Ahmedsinc

Fairly distinctive, the pre-cat models here just used a single chamber muffler unit Where the later ones (like mine - '94 jap import) had these bloody horrible things messing with the flow (especially when they're 20 years old and have 180km of gunge inside) Unless you got really lucky and had the full supersprint system fitted which IIRC came with the cats deleted. But being a '91, and if it was NZ new it probably never had them to begin with Please correct me if I've got this all horribly wrong

When it does start rusting out I call dibs on those headers!!

Mmmmmm, Schrick (drool) That would be a hell of a lot of fun. I'd almost be obliged to give that S50B32 crank on Tardme a new home too. Although I gotta admit, the dollars spent on stroking the B25 would be nearly the same as the LSx swap. Which will ultimately yield a $hitload more torque & hp. And satisfy the bogan within Too many options!!!!

Lol, I bet! With the exception of those wheels (damn right I'm envious!) I like the fact you've kept everything subtle. Any plans on upgrading the turbo?

Oooh, now you're making me jealous!! Now that I think about it, weren't all the pre '92 NZ new cars delivered without catalytic convertors? Something to do with the leaded petrol phaseout here? Mate of mine has a '94 540i NZ new, build sheet plus a quick look underneath confirms cat deletion & LSD from factory. Could be worth a visit to a clutch specialist?

Damn, got my hopes up on the Alpina front bumper til I re-read it's an E39 item Whats the interior trim on the E36? Cloth or leather?

I recall talking to a guy not so long ago who told me the E34 540i held the fastest production car record in NZ for quite some time. Apparently the only modifications allowed were removal of the govenor, rear seat & spare tyre, and a set of high speed tyres fitted. No idea of whether said claim is genuine, but it made for a good story nonetheless

I went through the same debate when converting mine to manual, in the end I just couldn't justify the extra cost in going to a lighter flywheel when the car will be lucky to hit the track maybe twice in its lifetime. Only real difference I've heard about is with the lower rotational mass the revs do tend to drop a little quicker between gear changes. Worthwhile if you're uprating to a stronger clutch but otherwise marginal IMO Edit: Headers, de-cat and perhaps a less restrictive backbox will most likely give the best results for around the 2-ish k mark

Well, for a 20 year old car designed to last 5 mine is still holding up pretty well. As is Corys, by the looks of it. Yes, there are a number of inherent weaknesses on the car, but given the alternatives there are far worse cars to be driving on a daily basis

Om nom nom!! What has this cot you so far, out of interest?

"Perky" ?!?!?!?! Those are some nice figures for a daily!

Still, lot of car for $6500. 2k cheaper & I'd buy it just for the engine! There MUST be a legal way to fit E39 M-sport seats to an E36! But I digress..........

5k max between oil & filter changes. To hell with the manufacturers recommendation! If it's done 360k already, with a little preventative maintenance (as Graham seems to be doing) I reckon this little guy will soon be threatening Brents 520k on his E28 Plus at nearly 55000 ks per year we won't have to wait too long to find out!

The Matchbox E30 is a nice touch Had no idea BBS did aero kits too. Is this just an E30 thing or did they do kits for later models as well? Wil be following this one with interest

Brake pad and fluid upgrade, maybe step up to some higher grade rotors like Brembo. Short of E36 M3 brakes or E46 330i there's not a lot we can do without going to aftermarket kit. Plus by the time it's all certified ya might as well have just gone out & bought an M3. If you do want to change to 18s gimme a holler, I've been wanting a set of RCs for ages Welcome aboard!

I can save you the hassle of calling them ^^^^^^^ Bloody thieves

Is the distance between the E36 front strut towers the same as the E46?

Any good clutch place should have them in stock. If you get stuck give sterling brake & clutch a call. In Auckland but bloody good guys, charged me six bucks for mine

Last I spoke with Gavin he said he didn't deal in driveline parts. Should probably email him to double check

Anyone know where to get a full new set of shifter bushes for an E36 locally? Have looked at Pelican but would rather get them here if I can. ta

^^^^^ This!! Can I help? Looks like fun!

Sorry, Ray of HellBM, one of the forum sponsors. FWIW, I'm not sure the effort and expense involved in modifying M3 items would justify the results on your wee touring. Or at least not without transplanting the full M3 rear subframe. And suspension. By the looks of that list, an early M-sport front bar matched to a rear bar from a 'vert seems to be the best option. Though I'd be wondering if the thicker rear bar would start altering the susp geometry? Brent will most likely shed light on that one better than I ever could I have noticed a set of Bilstein shocks & springs on Tardme http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/car-parts-accessories/bmw/suspension/auction-662035703.htm although the front struts & springs appear to be height adjustable, which will require certification ($700 IIRC), Could be worth investigating to see if the shocks can legally be locked in a non-adjustable fashion. +1 on getting your trans sorted. The best suspension setup in the world is useless if the car can't be driven

Given the wider track of the 5ers I'd say probably not. A quick browse thru RealOEM tells me your front sway bar is currently 22.5mm, 330i M-sport has 24mm.320d rear bar 15mm, 330i M-sport rear bar 19mm. Speak to Brent or Ray, I'm sure they'd have some rattling around in their cavernous parts stores

Do a bit of research on swaybar sizes through the E46 range. You'll probably find there are thicker diameter items from higher specced models that you'll be able to pick up for far cheaper than aftermarket items

Dealer looks suspect to me