@FlexSpec 2017 F80 M3 ZCP,ZXP Build

[flexspec]

It's crazy how fast a year with this car has been. There is much to be done still - but it's the home stretch.

I've amassed a treasure trove of pictures, videos as well as some behind the scenes DIY goodies. I'll post the most salient/impactful ones here in one thread.

Thanks to those in this community who have helped me directly/indirectly. Collaborative wisdom definitely made each DIY I attempted that much easier.

Kudos to Ghost Studios for putting together the video posted above and telling my story.
IG: @ghost_studios_

Follow me on IG:@flexspec

Lets go!

[MINERALGREY_F80M3]

Damn stealth over YMB looks HOT!

[flexspec]

MODIFICATION LIST

COSMETIC
@sterckenn Bumper Inserts
@kohlenstoff_tuning Kohlenstoff Diffuser
@vorsteiner VRS GTS Front Lip
@mfr_engineering Chassis Mounted Splitter
@houstonppf XPEL Stealth wrap & tint
@goldenwrench Performance Oil cap, coolant reservoir cap, charge cooler reservoir cap, fuel cap cover
@marius76_bmw ICON LCI Headlight Retrofit
@pedalhaus Aluminum Performance Pedals
@downstar Dress-up Hardware
Ambient Light Strip Covers
IND Gloss Black Front BMW OEM Roundel
IND Gloss Black Trunk BMW OEM Roundel
IND Gloss Black BMW OEM Floating Center Caps
IND Rear Reflector Insert
BMW OEM M Performance Spoiler
BMW OEM Welcome Door LED Projector Lights
BMW OEM M Performance Carbon Door Pulls
BMW OEM M Performance Carbon Mirror Caps
@eventuri_ V Badge (painted & clear coated by yours truly)

ENGINE & EXHAUST
@eventuri_ V2 Intake System
@eventuri_ Carbon Charge Pipes
@CSF_radiators Custom Charge Cooler
@mosselmanturbo Thermostat
@mishimoto Oil Catch Can with petcock kit
@activeautowerke Equal Length mid-pipe
@akrapovic Exhaust with Carbon Tips
@protuningfreaks Stage 1 - 93 Octane
@weistec Oil Filter Cap
@ecstuning Dimple Magnetic Drain Plug

SUSPENSION, WHEEL & TIRES
BMW OEM M Performance HAS
@_futureclassic Titanium Stud Kit
@_futureclassic Spacer Kit
@track.tec Rear Camber Lockout Kit

MISC
@turnermotorsport Skid plate
@falllinemotorsports Tow Hook
@rennline Magnetic Phone Mount
@blendmount Radar Detector Mount
@uniden R7 Radar Detector
@blackvueofficial DR900S-2CH Dash Cam
@blackvueofficial B-124X and B-124E Battery Packs
@NetGear NightHawk M1 4G mobile hotspot

[M3nmotion18]

Great Job with the Build!!

[flexspec]

Day 1
I still remember it like it was yesterday. My intention was to not touch this car. I wanted to keep it as "stock" as possible.

That's what I told myself.
I knew I was lying to me. 😂

A little background.
I was not in the market for a car. I was not looking for a project. I'm odd, in that the most modest of things - I find pleasure in. Credit goes to my parents. I have 0 problems hanging on to one car - maintaining it well, (so I thought) and driving it for many years. I don't get that itch that most get for "new".

My trusty 2006 330i in November 2019 suffered a catastrophic internal engine failure. BMW dealership quoted me $28,000 to fix it.
I couldn't let it go. Me knowing nothing anything about repairing a car engine at the time, looked sternly at my wife and said "I'm going to fix it."
Did I have any tools? Nope.
Did I even have the remotest of idea what was wrong with it? Nope.
But don't ask me why - I actually believed what I said. After 6 months of reading the appropriate Bentley manual sections, plotting a course of action and breaking them into phases, creating spreadsheets and order lists - I fixed it.
Turns out the PCV system failed causing oil to coat the inside of the intake manual. The DISA flap eroded, and the stem of one of the flaps made its way into the intake valve, went through at least 1 combustion cycle and got lodged in the exhaust valve. (I can go on about all the eroded wiring, reconditioning the intake manifold, stripped head bolts, PCV system replacement, shattered plastic radiator inlet; this was anything from a straight forward fix - but I learned a ton)

However…during this time when my 330i was down I needed a car. Little did I know COVID was about to happen and I would get bored.
So began my COVID project.