BMW E36 ///M3 - just an example as per my preference !

[MParallel]

A sweet. I always wondered if it could be done.

Shame I have a vert, I have no parcel shelf.

Did you know there is an "e36" style sunblind switch.

[TheClaw555666]

holy crap your car is awesome. if it wasn't so perfect i would be mad, i'm literally sitting here working on my custom carbon fiber M3 badge thinking to my self, "i've never seen any one have this done before..." and then i come across your car. but everything about it is so nice i couldn't hate on it if i wanted to.

[M3C]

I was aware of that E36 sunshade switch (see picture) and spent a little extra time deciding which one to use...because the original slots are taken by other switches I decided to use the later non-E36 version, it has all the electronics inside it so just a momentary press and the sunshade goes up, another momentary press and it goes down, it is very cool to watch it in action how fast it opens and/or closes.

Regarding the ///M3 trunk lid badge DIY in carbon fibre....just take your time and be careful not to mess the M color stripes, I think they will look better and original by not applying any clear coat on top of them.


-Special design front sunroof motor cover panel

[ColdshotM3]

unreal, such cool mods... you've definitely got one of the, if not THE coolest interiors in terms of oem options and retrofits, great work man!

[MParallel]

I was aware of that E36 sunshade switch (see picture) and spent a little extra time deciding which one to use...because the original slots are taken by other switches I decided to use the later non-E36 version, it has all the electronics inside it so just a momentary press and the sunshade goes up, another momentary press and it goes down, it is very cool to watch it in action how fast it opens and/or closes...

Do you know if the E36 shade button is momentary? I thought it would be, just a different side to press for open/close.

Was the blind a straight fit? Like exactly the same as the manual one, but with a small electric motor?

And since you have the E38/E39 hands-free mic fitted in the roof panel, you should retrofit SES (voice control) to the phone. That would be sweet. Although I guess you aren't using the factory phone as it doesn't work in the USA.

[M3C]

Did not test the E36 sunblinfd button so not sure if momentary or not.
Sunblind is not a straight fit, it requires some mods under the rear parcel shelf and lots of measuring for cut-out position and size so the blind fits tight and without causing any rattling or such things.
No factory phone, it is too old, takes too much space so no need to go that way, there is voice recognition via iphone 4s once I get in the car.



-Special design rear overhead cover panel

[MParallel]

Nice one. Home made console?

[M3C]

-Special design rear footwell lights

[SmokedBMW23]

Where did you source the lamps for the rear foorwell?

Is that a e39 dome light?

[M3C]

Lamps are sourced from BMW dealer.
Front & back domelights are from E39 M5 with some added features like lighted buttons.

-Special design center console tray & cup holder mats
-Bluetooth hands free phone operation & control
-Voice recognition functions via iphone 4s
-Center console ipod/iphone dock connector
-Special design iphone center console removable holder

[M3C]

-BMW USB & Aux-In center console ports - iluminated
-USB iphone/ipod charger
-Wireless MP3 audio streaming

[SmokedBMW23]

Sorry I meant what car were the foot well light off of or meant for I suppose? they look great,

I'm also working on that same dome lamp to retro fit it into my e36.

I'm interested to how you wired the aux and usb input? I've seen it done before in a different location I think it was by the cigarette lighter but I'm unsure of what if would take to actually function.

[M3C]

BMW did rear footwell lights only in some 7 series privileged models, that is what mine are.
Regarding USB Aux-In the one shown in picture(s) is wired to a central sound system box module. Simple way would be to plug the BMW iphone/ipod USB charger to a cig. lighter, can be ordered from dealer.


-BMW USB audio port glovebox mounted - illuminated
-BMW M USB 8 GB flash drive w/carbon fibre inserts

[SmokedBMW23]

Ahh thanks for the insight, I'm off to find part numbers!

[MParallel]

...
Regarding USB Aux-In the one shown in picture(s) is wired to a central sound system box module....

Is that a BMW box? I have seen the USB/AUX sockets on these, but these have connectors that don't fit anything E36 like stuff. I don't know if these are "DIN" connectors that work on all/most aftermarket stuff or that you just pull the connector and wiring them up yourself.

[M3C]

Need to thank all for compliments, particularly the ones that got later on this thread.


The box is not BMW, all these additions are combined from different sources and modified to fit with my BMW Traffic Pro unit and harman kardon speakers-amplifier.
There are few versions of these BMW USB/Aux sockets, some also have internal electronic boards made to be compatible only with BMW specific systems and this makes them more complicated to use but modifying was a must in order to make it work with my system.
One thing that is not available yet even in newest BMW models is that they come with USB/Aux-In sockets but they are not iluminated so I also made them iluminated as you can see in pictures, a pain and very time consuming.
The rear connectors...they are some kind of FAKRA type plugs most of them with 4 pins.
So pretty much nothing here as plug and play for E36 but all modified.



-Special design mount w/warning triangle
-BMW first aid kit
-Retractable trunk bag holders

[M3C]

-Special design VDO Gauges for:
> engine oil pressure
> engine water temp
> oil temp (engine oil temp, tranny oil temp, differential oil temp)
-Special design oil temp rotary switch
-Special design visual & audio warning for:
> low engine oil pressure
> high engine water temp
> high engine oil temp

[ColdshotM3]

whats the second picture of? it looks like a headlight switch? you've got some serious skills and all the parts you've added are really cool, i wish you were in canada id pay you to do some of these things to my car...can i be first in line when you decide to sell it lol

[M3C]

whats the second picture of? it looks like a headlight switch? you've got some serious skills and all the parts you've added are really cool, i wish you were in canada id pay you to do some of these things to my car...can i be first in line when you decide to sell it lol

As described, it is: -Special design oil temp rotary switch
Yes, it is BMW euro headlight switch (3 positions), the way it works is by looking at oil temp gauge I can monitor the engine or tranny or diff oil temp by selecting one of 3 positions on the switch.

I would say there is no price I can think of, really....when I think how many hours of designing, precision work etc are invested in all this.
All that extra wiring and soldering wire, so many parts....

[k1ttycatpoop]

NOSE TO NOSE

[M3C]

-Special design illuminated control buttons on side panels and seats
-Special design Interior buttons w/matching LED illumination

[adamnur]

I love that interior light cover, which one is it?

[M3C]

I love that interior light cover, which one is it?

It is from E39 M5.

-Special design interior ambient lighting

[HELLROT e36M3]

Very nice. Bought from EAS? Great car.

[FastFreddie]

Very cool, lots of nice appointments in there. You've basically turned BMW's entry level 3 series into a 5/7 series in terms of convenience features. Everything does look stock except for the fact that in some ways it feels (borderline) busy - just my opinion. There must be three times as many buttons and switches as came on the car at this point. Even to veteran e36 owners this setup could feel a little intimidating.

I agree that the newer cars seem "fat", and there is a ton of life left in these older e36's, especially if you have the time/patience/intelligence/skill to "upgrade" them. Sadly, most people don't really have a means or mentality to do so with their cars, and they become very dated as technology marches on, and therefore they become disposable. Which is sad because many of them run so well for so long. With only 68K on the clock your baby is still in its infancy. I'm up to 200K and going strong.

Your car is up there with Ron Stygar's e36 and John Firestone's in terms of upgrades. I wish you would get in touch with them, they'd really love to see what you've done. Also, your ride deserves a website with some higher res pictures and more detailed description of your work. I think a magazine could do a whole article just on your car.