My '96 E36 M3 Evo Saloon
Discussion
Hi Folks, apologies for the lack of updates. Busy times in work, daily drivers and a few other projects mean the M3 hasn't had much attention beyond a few quick drives out.
She still drives beautifully and pulls like a train throughout its rev-range. It always surprises when I haven't been out in her in a while.
She did get MOT'd a few weeks ago...
A quick wash...
And at the test centre.
She got loads of praise from the testers, one of which left another customers car to come over, have a seat and blip of the throttle. I may have left the test centre in first gear
.
I'm off to Goodwood Festival of Speed next week, so hopefully BMW have a good display... I'm also happy to take a spin up the hill should BMW PR be reading :P.
She still drives beautifully and pulls like a train throughout its rev-range. It always surprises when I haven't been out in her in a while.
She did get MOT'd a few weeks ago...
A quick wash...
And at the test centre.
She got loads of praise from the testers, one of which left another customers car to come over, have a seat and blip of the throttle. I may have left the test centre in first gear
.I'm off to Goodwood Festival of Speed next week, so hopefully BMW have a good display... I'm also happy to take a spin up the hill should BMW PR be reading :P.
A long over due update. Busy times mean the M3 hasn't had the treatment she deserves, so she has really only been out driving...
An NI BMW and GTI NI cars and coffee meet, parked along side a mates Golf R.
The NI BMW were doing their centenary event, which was a coast road charity run, leaving from JKC BMW. On with the pics...
Parked beside a mates extremely tidy Evo Coupe. It's an early Evo like mine, with a very similar build date! It's got 30,000 miles and is in time warp condition. Note how subtle the saloon looks along side the coupe?
Parked up at JKC BMW.
Estoril Blue for the win!
Another of the coupe mentioned above.
I noticed a weep from the gearbox. It seems the reverse sensor was leaking, so a new one was installed. A bit of a pain as there isn't much clearance!
A new sill plate was installed. My old one was looking a little shabby!
An NI BMW and GTI NI cars and coffee meet, parked along side a mates Golf R.
The NI BMW were doing their centenary event, which was a coast road charity run, leaving from JKC BMW. On with the pics...
Parked beside a mates extremely tidy Evo Coupe. It's an early Evo like mine, with a very similar build date! It's got 30,000 miles and is in time warp condition. Note how subtle the saloon looks along side the coupe?
Parked up at JKC BMW.
Estoril Blue for the win!
Another of the coupe mentioned above.
I noticed a weep from the gearbox. It seems the reverse sensor was leaking, so a new one was installed. A bit of a pain as there isn't much clearance!
A new sill plate was installed. My old one was looking a little shabby!
NelsonM3 said:
My Evo saloon is long gone. But I had the amazing experience last week of driving (albeit very brief) an 1997 Evo Coupe with just 5100 miles on the clock from new that has been garaged all its life! What an experience!
I still have my E90 M3 saloon though
Considering changing for an M240i but not convinced its really special enough. I think i'd rather put the extra into a E46 M3 track car.
5100 miles, thats a new car!!I still have my E90 M3 saloon though
Considering changing for an M240i but not convinced its really special enough. I think i'd rather put the extra into a E46 M3 track car.An E46 M3 track car would be immense. If potentially not the cheapest track car, but a good one!
I too am tempted to get a track car, but I will probably go Japanese FWD.
Stinkfoot said:
My first BMW (and M car) was a 96 M3 saloon in Carbon Black. I originally went to a dealer to look at a 328 coupe which was 10 grand (shows how long ago this was) but bizarrely it had no air con fitted. I asked what else they had and the salesman showed me the M3.
A test drive and 15 grand later and it was mine. The missus went ballistic but as the old saying goes - its better to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission !
Long since sold I cant believe I have no pics of it either !
What an introduction to BMW.A test drive and 15 grand later and it was mine. The missus went ballistic but as the old saying goes - its better to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission !
Long since sold I cant believe I have no pics of it either !
Great Q Cars as you know.
A little bit more engine bay prep.
Sunday past was the NI BMW show, all for a great cause too, Isla's Rainbow of Hope.
The car idling/warming in the morning sun, waiting on a mate to arrive. Nothing wakens you up like exhaust fumes burning your nostrils
.
It was a cracking day, the sun was out and everyone was in good form. I spent the most of the day chatting to fellow enthusiasts about the car. A very well organised event that I will certainly be attending next year.
A few photos of the other E36 M3s that attended.
Sunday past was the NI BMW show, all for a great cause too, Isla's Rainbow of Hope.
The car idling/warming in the morning sun, waiting on a mate to arrive. Nothing wakens you up like exhaust fumes burning your nostrils
.It was a cracking day, the sun was out and everyone was in good form. I spent the most of the day chatting to fellow enthusiasts about the car. A very well organised event that I will certainly be attending next year.
A few photos of the other E36 M3s that attended.
Edited by Neil_M on Wednesday 31st August 22:44
The M3 was well overdue some attention, so having 30mins spare, I popped down to the garage to start into some small jobs...
Front passenger window switch replaced.
Brake fluid reservoir cap and sensor replaced. I know it highlights how faded the reservoir is, lets just say they are a small fortune to replace.
Two missing throttle body adjustment screw caps replaced. Don't worry these will get straightened out.
Both strut covers replaced for new ones. The old ones had worn and wouldn't fully seat down.
She's due a good clean and hibernation time looms.
Hopefully I will find some more time over the winter to do some more jobs. There are a few bits and bobs in the boot that need fitted.
Front passenger window switch replaced.
Brake fluid reservoir cap and sensor replaced. I know it highlights how faded the reservoir is, lets just say they are a small fortune to replace.
Two missing throttle body adjustment screw caps replaced. Don't worry these will get straightened out.
Both strut covers replaced for new ones. The old ones had worn and wouldn't fully seat down.
She's due a good clean and hibernation time looms.
Hopefully I will find some more time over the winter to do some more jobs. There are a few bits and bobs in the boot that need fitted.
MikeVWT5 said:
Just found this thread Neil, and very much enjoyed reading it! Superb work! I've just got hold of an Estoril Evo saloon, with 50k miles on it, one owner. She needs TLC though, so will be a project for the next year or two...
Very much worth it as a project.Healthy examples are very very good cars as you well know
No major update here really...
The battery charger was failing to charge the battery, so something was amiss... I traced it back to a poor connection at the battery. Bare in mind the battery itself is only two or three years old.
The battery posts, terminals, retaining bolts and CTEK comfort connection points were brushed back to clean metal, wiped down and a light coating of dielectric grease was applied.
Everything is working as it should, it's always something simple.
While the battery was removed to make sure there was no leakage... The retaining bolt and bracket were looking a little "used", so they were treated to a lick of paint. Good as new.
I had the car out for a quick scoot to make sure everything was ok. It was a rare dry day and it doesn't do her much good sitting in the garage. She fired up first time without a hesitation and was treated to a little fresh fuel.
She's still a beautifully responsive engine, with a great sound track. The gear-shift I have found to be better every time I drive it, she's much smoother and less agricultural than I have given her credit for.
The battery charger was failing to charge the battery, so something was amiss... I traced it back to a poor connection at the battery. Bare in mind the battery itself is only two or three years old.
The battery posts, terminals, retaining bolts and CTEK comfort connection points were brushed back to clean metal, wiped down and a light coating of dielectric grease was applied.
Everything is working as it should, it's always something simple.
While the battery was removed to make sure there was no leakage... The retaining bolt and bracket were looking a little "used", so they were treated to a lick of paint. Good as new.
I had the car out for a quick scoot to make sure everything was ok. It was a rare dry day and it doesn't do her much good sitting in the garage. She fired up first time without a hesitation and was treated to a little fresh fuel.
She's still a beautifully responsive engine, with a great sound track. The gear-shift I have found to be better every time I drive it, she's much smoother and less agricultural than I have given her credit for.
Time for a long overdue update.
Really nothing much to report. I've been kept busy with a few other projects, so really the M3 had just enjoyed being driven.
Pump shot!
In some very good company at a local cars and coffee meet.
Front end looking pretty shiny!
Engine bay being cleaned up.
A few photos from a new car show Cars at the Mill.
A pretty cool photo from a Ford RS day. We were the three black sheep!
MOT time. She passed without a problem and got many compliments from the tester.
The underside is due a little clean...
It took me a while to pluck up the courage to throw the mirrors under the car. More cleaning to do, but she's "presentable".
Really nothing much to report. I've been kept busy with a few other projects, so really the M3 had just enjoyed being driven.
Pump shot!
In some very good company at a local cars and coffee meet.
Front end looking pretty shiny!
Engine bay being cleaned up.
A few photos from a new car show Cars at the Mill.
A pretty cool photo from a Ford RS day. We were the three black sheep!
MOT time. She passed without a problem and got many compliments from the tester
.The underside is due a little clean...
It took me a while to pluck up the courage to throw the mirrors under the car. More cleaning to do, but she's "presentable"
.V8Taxi said:
Absolutely stunning car Neil, I have huge love for these saloons.
I used to own an Estoril Blue coupe a few years ago, it really was a fantastic thing. I now have an E90 M3 saloon (had an E46 M3 too) and I'd love an E36 Evo 4 door to live alongside it.
Keep up the good work.
Ta very much!I used to own an Estoril Blue coupe a few years ago, it really was a fantastic thing. I now have an E90 M3 saloon (had an E46 M3 too) and I'd love an E36 Evo 4 door to live alongside it.
Keep up the good work.
In honesty, it's just a really really good car.
She will start to get some more time spent on her....
Time for a long overdue update on the M3.
The annual NI BMW show was coming up on the weekend, it's not to be missed, and best of all it's a charity event (Clic Sargent).
Time to get the cover off!
Time to blow the cobwebs out and go for a blast and do a milk run!
Time to start into the cleaning process, I love these wheels. So easy to clean!
Rear arches looking grubby.
Another wheel shot!
The other rear arch.
I arrived at the NI BMW a little late, even with a moderate pace to the north coast, the car returned pretty good MPG!
Another fellow M3 Saloon! Some very choice tweaks to this one. Stunning car.
A few overview photos of the show.
A very cool M2. Not my choice in colour, but it's a car I'd love to have a drive in.
The M3 parked up. Despite the intensive cleaning the day before... The weather was pretty horrendous for the first part of the day. So the car wasn't superb clean, but that can't be helped.
I was in very good company with a neighbour!
I'm absolutely delighted to say the car received an award for being one of the Top Ten cars at the NI BMW show. Best of all it was against some serious competition. Thanks to all who voted.
I should have some more time to get back to normal updates on the M3 now. Not that I have loads to do, she's a lovely car to tinker with and there are a few jobs that I've been meaning to do for some time...
The annual NI BMW show was coming up on the weekend, it's not to be missed, and best of all it's a charity event (Clic Sargent).
Time to get the cover off!
Time to blow the cobwebs out and go for a blast and do a milk run!
Time to start into the cleaning process, I love these wheels. So easy to clean!
Rear arches looking grubby
.Another wheel shot!
The other rear arch.
I arrived at the NI BMW a little late, even with a moderate pace to the north coast, the car returned pretty good MPG!
Another fellow M3 Saloon! Some very choice tweaks to this one. Stunning car.
A few overview photos of the show.
A very cool M2. Not my choice in colour, but it's a car I'd love to have a drive in.
The M3 parked up. Despite the intensive cleaning the day before... The weather was pretty horrendous for the first part of the day. So the car wasn't superb clean, but that can't be helped.
I was in very good company with a neighbour!
I'm absolutely delighted to say the car received an award for being one of the Top Ten cars at the NI BMW show. Best of all it was against some serious competition. Thanks to all who voted.
I should have some more time to get back to normal updates on the M3 now. Not that I have loads to do, she's a lovely car to tinker with and there are a few jobs that I've been meaning to do for some time...
Edited by Neil_M on Sunday 3rd September 21:37
d x4 to clean. 
Saturday the 14th October was the NI BMW Coast Road Run. A cracking charity event thats not to be missed.
It was a very wet day, however they are usually brilliant fun, the M3 also needed the cobwebs blow out.
Idling away here on the drive way.
One of the stop off points. BMWs everywhere!!
I luckily followed this E46 M3 for the first few legs. Stunning car and a perfect stance.
The end of the coast run and time for a feed!
The M5 and I broke off for the last leg of the run. Blasting down the coast roads after him was brilliant fun.
I was buzzing when we stopped off, I'd forgotten the real world pace of the M3, it just doesn't shout about it.
Back home, safe and sound. The car was absolutely boggin (well for me it was).
It was a very wet day, however they are usually brilliant fun, the M3 also needed the cobwebs blow out.
Idling away here on the drive way.
One of the stop off points. BMWs everywhere!!
I luckily followed this E46 M3 for the first few legs. Stunning car and a perfect stance.
The end of the coast run and time for a feed!
The M5 and I broke off for the last leg of the run. Blasting down the coast roads after him was brilliant fun.
I was buzzing when we stopped off, I'd forgotten the real world pace of the M3, it just doesn't shout about it.
Back home, safe and sound. The car was absolutely boggin (well for me it was).
Well after around four years the 21 year old M3 finally let me down a little...
I jumped into the car to take it out of the garage and give her a wash.
Foot on the clutch and boom it falls and stays on the floor. Toe under the clutch to lift it up and as soon as I press on the clutch it does the same.
Luckily I had a clutch slave cylinder in the garage ready to fit.
Clearance is tight enough without a lift, pretty uncomfortable doing this on your back...
The new slave is fitted (this fits on the left hand side of the gearbox).
However there was no joy after replacing the slave. Possibly due to air being left in the system (they are notoriously difficult to bleed).
I replaced the master cylinder too. This is another job made difficult due to its location (at the clutch pedal). It was just about to be removed here...
Old v new. The old item on the left is a cheaper plastic FAG unit, the right hand metal one is a Brembo item. The Brembo item is a much sturdier item as you can imagine, however the low pressure feed doesn't use a retaining clip. A slight difference, so hopefully that doesn't cause a problem...
The new master cylinder installed.
The clutch pedal being assembled... Cleaned and lubricated too.
I reverse bled the entire system twice and all is working as it should. I believe the bleed nipple on the slave cylinder was causing problems as it wasn't drilled and tapped straight into the body, its pretty tight but now seals well.
Interestingly the clutch now is significantly lighter than ever before. Supposedly they get quite heavy with age. Especially as the master cylinder is commonly missed.
It's now quite a different car to drive, the lighter clutch pressure and sharp clutch action takes a little getting used to again.
She was taken for a good test run to make sure everything was ok before hibernation. Tuesday night was a mild and dry evening, so off to the Petrol Station for some fuel. I bumped into two fellow enthusiasts who were full of compliments on the car so good meeting you guys...
A good run out in the car down my favourite back roads has me loving the car again. Especially going through thoughts of fixing the car with fire :P. Working on the car on the driveway on a very cold winter evening is not fun.
I jumped into the car to take it out of the garage and give her a wash.
Foot on the clutch and boom it falls and stays on the floor. Toe under the clutch to lift it up and as soon as I press on the clutch it does the same.
Luckily I had a clutch slave cylinder in the garage ready to fit.
Clearance is tight enough without a lift, pretty uncomfortable doing this on your back...
The new slave is fitted (this fits on the left hand side of the gearbox).
However there was no joy after replacing the slave. Possibly due to air being left in the system (they are notoriously difficult to bleed).
I replaced the master cylinder too. This is another job made difficult due to its location (at the clutch pedal). It was just about to be removed here...
Old v new. The old item on the left is a cheaper plastic FAG unit, the right hand metal one is a Brembo item. The Brembo item is a much sturdier item as you can imagine, however the low pressure feed doesn't use a retaining clip. A slight difference, so hopefully that doesn't cause a problem...
The new master cylinder installed.
The clutch pedal being assembled... Cleaned and lubricated too
.I reverse bled the entire system twice and all is working as it should. I believe the bleed nipple on the slave cylinder was causing problems as it wasn't drilled and tapped straight into the body, its pretty tight but now seals well.
Interestingly the clutch now is significantly lighter than ever before. Supposedly they get quite heavy with age. Especially as the master cylinder is commonly missed.
It's now quite a different car to drive, the lighter clutch pressure and sharp clutch action takes a little getting used to again.
She was taken for a good test run to make sure everything was ok before hibernation. Tuesday night was a mild and dry evening, so off to the Petrol Station for some fuel. I bumped into two fellow enthusiasts who were full of compliments on the car so good meeting you guys...
A good run out in the car down my favourite back roads has me loving the car again. Especially going through thoughts of fixing the car with fire :P. Working on the car on the driveway on a very cold winter evening is not fun.
Time to wake the M3 up from her hibernation slumber. She started on the first turn of the key with no problems.
The main aim was to do a quick health check on the car and get everything up to temperature again.
However, I haven't ran any diagnostics on the M3 myself, so I was also keen to try that...
All connected up fine and no errors were reported. I will have to try some more detailed tests when I have more time.
I also wanted to tidy the garage a little, so some shelves were put up behind the M3.
The main aim was to do a quick health check on the car and get everything up to temperature again.
However, I haven't ran any diagnostics on the M3 myself, so I was also keen to try that...
All connected up fine and no errors were reported. I will have to try some more detailed tests when I have more time.
I also wanted to tidy the garage a little, so some shelves were put up behind the M3.
m3 pat said:
Hi Neil your car is amazing a real credit to you. just started restoring my e36 m3 saloon was just wondering were you source your parts as I can't seem to find a lot of parts for saloon m3s thanks
Cheers Pat, she's a really lovely car .Most parts are genuine. There are plenty of part diagrams to help get a hold of part numbers, then befriend your local dealership parts department.
Most parts are available and I've came up with some very random parts!
helix402 said:
Software is INPA, BMW factory/development software.
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