Well, what started as a project to swap an S54 into my 2003 ZSP 330Ci, has turned to madness. After securing the funds for the parts needed, I went looking for the needed gear for the swap. And then this past weekend, I laid eyes on a complete car with a front hit. After a few days of vacillating between swap, repair or walk away, I made the decision last night. Some soul-searching and discussions with like-minded people resulted in me putting a deposit on a salvage M3 to save it from doom at the crusher.
Specs: Front end hit. No airbag deployment (I have a suspicion that the car was stationary and not running when struck) no structural damage, starts, runs and doesn't leak anything. Other than the obvious damage, the exterior and interior is very clean, demonstrating that the owner took care of this car.
2002 Silver Gray, MT with 99,xxx miles. Leather, heated seats.
Timetable and plan thus far:
- Take delivery of the car next week (likely the 3rd or 4th of Dec)
- Remove all broken parts and inventory
- Prioritize parts list
- Acquire A and B parts from varied sources
- A. Required to pass inspection and be road-worthy
- B. “While you’re in there” parts to refresh non-broken stuff (e.g.: VANOS)
- C. Nice, but don’t need immediately (rod bearing…)
- Assemble, repair and prep for state inspection
- Paint
- Register
- Acquire C parts
I will try to update this thread periodically as to the progress in bringing back to life this fine example of an M3. Further, I will update on people’s reactions to this decision. “Who needs three E46 Coupes?” I do. The best reaction was my 7 yr old daughter last weekend when showing her photos – “Daddy, that car has no eyes.”
http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/r...psaq8nvakb.jpg
http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/r...ps0bwmghh1.jpg
http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/r...pseoakaldc.jpg
http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/r...ps9pi5vlpx.jpg
http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/r...psjrxxzqcb.jpg