for it to pass CA emissions (not like I have the money for this now, but, one can dream)

[NYBulldog]

Its been slow since everything is being analyzed. I bought a bunch of brackets that are specific to the E90 M3 (some in common with E92) so the picture attached doesn't show much progress but the hood is on! lol... sorry its a little slow.

Originally Posted by Agent11br

in, love anything e91, esp a build like this

Thanks!

Originally Posted by motoridersd

DUDE!
This is my dream for my 2011 E91 MT. Definitely in for the build. Unfortunately for me, I think the drivetrain needs to be from a newer year car for it to pass CA emissions (not like I have the money for this now, but, one can dream)

Damn you've got a 2011... I am jelly. Since I planned on doing this whole thing I didn't want to make an initial investment that goes with a 2011 compared to a 2009. I am looking at a few options for the transplant. When I drive the E60 M5 I picked up a few months ago it makes me wonder if doing a transplant like that would just be too much work...

Edit: Added picture of said virtually stock M5

[motoridersd]

Originally Posted by tpowerdinny

Damn you've got a 2011... I am jelly. Since I planned on doing this whole thing I didn't want to make an initial investment that goes with a 2011 compared to a 2009. I am looking at a few options for the transplant. When I drive the E60 M5 I picked up a few months ago it makes me wonder if doing a transplant like that would just be too much work...

Haha yeah, I managed to find a pretty unique 2011 so I couldn't pass it up. If I had wanted to do an M3 Wagon from the get go, I would have gone with an automatic 09 like you. Would have been a lot cheaper than the one I bought :P

Are you doing a manual M3 powertrain?

[bsmoov]

Are u deleting the washer or relocating?

Also not sure if yours would be different from mine, but it took a long while to get the headlights to work. Splicing, soldering, programming. And in my case I had to get a brand new FRM module.