2011 E90 M3 project
IG: @lowtecderbo


[header=# Background][/header]
Hi everyone!
I'm Derek. Back in 2017, I picked up an E90 M3 to replace my beloved E46 ZHP sedan. I originally bought the 2004 330i ZHP (Black Sapphire, 6MT, cloth interior) in 2009, thinking it would cure my urge to modify cars. That didn’t last long.
What began as a simple daily driver quickly evolved into a weekend and HPDE machine. With a few key upgrades, it became a comfortable street car that could still hold its own on track. Eventually, I started wanting more power—but an S54 swap or forced induction wasn’t in the cards. So, I made the tough decision to let it go and move on to the E90 M3.
I’ll always miss that ZHP.




[header=# Derbo's Philosophy][/header]
Internal BMW document slide said it the best when referring to the CS model designation:
"Racetrack optimized + everyday suitability."

The goal for this build is to strike the perfect balance between streetable comfort and track-ready performance. My benchmark is the Porsche 911 GT3 Touring—refined, capable, and purpose-driven. I’m also a fan of region-specific features that add real function, like Euro tail lights with amber turn signals and rear fog lights, so you can expect a few of those touches as well. Ultimately, this will be my personal vision of the ideal E90 M3.

[header=# Entries][/header]
[header=Media][/header]
## Youtube Channel for Videos
https://www.youtube.com/@lowtec-derbo
## Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/p/Ch56KH9pgwl/
I'll continue to update this main post as items come by
Thanks for viewing my journal with this wonderful car!
IG: @lowtecderbo


[header=# Background][/header]
Hi everyone!
I'm Derek. Back in 2017, I picked up an E90 M3 to replace my beloved E46 ZHP sedan. I originally bought the 2004 330i ZHP (Black Sapphire, 6MT, cloth interior) in 2009, thinking it would cure my urge to modify cars. That didn’t last long.
What began as a simple daily driver quickly evolved into a weekend and HPDE machine. With a few key upgrades, it became a comfortable street car that could still hold its own on track. Eventually, I started wanting more power—but an S54 swap or forced induction wasn’t in the cards. So, I made the tough decision to let it go and move on to the E90 M3.
I’ll always miss that ZHP.




[header=# Derbo's Philosophy][/header]
Internal BMW document slide said it the best when referring to the CS model designation:
"Racetrack optimized + everyday suitability."

The goal for this build is to strike the perfect balance between streetable comfort and track-ready performance. My benchmark is the Porsche 911 GT3 Touring—refined, capable, and purpose-driven. I’m also a fan of region-specific features that add real function, like Euro tail lights with amber turn signals and rear fog lights, so you can expect a few of those touches as well. Ultimately, this will be my personal vision of the ideal E90 M3.

[header=# Entries][/header]
- 2017-11 OE Exhaust mod (4pipe) Thanks to Exhaust works in Belmont, CA!
- 2017-12 Rod bearing replacement. Thanks to Performance Technic in Fremont CA!
- 2018-03 BBS RE1535 GT4s, Apex Wheel studs, TPMS deleted Link
- 2018-05 BimmerGeeks OBD cable and 241E update Link
- 2018-10 EDC Delete, MCS 2WNR Coilovers, Stock Dyno numbers Link
- 2018-12 Motorsport Hardware lug nuts, AlpineMSS Tune, new plates Link
- 2018-12 Mpower Motorsports Throttle actuators Link
- 2019-01 AFE CF intake Link
- 2019-01 OE BMW CF rear spoiler Link
- 2019-02 OE BMW Euro rear fog button Link
- 2019-03 OE BMW Spectacles tray, relocated ashtray power outlet, Bimmerworld brake lines, PFC08 track pads, new BMW OE rotors Link
- 2019-04 Laguna HPDE day! Link
- 2019-05 Power steering mod Link
- 2019-06 OE BMW Euro tails, SSD CIC Navigation Link
- 2019-07 Venoxy replacement gauge overlays and gloss black M3 emblem. Link
- 2019-07 Kremersino Apple Carplay module installation Link
- 2019-10 LederManz wrapped BMW steering wheel Link
- 2019-11 Motorsport tow strap and ECE aspherical mirrors Link
- 2020-01 BMW Combox retrofit, ACP Fiascos Link
- 2020-03 Stoptech ST60 BBK install Link
- 2020-06 Back to Wheelbolts, BBS Black center caps, Supersprint F1 Race Exhaust Link
- 2020-08 GAS monoballs, SPL Parts front end links, ACP module update Link
- 2020-09 AIM Solo2, Thunderhill HPDE! Link
- 2020-09 360carbon GTS LIP Link
- 2020-11 Spinout aftermath, Titan7, 200TW tires, spring change Link
- 2020-12 Thunderhill West 1st time! Link
- 2021-02 Coolant temp sensor, Fuel breather valve, Ultimate Clutch pedal Link
- 2021-04 Thunderhill 3-mile, engine malfunction, new rims! Link
- 2021-04 Autosolutions SSK, idrive controller fail, air flow sensor? Link
- 2021-09 Summer update, airflow sensor, C&C, center caps, 7/31 track day Link
- 2021-10 Fall Update, AP Racing Link
- 2021-11 Laguna Seca Link
- 2021-12 Z4M 70Ah AGM Battery Link
- 2021-12 Dinan Stage 1 tune, going CARB Link
- 2022-02 Sonoma Raceway Link
- 2022-06 Dinan pulley, Laguna Seca Link
- 2022-11 Sonoma Raceway Link
- 2023-04 Thunderhill Raceway, M Perf Exhaust v2Link
- 2023-07 Laguna Seca Repaved! Link
- 2023-11 Sonoma Extreme wet! Link
- 2024-02 Stage2! and MCS rebuild! Link
- 2024-07 Mid-2024 update Link
[header=Media][/header]
## Youtube Channel for Videos
https://www.youtube.com/@lowtec-derbo
https://www.instagram.com/p/Ch56KH9pgwl/
I'll continue to update this main post as items come by
Thanks for viewing my journal with this wonderful car!
I still miss my ZHP...was such a good all around car like you said.
What do you have planned next?







