1997 BMW 323i M-Tech Coupe

I bought my e36 in January 2013 completely standard/original with 88,800 miles on the clock and 1 owner 1997-2012, I was determined to get a clean 6 cylinder example and give it the love and care it deserves and make it my own.

Although it was in good condition, it was pretty much completely overhauled to freshen it up and bring it to former glory, along with a few mods to make it a joy to drive on b roads. My plan was to keep a subtle exterior/interior but make it a sort of track car for the road underneath.

I won’t mention the boring maintenance but here’s some of the specs / mods.

Engine : M52B25 - 2494cc fitted with M50B25 inlet manifold and full 328 exhaust.

Transmission: 5 speed manual fitted with a Z3M short shift kit, a clubsport weighted gearknob, and Black Diamond stainless steel braided clutch hose. Clutch delay valve was deleted.

Steering: E46 compact quick steering rack.

Suspension: Full suspension overhaul with Meyle HD parts and Powerflex polyurethane bushings. JOM Blueline coilovers were fitted with KYB front top mounts and Meyle HD rear top mounts temporarily until BCs go on.

Wheels: BBS RC040 (style 5s) 7.5j et41 fitted with 225/45/17s all round.

Brakes: MTEC Dimpled and grooved discs fitted all round with Mintex pads, and Black Diamond stainless steel braided brake hoses.

Interior: Factory sport leather interior with leather armrest. Original mats, and M-Tech 2 steering wheel fitted.

ICE: Simple Pioneer CD player head unit with USB / AUX-IN, and Pioneer amp in the back.

Exterior: Shadow line kidney grills, M3 bumper mesh grill, M3 splitter and diffuser fitted.

Chassis: Re-enforced with front and rear strut braces.

Plans: LSD - Eisenmann cat-back - X Brace.

Now with just over 100k miles on the clock, it’s how I always pictured it and how I always wanted it to drive. Other than the above plans, it will just be maintenance and maybe a few slight mods. A project is never over after all :)