E91 M3 Build

[E91M3]

ezakimak said:

interesting. iprresume you are getting a workshop to do the work that does custom work?
i asked around at two of my local shops and they didnt want to know about it, especially the rear fenders. they mentioned that BMW use a special process for attaching the body pannels. I have know idea if this is correct as its something i have never looked into.

found this interesting.
http://youtu.be/YGC3dFCRgGM


Could you please go into more detail about attaching the rear fender, as I find it intriguing and would like to know more? i cant tell if its been welded on or some other process.
Did you get replacement E90 m3 sedan rear quarter panels from BMW?

Edited by ezakimak on Friday 7th February 02:07

Yes I'm using someone who specialises in custom bodywork and restorations.

You have to appreciate that It's quite an involved job and takes time so I guess a lot of mainstream body shops will not want to take on something like this. They will want quick turnaround insurance jobs that don't take up space and provide cash flow.

Anyway to fit the M3 arches on my car we used most of the new m3 quarter panel rather than just cut out around the original arch section on the E91.

We decided to cut the original E91 quarter panel along the swage line below the window and also drill out all of the spot welds around the front of the quarter panel (rear door frame).

An equivalent section was cut from the E90 M3 quarter panel and spot welded into the same position around the door frame. The panel was welded just below the rear side window line from front to back. This way the arches fitted perfectly and the inner arches could be also be lined up.

Some original photos below - The white lines below the windows and around the rear lights are where the panel join is welded.




I have copied some photos of another build that shows the M3 arches being cut into the original quarter panels so you have two choices really.

Edited by E91M3 on Friday 7th February 18:56

Edited by E91M3 on Friday 7th February 19:47

[63np]

Good to see it coming along. Looks lovely in black(pain in the arse to look after tho).!!
Reminds me of all the stress I went through.
I see a pic of Chris's car having the quarter put on.
Looking forward to seeing it finished..
Was out and about in London the other week....

[stewies_minion]

Wibble.

These things are simply amazing.

[AudiSport]

Oh the wheels.....

[trails]

the dent in the n/s arch...lordy that must have been a bad day!

[63np]

trails said:

the dent in the n/s arch...lordy that must have been a bad day!

No dent.!
Must be a reflection..

[E91M3]

Here are some recent photos since the car came back from the paint shop.





I'm still acquiring a few more parts before I install the M3 engine in it as I want to complete the swap as quickly as possible.

Edited by E91M3 on Monday 17th February 20:08

[E91M3]

63np said:

Good to see it coming along. Looks lovely in black(pain in the arse to look after tho).!!
Reminds me of all the stress I went through.
I see a pic of Chris's car having the quarter put on.
Looking forward to seeing it finished..
Was out and about in London the other week....

Thanks - The black is going to be a nightmare - I used to have a Jerez Black E92 M3 (below) which used to drive me mad!



This was supposed to be it's twin before getting nicked

Edited by E91M3 on Monday 17th February 22:37

[63np]

Snap


I like the colour but with a lighter colour you get definition between wheels/grilles window trims and you can see the shapes and curves better. Saying that it will look mean and angry.

[martin mrt]

63np said:

Good to see it coming along. Looks lovely in black(pain in the arse to look after tho).!!
Reminds me of all the stress I went through.
I see a pic of Chris's car having the quarter put on.
Looking forward to seeing it finished..
Was out and about in London the other week....

Best Looking M3 Ever!!!!!!!

I absolutely love the E91, and loved my E90 M3, I wish I had the time, skill and money to make an E91 M3 a reality

[trails]

63np said:

No dent.!
Must be a reflection..

Phew, lovely wagon you have there...good work fella

[ATM]

E91M3 said:

I think the 260m are a great design and it took me some time to find a perfect set.



The graphite finish really goes well with Jerez Black.

I've seen some very similar called 219m - anyone know the difference?

[anonymous-user]

The 219s have spokes that are very slightly wider at the outer end, I prefer the 260s but have 219s on my E91 as a mint set cost me £350! They really suit the tourings

[E91M3]

Another photo of the 260m alloys....



I'm now on the hunt for a full E90 M3 interior which is proving tricky to find

[63np]

E91M3 said:

Another photo of the 260m alloys....



I'm now on the hunt for a full E90 M3 interior which is proving tricky to find

I like the 18's but it will need lowering on them the give it the right look/stance.
With the interior you could just get front seats and have the rest if the interior(door cards/rear seats) retrimmed. Even Coupe front seats will do, they'll fold forward that's the only difference.
Or if you put performance buckets in.. .

[trails]

63np said:

E91M3 said:

Another photo of the 260m alloys....



I'm now on the hunt for a full E90 M3 interior which is proving tricky to find

I like the 18's but it will need lowering on them the give it the right look/stance.
With the interior you could just get front seats and have the rest if the interior(door cards/rear seats) retrimmed. Even Coupe front seats will do, they'll fold forward that's the only difference.
Or if you put performance buckets in.. .

your wagon has been posted on Instagram just now; account name thespeedhunters

[bennyboysvuk]

I love what you're doing with this car. It really would make for a near-perfect car for me.

I have a 330i E91 currently and would love to do the M3 engine/suspension swap (not fussed about the bodywork so long as I could fit the M3 diff). In your experience, is that going to be astronomically expensive to do or is it actually not that difficult a job if ignoring the bodywork?

[longfellow]

So what's the latest with this build? Have you managed to source an interior yet? Can't wait to see the finished article.

[P1H]

This is awesome, really interested to see the finished article.

[RemyMartin]

Would be nice to see an update on this.