I drove a e36 (320 AC schnitzer) cabrio, for a while. It was the worst car I ever had, but I loved it. The lines of a convertible e36 with a removable hardtop.... so classic! Even better than a coupe. Couple of tips/ideas. -Look into. AC schnitzer parts. AC parts are pretty much M-parts, but cheaper. -The BMW kidneys in the front grill also came in bolder/broader design. They look way better, and more modern (like E46)in my opinion. In chrome but also (even more so) in gloss black. They knock of years. Your buddy's have fitted them. -Tinting the (only inner, or all 4) inside headlight lenses yellow looks amazing. It was a (rare?)stock colour for French cars, and a popular upgrade here in Europe. You could also tint the foglights the same colour. It's an easy DIY and very cheap upgrade. Not everybodys cup of tea. - Have you heard of "vader" seats? They're a highly sought after option/upgrade. They look amazing. -a (stock) front lip really optically lowers the front. Without it (M) skirts look strange. -(M5 e60) 18" rims did, barely, fit my e36 (rolled arches) but couldn't stance it enough. Fronts would lock up/rub a whole lot! Destroying my tires (and wings a bit). -Please don't (like never) do angel eyes on a E36. In the Netherlands, were I live (close to Germany) E36's are becoming more valuable as well. Prices are still way less than you're talking about.
Man, time flies. I remember you from like 15 years ago back in the Bimmerworld days, Mike... or should I say SpasticDwarf! I, too, remember when angel eyes and LED crystal tails were all the rage on E36s and the accompanying flamewars from the purists who despised them. Good to see your channel growing! You deserve it
Hello from the Philippines. I too have an E36. It started as a 316i. Now it's a S52B32 supercharged sedan with all m3 parts in it. I have been following you in Bimmer forums years ago and just discovered this channel more than 10 years after. It has cost me more than maintaining our 993 carrera. I love the E36.
Apologies but I’m actually more excited to see this back on the road than the Ferrari! This E36 is just on point, even the tail lights work. Keep doing it how you want Mike & I’m really looking forward to seeing it driving 😎
I love the oversized 90s spoilers, I had to get one for my gt-four when I got it. Coincidentally they look pretty similar as well, low spoiler on top of blocks.
I bought an E36 M3 sedan for $800 in 2010 or so. Still regret getting rid of that one before we could make a project of it. The McMaster Carr App is surprisingly good on a tablet if you have not given it a shot. Having the book is always cool though.
@@stanceworks I do think there is also some value in the freedom of just flipping pages. Can be harder to get that experience within the application or on their website.
Really didn't think I could enjoy BMW content this much.... but... the E36 was the coolest car when I was in High School and would be one of the few Bavarians I would ever consider owning.
Absolutely great video! Trying out different looks is part of loving the car culture. We should never criticize people for daring to be different. They might be onto the next big thing. Great video. Thank you!!
Your LTW wing is OEM? SHEESH. You touched on how expensive those door seals are but that wing is damn near unobtanium! Love following along with this build. I'm living vicariously through you while my own E36's get neglected since it's -10 outside.
McMaster pro tip - they also have 3D card files for almost all their products. Nuts, bolts, just about everything. Perfect for your modeling exercises - that then give you a complete BOM
I'm currently going through this experiwncs with the 93 300zx 2+2. This is my affordable dream car as a kid and currently trying to get her running and driving. Yet, like your said before with these old cars, parts are showing there age and items like gaskets and whatnot need changing.
I’ll just say it - I’ve never seen anyone use the McMaster book. I’ve always just kept clicking options on their site until they find it for me. Being able to find anything in that book is impressive.
I remember when I used to think that E36 where not cool and E30 was the only way to go... Now I dream of a clean hardtop convertible E36! Your car is amazing.
I'd bet dry ice blasting would've remedied some if not all the faded plastics. And some heat to get them straight. Though of course this is a labour of love build, so I totally understand the direction with new parts. But I'd maybe keep the old ones as spares and get them in the best nick I could.
Ugh, Mike. I feel you. The 2002 is slowly coming back together and with every area there are little bits that need replacing. The worst is losing replacement parts I bought over the past several years and now trying to buy them AGAIN (new prices are nuts).
Damn, that's gonna look smart. Excited to see it altogether. Those smaller parts really do cost a LOT when they add up, and there's a lot of trim on an E36.
This really makes me miss my E36 that I had a couple years ago. Black on black 4 Door, 5 Speed, Slick Top 328i. Bought it off a Dad and Son who raced spec miata and it was their weekend toy, Dinan ECU Chip, M3 diff, KW coil over. Super clean and fun car but i sold it before the Vanos needed to be done. The second bummer is the kid who bought it off me had it for a week before it was stolen and totaled. I'll get another some day but for now I'll just stare at my broken rotary.
I really appreciate the project. It will be your dream come true again. I am the second owner of 1997 328i Grey since 2000 and I am pampering it still. The European configuration is different. Instead of the sunroof we had the M suspension and M tuned B52 engine with M differential. The cost of ownership is also surreal. The car is listed in classic BMW section for parts. But it is worrhed
Restoring an E36 is honestly one of the most masochistic tasks someone can take on. I'm doing it too, and I have far less hope than you so kudos to you haha. Hopefully you'll inspire some more progress in me
I installed led's on my e46j years ago and they look clean and tight. Bonus Round: I've NEVER changed a burnt out lamp or been pulled over by da pooolice for a burned out taillight.
There are a few different styles of black door panels which are still available (new) for the e36 coupe. Just FYI in case you don’t find any clean used ones
Great looking E36, just restore it enough to get it going ..you don't realise how lucky you are the states, regarding parts availability and cost , down under , hard to find anything and everything expensive
Working on three projects simultaneously is fun on the bank account eh Mike? I don't hate the taillights at all tbh -- they look good and functional. People behind you WILL see you, guarantees.
before i watch: always do the pi method. if you think its going to cost $1000, multiply that by 3.14 (pi) if you think its gonna take 1 month, multiply that by 3.14 (pi) everything with cars is usually 3.14x the price, or amount of time you expect.
Man you damn right about this cars,they are getting insanely expensive even here in Europe. I have three of them and before they was like no interest to anyone,but in one moment everything flipped and the used market exploded of prices. The things that I threw away now cost hundreds… especially interior parts those are not just expensive ,sometimes you cannot find them at all,am talking about good condition ones.
I owned an e36 when I was in highschool and my early years of college... I sold it... It was my very first car and I loved it and I want it back! I don't make money though lol
Brotha I felt your pain as you were going over the cost of gaskets lol. Just this past year I’ve been restoring my e36m3, full paint job later and I think I’ve spent about 2k in just rubber/plastic trim 🥲 subscribed !!
Used enthusiast car prices are just insane these days regardless. When I bought my first RX7 it was $2000. And that's something I could afford in highschool. Now, that same car would be in the 10-20K range easily. And even in the last few years, I bought another RX7 for $8900 in 2016 and that same car has at least doubled in value. Times are crazy I tell you what.
I like the LED tail lights. But why did You close the fog light holes in the front skirt? I thought the more air from driving is led thru the front, the better. The bumper trim You probably could have restored with some liquid silicone as what You use for latex.
The 1995 lightweight is an amazing car, they only made 126 of them and they go for like $75-80k in good cond. I think the wing on it is iconic, second only to the batwing CSL in my opinion. Amazing you got one, it looks great.
@@BMWiE-lz3nu thanks for the enlightenment... But you are wrong to think you are correcting me. I was referring to the series of videos. Thank you lone keyboard warrior
Such a 🔥🔥 video. Doode I love your shop. And your videos are awesome I’m a beginner tig welder as well and starting a duramax build so I love watching your videos. Keep at it man👍.
You didn’t know it then but your one of the few lucky ones that got new couple door seals even if they were a grand just for the pair cuz you can’t get them anymore 😢
I love this build! And the detail that you putting into is amazing. The OEM parts from other unique M3 models and the interior is flawless. Did you consider a front splitter from a M3 e36 GT? Just a update about this car is a great way to start my morning routing.
I drove a e36 (320 AC schnitzer) cabrio, for a while.
It was the worst car I ever had, but I loved it. The lines of a convertible e36 with a removable hardtop.... so classic! Even better than a coupe.
Couple of tips/ideas.
-Look into. AC schnitzer parts. AC parts are pretty much M-parts, but cheaper.
-The BMW kidneys in the front grill also came in bolder/broader design. They look way better, and more modern (like E46)in my opinion. In chrome but also (even more so) in gloss black. They knock of years. Your buddy's have fitted them.
-Tinting the (only inner, or all 4) inside headlight lenses yellow looks amazing. It was a (rare?)stock colour for French cars, and a popular upgrade here in Europe. You could also tint the foglights the same colour.
It's an easy DIY and very cheap upgrade. Not everybodys cup of tea.
- Have you heard of "vader" seats? They're a highly sought after option/upgrade. They look amazing.
-a (stock) front lip really optically lowers the front. Without it (M) skirts look strange.
-(M5 e60) 18" rims did, barely, fit my e36 (rolled arches) but couldn't stance it enough. Fronts would lock up/rub a whole lot! Destroying my tires (and wings a bit).
-Please don't (like never) do angel eyes on a E36.
In the Netherlands, were I live (close to Germany) E36's are becoming more valuable as well. Prices are still way less than you're talking about.
Dude the e36 is looking so good and I love the led crystal tails also the wing is the best part imo
thought the same. the led tailights makes it look more modern at night and day. the wing is just MWAH!
Lemme guess...u guys are like 12
@@BMWiE-lz3nu lemme guess. Everything was better back in the day🙄 Oldhead😂
@@AlwaysEwok ur mom's box def was...that for sure 🐟🦠🦨
@@BMWiE-lz3nu nah 23. the tail lights looks clean on that car tho. if it was a normal trashed e36 like yours prolly is. i'd say get rid of em.
Man, time flies. I remember you from like 15 years ago back in the Bimmerworld days, Mike... or should I say SpasticDwarf! I, too, remember when angel eyes and LED crystal tails were all the rage on E36s and the accompanying flamewars from the purists who despised them. Good to see your channel growing! You deserve it
Hello from the Philippines. I too have an E36. It started as a 316i. Now it's a S52B32 supercharged sedan with all m3 parts in it. I have been following you in Bimmer forums years ago and just discovered this channel more than 10 years after. It has cost me more than maintaining our 993 carrera. I love the E36.
My 1995 hellrot M3 hasn't be driven or worked on in about 8 years now. Need a few parts and some love. Thanks for the motivation to get back on it!
Ahhh yes, the anticipation of having pieces of a project come together. One of my favorite parts of tuning. Great episode, Mike. Keep them coming.
Apologies but I’m actually more excited to see this back on the road than the Ferrari! This E36 is just on point, even the tail lights work.
Keep doing it how you want Mike & I’m really looking forward to seeing it driving 😎
Of course it's on point...he doesn't pay for shit. Literally anyone could do what he's done.
@@BMWiE-lz3nu and your point is??
My point isn't hard to understand...it's not hard to make a car perfect when everyone else is paying for it.
just ignore the creature. hes a halfnut xD
@@BMWiE-lz3nu jealous much?
I love the oversized 90s spoilers, I had to get one for my gt-four when I got it. Coincidentally they look pretty similar as well, low spoiler on top of blocks.
I bought an E36 M3 sedan for $800 in 2010 or so. Still regret getting rid of that one before we could make a project of it. The McMaster Carr App is surprisingly good on a tablet if you have not given it a shot. Having the book is always cool though.
I never actually use the book, but it’s fun to show!
@@stanceworks I do think there is also some value in the freedom of just flipping pages. Can be harder to get that experience within the application or on their website.
Really didn't think I could enjoy BMW content this much.... but... the E36 was the coolest car when I was in High School and would be one of the few Bavarians I would ever consider owning.
That fabric is so cool. Can't wait to see it.
I watch your channel for the GTB. I loath Beamers.... but, now I can't wait to see this car completed too. Damn you Mike.
I remember so much hate on the LTW Wing back in the days too. Cool to see many rocking them now.
Absolutely great video! Trying out different looks is part of loving the car culture. We should never criticize people for daring to be different. They might be onto the next big thing. Great video. Thank you!!
Exactly!
- "Respect the ride!" -
Your LTW wing is OEM? SHEESH. You touched on how expensive those door seals are but that wing is damn near unobtanium! Love following along with this build. I'm living vicariously through you while my own E36's get neglected since it's -10 outside.
Sorry - it’s not OEM. I didn’t realize I didn’t clarify while doing the voiceover.
@@stanceworks Which company did you get it through? MaShaw? I've been looking for a solid rep version and all I've found is cheap hollow ABS wings.
Correct. MaShaw.
McMaster pro tip - they also have 3D card files for almost all their products. Nuts, bolts, just about everything.
Perfect for your modeling exercises - that then give you a complete BOM
I love that wing
The clear tail lights looks really good with the body color and the wheels.
Agreed, the gasket/molding pieces are brutal and seems like only BMW makes currently. I've started to buy universal stuff, like the hood one.
Thanks Mike!
I'm currently going through this experiwncs with the 93 300zx 2+2. This is my affordable dream car as a kid and currently trying to get her running and driving. Yet, like your said before with these old cars, parts are showing there age and items like gaskets and whatnot need changing.
Love it! Your e36 is perfect! Always an inspiration for mine. I’m still holding onto mine
I’ll just say it - I’ve never seen anyone use the McMaster book. I’ve always just kept clicking options on their site until they find it for me. Being able to find anything in that book is impressive.
Amazing car Mike. You could always paint the door handles and trim with trim paint, it will look oem. Can't wait to see it finished
Best Modification & Fabrication Channel on TH-cam! Keep it up man and thank you.
I remember when I used to think that E36 where not cool and E30 was the only way to go... Now I dream of a clean hardtop convertible E36! Your car is amazing.
totally reminds me of doing this to a Vanagon Syncro Westfallia van.... so many small parts.
good luck. thanks for sharing.
E36 content just gets me excited to bring mine back out to clean it all up
Whatever it costs,it's totally worth it.
Keep the led's in the back. 💪💪💪
Love McMaster Carr. Bel-Metric is another great source for hardware, they carry lots of OE quality euro stuff.
I'd bet dry ice blasting would've remedied some if not all the faded plastics. And some heat to get them straight. Though of course this is a labour of love build, so I totally understand the direction with new parts. But I'd maybe keep the old ones as spares and get them in the best nick I could.
Loving these E36 videos, you & your friends have some beautiful cars
Love it! Glad you addressed the ambers
Ambers > 🌎
Ugh, Mike. I feel you. The 2002 is slowly coming back together and with every area there are little bits that need replacing. The worst is losing replacement parts I bought over the past several years and now trying to buy them AGAIN (new prices are nuts).
The seats are gonna look godly with the new fabric. I’m already drooling about them
Been running 18" BBS CH 015 since 2007 (and RC 303) on my 1995 M3 GT. Needed to go 18" because of the Ceramic brake disks and 8 piston calipers
E36 coupes are so damn good looking!
Going through the same thing with my e36 M3/4/5 restoration project. Love it though!! Can’t wait to see yours done.
Damn, that's gonna look smart. Excited to see it altogether. Those smaller parts really do cost a LOT when they add up, and there's a lot of trim on an E36.
Who care...not like he's actually paying for it.
Excited to see how the interior turns out!
Absolutely perfect...... those ITB'S tho😍
This really makes me miss my E36 that I had a couple years ago. Black on black 4 Door, 5 Speed, Slick Top 328i. Bought it off a Dad and Son who raced spec miata and it was their weekend toy, Dinan ECU Chip, M3 diff, KW coil over. Super clean and fun car but i sold it before the Vanos needed to be done. The second bummer is the kid who bought it off me had it for a week before it was stolen and totaled. I'll get another some day but for now I'll just stare at my broken rotary.
I’m a big E30 guy but totally appreciate the E36 / Thanks for sharing = Good stuff
God I miss my Boston Green 318ti. The engine was gutless but it was stick and it was a freaking blast to drive.
Clears on the rear look good.
I really appreciate the project. It will be your dream come true again. I am the second owner of 1997 328i Grey since 2000 and I am pampering it still. The European configuration is different. Instead of the sunroof we had the M suspension and M tuned B52 engine with M differential. The cost of ownership is also surreal. The car is listed in classic BMW section for parts. But it is worrhed
I love the tail lights
E36's are so sexy. Just love the old school shape. Thx for the hard work on this channel. Love all the builds.
the e36 is looking 👌🏻 i love the wing and tail lights bro
man, its such a nice looking ride.
Action or not, the video was great, lots of useful info
Great episode, good to see the upholsterers too.
Restoring an E36 is honestly one of the most masochistic tasks someone can take on. I'm doing it too, and I have far less hope than you so kudos to you haha. Hopefully you'll inspire some more progress in me
I installed led's on my e46j years ago and they look clean and tight. Bonus Round: I've NEVER changed a burnt out lamp or been pulled over by da pooolice for a burned out taillight.
There are a few different styles of black door panels which are still available (new) for the e36 coupe. Just FYI in case you don’t find any clean used ones
Great looking E36, just restore it enough to get it going ..you don't realise how lucky you are the states, regarding parts availability and cost , down under , hard to find anything and everything expensive
I can bet this one might end up in a museum too. Your builds are that good. Love from BR
Working on three projects simultaneously is fun on the bank account eh Mike?
I don't hate the taillights at all tbh -- they look good and functional.
People behind you WILL see you, guarantees.
Its sad that Bavarian Autosport shutdown a few years back. There were my go to for parts.
This is one of the e36s that made me wanna get my own. I’m excited to see it come back together.
Dude you motivate me to start fixing my e36 m3 vert man!! THIS IS SO EXCITING!!
Can’t wait to see a drive with your hondari and bmw side by side
before i watch:
always do the pi method.
if you think its going to cost $1000, multiply that by 3.14 (pi)
if you think its gonna take 1 month, multiply that by 3.14 (pi)
everything with cars is usually 3.14x the price, or amount of time you expect.
ALL HAIL THE ALGORITHM
*giggles in SuperFastMatt*
I hope me watching the ads helps you get some cash to pay for the re trim
That thing is just perfection.
Great project! Can't believe you are under 100k subs. Love the content! Thanks!
I like the led rears.
Really excited to see the finished interior 😎
Man you damn right about this cars,they are getting insanely expensive even here in Europe.
I have three of them and before they was like no interest to anyone,but in one moment everything flipped and the used market exploded of prices.
The things that I threw away now cost hundreds… especially interior parts those are not just expensive ,sometimes you cannot find them at all,am talking about good condition ones.
Dude, I'm Stoked for you! Can't wait to see the E36 out and about. 👊🏼
I owned an e36 when I was in highschool and my early years of college... I sold it... It was my very first car and I loved it and I want it back! I don't make money though lol
Your friends have nice cars !
Clean your strut brace with screwed up wet aluminium foil.
Cheers from Aus 😆
Awesome episode!
I love the velocity stacks on Ya BMW.
Comments for the algorithm!
Love it as always Mike 😎
Thank you for saying “Brid” instead of “bride!”
Love this build super clean mines not an m but I can’t wait to start on mine this video motivated me
That going to be nice can wait to see it don
Brotha I felt your pain as you were going over the cost of gaskets lol. Just this past year I’ve been restoring my e36m3, full paint job later and I think I’ve spent about 2k in just rubber/plastic trim 🥲 subscribed !!
Love the E36 content 🙌
I don't like those taillights but I RESPECT YOUR CHOICE :) no hate included, just separate opinion. This is possible in the great interweb :)
Alex from MST did my M-Rain upholstry and its perfect
Look at that holy bible of parts! 🥳 Great episode!
Used enthusiast car prices are just insane these days regardless. When I bought my first RX7 it was $2000. And that's something I could afford in highschool. Now, that same car would be in the 10-20K range easily. And even in the last few years, I bought another RX7 for $8900 in 2016 and that same car has at least doubled in value. Times are crazy I tell you what.
I like the LED tail lights. But why did You close the fog light holes in the front skirt? I thought the more air from driving is led thru the front, the better. The bumper trim You probably could have restored with some liquid silicone as what You use for latex.
Good vid bud, dig the led tail lites.. hello from Maine
The 1995 lightweight is an amazing car, they only made 126 of them and they go for like $75-80k in good cond. I think the wing on it is iconic, second only to the batwing CSL in my opinion.
Amazing you got one, it looks great.
love the e36 series !!
Chassis...not series. It's a 3 series,but the chassis(appearance) is e36
@@BMWiE-lz3nu thanks for the enlightenment... But you are wrong to think you are correcting me. I was referring to the series of videos. Thank you lone keyboard warrior
The MTech interior is the real flex.
*factory original
It's funny how large 18s can look on some cars. They don't look big at all on a crown vic, but on that bmw they look like 22s.
Such a 🔥🔥 video. Doode I love your shop. And your videos are awesome I’m a beginner tig welder as well and starting a duramax build so I love watching your videos. Keep at it man👍.
Maybe experiment with dry ice blasting some of your faded plastics, like the door handles, first?
I did see someone take a quick blowtorch to the faded platics, no idea if it will last though.
@@Syrencis Lasts a week at best, depending on your AO. Probably days in CA.
love the BMW great to have nondouchey BMW content. great build
Hell I definitely believe him I'm up to almost 3k just on the engine..it's gonna be special once all over
those push nuts are the reason my grille is ziptied on
You didn’t know it then but your one of the few lucky ones that got new couple door seals even if they were a grand just for the pair cuz you can’t get them anymore 😢
Great progress! Can’t wait to see that interior put back together. What are your plans for the steering wheel? An M-Tech 2 wheel would look great.
I love this build! And the detail that you putting into is amazing. The OEM parts from other unique M3 models and the interior is flawless.
Did you consider a front splitter from a M3 e36 GT?
Just a update about this car is a great way to start my morning routing.
What's impressive about getting free parts and putting them on? I bet ya he'll be the one who sits there at c&c talking bout how expensive it was...