NoVAphotog’s ///M Odyssey

[NoVAphotog]

Ok. This time it’s for real.

After two failed PPI’s on E46 M3’s and a tease gone wrong with an E32 it was time to abandon the idea of an older BMW (for now).

There were a couple of newer cars I had driven recently that I absolutely loved: the Ford Shelby GT350 and BMW M2.

I wasn’t about to drop 65 thousand dollars so one day I realized that if those two cars procreated...they’d produce an E92 M3. While combining a 50/50 mix of High-revving Naturally Aspirated V8 with BMW refinement and no cars and coffee “crowd control” stigma. It’s also 50% less money.

So the search was on.

It didn’t take long. I had set relatively open parameters especially for coupes. 2011-2013 (LCI), southern car (fuck rust), Under 60k miles, carbon fiber roof, maintenance records, 6-speed manual. Pretty much it. Space gray or blue of any hue. Black interior. The ZCP pack didn’t do much for these so that was take it or leave it.

Ended up finding one on the forums.

2011 E92 M3 6MT
Space Gray/Black
Carbon fiber roof
56,xxx miles
GA & TX car
Records to new
Clean carfax, title
ZPP
Heated seats
No ZCP (Style 359’s added by PO)

I set up a PPI and a started looking at flights.

After a clean bill of health from Bavarian Auto Repair in San Antonio I bought a ticket.

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Flew down to San Antonio, Texas on October 11th, 2018 to meet with Rodrigo M3ndoza and check out his 2011 E92 M3.

He picked me up at the airport and Immediately I could tell the PPI report and countless pics he had shared were accurate. It looked like it was brand new.

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After a drive around San Antonio and a stop for lunch together it was time to sign the paperwork, shake hands and roll out.

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I didn’t have too far to go. My first stop was an hour and a half North on I-35 in one of my favorite cities.

Austin, Texas.

[NoVAphotog]

Called my friend Alex in Austin and let him know I was on my way. His 2011 335 was the first BMW I drove back in 2013, also in Austin, so it was fun to think that a few years later here I was with a 2011 BMW of a little bit different variation.

With us both being photographers, upon arrival we immediately went for a drive to find a good spot for pictures. Ended up at the Barton Creek Mall at sunset...

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As one can see, that is a pretty big empty parking lot. Traction control may or may not have been disabled and a circle pattern left on the pavement shortly following those pictures... :shifty

Afterwards it was back to the city for BBQ at Cooper’s.

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Some quick pics of the city and Alex’s Scotch collection...

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Course the car looking pretty in the garage...

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I then said goodbye and headed to Dallas. A friend there had given a hotel recommendation for the night which I was very grateful for.

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The next morning I awoke to some interesting clouds and set sights for Nashville, Tennessee by way of Little Rock, Arkansas.

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In Little Rock, I stopped at Central High school. Definitely a powerful spot.

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I then headed to the Whole Hog Cafe for some (more BBQ) lunch. Fantastic.

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The rest of Arkansas and Tennessee went by without a hitch. I realized lodging in Nashville is not conducive to the “play it by ear” road trip.

Fortunately, found a hotel in Mt. Juliet.

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The next day, Saturday the 12th, I set off for Harrisonburg, Virginia and Vas’ house. And ultimately home, if I felt up for it.

Driving through Knoxville and crossing into Virginia brought me back to the road trip in the ZHP. Good memories.

This car is a whole different animal though. On ramps feel like taking off in an airplane. Just revs and revs and revs.

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Was great to see Vas and make friends with Steve the cat. Thanks again to Vas and Vika for dinner and the care package!

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After loading me up with some food and coffee to go I did push home wanting to sleep in my own bed.

Felt good cruising back into familiar territory on 66. I told my neighbor to keep an eye out for an E92 next to his F80 some day soon.

A spot happened to be open. After 1,516 miles and a year and half without a BMW...It’s good to be back.

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[NoVAphotog]

Hold2

[NoVAphotog]

Hold3

[3ZHP]

Great to see you back and a BIG CONGRATS on the ///M!

Great story.


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[Don Adolfo]

Congrats on the acquisition. Beautiful. Makes me want one. Enjoy.


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[Sockethead]

I knew it was just a matter of time my friend... congrats!

[Vas]

Glad to see you and be able to catch up Dan.

And thanks for letting me drive it. Definitely a good choice.

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[Whammy]

Congrats on the new car!

[704sw]

Wow, that’s beautiful. Congratulations.

[holyc0w]

Beautiful... congratulations! Though I was expecting a Honda Odyssey.

I concur on the rust, but many of the northern cars are probably out of commission for the winter.

[fredo]

Congrats, man ! Another proof the best cars are in TX. :thumbsup

[cakM3]

Congrats on a fine looking ///M Daniel and welcome to the ///M club.

[san]

Awesome Daniel! Congrats, the car looks great...


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[danewilson77]

Excellent story. Thank you for sharing and congrats.

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[Oli77]

Haaaaaah, very nice pics and more coming I hope! Beautiful, congratulations!

[BADCLOWN]

Congrats on the purchase, looks super clean.

Time to VF that thing and make it a monster.

[Newjack]

Congrats man! When are we going to cars and coffee? Need to bring Justin and Vas!

[Johnmadd]

Man, :drool

[ZHPizza]

Beautiful... congratulations! Though I was expecting a Honda Odyssey.

Yeah I was disappointed too...


For real though, this is awesome. Thanks for sharing the journey and please keep it going.

[Hornung418]

Congrats man! When are we going to cars and coffee? Need to bring Justin and Vas!When my car doesn't look like ass.

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[Hornung418]

Congratulations, Dan! Welcome back into the mix!

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[NoVAphotog]

Thanks, guys! :wub

It is damn good to be back in the mix.

Already been busy.

Got the oil changed today (Motul 10W-60) along with a track inspection.

Despite the brakes being new, GTPeace in Chantilly folks suggested I take the opportunity to upgrade from the stock pads since the rotors are basically straight out of the box.

Hawk HPS 5.0 pads on order. Will go in on Thursday with fluid flush.

Taking her to Summit Point on Friday (with temp tags) for the Colonial Challenge Cup, should be an interesting/unique track day.

Also, pulled the front splitters and rear Vorsteiner diffuser. Actually a very nice piece. Will clean them all up and sell.

Definitely like the carbon spoiler on the trunk, but the other items had to go.

Looks so much better.

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[Johnmadd]

Hold on to them, I really liked the splitters.

[NoVAphotog]

Hold on to them, I really liked the splitters.

I think the curves at the bottom of the front bumper are basically "splitters." Having them there just accentuated that line to a knife edge. I didn't "hate" them, but I would not have purchased them, let's say.

But yes, going back into the box for now. Not in any rush.

[johnrando]

Congrats on the car!

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[RUS_ZHP]

Congratulations on getting a great M3! I was dad to see that e32 purchase didn't happen, but you got a much better replacement.

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[nextelbuddy]

very nice pickup ! its funny how a camera and lens really changes the scene. nice job on choosing the angle that had the city in the back ground.

[ELCID86]

Congrats again and thanks for journaling the journey. Great talking to you on your way back east.

[NoVAphotog]

Congratulations on getting a great M3! I was dad to see that e32 purchase didn't happen, but you got a much better replacement.

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Yeah, my friend and I just never really could agree on a price. It was a sub-10k, shit, sub 8k car for me. He paid 5500...and "restored it."

He wasn't budging at 14k. Which I just could NOT justify given that were zero comps and really no one gives a shit about E32's. Zero active forums, zero resources available, etc. I could eat my words and it could be a BaT gem...but...the uncertainty just gnawed at me. Plus it'd be sitting outside and basically daily driven. Didn't feel like going back in time even further than the 4runner.

Do miss it though...the looks/reactions for that thing out on the track today would have been priceless let alone at a drift event which is what I had in mind for it.

[RUS_ZHP]

Yeah, E92 is miles better. Plus, I agree with you that there is zero activity on forums regarding e32 or e34. I was thinking about e34, but killed that idea for now.
BTW, in gray with CF roof car looks so good.

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[BMWCurves]

I'm late to the party, but congrats again on the acquisition! She's a real beauty.

Cannot wait to see it in person at some point.

[ELCID86]

I'm late to the party, but congrats again on the acquisition! She's a real beauty.

Cannot wait to see it in person at some point.

You can say that again! (But please don’t. Lol).

[illirep]

Beautiful M3! One of my favorite all time
colors!


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[NoVAphotog]

Had an awesome time at Summit Point last week! Car did great. I was glad I swapped the pads and fluid. Got a little brake fade in the afternoon. Got cleared for solo in the intermediate group before the last run of the day which I was happy about.

Got some track time together with my friend in his '89 325is. Talk about VERY different cars! I was able to keep up with him in the corners...barely. One mistake and I'd be catching up to in the straight instead of pulling away.

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[johnrando]

Good to hear

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[sillieidiot]

nice. car looks good.

[Don Adolfo]

Nice shots. Looks like you had fun. I love the 325is...maybe someday.


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[ELCID86]

Nice shots. Looks like you had fun. I love the 325is...maybe someday.


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Where are you now sir? PR?

[Don Adolfo]

Where are you now sir? PR?

Yes, 3 months now. All is well. I have the ZHP with me., but have not driven it a lot. Two others are in storage in Tampa.

Hope all is well.


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[ELCID86]

Yes, 3 months now. All is well. I have the ZHP with me., but have not driven it a lot. Two others are in storage in Tampa.

Hope all is well.


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Glad to hear you made it! Please Post an update (somewhere) on conditions there, etc.

We moved to Frederericksburg in August and love it!

#endthreadjack

[derbo]

wohoooooo Dan :)

[NoVAphotog]

Had a Megan Racing axle back installed today.

Very pleased. Exactly what I was looking for and remembered from test driving another E92 with it installed a few months ago.

Wakes it up a bit and has a lower tone with no drone.

I do plan to reinstall the Vorsteiner diffuser with this on as I think they will compliment each other well with the larger tips.

As for the front maybe a CF lip down the line. I’m really not a splitters guy.

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[derbo]

Time for a status gruppe front lip? [emoji848]


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[Newjack]

Sounded really good!

[Sockethead]

Looks great! I'm sure it sounds awesome too...

[johnrando]

Looks great! I'm sure it sounds awesome too...+1

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[BMWCurves]

Where's the audio clip?

[NoVAphotog]

Car-Pro Cquartz 3.0 ceramic coating applied today along with their Reload sealant. Great stuff. Wasn't too bad of a DIY with my friend's guidance. Wash, clay, Eraser wipe down for final strip/base. Apply using their applicator kit one panel at a time. Let flash about 5 min. Buff off. Go over car with Reload which is just spray on and wipe off. Awesome.

Went to the usual spot afterwards for pics...

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[Newjack]

WOW

[san]

Looks great Dan


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[ZHPizza]

Enjoy the rain washing your car for you. CQUK is beast.

[Sockethead]

Nice Daniel!

[BMWCurves]

You uh...you wanna do mine?

But hot damn does that look good, Daniel

[Vas]

Car is looking Sharp.

[NoVAphotog]

Thanks, guys! :wub

[NoVAphotog]

You uh...you wanna do mine?

But hot damn does that look good, Daniel

Pay for my plane ticket to Portland?

[704sw]

I just saw your post on Reddit about the tint vs. fishbowl and knew the picture looked familiar. Took me a minute to connect the dots.

What percentage tint is on the back now? It looks pretty dark, but I know black interiors make it look darker from the exterior.

[NoVAphotog]

I just saw your post on Reddit about the tint vs. fishbowl and knew the picture looked familiar. Took me a minute to connect the dots.

What percentage tint is on the back now? It looks pretty dark, but I know black interiors make it look darker from the exterior.

Yeah, it's dark. I just didn't notice that the PO hadn't removed the 5% from those rear windows because I like the look. That said, I'd have the tint shop remove it and match all around for whatever I got. Meant tint or no tint in the post but can't edit titles on there.

35% all around is max we can really "get away with" here in VA.

[NoVAphotog]

Spark Plugs and Cabin Air filters changed last weekend.

Good to be back wrenching.

Took longer than others have mentioned, I but took my time as well as used the screwdriver and a prayer method instead of “prestigious” special tools for the coils and all. I’m an E46 man at heart don’t have time for that fancy stuff.

Looked like the plugs had been replaced or this is just how the factory ones look since they are NGK. Not sure.

Either way. Butt dyno feels smoother.

Bonus points for those who recognize the ZHP in the background of the last pic.

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[ELCID86]

As far as tint, I’d probably go 35% on the fronts. The contrast with the. Ack may throw off LEO. You don’t have a sunroof to open to let light in...

If you feel you must redo it all, go 35% all around. I’ve got a local guy who does some very high end cars and isn’t to bad. I just had Kim’s Outback fronts done with 35% Lumar CTX.

[704sw]

As far as tint, I’d probably go 35% on the fronts. The contrast with the. Ack may throw off LEO. You don’t have a sunroof to open to let light in...

If you feel you must redo it all, go 35% all around. I’ve got a local guy who does some very high end cars and isn’t to bad. I just had Kim’s Outback fronts done with 35% Lumar CTX.

Nate (ZHPizza) and I both have CTX40. I think with a black interior and the anthracite headliner it’s perfect, and you know you won’t get hassled by a LEO.

If you wanted to go for the fishbowl look but still have the UV protection/heat reduction I think Botond speaks highly of his AirBlue 80.

[ZHPizza]

Nate (ZHPizza) and I both have CTX40. I think with a black interior and the anthracite headliner it’s perfect, and you know you won’t get hassled by a LEO.

If you wanted to go for the fishbowl look but still have the UV protection/heat reduction I think Botond speaks highly of his AirBlue 80.Uhh this is awkward...

I ended up going with 35% 3M Color Stable. It's a very true black and I love it.

[704sw]

Uhh this is awkward...

I ended up going with 35% 3M Color Stable. It's a very true black and I love it.

Boi you lied to me!

I feel duped.

[ZHPizza]

Boi you lied to me!

I feel duped.I had the llumar on my Mazda and loved it, but switched sides when I saw how beautiful the 3M CS was.

I didn't tell you because I didn't want to hurt you.

And now the truth comes out

Like this

I'm so sorry [emoji174]

[704sw]

I had the llumar on my Mazda and loved it, but switched sides when I saw how beautiful the 3M CS was.

I didn't tell you because I didn't want to hurt you.

And now the truth comes out

Like this

I'm so sorry [emoji174]

I opted out of 3Mcs because all the super smarty smart people on the interwebs said it was the worst for sticking to the evil that is dot matrix. BOI YOU SURE PROVED THEM FOOLS (and me) WRONG WITH YOUR JANKY ASS GLUE STICK TRICK

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[derbo]

I want 40% tint on my car... Suntek CIR, equiv to 3M crystalline.

[NoVAphotog]

Haven't updated this in awhile...but still very much enjoying this car.

Went to a drift event the other weekend which was super fun, unfortunately, it was pouring rain the entire day. While fortunate for my tires, absolutely sucked for practice. The second the tires broke I was 180. Ice skating rink all day.

Had one decent run:

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Added 15mm spacers all around (Thanks, Shawn!). Which looks sweet.

BEFORE:

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AFTER:

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Done a couple of road trips, most recently to NC. Was super fun being down among the pines.

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Rod bearing service completed at RRT this week. Along with engine mounts, coolant, power steering fluid, oil, trans and diff fluid. Car drives even better with the trans fluid flush. Makes up for having to get through the break in period.

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[san]

What was the shops feedback about the rod bearings? They seem worn to me but I’m not an expert...

Car looks great btw


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[NoVAphotog]

What was the shops feedback about the rod bearings? They seem worn to me but I’m not an expert...

Car looks great btw


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Thanks, san!

They said I probably could have gone awhile longer, but that it wasn't a futile effort as they had worn through to the next layer of the metal. I've definitely seen worse examples in my own research, but considering my plans for the car I'm happy I got it done. At the very least, now when I get into conversations about the car and the question inevitably comes up I can yes and avoid the "ohhhh you should get those done!!!"

Already well into that initial break in...let her take over 4runner daily duties the last week or so...we'll see how long that lasts but it is a nicer experience. :)

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