BMW E36 M3 Evo

[BJT]

So, a few months ago I finally decided to purchase an M3 Evo. I have read so many builds, restorations, buying guides, track projects etc.
My plan is to slowly turn the car in to a Track Day toy but keep the standard original Evo look. I will be using it on the road also so it can't be too hardcore.

Please feel free to offer advice etc, that is why I am showing it!
Also a good place to store some history.

The guy I purchased it from had really looked after it

After a bit of Clay Bar


These wheels will be refurbished and used as the road ones

Trying to add a little subtle track detail

Nothing touched in here just yet

The inside and the roof lining is being rempved ready for a rear cage to be installed


I plan to put all the carpet back in after the cage is welded in.


I love it

[BJT]

It has now done 93899 miles (none on track yet as far as I know)
I just gave it an Oil Service using Fuchs titan race pro S 5w-40.

[BJT]

nonuts said:

I miss mine, a lot, however I assume you're aware that's not the OEM airbox?

A good e36 Evo is a very, very good car indeed and yours looks lovely.

Yer, the K&N adds a little induction noise, quite like it to be honest. The last owner fitted this.

[BJT]

Not really great pictures but they mark the first track day.
Oulton Park!

[BJT]

Sidewindow said:

Lovely looking car, well done. Am considering buying/sharing one as a track toy myself.

How did you find it at Oulton? Just looked up what the E36 M3 weighs, at 1515kgs they're not that much lighter than the E46 M3 which is surprising. I guess by stripping some of the interior out you'll reduce it a bit.

Edited by Sidewindow on Wednesday 23 November 23:17

Thanks!
Oulton was great, I found it more fun to drive than Donington or Silverstone. Shorter straights and some interesting corners.
The Evo was fantastic, I really think it is fast enough for my skill level (for now).
I kept the spare wheel in to add weight

[BJT]

Richieboy3008 said:

That's the 'Dave F' induction kit you've got fitting there. Regarded as the best induction kit by many.

That is good to know!
I noticed that the MAF sensor housing says BMW 3.0 M3 on it, wonder if that is the same as the Evo or if I have the incorrect one fitted?

[BJT]

Chunkychucky said:

Nice mate, IMO you can't really go wrong with an E36 Evo in terms of bang for buck, and one of those around Oulton...

DNP, was that supplied by Stern's in Worcester when new by any chance?

The first stamp in the book says Rydale?
I will have to check this as I can't find a BMW garage to that name on the nerd.

[BJT]

rb5er said:

Nice car. Bet its great fun on track. Are the brakes up to it though?

I think it has standard brakes on at the moment. They were good but got very hot.
I have some EBC disks and some Blue Stuff pads to put on the front.

Can't really comment on the running costs just yet, not really had it long.
I will keep updating here however.

[BJT]

nonuts said:

If it has standard OEM discs in good condition, that's a very bad idea. The OEM discs (even if they don't look it at first glance) are floating, which is why they're so expensive. They deal with heat a lot better than any cheap 1 piece discs.

Yer, a friend just told me that. I'm going to do a bit more research on disks.

[BJT]

Richieboy3008 said:

I'm ashamed to say I've never taken mine on track (or any of my cars in fact). I'd also love to get some tuition so I can find the car's limits.

How much does a track day cost out of interest?

Edited by Richieboy3008 on Thursday 24th November 15:21

http://www.clubmsv.com/car-home.aspx

Take a look at the link.
There are people of all abilities and all types of cars. Yesterday we had a Porker GT3RS and a diesel Mini.
They do novice days too which apparently are good.

[BJT]

nonuts said:

Depends how many miles you do, every cost I had on mine is in my profile. I don't think it's expensive for what it is, the problem may be there so cheap now people will buy them that don't expect 4 figure inspection 2 services (not all routine stuff but what is going to be routine on a 12+ year old car).

Interesting to see the costs. If you take away the fuel and insurance, it's not too bad.
I'm paying about £400 insurance and don't do many miles.
I just gave it an oil service myself and the next will be Inspection 1.

[BJT]

joesnow said:

Car's looking well Ben! Glad you are pleased with it. Getting it back to its former glory was a bit of a labour of love, and I'm glad I enjoyed it in peak fitness before selling it.

Must admit to wincing slightly when I saw it without the seat in the back, but I'm sure you'll do a sterling job of the transformation! I do have the original airbox if you want it. Personally, I found it a bit quiet! I also have some Bilstein PSS9s if you're interested. Let me know.

For the record, it was never tracked, and I was assured that the air flow meter was suitable for 3.0 and 3.2 M3s. The part number is also the same I believe. The car was running rough, so I fitted a used one which cured the probelm.

I've book marked the thread, and will watch with interest!
Enjoy it.

Edited by joesnow on Friday 25th November 17:33

Glad you found me, I was going to send you a link.
Car is going very well! I promise that the cage will be a neat install. I will be taking out the rest of the interior this week and then putting as much back as I can after. I really want to keep the standard/original look.
I want to push the car on the track so 'safety first' and all that...
I will probably tale a look at the rear arches next year to keep the rust away.

Cheers
Ben

[BJT]

Oulton Park November 2011

[BJT]

Strut Brace (OMP)


Induction Kit and I have put a small K&N on the engine breather


Preparation for Cage Install

[BJT]

I have a bit of holiday at the moment so I'm trying to get as much done as possible.
I love the seats and the interior is in great condition. I'm going to put as much interior back as possible after the cage is in.
Bucket seats are still a long way away as it is still my road car.

[BJT]

Been spending a bit of time on the brakes today.
I have decided to keep the original M3 disks as they are in nearly new condition. I had purchased some EBC disks but now realise that they arn't as good as the BMW ones.

I have fitted HEL brake pipes and EBC Blue Stuff pads.
The front was fitted with Yellow Stuff which still had a lot of meat on them but they were breaking down at the edges.
I have also cleaned and painted the calipers with a bit of Red High Temp paint.
New bleed nipples and new clips on the outside of the calipers.

I'm really happy with the way they look. Break testing will be later in the week





Only done the front for now.

Edited by BJT on Wednesday 30th November 14:55

[BJT]

Just delivered the car to Willie Poole Motorsport Services in Warwickshire to have the "Custom Cages" rear cage fitted.
I parked next to Thorney Motorsport's Touring Car which is in for a full cage - should be in good hands!

[BJT]

Very excited! Just collected the car from having the rear cage installed....








Just need to get some paint on it now!

[BJT]

So, have put a bit of black paint on the cage.
Still some touching up to do but I'm happy with the result.

[BJT]