so what spec of touring would be a good S50b30 platform

Post Mon May 21, 2012 3:30 pm

Have an entire M3 to transplant so what should I look for as a e36 touring spec?

Presumably the M3 drivetrain will transfer over (engine+box+diff+struts)? Its has cream leather interior and is Avus blue although a full respray could be on the cards at some stage anyway.
Do the sideskirts fit a touring or can they be made to?

Post Mon May 21, 2012 4:39 pm

skirts should fit. There aren't many spec'd e36 wagons out there. 323 sport might be a good start? 328's came with quite good spec from new.

you won't be finding electric seats on them either.

Post Mon May 21, 2012 4:46 pm

Rust free with as many toys as possible, there are some 323 sports with the m kit (bumpers door strips etc) but you need saloon mirrors if you want to complete the look.

Also a car with the same age ews etc will make the swap easier. Yes all the drive train will swap over, in rad, exhuast etc.

Post Tue May 22, 2012 2:06 pm

Suppose the rustfree'er the better rule applies really. not that oufait with e36s (or e30s :p). Would need to be an M-kit one as the mouldings won't transfer over, didn't think of that

Mirrors I have.

the shed:

Post Tue May 22, 2012 3:01 pm

Why not fix the M3? A nice one is a lovely thing..

Post Tue May 22, 2012 4:29 pm

I dunno, it's a nice enough car but it would take a lot to get it very nice. Paintwork has had a blowover respray, rear arches are shot to bits as well as various other areas showing scabbyness.

I think part of the issue for me is the crazy insurance premiums on e36 M3s, over here there are only 2 underwriters that will even quote me (35yrs old, clean license, 12years NC, stored in locked compound, lowish risk area) Last years renewal was £900... which for something that will only do 2-3k per year tops was just stupid. Adding as a 2nd car was a non starter and it isn't old enough to qualify as a classic car. Whether a swapped e36 will be any easier to insure I don't know..

Also the zone voted for touring