My '96 E36 M3 Evo Saloon
Discussion
pat_y said:
I'm running the B12 kit on my 328 tourer, it is quite stiff and you tend to feel every pothole this godforsaken isle has to offer. Good control though, doesn't flinch when pushing on.
Thanks for the review of the B12 kit. I guess there has to be a comprise somewhere.The more I read about the OEM shocks and springs, the less I liked them. That's coming from someone keen to keep things OEM.
With the B12 kit, if the ride is a little sharper, but does ride a little stiffer, it is a compromise I am happy with. As long as it is over all an improvement.
It's part of my opinion on the car... If its worn and can't be refurbished, replace it with an OEM part, unless there is a genuine upgrade available, perhaps to address a known weak point.
pat_y said:
Understood, i may be being a little harsh in the Bilstein stuff, i am running powerflex or rogue engineering bushes everywhere and some fairly serious Eibach Anti Roll bars. It all feels a bit wasted at this time of year when grip is hard to find.
That's me thinking aloud on the car...I don't think I would go for harsher bushes on the car personally. I still want to leave some compliance within the car.
The Eibach ARBs do intrigue me... but I'll do one step at a time
Neil_M said:
The more I read about the OEM shocks and springs, the less I liked them. That's coming from someone keen to keep things OEM.
My suspension firmed up nicely when I re-did it with OE shocks and (largely) OE bushes. It's not the firmest out there...but for how I use the car it feels to be the right balance for me.I don't suppose you have seen any wooden gearknobs in your parts trawls? I only ask as it's the only part I need that isn't on BMW's parts catalogue...and the ring-rash (prev owner's wedding ring I assume) is irritating!
EJH said:
My suspension firmed up nicely when I re-did it with OE shocks and (largely) OE bushes. It's not the firmest out there...but for how I use the car it feels to be the right balance for me.
I don't suppose you have seen any wooden gearknobs in your parts trawls? I only ask as it's the only part I need that isn't on BMW's parts catalogue...and the ring-rash (prev owner's wedding ring I assume) is irritating!
Sorry I have to say it, but you can great cream for that (ring-rash)... Sorry 5 year old sense of humour!I don't suppose you have seen any wooden gearknobs in your parts trawls? I only ask as it's the only part I need that isn't on BMW's parts catalogue...and the ring-rash (prev owner's wedding ring I assume) is irritating!
My initial concern was the OEM springs being of poor quality. So from a quality point of view I was going to go for Eibach springs. However when you read up on the OEM shocks, they have a small amount of travel (again only from what I have read). This is of course reduced when lowered on Eibach springs. I'm really justifying the B12 kit to myself, as I actually returned the OEM shocks when I changed my mind.
I haven't see any of reasonable quality to be honest. I lucked out and I was contact by a member of PistonHeads who had one in great nick. There are only two small
s out of the wood around the 4 o'clock position.I presume you mean the BMW item has "Ended" or isn't stocked any more?
I'll drop you a PM if I find one. However I have only ever seen one other respectable looking gear knob on eBay since I have had the car. You are welcome to have mine, while its in great nick, the wood is chipped where someone must have removed it with a crow bar at some stage...
Neil_M said:
My initial concern was the OEM springs being of poor quality. So from a quality point of view I was going to go for Eibach springs. However when you read up on the OEM shocks, they have a small amount of travel (again only from what I have read). This is of course reduced when lowered on Eibach springs. I'm really justifying the B12 kit to myself, as I actually returned the OEM shocks when I changed my mind.
Whilst I appreciate that there are some gains from dropping cars (be it handling or merely aesthetic) I have managed to resist the temptation to do it to either the 911 or the M3.The M3, in particular, would be a problem for me it I did as the front spoiler is close enough to car park ramps but the more real risk is the centre of the car grounding on speed bumps or when going up car park ramps…at least over here.
Re: parts in stock, I tried to order one from the local BMW dealer and they were able to place the order with BMW…but were then told the part was NLA.
EJH said:
Whilst I appreciate that there are some gains from dropping cars (be it handling or merely aesthetic) I have managed to resist the temptation to do it to either the 911 or the M3.
The M3, in particular, would be a problem for me it I did as the front spoiler is close enough to car park ramps but the more real risk is the centre of the car grounding on speed bumps or when going up car park ramps…at least over here.
Re: parts in stock, I tried to order one from the local BMW dealer and they were able to place the order with BMW…but were then told the part was NLA.
Totally agree. The B12 kit doesn't lower the car much so it shouldn't pose me a problem.The M3, in particular, would be a problem for me it I did as the front spoiler is close enough to car park ramps but the more real risk is the centre of the car grounding on speed bumps or when going up car park ramps…at least over here.
Re: parts in stock, I tried to order one from the local BMW dealer and they were able to place the order with BMW…but were then told the part was NLA.
Sorry to hear about the gear knob. I will keep my eyes open for one for you.
Humongous update incoming :P.
I'd clocked the TPS screws were fairly rusty and the heads had seen some wear and tear. The two screws and washers were replaced with stainless steel upgrades. Yes I am that sort of guy but the “nut and bolt” restoration will commence once the bigger jobs are complete. Suspension, and POR15 on the arches, brakes and wheels...
The aftermarket cd changer was removed. That removed a few kilos from high up in the boot
. I'll remove the cable entirely when the summer comes. I have it neatly coiled up at the other end behind the glove box.
This also arrived through the post at the start of the week. Without bias the blue M3 looks the shizz. I have been disappointed by some “real life” photos of the M4...
I'd clocked the TPS screws were fairly rusty and the heads had seen some wear and tear. The two screws and washers were replaced with stainless steel upgrades. Yes I am that sort of guy but the “nut and bolt” restoration will commence once the bigger jobs are complete. Suspension, and POR15 on the arches, brakes and wheels...
The aftermarket cd changer was removed. That removed a few kilos from high up in the boot
. I'll remove the cable entirely when the summer comes. I have it neatly coiled up at the other end behind the glove box.This also arrived through the post at the start of the week. Without bias the blue M3 looks the shizz. I have been disappointed by some “real life” photos of the M4...
custardkid said:
EJH said:
I'm not sure if this has already been posted...but it's quite interesting to see how few of the saloons were made:
http://www.m3portal.com/forum/m3e36_limo32_colour....
I can't help but wonder how many of the 16 "Hellrot," cars that were made are still in circulation (aside from mine).
What's the German for Daytona violet??http://www.m3portal.com/forum/m3e36_limo32_colour....
I can't help but wonder how many of the 16 "Hellrot," cars that were made are still in circulation (aside from mine).
Suffice to say I've never seen another...
Edited by dscam on Sunday 9th February 14:39
I fitted a new filter on Saturday along with the fuel filter cover.
A fairly straight forward job, de-pressurise the fuel system, clamp the fuel line, disconnect the "out" end of the fuel filter, let the filter drain, disconnect the "in" end, install the new fuel filter and job done!
I struggled with removing the fuel filter due to the fittings. Just twist the fuel filter as you pull back the release and out it pops. The new fuel filter connects with a satisfying click. Easy when you know how.
It was a job I was quite nervous about doing, more due to the safety aspect.
I didn't notice any difference in how the car drove.
But I did get out for a good run on Sunday (a nice cool, dry evening).
A fairly straight forward job, de-pressurise the fuel system, clamp the fuel line, disconnect the "out" end of the fuel filter, let the filter drain, disconnect the "in" end, install the new fuel filter and job done!
I struggled with removing the fuel filter due to the fittings. Just twist the fuel filter as you pull back the release and out it pops. The new fuel filter connects with a satisfying click. Easy when you know how.
It was a job I was quite nervous about doing, more due to the safety aspect.
I didn't notice any difference in how the car drove.
But I did get out for a good run on Sunday (a nice cool, dry evening).
Lately I have been mostly building a new car lol!
A few toys arrived (see below). In summary a new under-tray and sump plug cover, suspension (bolts, washers, spring pads, mounts – more pics to come), a new alarm fob, a spare key, a service key, cam cover gaskets, spark plug gaskets, cam cover bolt gaskets and a cam cover coil pack sticker.
No money for food this month.
The new under-tray.
The new under-tray fitted. It's an awful pic, but you get the idea. Wanting to improve things led me to fit all new screws and washers to fit the under-tray. Most are now stainless steel, the few larger screws are new bright zinc plated.
The old alarm fob, taken apart to get the battery info...
The new alarm fob, spare key and service key.
The new fob taken apart to install the battery. I replaced the old fobs battery for good measure.
Both fobs are now coded to the car... A surprisingly easy job.
The new style coil pack sticker. Bought in preparation for the cam cover refurb.
A few toys arrived (see below). In summary a new under-tray and sump plug cover, suspension (bolts, washers, spring pads, mounts – more pics to come), a new alarm fob, a spare key, a service key, cam cover gaskets, spark plug gaskets, cam cover bolt gaskets and a cam cover coil pack sticker.
No money for food this month.
The new under-tray.
The new under-tray fitted. It's an awful pic, but you get the idea. Wanting to improve things led me to fit all new screws and washers to fit the under-tray. Most are now stainless steel, the few larger screws are new bright zinc plated.
The old alarm fob, taken apart to get the battery info...
The new alarm fob, spare key and service key.
The new fob taken apart to install the battery. I replaced the old fobs battery for good measure.
Both fobs are now coded to the car... A surprisingly easy job.
The new style coil pack sticker. Bought in preparation for the cam cover refurb.
melvster said:
Nice update, love the picture of all the new little parts; serious OCD here 
LOL I know I'm in good company don't worry .I've yet to itemise them :|... OCD aside, there is that many parts, and numbers, they really need organised into whats for the front and back suspension etc etc...
Neil_M said:
melvster said:
Nice update, love the picture of all the new little parts; serious OCD here
LOL I know I'm in good company don't worry .I've yet to itemise them :|... OCD aside, there is that many parts, and numbers, they really need organised into whats for the front and back suspension etc etc...
Love this level of geekery. Keep it up Neil.
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