Page 1 of 5 12345 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 109

Thread: Building my dream M3

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    60517
    Posts
    5,195
    My Cars
    94 325i, 95 M3, 1997 325

    Building my dream M3

    So I have owned a number of e36's in my life but they were always rusty and never how I really wanted them to look. Well years have passed and a buddy of mine messages me and says he has a 95 avus blue m3 rolling shell that he doesn't need. Needless to say I jumped at the chance. So on a wet night I rented a trailer and brought this beauty home
    IMG_3738_zpsgz0bn6hz by thedude60526, on Flickr

    So what to do. First my plan was to make a engine using a 328 engine I got for $200 with m3 internals and some hot cams.
    IMG_3666_zpsgjvf3jcn by thedude60526, on Flickr

    IMG_3666_zpsgjvf3jcn by thedude60526, on Flickr

    HQSH7114_zpsbesqnpdz by thedude60526, on Flickr

    Well that went south fast as after taking the block and head to the machine shop found out the motor had been badly overheated and both were shot. So went next route and picked up a s52 and OBD1 converted.

    IMG_4170 by thedude60526, on Flickr
    IMG_4192 by thedude60526, on Flickr

    Next picked up a Dove Grey interior to match the dash and carpet
    IMG_4387 by thedude60526, on Flickr

    IMG_4388 by thedude60526, on Flickr

    Picked up some used depo headlights and grills. Discovered the cars nose had been replaced with a facelift nose. Also found out the hood nose had been resprayed and not to the best quality but would deal with that later.

    IMG_4399 by thedude60526, on Flickr

    Finally got the car up and running and got some 18in bbs sr's
    IMG_5157 by thedude60526, on Flickr
    Washedit1 by thedude60526, on Flickr
    11/10's Racing
    94 325i #36/64 TEAM PENISTON OILS/ LARSENS BISCUITS

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    60517
    Posts
    5,195
    My Cars
    94 325i, 95 M3, 1997 325
    So now that the car was running I started slowly changing things over the last year really making it my dream M3.

    Went through a lot of wheel

    Washedit1 by thedude60526, on Flickr

    Loved these apex wheels but they were too side and would have required heavy flaring to fit decent rubber on
    New apex Wheels by thedude60526, on Flickr

    In the middle of this found some brembos off of a SRT Viper that had some adapter braket that let them fit non m spindles so swapped these on with e46 m3 rotors
    Updates by thedude60526, on Flickr

    About 5 months ago a lady backed into the car while I was grabbing some food. In the long run worked out great because the bodyshop hooked me up and resprayed the entire front end and also went back to a pre facelift nose and grills.
    More m3 pics by thedude60526, on Flickr

    Untitled by thedude60526, on Flickr

    also added some new headlights with yellow high beams

    More m3 pics by thedude60526, on Flickr

    - - - Updated - - -

    Next got my hands on some new KW V3's and ground control sway bars.

    More m3 pics by thedude60526, on Flickr

    More m3 pics by thedude60526, on Flickr

    Next was the interior I always wanted a modena interior and my buddy hooked me with his after turning his car into a full track car

    More m3 pics by thedude60526, on Flickr

    More m3 pics by thedude60526, on Flickr

    More m3 pics by thedude60526, on Flickr

    More m3 pics by thedude60526, on Flickr

    More m3 pics by thedude60526, on Flickr

    - - - Updated - - -

    Next was a big one. Picked up a rms stage one supercharger kit. Still getting the tune dialed in on this right now but man can't wait to get on this thing next spring

    More m3 pics by thedude60526, on Flickr

    More m3 pics by thedude60526, on Flickr

    More m3 pics by thedude60526, on Flickr

    More m3 pics by thedude60526, on Flickr

    More m3 pics by thedude60526, on Flickr

    - - - Updated - - -

    Couple other shots before she went to the shop for tuning and winter storage

    Untitled by thedude60526, on Flickr

    Untitled by thedude60526, on Flickr

    In its current form by thedude60526, on Flickr

    bmw by thedude60526, on Flickr
    Washedit1 by thedude60526, on Flickr
    11/10's Racing
    94 325i #36/64 TEAM PENISTON OILS/ LARSENS BISCUITS

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
    Location
    houston
    Posts
    183
    My Cars
    2017 F150, 97 M3
    You went through quite a few different stages! I am interested what you ending up dynoing after the tune?

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    60517
    Posts
    5,195
    My Cars
    94 325i, 95 M3, 1997 325
    Quote Originally Posted by DSTX17 View Post
    You went through quite a few different stages! I am interested what you ending up dynoing after the tune?
    Thanks man yeah it was one of those get the car together as fast as possible than make it into my dream car. Hopefully in the next week or so get it on the dyno. Its a polar vortex here right now so can't do to much. Will keep everyone updated.
    Washedit1 by thedude60526, on Flickr
    11/10's Racing
    94 325i #36/64 TEAM PENISTON OILS/ LARSENS BISCUITS

  5. #5
    Join Date
    May 2015
    Location
    U S A
    Posts
    1,079
    My Cars
    yay
    Holy smokes! Clean that engine bay.

    Great project man!
    CARS
    02.92 325is / 06.72 2002 / 02.91 XJ / 08.04 R53 JCW



  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    60517
    Posts
    5,195
    My Cars
    94 325i, 95 M3, 1997 325
    Quote Originally Posted by xxxxxxx View Post
    Holy smokes! Clean that engine bay.

    Great project man!
    Oh i know soon as the car is running right will be re doing all the wiring and cleaning everything up.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Washedit1 by thedude60526, on Flickr
    11/10's Racing
    94 325i #36/64 TEAM PENISTON OILS/ LARSENS BISCUITS

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Location
    Minsk, Belarus
    Posts
    19
    My Cars
    97' M3 3.2 Cabrio EUR
    If one day you want to sell this modena seats - please, write me.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    60517
    Posts
    5,195
    My Cars
    94 325i, 95 M3, 1997 325
    Quote Originally Posted by korrespondent View Post
    If one day you want to sell this modena seats - please, write me.

    Will do I doubt it but if I change my mind will let you know
    Washedit1 by thedude60526, on Flickr
    11/10's Racing
    94 325i #36/64 TEAM PENISTON OILS/ LARSENS BISCUITS

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    60517
    Posts
    5,195
    My Cars
    94 325i, 95 M3, 1997 325
    So got the car back and holy crap she’s quick. Sadly the weather is still crap here but at least she’s back home and can start adding on all my new goodies

    First time getting this car on the quick jacks. If you don’t have these get them they are fantastic. First job was swapping in street Polly revshift motor and transmission mounts. Needed to stabilize the motor with the supercharger and the trans with the chassis shifter.




    Next was the new oil cooler setup and oil change.


    Lastly was some fresh pads for the brembos. Love how easy it is to change pads


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Washedit1 by thedude60526, on Flickr
    11/10's Racing
    94 325i #36/64 TEAM PENISTON OILS/ LARSENS BISCUITS

  10. #10
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    Seattle
    Posts
    1,428
    My Cars
    E30 M3
    Coming along nicely man! Great combo!

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    60517
    Posts
    5,195
    My Cars
    94 325i, 95 M3, 1997 325
    Quote Originally Posted by JZMIII View Post
    Coming along nicely man! Great combo!
    Thanks yeah its getting there for sure
    Washedit1 by thedude60526, on Flickr
    11/10's Racing
    94 325i #36/64 TEAM PENISTON OILS/ LARSENS BISCUITS

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Location
    Seoul, phoenix, missoula
    Posts
    179
    My Cars
    galant vr4 S13
    Lookin good, can't wait to see her in action!

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    60517
    Posts
    5,195
    My Cars
    94 325i, 95 M3, 1997 325
    Quote Originally Posted by tunermt View Post
    Lookin good, can't wait to see her in action!
    Thanks man me too. Winter needs to finish up already.




    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Washedit1 by thedude60526, on Flickr
    11/10's Racing
    94 325i #36/64 TEAM PENISTON OILS/ LARSENS BISCUITS

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    60517
    Posts
    5,195
    My Cars
    94 325i, 95 M3, 1997 325
    Quote Originally Posted by MaryAlice View Post
    it's amazing, well done!!

    Thanks its getting there. Some decent upgrades still planned.
    Washedit1 by thedude60526, on Flickr
    11/10's Racing
    94 325i #36/64 TEAM PENISTON OILS/ LARSENS BISCUITS

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    60517
    Posts
    5,195
    My Cars
    94 325i, 95 M3, 1997 325


    Group by wheels finally came in. 17x9 et42 all around






    Next finally starting to clean up the wiring mess and engine bay. Wrapped the intake pipe and painted the charge pipe along with warping the maf wiring to start



    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Washedit1 by thedude60526, on Flickr
    11/10's Racing
    94 325i #36/64 TEAM PENISTON OILS/ LARSENS BISCUITS

  16. #16
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    60517
    Posts
    5,195
    My Cars
    94 325i, 95 M3, 1997 325





    Upgraded to the irp shifter and absolutely love it.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Washedit1 by thedude60526, on Flickr
    11/10's Racing
    94 325i #36/64 TEAM PENISTON OILS/ LARSENS BISCUITS

  17. #17
    Join Date
    Jul 2005
    Location
    Texas, USA
    Posts
    1,125
    My Cars
    99 MCoupe
    Shifter looks clean. Going to reverse doesn't look fun.
    I have oil in my blood; that is my dedication level to cars.

  18. #18
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    60517
    Posts
    5,195
    My Cars
    94 325i, 95 M3, 1997 325
    Quote Originally Posted by IanBMW View Post
    Shifter looks clean. Going to reverse doesn't look fun.
    Actually you get used to it really quick
    Washedit1 by thedude60526, on Flickr
    11/10's Racing
    94 325i #36/64 TEAM PENISTON OILS/ LARSENS BISCUITS

  19. #19
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    Bay Area / Long Beach
    Posts
    443
    My Cars
    E36 325i (sold)
    Love the color combo.

  20. #20
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    60517
    Posts
    5,195
    My Cars
    94 325i, 95 M3, 1997 325
    Quote Originally Posted by ShaunB View Post
    Love the color combo.

    Thanks man


    So its been a minute. Will have pics shortly but long story short supercharger is gone. Caused a lot of issues and I decided remove it and go cams and tune. So that will be happening this weekend. Will update more soon.
    Washedit1 by thedude60526, on Flickr
    11/10's Racing
    94 325i #36/64 TEAM PENISTON OILS/ LARSENS BISCUITS

  21. #21
    Join Date
    Jul 2015
    Location
    Clarkston Wa/Lewiston ID
    Posts
    173
    My Cars
    96 328i coupe
    I really want to go supercharger on mine, what kind of issues did you have with yours?
    Grimegang_cody on instagram if you want to follow my progress
    Quote Originally Posted by Timing View Post
    I heard you like fenders, yo. So I screwed some fenders on your fenders.

  22. #22
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    60517
    Posts
    5,195
    My Cars
    94 325i, 95 M3, 1997 325
    Quote Originally Posted by cody2130 View Post
    I really want to go supercharger on mine, what kind of issues did you have with yours?
    More or less tried to build a setup on a budget which just doesn't work. First it was tuning issue than it kept throwing belts. Would recommend that if you go supercharged go active or vf.

    - - - Updated - - -

    So new intake installed. Went with an enclosed injen setup

    Untitled by thedude60526, on Flickr


    Next was replacing the leaking terrible power steering lines with chase bays an fitting setup.

    New intake and power steering by thedude60526, on Flickr

    Untitled by thedude60526, on Flickr

    Untitled by thedude60526, on Flickr

    - - - Updated - - -

    Next up was getting some lost power back. Went with Schrick 276/270 cams and a restricted vanos all from Vac motorsports, 24lb injectors and a adjusted na trm tune.

    Cam upgrades by thedude60526, on Flickr

    Cam upgrades by thedude60526, on Flickr

    Cam upgrades by thedude60526, on Flickr
    Washedit1 by thedude60526, on Flickr
    11/10's Racing
    94 325i #36/64 TEAM PENISTON OILS/ LARSENS BISCUITS

  23. #23
    Join Date
    Aug 2005
    Location
    LI NY
    Posts
    10,267
    My Cars
    Turbo 99' M3
    Hey man - love the thread. I am recently getting back into my E36 and this thread gave me some motivation.

    Please let me know how you make out with the Chase Bays kit. I have a couple gripes with it myself. I have to re-do the "feed" hose as it leaks like crazy. I think I'll use a couple different fitting to make it work properly. The kit does not include the correct fitting or hose imo. Let me know how you make out.

  24. #24
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    60517
    Posts
    5,195
    My Cars
    94 325i, 95 M3, 1997 325
    Quote Originally Posted by jszy25 View Post
    Hey man - love the thread. I am recently getting back into my E36 and this thread gave me some motivation.

    Please let me know how you make out with the Chase Bays kit. I have a couple gripes with it myself. I have to re-do the "feed" hose as it leaks like crazy. I think I'll use a couple different fitting to make it work properly. The kit does not include the correct fitting or hose imo. Let me know how you make out.

    So far mine has been good. I have heard from a few people about that connection mine seemed to work alright. Glad I could help motivate you.
    Washedit1 by thedude60526, on Flickr
    11/10's Racing
    94 325i #36/64 TEAM PENISTON OILS/ LARSENS BISCUITS

  25. #25
    Join Date
    Aug 2003
    Location
    Charlotte, NC
    Posts
    2,065
    My Cars
    99’ M3
    Great thread, enjoying the build!

Page 1 of 5 12345 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. Build your dream E36 M3
    By sexy325 in forum 1992 - 1999 M3 (E36)
    Replies: 20
    Last Post: 01-02-2005, 05:03 AM
  2. Decoding build date on M3 struts...
    By Alpine003 in forum 1991 - 1999 (E36)
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 08-29-2003, 01:32 PM
  3. all motor build up. '95 M3
    By coolcar-LESS in forum 1992 - 1999 M3 (E36)
    Replies: 12
    Last Post: 12-13-2002, 11:47 PM
  4. any chance they'll build a E46 M3 4 door?
    By fast4d in forum General BMW and Automotive Discussion sponsored by Intercity Lines
    Replies: 29
    Last Post: 09-04-2002, 12:28 PM
  5. BMWUSA.com "Build your onw M3"
    By SAFROLE in forum 2001 - 2006 M3 (E46)
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 03-27-2001, 12:38 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •