Santorini Blue 328i Sport

[matt132]

Hi all,

New to the forum and BMW ownership with my '99 E36 328i Sport in santorini blue. I bought it about 2-3 months ago and have enjoyed every second of it. It came with a lot of major work and because of this it runs perfectly. Work includes:

New gearbox/clutch/flywheel
New driveshafts
Complete cooling system refurb (hoses/thermostat/coolant/radiator/cooling fan)
Various bushes and coilovers - far too low on the rear, will be raised soon.
M3 cat back

In my ownership I have changed the oil/plugs/air filter and have a DAB radio ready to do in due to the shocking radio reception. Other plans are a wheel refurb, M3 3.0 LSD and a front end respray.

I have seen that this colour is quite rare, would be interesting to see if there are any others on here or even if mine has been on here previously.

Onto the pictures:


IMG_6224 by matt_13289, on Flickr


IMG_6219 by matt_13289, on Flickr


IMG_6221 by matt_13289, on Flickr


IMG_6254 by matt_13289, on Flickr

Comments welcome - after some ideas from this site as I am new to the BMW scene - but will definitely staying! Would love an E39 M5 next...

Edited by matt132 on Monday 23 December 01:07

Edited by matt132 on Wednesday 22 January 20:26

[matt132]

Thanks, chaps.

Only have one interior shot, black leather with blue piping - will get some more soon:


IMG_6237 by matt_13289, on Flickr

Yes it has spacers - the MM escapes me I'll have to measure them. Really makes the car look good, even more reason to raise the rear though as I've had some scrubbing when hitting bumps at faster speeds. Nothing dangerous, but still annoying. Yep, e36coupe and bimmerforums, I need all the help I can get!

I'll keep things updated. Would also like to bin the angel eyes but whoever put them in chopped a whole load of wires up so I think it'll be a headache...

[matt132]

That Defender is fantastic!

Swap you!

[matt132]

I think the piping may have been part of the BMW Individual spec but I may be wrong.

I'm surprised the car is so popular because of the amount of amazing machinery in here! Looks like it won't be hard to sell if the time comes either.

[matt132]

That will be me mate!

[matt132]

The other one which was posted on this thread (if it's not mine) is the second one I have seen - it appears to be quite rare yes.

The BBS aren't as mint as the photos make them out to be, one side has powedercoated lips and the other side is polished. A refurb will be on the cards soon enough!

Edit: Some f**ker has nicked the O/S dust caps. They are metal BMW items, not sure if I liked them, so I'm not sure if they have done me a favour or not.

Edited by matt132 on Monday 12th August 16:39

[matt132]

Currently raising the rear and standard headlights have arrived. Gonna strip them down, clean up and re seal to try and stop the issues with clouding they all seem to have.


Untitled by matt_13289, on Flickr

Seems they were stored in a shed for a while because of the filth


Untitled by matt_13289, on Flickr

But for 30 quid I can't complain! Tackling the clutch delay valve soon.

[matt132]

So today the rear coilovers have been raised, a creaking top mount sorted, front wheels balanced and the clutch delay valve removed with some HEL braided line.

The car drives so much better with the valve gone, gear changes are much smoother. I think it looks more purposeful with the rear raised too. I took it out for some pictures to show the change on the rear but the car wasn't clean so they aren't the best.


IMG_6404 by matt_13289, on Flickr


IMG_6381 by matt_13289, on Flickr

Interior shots:


IMG_6399 by matt_13289, on Flickr


IMG_6387 by matt_13289, on Flickr

More pictures can be found here: BMW - a set on Flickr

Also did a quick exhaust video, had trouble recording it decently so the video is a bit quiet - may have to re-do it at some stage. Exhaust is an M3 catback.

BMW Exhuast - YouTube (speakers up!)

[matt132]

Later sports didn't come with LSD's, mine is open. The ratio is an added bonus!

[matt132]

Not sure when they stopped, sorry - it might have even been an option for later cars.

Just the M3 diff - needs to be the 3.0 litre though as the 3.2 is a bigger diff and you need to swap the carrier. The input flange needs to be swapped over but other than that its a straight replacement.

[matt132]

I am on the look out for 3.0 M3 LSD. If you know anyone with one - send them my way! Especially if they are near me, South East, but willing to travel (sister lives in Derby).

[matt132]

Yeah there's a few on ebay but for big £££. I would like the M3 ratio as motorway driving for me is rare. Can't seem to find any 328 lsds either.

[matt132]

Where is that mate? Do you know its history/milage?

[matt132]

Just seen it on e36coupe and have sent him a PM - cheers!

[matt132]

That'd be champion - if you're anywhere near me that is!

[matt132]

Thanks mate will keep it in mind. Did you see the LSD on e36coupe or elsewhere? I've tried messaging the seller but he's not been on since posting the ad.

[matt132]

Haha! Thanks, I'll take a look. No response as of yet!

[matt132]

Today I took out the angel eyes, 100% improvement. Awful pics but do the job.

Start with angel eyes:

Untitled by matt_13289, on Flickr

In progress:

Untitled by matt_13289, on Flickr

One in:

Untitled by matt_13289, on Flickr

Done!

Untitled by matt_13289, on Flickr

Gave it a good clean as I'm taking it to Prept at Brands Hatch tomorrow. Took the wheels off, gave them a clean-up but it just reminded me that they really need a refurb. Arches scrubbed down and will be getting undersealed.


Untitled by matt_13289, on Flickr

Next up, I've sourced an M3 LSD and...................

MOT :0

Thanks for looking.

[matt132]

That's the plan my man !

[matt132]

Rossi, if you see me come over!

I'm not sure Dan - I think that's the general process but I got a garage to do it due to lack of suitable lifting equip. I have since found out that you don't need the braided line - but never mind.

I like the kidney grills, chrome looks a bit naff to me. They're painted shockingly though, I'll redo them at some stage.