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View Full Version : BMW E46 Coupe 323CI - Small Drift Project


gpparts
07-02-13, 21:19
Well, Myself and My friend decided to go ahead and build a drift car, (or at least something to go sideways).

So we picked up this Nice clean BMW cheap enough, it needed some suspension work, but me working in motor factors and my friend owning a garage wasn't a problem. It's a 2.5, with decent service history and plenty of power in it. Im going to put up pictures from the start to what it is now. Nothing special, but little by little we are getting there..

Mods and work done so far:

K&N Air filter
Straight Through exhaust
Coil overs
Welded diff
Recaro seats
Interior removed(Them leather seats weighted a ton!)
Brake pipes lined for hydro handbrake
Abs Module removed

So currently we are sourcing a hydro handbrake, if you have one I'll be happy to buy it.

Will upload more pics as soon as we have done something new ;) Thanks for looking!

http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/1139/dsc0324gi.jpg
http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/4417/dsc0340oz.jpg
First tyre gone :)
http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/8138/dsc0347q.jpg
Whole rear axle out: Changing roast bushings, welding diff, putting Coilovers in:
http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/6036/dsc0352qy.jpg
Some advertisement done, rear lights out to get darkened with local magician (Valtinting)
http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/8391/dsc0360p.jpg
http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/3904/dsc0361jj.jpg
Before the removal of these very heavy leather seats
http://img594.imageshack.us/img594/3080/dsc0372xj.jpg
http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/5301/dsc0364vb.jpg
With Coilovers installed:
http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/6132/dsc0380mc.jpg
http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/4783/dsc0382jc.jpg
Interior gone..
http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/5340/dsc0387ec.jpg
http://img571.imageshack.us/img571/7905/dsc0388zy.jpg

After few hours of dohnuts outside the garage LOL
http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/738/dsc0394io.jpg


Picked up these recaros fairly cheap, leather, not so heavy, in good condition:
http://img585.imageshack.us/img585/4260/dsc0400a.jpg

So thats the most recent picture of the car, got genuine bmw 16'' Alloys, waiting for hydro hanbrake, and off we go to the track to do some practice laps!
http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/649/dsc0396l.jpg
thetangerine
09-02-13, 19:14
Love the pic of the drive priceless
JohnC
09-02-13, 19:18
Hope you have or plan on putting in some support for that rear subframe.

Known to tear the frame from the chassis
gpparts
10-02-13, 01:45
Hope you have or plan on putting in some support for that rear subframe.

Known to tear the frame from the chassis


Can you tell me more about it? Why do i need to do it? :) Next move is hydraulic handbrake, more turn in front wheels, roll cage, bigger injectors and fuel pump and remap,so if there is a good reason why should i put support for subframe it will be in a list to do next :)
gpparts
10-02-13, 01:50
Love the pic of the drive priceless

Yea,the drive was a surprise to me, because we didn't put any pressure on it at all... The main concern is that the drive is not solid,therefore it is not as strong.. I think it is more likely to go again... I picked one up for 50 Quid from local bmw breaker, but normally they are 100 quid, cant really afford changing them too often. If anyone know if its possible to get solid ones for this car any info would be apreciated. :)
JohnC
10-02-13, 07:52
Search "e46 rear subframe issue" and it full explains it

You can get reinforcement plates to help
Famous jh
10-02-13, 07:59
Can you tell me more about it? Why do i need to do it? :) Next move is hydraulic handbrake, more turn in front wheels, roll cage, bigger injectors and fuel pump and remap,so if there is a good reason why should i put support for subframe it will be in a list to do next :)

I really wouldn't bother, just save up an extra few quid an put a proper engine in it.

As for rear subframe issue, the four pick up points for the subframe (where it bolts to the car) can crack and tear away from the body, major problem. You can make plates and weld them in, or buy them. Google it an you'll see.
gpparts
10-02-13, 17:03
I really wouldn't bother, just save up an extra few quid an put a proper engine in it.

As for rear subframe issue, the four pick up points for the subframe (where it bolts to the car) can crack and tear away from the body, major problem. You can make plates and weld them in, or buy them. Google it an you'll see.

I couldn't agree more about changing the engine, but first I would like to learn to control the car, I haven't been on the track yet. I am planning putting RB20 Engine in it when I will have achieved some kind of techniques in drifting :)

Thanks for advice about the rear subrafe, will have to do something about that. :)
gpparts
10-02-13, 17:27
Does anyone know how to increase Camber on these cars? Would love to go mad :D
Lucius
25-02-13, 19:10
Get some camber plates mate.

As for the drives, get the ones from 328 or 330. My ones were ok even after many hours of abuse. Once I've used soft front racing tyres on the rear axel, destroyed my diff but drives were fine.
You'll defo need higher diff ratio. Now your ratio is 3.07, I had same ratio in my 330i and it was too low.

Don't mind mapping this engine, it's pointless. Just cut the cats out and replace your intake manifold with the one from 330 or 325 (m54 engines only). Cheap power there ;)
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=691568
NissanSilviaLover
25-02-13, 19:45
lol need support for the sub-frame all that strain has to go some where.
DaveM-sport
25-02-13, 21:21
I have the reinforcement plate kits for sale if needed ;)
gpparts
26-02-13, 21:26
Get some camber plates mate.

As for the drives, get the ones from 328 or 330. My ones were ok even after many hours of abuse. Once I've used soft front racing tyres on the rear axel, destroyed my diff but drives were fine.
You'll defo need higher diff ratio. Now your ratio is 3.07, I had same ratio in my 330i and it was too low.

Don't mind mapping this engine, it's pointless. Just cut the cats out and replace your intake manifold with the one from 330 or 325 (m54 engines only). Cheap power there ;)
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=691568

Thats a lot of great information!! Thanks for advice, looks like very few people on here have some experience with bmw's. Now, the question is, what to do with the diff? I got a guy to weld it for me, after few dohnuts it got stuck, opened it and one piece was broken. Removed the broken peace , welded again, and it lasted a good while, but broke the drive. Got the drive replaced and the diff went again, this time i think its done forever, as there are no more space for weldig.. Where can I pick up a diff that would last? or do they all keep breaking?

Thanks for any info ;)

I'm looking for a genuine M3 diff, but theyre not easy to come across :/
gpparts
26-02-13, 21:28
I have the reinforcement plate kits for sale if needed ;)


Nice one, how much? Any other bits?

Thanks
gpparts
02-03-13, 22:44
Quick Update:

Changed the clutch, drove 20 meters and diff got stuck. It is fooked. Kinda slow in process as I have bought two other cars meanwhile.. But if anyone know of an LSD diff or a good welded one Ill be very happy.