And yet I still haven't fitted the M3 suspension, ha.
Jai's S50B32 swap thread... MOT Passed!!!!!!
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march109
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Took your precious time havent you?
And yet I still haven't fitted the M3 suspension, ha.
And yet I still haven't fitted the M3 suspension, ha.
325i Tech 1 Touring, breaking.
2.5 high comp. M20, 3.64 LSD, Fully undersealed, Spax springs & Bilstein shocks, s/s exhaust, Alpina rep wheels and more.
2.5 high comp. M20, 3.64 LSD, Fully undersealed, Spax springs & Bilstein shocks, s/s exhaust, Alpina rep wheels and more.
You brave (or is that stupid!?!) man.jaistanley wrote:OK so I'm bored at work and I've just written a draft of the tech specs of the car.
I started to list mine up but stopped about 2/3 through
When you sit down and add it up, it does turn into quite a long list all right
I cant make it there, I cant have the Friday offJon_Bmw wrote:
The perfect shakedown:
http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... 74&start=0
?![]()
Would be good to see a couple of s50s there...
I would love to give the S50 a run to see what its really like.
James
'91 325i Sport
'93 318i touring 16v
'91 325i Sport
'93 318i touring 16v
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jaistanley
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Right, the MOT is booked for 12:00 on Friday.. Wish me luck.
Anyone wants to come and see it pass/fail and is around the Witham area at that time PM me.. LOL
Sorted the K&N filter I want to get (just need to order it).. The same as Dan's. We know they make good power (Dan's did) and we know it fits (tried it in there). K&N do the same one with a carbon fibre end (cos I'm a tart) or a X_stream version which is the same but with some more filter element at the end (which probably would be the best bet for getting air from behind the headlight straight in). I might get a stainless heat shield laser cut here at work later on, just for another little project
All in good time boy, walk before you can run!
Jai
Anyone wants to come and see it pass/fail and is around the Witham area at that time PM me.. LOL
Sorted the K&N filter I want to get (just need to order it).. The same as Dan's. We know they make good power (Dan's did) and we know it fits (tried it in there). K&N do the same one with a carbon fibre end (cos I'm a tart) or a X_stream version which is the same but with some more filter element at the end (which probably would be the best bet for getting air from behind the headlight straight in). I might get a stainless heat shield laser cut here at work later on, just for another little project
Jai

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jaistanley
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Passed!!

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RoadHazard
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I just revisited this thread and found this bad news. I was somehow convinced the stock M3 rear section would fit so I got one. That was very hard to find. But in my area finding an aftermarket one is even harder.ian332isport wrote:I think the factory one is, but a lot of aftermarket ones are smaller, and will go in. You need to make up some custom hangers though.DanThe wrote:I thought the E36 M3 rear box was too big?
Ian.
I have one as well and have been told that it can be made to fit from somebody who has actually one on his car. But he didn't tell me what is involved. From looking at the huge (and HEAVY) thing I guess the cutting disk has to come out and the TIG welder.RoadHazard wrote:I just revisited this thread and found this bad news. I was somehow convinced the stock M3 rear section would fit so I got one. That was very hard to find. But in my area finding an aftermarket one is even harder.ian332isport wrote:I think the factory one is, but a lot of aftermarket ones are smaller, and will go in. You need to make up some custom hangers though.DanThe wrote:I thought the E36 M3 rear box was too big?
Ian.
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RoadHazard
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To use them with the car or with the rear box?UweM3 wrote:From looking at the huge (and HEAVY) thing I guess the cutting disk has to come out and the TIG welder.
The supersprint back box fits the standard hangers. I have a supersprint e36 system fitted to my car fitted to the e36 manifold so it is all e36. The only issue may be the rear valance as i had a 316/318 rear panel which I modified to fit the twin pipes.
A bit late I know but just sat and read it all.
How is it now your used to it?
Do I remember you fooked your Tyres due to tracking being miles out?
It's the exact conversion I would do if money allowed.
Them wheels look the business.
How is it now your used to it?
Do I remember you fooked your Tyres due to tracking being miles out?
It's the exact conversion I would do if money allowed.
Them wheels look the business.

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jaistanley
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Cheers Dezzy,
The car is absolutely fantastic... The way the engine delivers the power is awesome. The torque curve is so linear that you can drive it around sensibly (all be it quicker than most) without it catching you out at all. When you want it the power is there, just further up the rev range. The light-weight flywheel has to be the best part about it. Changes the engine dynamic from a big six pot to a revvy and responsive 4 pot feel, but with proper torque. You can double de-clutch and heel and toe so easily.
The exhaust turns more than a few heads and I get double takes everywhere I go.. It is really quiet at idle but as you make progress sounds sporty and a bit loud. When you're at 7500 rpm it genuinely sounds like a massive motorbike.
I don't like the fuel consumption. At all. Oh well, it's 3.2 and should have over 300 brake so what do you expect?
The alignment was way out when I started driving it (and still is at the rear - no camber) but is getting better as I fettle it. The front end grip now I have set the camber and toe is awesome, and it turns in on a six-pence. It rides smooth and comfortably but has the Bilsteins so is firm and responsive.. I love it. I thought the 215/40 profiles would be harsh but it's more than acceptable. I did shag a set of front tyres by having WAY too muchh toe in, and just putting up with it because I needed to use the cr and it was cold. Stupid mistake - oh well, sorted now.
Bad points: The power steering has died completely. Both seals on the rack jet out fluid so it uses litres fluid on even short journeys. This has caked the underside in old oil which I now have to attack with de-greaser, I have a reconditioned Z3 rack to go on this weekend so it'll all get done.. It's also too reliable (!) so till now haven't had a chance to get it off the road and play with a few bits. It's getting a service this weekend along with the rack being fitted.
I absolutely LOVE my car. Retro looks. Not much on the road is faster and I get that 'I made this' feeling when I drive it..
I need to do a few bits to the exterior and interior now. I have a set of rear headrests, and a bad ass stereo to install. I also want to replace the front valance with an air-con one, a front wing because of a small dent and get SE skirts and an MTech 1 spoiler.
I've also done the VERY bad thing of letting road salt eat the wheels for lunch...
I have a set of staggered wheels the same (8.5j and 7.5j) and am contemplating having them powder coated anthricite in the centres, silver on the outers and getting stainless bolts so the wheels are more durable. The laquer on top of polished ally is a bad idea. I also wouldn't mind a set of M3 4 door evo sunflowers in dark metallic grey. Think I'll kill some tyres before I do anything about that..
Oh, and I STILL haven't fitted a 6 pot coding plug so my rev counter is a mental...
Jai
The car is absolutely fantastic... The way the engine delivers the power is awesome. The torque curve is so linear that you can drive it around sensibly (all be it quicker than most) without it catching you out at all. When you want it the power is there, just further up the rev range. The light-weight flywheel has to be the best part about it. Changes the engine dynamic from a big six pot to a revvy and responsive 4 pot feel, but with proper torque. You can double de-clutch and heel and toe so easily.
The exhaust turns more than a few heads and I get double takes everywhere I go.. It is really quiet at idle but as you make progress sounds sporty and a bit loud. When you're at 7500 rpm it genuinely sounds like a massive motorbike.
I don't like the fuel consumption. At all. Oh well, it's 3.2 and should have over 300 brake so what do you expect?
The alignment was way out when I started driving it (and still is at the rear - no camber) but is getting better as I fettle it. The front end grip now I have set the camber and toe is awesome, and it turns in on a six-pence. It rides smooth and comfortably but has the Bilsteins so is firm and responsive.. I love it. I thought the 215/40 profiles would be harsh but it's more than acceptable. I did shag a set of front tyres by having WAY too muchh toe in, and just putting up with it because I needed to use the cr and it was cold. Stupid mistake - oh well, sorted now.
Bad points: The power steering has died completely. Both seals on the rack jet out fluid so it uses litres fluid on even short journeys. This has caked the underside in old oil which I now have to attack with de-greaser, I have a reconditioned Z3 rack to go on this weekend so it'll all get done.. It's also too reliable (!) so till now haven't had a chance to get it off the road and play with a few bits. It's getting a service this weekend along with the rack being fitted.
I absolutely LOVE my car. Retro looks. Not much on the road is faster and I get that 'I made this' feeling when I drive it..
I need to do a few bits to the exterior and interior now. I have a set of rear headrests, and a bad ass stereo to install. I also want to replace the front valance with an air-con one, a front wing because of a small dent and get SE skirts and an MTech 1 spoiler.
I've also done the VERY bad thing of letting road salt eat the wheels for lunch...
I have a set of staggered wheels the same (8.5j and 7.5j) and am contemplating having them powder coated anthricite in the centres, silver on the outers and getting stainless bolts so the wheels are more durable. The laquer on top of polished ally is a bad idea. I also wouldn't mind a set of M3 4 door evo sunflowers in dark metallic grey. Think I'll kill some tyres before I do anything about that..
Oh, and I STILL haven't fitted a 6 pot coding plug so my rev counter is a mental...
Jai

Nice mate i love the effort and quality of your car.
What is the rack that is on it? I have a Z3 rack to fit to my chroie project once i get the dreaded M10 out.
What is the rack that is on it? I have a Z3 rack to fit to my chroie project once i get the dreaded M10 out.

Co Founder of CR24vTM By Invitation Only. Absolutely no riff raff!!!
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jaistanley
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I went and got it aligned last week...
For those doubting the E36/E30/M3 setup I have at the front I was MORE than pleased with the results.
I now have 1.5 deg of camber each side, 9.5 deg castor and the factory 11 minutes of positive toe.
The rear is set to 29 minutes of total toe and 0.75 deg of camber on each side.. This is due to a cock up I made taking too much off the baseline camber. For the road set up I have it's awesome, but later on I'll re-do the beam so I can do track-days etc. Ideally I'd be looking for about 1.5 deg on the rear for a track biased set up and about 2 deg on the front. My car has never been track biased at all so I might do a track-day shakedown in road spec to see how it performs..
Otherwise, the alignment has TOTALLY transformed the car. It drives straight as a die, the steering is fast and weighty without being stiff or twitchy, it inspires confidence where before it was all a bit brown trousers.
The Z3 rack is AWESOME. Also, even with the limiting tabs, I can get full lock wither way. I was concerned that the Z3 rack would reduce this but it seems with the 215/40/17's they're necessary..
I'm so happy with the mechanicals I've been looking at getting the few dinks ironed out, an Mtech 1 spoiler and SE side skirts fitted. Then an M3 re-shell/M3 replica using OEM parts. Expensive but it continues the project and gives me something to spunk money at again...
Regards,
Jai
For those doubting the E36/E30/M3 setup I have at the front I was MORE than pleased with the results.
I now have 1.5 deg of camber each side, 9.5 deg castor and the factory 11 minutes of positive toe.
The rear is set to 29 minutes of total toe and 0.75 deg of camber on each side.. This is due to a cock up I made taking too much off the baseline camber. For the road set up I have it's awesome, but later on I'll re-do the beam so I can do track-days etc. Ideally I'd be looking for about 1.5 deg on the rear for a track biased set up and about 2 deg on the front. My car has never been track biased at all so I might do a track-day shakedown in road spec to see how it performs..
Otherwise, the alignment has TOTALLY transformed the car. It drives straight as a die, the steering is fast and weighty without being stiff or twitchy, it inspires confidence where before it was all a bit brown trousers.
The Z3 rack is AWESOME. Also, even with the limiting tabs, I can get full lock wither way. I was concerned that the Z3 rack would reduce this but it seems with the 215/40/17's they're necessary..
I'm so happy with the mechanicals I've been looking at getting the few dinks ironed out, an Mtech 1 spoiler and SE side skirts fitted. Then an M3 re-shell/M3 replica using OEM parts. Expensive but it continues the project and gives me something to spunk money at again...
Regards,
Jai

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jaistanley
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LOL
That's not the reason.. Though I dont like the idea of the floppy haired git having a much nicer looking car than me....
I do like the idea of a RHD M3 a like p'ing the purists off...
That's not the reason.. Though I dont like the idea of the floppy haired git having a much nicer looking car than me....
I do like the idea of a RHD M3 a like p'ing the purists off...

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jaistanley
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I could deal with LHD, seeing as I'm a far better driver than yourself mongchops.. I just don't see the point. I live in the UK, I might want to frequent a car park or a drive through (though I dont think I have once in my life) and I like RHD thanks.
Priced up the panels from BMW last night.... No, it's not cheap. But it's not prohibitively expensive either. What I really need now is a non sunroof chromie shell in fairly good condition and a place with a garage.... Oh and a higher income and less hours.
Not much then.
Priced up the panels from BMW last night.... No, it's not cheap. But it's not prohibitively expensive either. What I really need now is a non sunroof chromie shell in fairly good condition and a place with a garage.... Oh and a higher income and less hours.
Not much then.

You have no problem with drivethough'sas your boyfriend is always in the car with you.Jhonno wrote:If you can't deal with LHD you are a gay who spends too much time at drive throughs..

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- rob_skater
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Awesome thread mate, ive just read the whole thing in a 1 cupper session!
I really really cant wait to get something like this of my own started.
But if you ever ever decide to sell up i am pretty sure i will have it off you for the right price ;)
I really really cant wait to get something like this of my own started.
But if you ever ever decide to sell up i am pretty sure i will have it off you for the right price ;)
you need to think more outside of the box, REVERSE in the car parkjaistanley wrote:I could deal with LHD, seeing as I'm a far better driver than yourself mongchops.. I just don't see the point. I live in the UK, I might want to frequent a car park or a drive through (though I dont think I have once in my life) and I like RHD thanks.![]()
and drive through.....
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jaistanley
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It's still fine..
The power steering is all good now I've fitted the Z3 recon rack.
Had a top hose blow on the motorway after being in traffic for a couple of hours, getting annoyed and gunning it away. My fault.. The top hose was a bit old looking but I recycled it anyway. A new one is cheap but the repair tape the break-doen guy used is still holding on! Work made me get a company car so it sees less miles these days. Next on my list of things to do is a full brake re-build with raod spec stuff.. The car is too light to get the heat into the performance friction pads on the road so most of the time they aren't as good as they could be. The disks will need replacing too (the ones I had were used and only a stop gap) and I might see if I can fit a slightly larger servo in there as I'm now used to driving a pathetic Astra SXi with 'breathe on me and I'll put you through the windscreen' pedal effort. Don't want that in the beemer but a bit more assistance would be nice.
After that I think I'll actually spend a bit of time and money making it look nice. I was going to go all out building an M3 replica shell but the house I was going to rent with a nice big garage can't be had now. Saving money by living in Hotels for work and sleeping at the girlfriend's house at the weekends! Lame.
'Teething Issues'...
Compared to your efforts, mine's been good as gold...
Cheers
Jai
The power steering is all good now I've fitted the Z3 recon rack.
Had a top hose blow on the motorway after being in traffic for a couple of hours, getting annoyed and gunning it away. My fault.. The top hose was a bit old looking but I recycled it anyway. A new one is cheap but the repair tape the break-doen guy used is still holding on! Work made me get a company car so it sees less miles these days. Next on my list of things to do is a full brake re-build with raod spec stuff.. The car is too light to get the heat into the performance friction pads on the road so most of the time they aren't as good as they could be. The disks will need replacing too (the ones I had were used and only a stop gap) and I might see if I can fit a slightly larger servo in there as I'm now used to driving a pathetic Astra SXi with 'breathe on me and I'll put you through the windscreen' pedal effort. Don't want that in the beemer but a bit more assistance would be nice.
After that I think I'll actually spend a bit of time and money making it look nice. I was going to go all out building an M3 replica shell but the house I was going to rent with a nice big garage can't be had now. Saving money by living in Hotels for work and sleeping at the girlfriend's house at the weekends! Lame.
'Teething Issues'...
Cheers
Jai

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jaistanley
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Oh, and I got two pipes made at work by measuring the rubbish efforts I made out of bits and bobs and having them CNC bent, sized and punched. Might get under it at the weekend and replace them. Should flow nicely (uninterupted pipes with nice smooth mandrel bends rather than my efforts of chopping up sections and welding them together).
Jai
Jai

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jaistanley
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Drive it to work every day... (first time on the zone in ages)
Unfortunately that means it is need of a damn good tidy up. I need a passenger wing due to a parking 'error' and I let the wheels get salty and go minging. Shame really because it is so mechanically sound but looks a bit sorry for itself. I think the summer will make me get it all looking good again.
I'm thinking: New wing, new front panel and paint where they need them; powder coat on the wheels; SE side skirts and MTech 1 rear spoiler. Trouble is my missus has become a little hitler with spending since I promised to buy her a ring. Lame.
Why do you ask crossie?
Jai
Unfortunately that means it is need of a damn good tidy up. I need a passenger wing due to a parking 'error' and I let the wheels get salty and go minging. Shame really because it is so mechanically sound but looks a bit sorry for itself. I think the summer will make me get it all looking good again.
I'm thinking: New wing, new front panel and paint where they need them; powder coat on the wheels; SE side skirts and MTech 1 rear spoiler. Trouble is my missus has become a little hitler with spending since I promised to buy her a ring. Lame.
Why do you ask crossie?
Jai






