My '96 E36 M3 Evo Saloon
Discussion
Neil_M said:
Schermerhorn said:
Projects like this are so rewarding.
They are indeed. I get a lot out of improving the car.It's just a bit frustrating when you are depending on some suppliers... But it's not my daily driver, so no panic
.I bet yours is going to be totally awesome once finished!
Schermerhorn said:
Same here. My M3 Evo project is coming along nicely also. Cannot wait to go for a blast in it!
I bet yours is going to be totally awesome once finished!
Awesome, any links to yours?I bet yours is going to be totally awesome once finished!
Unfortunately I can't get out for a drive in mine. It's in the neighbours garage, blocked in by 2 or 3 cars... Our garage is full of a new kitchen
.It's just great to see the reception they get out on the road and the following they have. It's a best of both worlds, non car people see it as an old BMW (especially in inoffensive saloon no spoiler form), car people seem to give a pleasant nod.
I'm not a fan boy by any means but its a great thing to drive, with heavy controls and a lovely screaming straight six. A few tweaks here and there make the difference
.Here is the link to mine
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I have been a bit lazy this week in ordering new parts but the car is at the garage and getting the following done
New propshaft bearing
Gear linkages replaced
New transmission fluid
Brake discs and pads front and rear
New front nearside head lamp fitted as the old one had a small crack in it.
No pictures unfortunately but hopefully should have some before the week is over.
The blasted thing has developed a small oil leak. I think the sump nut was over tightened and I noticed two small oil patched directly underneath. Will have to get that sorted too.
One thing I am amazed with though is that since using premium 5w40 engine oil just how darn clean it is. Makes a big difference to performance too!
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I have been a bit lazy this week in ordering new parts but the car is at the garage and getting the following done
New propshaft bearing
Gear linkages replaced
New transmission fluid
Brake discs and pads front and rear
New front nearside head lamp fitted as the old one had a small crack in it.
No pictures unfortunately but hopefully should have some before the week is over.
The blasted thing has developed a small oil leak. I think the sump nut was over tightened and I noticed two small oil patched directly underneath. Will have to get that sorted too.
One thing I am amazed with though is that since using premium 5w40 engine oil just how darn clean it is. Makes a big difference to performance too!
.Sorry for the lack of updates, but I have been working away at the car... So the next few days will bring some updates.
The biggest delay was sourcing some trailing arms, which I now have.
Anyway, the steering wheel was sent off for refurb... The leather was slightly worn and had a few strange cuts in it... I also decided while it was off to investigate why there was always a slight movement in the steering wheel, as if it wasn't firmly mounted.
Removing the wheel revealed this...
If you look at the metal collar you can see the chips/marks on it, also it looks like the bearing has taken a beating, someone has been here before...
The lower bearing that you can partially see (black plastic) in the above photo can wear, so I had a new bearing ready to go in... Along with associated parts.
However I noticed from the parts I ordered, the upper ring was completely absent (see photo below). Any wonder there was a little play in the steering...
The spare trailing arms and upper wishbones are being sent off for powder coating tomorrow. So in preparation I have all threaded holes plugged with stainless bolts and all bushing points have been sealed off too. That should make life a little easier for the powder coaters and when they are being fitted.
I've also taken the advice to get bolts, washers and brackets powder coated too. This is me starting to organise part numbers and colours etc etc.
The biggest delay was sourcing some trailing arms, which I now have.
Anyway, the steering wheel was sent off for refurb... The leather was slightly worn and had a few strange cuts in it... I also decided while it was off to investigate why there was always a slight movement in the steering wheel, as if it wasn't firmly mounted.
Removing the wheel revealed this...
If you look at the metal collar you can see the chips/marks on it, also it looks like the bearing has taken a beating, someone has been here before...
The lower bearing that you can partially see (black plastic) in the above photo can wear, so I had a new bearing ready to go in... Along with associated parts.
However I noticed from the parts I ordered, the upper ring was completely absent (see photo below). Any wonder there was a little play in the steering...
The spare trailing arms and upper wishbones are being sent off for powder coating tomorrow. So in preparation I have all threaded holes plugged with stainless bolts and all bushing points have been sealed off too. That should make life a little easier for the powder coaters and when they are being fitted.
I've also taken the advice to get bolts, washers and brackets powder coated too. This is me starting to organise part numbers and colours etc etc.
MOT was passed on Saturday. Absolutely sailed through, with nothing to report and to be told its a very tight car.
Two of the testers were loving the sleeper image and condition of it.
She was treated to a blast home over the back roads, Testing out the new steering wheel (adds an enormous amount of power), she's running sweet as a nut.
Two of the testers were loving the sleeper image and condition of it.
She was treated to a blast home over the back roads, Testing out the new steering wheel (adds an enormous amount of power), she's running sweet as a nut
.Schermerhorn said:
Amazing.
My OCD and talent (and bank balance!) unfortunately are in different post codes!
Thank you My OCD and talent (and bank balance!) unfortunately are in different post codes!
.Most of the stuff isn't that expensive at all
. Having a notable discount with my local dealership and having the ability to bargain the price for everything all helps 
.Trailing arms have been left off with the powder coaters... Hopefully ready for the end of the week.
I've tried to capture the wheel in a few quick photos from my phone... It's blowing a gale outside literally, so I'll get some proper photos outside with the DSLR when the weather improves. The finish, stitching and workmanship really is excellent. Done by Jack @ Royal Steering Wheels.
A few photos of the exhaust too... Since it was opened up for the silencer pipes to be removed, its been welded back up and I have painted it matt black as it should be out of the box. I'll have to go nuts and polish up the tail pipes before its fitted too (added to the list).
I've tried to capture the wheel in a few quick photos from my phone... It's blowing a gale outside literally, so I'll get some proper photos outside with the DSLR when the weather improves. The finish, stitching and workmanship really is excellent. Done by Jack @ Royal Steering Wheels.
A few photos of the exhaust too... Since it was opened up for the silencer pipes to be removed, its been welded back up and I have painted it matt black as it should be out of the box. I'll have to go nuts and polish up the tail pipes before its fitted too (added to the list).
Neil_M said:
Schermerhorn said:
Looks very nice!
Did they use very high temperature paint for the exhaust? Similar to manifolds, calipers etc?
I did indeed use a high temperature paint on the exhaust. Lets hope it stays on!Did they use very high temperature paint for the exhaust? Similar to manifolds, calipers etc?
A day off work allowed me to pick up these jobbies.
The trailing arms, spring arms, trailing arm brackets, rear stone guards and random fittings and brackets... Powder coated black or silver...
Roll on getting them fitted. They look fantastic!
I've forgotten the front diff mount bracket, so I will have to order one of them.
The trailing arms, spring arms, trailing arm brackets, rear stone guards and random fittings and brackets... Powder coated black or silver...
Roll on getting them fitted
. They look fantastic!I've forgotten the front diff mount bracket, so I will have to order one of them.
A massive update here folks...
I'd replaced the oil cap some time ago, so that's one thing off the list.
A few people sent me messages asking for more photos of the recovered wheel...
On Saturday I attended Ballymena Car Fest, I was in good company too with a very tidy E36 coupe and another M3 saloon, this time in 3.0 guise.
I'd replaced the oil cap some time ago, so that's one thing off the list.
A few people sent me messages asking for more photos of the recovered wheel...
On Saturday I attended Ballymena Car Fest, I was in good company too with a very tidy E36 coupe and another M3 saloon, this time in 3.0 guise
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