BMW E36 328i Sport Coupe

[ian328]

I love mine, hasn't been used in 7 yrs though, also needs an engine and a swap from auto to manual, mine has the BBS RC040 option wheels which aren't on many

[vsonix]

you'd be surprised how much those wheels will go for. They used to be really unloved now scarcity sees them go for 700 a set in fresh refurb condition. Personally I can't get over the lack of dish at the back, they look like a set of 4x fronts.

[ian328]

I know, I would like a pair or rc090 to make them staggered as they are both7.5" wide sadly.

Looking forward to the swap as it gives me an idea of what I need to do.

[ChrisDT]

Due to stuff happening over the last couple of weeks I haven't managed to get anything done apart from clean inside 1 wheel arch - boo hiss!

Hoping to attach it a little more this weekend and aim to have the engine in it by Sunday PM!

[ChrisDT]

Not much of an update but it's a start, managed to now get the block into the old hole and just have to mate it to the gearbox, and connect everything else up.

[nosuchuser]

Keep at it mate. Hope you changed the engine mounts

[TroubledSoul]

nosuchuser said:

Keep at it mate. Hope you changed the engine mounts

And the steering UJ if there's any play in it

Good work so far, keep at it. Your photo was quite helpful too as I am going to be removing a section of the front arch on mine

[ChrisDT]

Quick update:

She runs - Well, she ran for about 10 mins before the radiator gave out so new one ordered and being fitted this week now.

She (notice i'm calling her a girl now) looks a little more normal with help from Carpetsoiler.



Also, managed to get the boot open on Sunday (central locking had deadlocked itself and the battery had died, helpful) for the first time since buying her and found a lovely spare with a new Michelin Pilot SX on to match the other 4 and a clean boot floor!





So, get the rad fitted, put the front back together and enjoy driving thats the plan for this month!

Then the bodywork starts, already had the nosecone painted to go back on, next is the roof (due to rust around the screen) then the bumpers.

[ChrisDT]

nosuchuser said:

Keep at it mate. Hope you changed the engine mounts

I didn't then, they were fine but one broke as I was putting the engine in and now will be replacing the pair with solid E34 ones

[ChrisDT]

Bit of a monumental moment yesterday - She went back together and was driven! (On private land)!

Not much more to say, now I'm at a starting point I am going to run her about for a month or so and then start on the wheels/bodywork.

Here she is in one piece, it was also the first time that I had sat in the drivers seat as well!

[HugoFastmann]

Stunning looking car! Looking forward to seeing the updates.

[nosuchuser]

Awesome

[ChrisDT]

Minor update - finally got round to cleaning the interior up a little - love the retro 'HiFi' button and HK logo's on as well - Not much to say about the rest of it apart from it's in surprisingly good condition!











First drive tomorrow, as of today she is Insured, MOT'd and soon to be taxed!

[Mcbeth]

I hope you're first proper drive is a great one!

What does the hifi button actually do?

[ChrisDT]

I don't have a head unit in it as yet, but did connect up an old one and it just made the sound louder when I did so probably activates and de-activates different speakers? It's part of the Harmon Kardon sound package option.

First drive was great thanks but I didn't go far.

[ChrisDT]

Turns out the button does make a difference, stereo sounds good too - got a temp head unit in there for the moment.

I also managed to cover some miles at the weekend and it was great to get her out and about, next: MOT then bodywork (It is still MOT'd but that expires next month).

[skylarking808]

Your patience has paid off. Nice find in the boot too.

Enjoy getting to know the car.

[skylarking808]

....obviously you have got to know parts of the car very well.

I meant savour and enjoy those first drives - the dynamics, engine noise and feedback from the drivers seat rather than underneath covered in grime trying to get it to work haha!

[GrantD5]

It's looking well

[ChrisDT]

Not much has happened recently, just been doing some driving about and making sure it's reliable.

It is booked in for the MOT next Friday, then if it passes it's onto cosmetics!