Ahmedsinc

Look up HellBM or BrentHartge535, they're the resident used parts gurus. JKSE could help too, he's in Wgtn

If your mechanic is quoting for a brand new xmember it will probably have to come from Europe. But between the parts guys on here (look under forum sponsors) I'm sure they'll be able to sort you out for a complete trans. Whereabouts are you? Will make it easier for those that can help if we know where ya are

Ta!

Any chance you could knock out a template for the Millennium Falcon? I can't draw for sh*t

Excellent news!

He's not the only one Steve Will be keeping a close eye on your Fartbook page, both the E36 & E34 have given me plenty to think about

Just a thought re manual conversion - have you looked in to having an adaptor plate made to accommodate a gearbox other than the factory 6er Getrag? My understanding (though correct me if I'm wrong here) is the ZF 328i / M3 boxes are rated to handle 500hp and a fair measure of torques. It would still mean a modified prop shaft and linkages plus needing to space out the flywheel from the crank to allow the clutch to mate with the input shaft but it's all possible with a little fabrication. Possibly at a lower cost than trying to find an M5 trans too. Would still have to find a new fly & clutch but I'm assuming you'd be using new parts there regardless. Just a thought

Looks like some quality fab work there, you must be pleased with the results Likey likey

Yes

Yawn

Best laugh of the day

Wasn't the point of selling your other car to reduce your debt burden or something? IMO spend the money on ensuring your motor is bulletproof. What situation would you find yourself in if the M60, say, runs a big end bearing or something else of a catastrophic nature? As I'm learning the hard way, just because it seems like a good deal doesn't always mean it's a good idea. Just my two cents. Plus I'll be positively green with envy if you do get it!

Have you undertaken any pre-trade training? Coming from a trades background, having someone show up and claim they're keen is no longer enough to warrant a job offer. Or go through the army and do a diesel apprenticeship with them. And pray a war doesn't break out

Ouch!! Hope it turns out well for you, I suspect there will have been some fairly hefty bills involved given the brands of parts and the motor involved I accept that occasionally parts fail ex-manufacturer, but surely the incidence of such an event must be so rare as to be negligible?

Good on ya, keep us posted on how you get on I still have that Estwing if you'd like to pop by and borrow it. Nice and shiny too. I'm nice and close to their premises so it's not far out of your way

Why is it that none of the really cool OEM stuff rarely works with E36s? Poo! GLWS

Their shop is only 2 blocks from my place. Have been in twice asking for prices after not responding to email queries, both times was treated like something stuck to the fur of their dogs arse. Only went in the 2nd time out of desperation. Never again. Avoid! OP, pop round there with a nice 32oz Estwing and tell them it's your proof of purchase so you can claim your refund

Now you're just being greedy! You've already got one!

Koni or Bilstein if the budget allows, otherwise I'd just run with OEM. Never really been too keen on Monroes, they don't seem to last like factory / euro parts. Been meaning to ask how the M is coming along

Win

Best bet would be Gavin @ Euro-Italian. Got mine from him for bugger all. Or Milland, but they often won't ship gaskets due to chances of damage en route

I was of the understanding that genuine Alpinas had in-house developed engines? Or did they offer cosmetics only options a la AC Schnitzer too?

+1! There's something oddly satisfying about seeing an E36 coupe banging through a corner sideways with gravel tyres on Is that your little fella co-driving?

Hmmmmmmm

Always thought I wanted to work for you Ray, til I realized I'd be giving you back all my wages cause I'd keep buying all the cool sh*t that cam in the doors! Looking forward to the build thread