The Phoenix All Bulletproofing the S54 Carbon Doors (E46) CSL Airbox CSL Bumper CSL Carbon Trunk (E46) CSL Diffuser CSL Roof CSL Widened Fenders E46 M-Technic Steering Wheel E46 M3 Carbon Driveshaft Interior Program Mechanical Program Power Steering Reservoir Recaro Pole Position ABE Restoration RTD Shifter Solutions S54 Flywheel S54 Oil Cooler Schrick 288/280 Strada CS Subframe Reinforcement Supersprint E46

In this first entry to this Special Series on the E46 OE+ 1:1 Carbon Doors, I cover my unboxing impressions: both doors made it safe and sound. I review the improvements I spec'ed from the E92 variant.

In this entry, it's a test of patience. The build is put to a stop as parts slowly creep in to uncork the bottleneck.

In this entry, it's time to bulletproof with the best of them. Paraphrasing the words of a master, I document the problems and solutions created by Beisan to solving the VANOS anxieties for good - and we get to work. 

On this entry, the guys get the engine on a stand and start tearing into it to review the VANOS and its condition - with fingers crossed.

On this first entry, I take a detour in the archives, make a few poor parallels with Marvel, headliners sag, we say to hell with family feuds, and we all owe a big thank you to Gordon Murray & Paul Rosche. 

In this entry, I go down the rabbit hole. The underbody gets dismounted and we get disappointed by BMW once more. We revise our plans, strip the underbody, put money where it matters and discuss durable coatings. Lastly, in an inspired decision, I wink at the E46 M3’s past: I paid hommage.

In this entry, we get to painting the shell and parts. But first, let's cast light with color: as naturally aspirated M cars age and decay, some of us will eventually cross the opaque intersections I do in this restoration.

In this entry, it's time to prime and sand, sand, sand, and [...] sand. It's where things start looking up, and start looking good. 

In this entry, it's time to strip. It isn't as sexy as it sounds: harsh chemicals, a lot of scrubbing, some sanding, a lot of patience and we might be in for surprises when everything's off. The end game is worth it: it's a body reset. 

This entry uncovers an uncomfortable truth: these E46s are old and have history you might not be aware of. 

I document the mythical carbon roof conversion to the Karbonius CSL carbon roof. It's easy as 1, 2, 3 - ouch! Weld it, glue it, bolt it? We settle the debate.

This entry covers my thoughts on the stock 420G, my previous experiences with the V8 and V10 and how it compares to my driving impressions on the E46 M3.