M3Addict.com

So I’ve got a track day coming up in June and thought I’d start making my list of gear that I need to pick up.  Here’s what I’m looking at right now:

• Cool Willy Racing Brake Pads: $157.95
• Motul RBF 600 Racing Brake Fluid: $19.80
• Turner Motorsport Stainless Steel Brake Lines: $99.95

The Damage shouldn’t be too bad overall.  Cost of install and labor might be a couple hundred bucks on top of that, so I’d be looking at around $500.00 to get my car prepped for the track day.  Once I order it up, get it installed, and run with it, I’ll let you know how it goes!

Oh yeah, and I’ll need some new Michelin Pilot Sport 2 Tires, which will set me back about $900 + tax

Michelin Pilot Sport 2

M3 Addict M3 Mods & Upgrades BMW M3, Performance Parts, Track Day

Okay, so last May I  installed the Umnitza Predator Orions.

To start - great service by Umnitza!  The Orion’s were shipped the same day I ordered them and even though I opted for the Cheap USPS shipping method, they were here on the 2nd business day.

Quality is great, installation is easy, and LOOKS ABSOLUTELY STUNNING when completed!  This product would have received an A++, but it did not come with a wiring diagram or install instructions.  I also wish the clips were made to fit perfectly - rather than having to slide around and “eyeball” the final fit.

Installation:
I am … used to be? … a fairly seasoned car electronics installer back in highschool & college.  It’s probably been 7 years since I picked up the crimps tho, so I was a tad rusty.

Once I figured out which end was up, the installation was a breeze! A quick search of M3Forum and I found this page: http://www.fastm.com/m3/angeleyes.html

These instructions were super helpful and pictures were incredibly helpful as well.  Thanks to whomever put it together =)

The install took me about 4 hours - but I was being super duper careful and I am always very anal about where the wires go and making sure everything is hidden, so that took a good hour or so.  There was NOTHING in here that was really difficult, The removal of the painted trim piece under the headlights was the toughest thing -and make sure to wash your hands before handling the clear plastic headlight cover so you don’t get fingerprints on there (your fingers will get FILTHY).

Finished Product:
After the install these things look really great!  Super Clean - nice color - stunning look!!  I can’t compliment them enough! Before ordering I was concerned that the bright white would be “too bright” for my carbon black - but because it’s so crisp, it actually looks really nice, and there’s the slightest shade of blue in the light - which goes very well with the faint blue of the carbon black.

For now, I just hooked them up to the “Accessory” switch - as per the instructions in the link I posted - but what I plan on doing is ordering the Euro  Light Control Module (I’m guessing it’s Euro?) and wiring the angel eyes to the lower right button:

BMW M3 Rear Fog Switch

This way I can turn them off & on independently of other lights so I can run under the radar if desired.

Here are some pics -taken at night with a dirty car, please excuse:

Under the hood - wires ran along passenger and driver's side edge

Fuse, Power Hookup, Switch, & Ground All Bundled Up

shot of the wire running down the driver's side - note this runs back to the ECU box, as that's where the accessory wire is tapped.

Money Shot

Close Up of Umnitza Angel Eyes

Angel Eyes on E46 BMW M3

Sorry! I told you the car was dirty! Here's a pic of the Angel Eyes from directly in front of the ///M

Really satisfied with this product!  I had some problems with the lights rattling loose a couple of times, then I dropped a single dab of super glue on the clip and they’ve stayed put.  Total cost was about $120 including shipping.  I was told by my BMW service rep that the cost of the Euro Fog Light switch panel was about $100.  I will probably add that shortly.

Thumbs up for Umnitza on this one.

M3 Addict Do It Yourself (DIY), M3 Mods & Upgrades Angel Eyes, BMW, M3, Umnitza

So about a year ago I picked up the Dinan Short Shift Kit (SSK) for my M3.

Right away I noticed a difference.  Not only was the throw shorter (thank god!), but it seemed a bit smoother.  Now there’s a nice gliding sensation and it pops into and out of gears easier.  The throw being shorter, I find I’m shifting faster and missing fewer shifts.

Dinan Short Shift Kit

For the price of about $250 installed, I think this was worth it.  The height that the shifter rests at is more comfortable, especially when that lame armrest is folded up.  And as a result of quicker and more direct shifts, the car has more of a “racer” feel to it.

Definitely Recommend this upgrade.

M3 Addict M3 Mods & Upgrades Dinan, M3, Short Shift Kit