My E36 M3 Evo Cabrio project.
Discussion
Hi guys
As some of you know, I picked up a rather cheap and slightly unloved M3 Evo last week. I drove it back from Watford to Huddersfield and it ran fine. Then the following morning my OCD got the better of me and I started noting faults and things I wanted to do on it. The 'list' is quite long but that is only because of my OCD more than anything. I want to get this car close to original as possible to either get the best money for it or have myself a pristine example of an appreciating classic.
First thing to change was the AC Schnitzer wheels. I got a genuine M3 set off Ebay so I'm quite happy with them. They'll need balancing properly but for now they'll suffice.
The OEM look is just 'right' in my opinion. The Schnizter wheels will be sold off as I have no use for them.
Next step - the interior.
The pictures don't show it but the leather is quite badly faded, stained and cracked on the bolsters. The carpets need a valet too and some bits and bats might get replaced too. Might as well do it right.
Keep watching this thread.
As some of you know, I picked up a rather cheap and slightly unloved M3 Evo last week. I drove it back from Watford to Huddersfield and it ran fine. Then the following morning my OCD got the better of me and I started noting faults and things I wanted to do on it. The 'list' is quite long but that is only because of my OCD more than anything. I want to get this car close to original as possible to either get the best money for it or have myself a pristine example of an appreciating classic.
First thing to change was the AC Schnitzer wheels. I got a genuine M3 set off Ebay so I'm quite happy with them. They'll need balancing properly but for now they'll suffice.
The OEM look is just 'right' in my opinion. The Schnizter wheels will be sold off as I have no use for them.
Next step - the interior.
The pictures don't show it but the leather is quite badly faded, stained and cracked on the bolsters. The carpets need a valet too and some bits and bats might get replaced too. Might as well do it right.
Keep watching this thread.
Edited by Schermerhorn on Wednesday 25th March 12:57
Excellent - they really are great cars. I agree OEM is best, the seats can normally be sorted out with the right products but the seat looks torn - it's easy enough to find replacements being the standard convertible interior rather than Vaders though.
I hope you have a good specialist near you, being fussy with these cars can get very expensive, there's always something that needs doing however they are fairly reliable. Look forward to updates.
I hope you have a good specialist near you, being fussy with these cars can get very expensive, there's always something that needs doing however they are fairly reliable. Look forward to updates.
The AC wheels are nice, but I'm not really a fan of the 'after market' look. I like to see cars as close to original as possible.
Here are some more bits I picked up.
Track rod ends - these ones are a bit ropey and the rubbers have perished. I'll also do the power steering fluid with it too.
Two lambda sensors - the M3 has a nasty cough and the diagnostic machine brought up these two as needing replacing. It'll also make the car run better and maybe improve fuel consumption too.
Short shift gear lever. It's about 2cm shorter than the original linkage so the car will need change a little better too. The original linkage is also quite worn too so gear changes are very sloppy and loose.
Finally, an oil filter and oil change. (oil is not shown in the picture). The car had been sitting for some time so a fresh oil change will do it wonders.
The great thing about these cars is that SO much is shared with the standard E36 that parts are cheap to pick up. The wheel bearings, many suspension parts, etc etc are all interchangeable so the cost of maintaining these cars is quite reasonable. Naturally the engine is a different kettle of fish but my VANOS is pretty much perfect so nothing to worry about there either.
Here are some more bits I picked up.
Track rod ends - these ones are a bit ropey and the rubbers have perished. I'll also do the power steering fluid with it too.
Two lambda sensors - the M3 has a nasty cough and the diagnostic machine brought up these two as needing replacing. It'll also make the car run better and maybe improve fuel consumption too.
Short shift gear lever. It's about 2cm shorter than the original linkage so the car will need change a little better too. The original linkage is also quite worn too so gear changes are very sloppy and loose.
Finally, an oil filter and oil change. (oil is not shown in the picture). The car had been sitting for some time so a fresh oil change will do it wonders.
The great thing about these cars is that SO much is shared with the standard E36 that parts are cheap to pick up. The wheel bearings, many suspension parts, etc etc are all interchangeable so the cost of maintaining these cars is quite reasonable. Naturally the engine is a different kettle of fish but my VANOS is pretty much perfect so nothing to worry about there either.
Edited by Schermerhorn on Wednesday 25th March 13:21
Subbed 
Just be aware that the costs can stack up...
e.g. if you want the interior done properly (retrimmed not repainted) you're looking at ~£1500.
If the soft top is a bit tatty you might end up replacing the whole thing at ~£1200.
And then there's the mechanical bits...
Not trying to put you off or anything, but I've spent quite a bit on mine and it's not been very enjoyable. Someone putting a massive dent in my front wing and not leaving a note didn't help either
There always seems to be some extra expenses around the corner and I don't think I've broken even yet.
Just be aware that the costs can stack up...
e.g. if you want the interior done properly (retrimmed not repainted) you're looking at ~£1500.
If the soft top is a bit tatty you might end up replacing the whole thing at ~£1200.
And then there's the mechanical bits...
Not trying to put you off or anything, but I've spent quite a bit on mine and it's not been very enjoyable. Someone putting a massive dent in my front wing and not leaving a note didn't help either
There always seems to be some extra expenses around the corner and I don't think I've broken even yet.Shaoxter said:
Subbed
Just be aware that the costs can stack up...
e.g. if you want the interior done properly (retrimmed not repainted) you're looking at ~£1500.
If the soft top is a bit tatty you might end up replacing the whole thing at ~£1200.
And then there's the mechanical bits...
Not trying to put you off or anything, but I've spent quite a bit on mine and it's not been very enjoyable. Someone putting a massive dent in my front wing and not leaving a note didn't help either There always seems to be some extra expenses around the corner and I don't think I've broken even yet.
I agree there is always something around the corner or SOMEONE around the corner to piss on your bonfire as you have experienced with your wing situation.Just be aware that the costs can stack up...
e.g. if you want the interior done properly (retrimmed not repainted) you're looking at ~£1500.
If the soft top is a bit tatty you might end up replacing the whole thing at ~£1200.
And then there's the mechanical bits...
Not trying to put you off or anything, but I've spent quite a bit on mine and it's not been very enjoyable. Someone putting a massive dent in my front wing and not leaving a note didn't help either
There always seems to be some extra expenses around the corner and I don't think I've broken even yet.I'm in two minds about the soft top - do I get it replaced entirely or shall I clean it up? The neighbours car seems to have taken a liking to it as she uses it to sunbathe on every morning and leaves all her ginger hair all over the hood. The rear screen needs cleaning up too as it's faded but a buffer and some heavy duty compound can take care of that. There is also a bit of loose fabric which I just noticed which I think can be stitched up or repaired without breaking the bank.
I've found a cheapish supplier and fitter of hoods though
http://www.hothoods.co.uk/e36_fitted.htm
I agree though, little things can keep on mounting and mounting!
Shaoxter said:
There always seems to be some extra expenses around the corner and I don't think I've broken even yet.
That sounds familiar!Also suspension items are expensive, I replaced all my shocks and they were more expensive than the E46 M3 items. Some of the bushes are M3 specific too and double the cost of a 328i. There are (or were) some interesting journals on E36coupe.
Schermerhorn said:
That's just the outer hood, there's also the inner lining and tension strap which can only be bought from BMW for £250-300!! 
I was planning to do just the outer hood (which includes the rear window btw) but they told me it was going to be a PITA to join it together with the old lining. And also my tension strap was on the way out so I just ended up replacing everything.Won't tell you the name of the people who did it for me as I wasn't impressed with some aspects of their work (funnily enough they're based around Romford too).
Shaoxter said:
That's just the outer hood, there's also the inner lining and tension strap which can only be bought from BMW for £250-300!! I was planning to do just the outer hood (which includes the rear window btw) but they told me it was going to be a PITA to join it together with the old lining. And also my tension strap was on the way out so I just ended up replacing everything.
Won't tell you the name of the people who did it for me as I wasn't impressed with some aspects of their work (funnily enough they're based around Romford too).
The guy that did my hood basically said that the tensions straps being slack with a bit of an E36 'design feature'. They go alllllll the time. I was planning to do just the outer hood (which includes the rear window btw) but they told me it was going to be a PITA to join it together with the old lining. And also my tension strap was on the way out so I just ended up replacing everything.Won't tell you the name of the people who did it for me as I wasn't impressed with some aspects of their work (funnily enough they're based around Romford too).
How much did you pay for Lambda's? I think I might need one.....
S3_Graham said:
Shaoxter said:
That's just the outer hood, there's also the inner lining and tension strap which can only be bought from BMW for £250-300!! I was planning to do just the outer hood (which includes the rear window btw) but they told me it was going to be a PITA to join it together with the old lining. And also my tension strap was on the way out so I just ended up replacing everything.
Won't tell you the name of the people who did it for me as I wasn't impressed with some aspects of their work (funnily enough they're based around Romford too).
The guy that did my hood basically said that the tensions straps being slack with a bit of an E36 'design feature'. They go alllllll the time. I was planning to do just the outer hood (which includes the rear window btw) but they told me it was going to be a PITA to join it together with the old lining. And also my tension strap was on the way out so I just ended up replacing everything.Won't tell you the name of the people who did it for me as I wasn't impressed with some aspects of their work (funnily enough they're based around Romford too).
How much did you pay for Lambda's? I think I might need one.....
Wow. Sweet work and most definately inspiring! I hope to get mine somewhere near that condition.
Were the seats easy to swap over? I'm in two minds as whether to keep the originals in there or go for the 'Vader' look. As you say, fussiness can keep the costs mounting. Have you had yours appraised? Will you be keeping it or selling it on if the values keep climbing?
Were the seats easy to swap over? I'm in two minds as whether to keep the originals in there or go for the 'Vader' look. As you say, fussiness can keep the costs mounting. Have you had yours appraised? Will you be keeping it or selling it on if the values keep climbing?
Schermerhorn said:
Wow. Sweet work and most definately inspiring! I hope to get mine somewhere near that condition.
Were the seats easy to swap over? I'm in two minds as whether to keep the originals in there or go for the 'Vader' look. As you say, fussiness can keep the costs mounting. Have you had yours appraised? Will you be keeping it or selling it on if the values keep climbing?
Front seats are really easy to swap assuming you don't have heated seats, it's only 4 bolts. They're interchangeable with the vaders from the coupe (verts didn't have the option of vaders). The rear bench however is not compatible, but then they're not that different apart from the M stripe.Were the seats easy to swap over? I'm in two minds as whether to keep the originals in there or go for the 'Vader' look. As you say, fussiness can keep the costs mounting. Have you had yours appraised? Will you be keeping it or selling it on if the values keep climbing?
Not sure whether to sell, I've put quite a lot of effort into it so really should keep it for another summer (and hope values go up)! But then it's probably one car too many in the household...
Shaoxter said:
Schermerhorn said:
Wow. Sweet work and most definately inspiring! I hope to get mine somewhere near that condition.
Were the seats easy to swap over? I'm in two minds as whether to keep the originals in there or go for the 'Vader' look. As you say, fussiness can keep the costs mounting. Have you had yours appraised? Will you be keeping it or selling it on if the values keep climbing?
Front seats are really easy to swap assuming you don't have heated seats, it's only 4 bolts. They're interchangeable with the vaders from the coupe (verts didn't have the option of vaders). The rear bench however is not compatible, but then they're not that different apart from the M stripe.Were the seats easy to swap over? I'm in two minds as whether to keep the originals in there or go for the 'Vader' look. As you say, fussiness can keep the costs mounting. Have you had yours appraised? Will you be keeping it or selling it on if the values keep climbing?
Not sure whether to sell, I've put quite a lot of effort into it so really should keep it for another summer (and hope values go up)! But then it's probably one car too many in the household...
I guess seeing as I have heated seats I'd need heated vaders for a straight swap? Seems a shame to take my current seats out though. Nothing wrong with them at all.
Awesome car, and project mate. I had an Avus 3 litre, and a Estoril Evo, both convertibles with silver leather.
Vaders go look cool, and I was tempted to do the change, but the value they carry seems crazy.
I had a super sprint de-cat and back box on both and a BMC filter. Tempted to do the same ?
Vaders go look cool, and I was tempted to do the change, but the value they carry seems crazy.
I had a super sprint de-cat and back box on both and a BMC filter. Tempted to do the same ?
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