Nemo
///Member
So ever since I can remember, I have always wanted an e36. Even during this week, I was chatting to another friend of mine who remembers when we were in school, I was always after an e36 to a point where I began plotting and scheming ways to buy an e36.
As the years went on, I always was distracted by the latest vehicles and technology. So much so that I eventually just admired the e36 and as much as I could have bought one I focused my efforts else where.
So fast forward to the last few months. I have been thinking about letting go of my Golf 7, however the right offer did not come along and I was going to take a bath on the car anyway so the urgency to sell the car was not really there. Then about two weeks ago on a car Whatsapp group, Divio posted some pics of some stunning e36's and that stoked a fire.
A day or two later I began the hunt, the usual began on Gumtree and Olx but everything I looked at was just awful to say the least. Cars had no History or had questionable history. Some had mechanical issues and others were just not the base I was looking for.
I thought my list of wants wasn't too much:
Late Model
Pref Motorsport
6 cyl
FSH
Unmolested Interior
The above being much harder to find then expected, I turned to the forum to assist in finding the right car. I got a few leads through my post with the most promising coming from fellow respected forumite Moose. Moose let me know that he knew of an e36 328i convertible that the owner may be willing to sell. The car in question was actually Moose's car which he sold on to a friend of his. He let me know that the car was not in the exact same condition it was in when it was in his possession but looking at the way Moose takes care of his cars I wanted to take a look.
I went to view the car last week Saturday and within the hour I had struck a deal and the handshake was done and the car was in theory "Mine".
The car was in the best condition I had seen of the vehicles I viewed and had a few niggles but those were minimal.
On to the car
1997 BMW 328i Convertible Auto
Montreal Blue
135xxxKm with FSH, (Upto 100km with Auto Atlantic and with uncle Peter, Gizmo and Auto Technique till now)
Black leather with Electric Sport Seats
Sport Steering
Auto Climate Control
HI Fi Sound with CD Shuttle
Semi Electric Roof
Climate Control
Cruise Control
17" Style 32 (Wides and Narrows)
I think the vehicle is very very nicely specced and a great base. The Car is completely OEM and has the full toolkit and the original radio. The roof works like a charm. The AC blows Ice Cold. The Engine purrs. She is by no means a fast car but boy she is a looker and the sound and feel is great.
In terms of what I feel needs to be done to the vehicle, the list is as follows:
* Fluid refresh (Oil, Coolant, Brake Fluid)
* HID Kit (Car has projectors)
* Missing a small piece of beading on the drivers side (Will post a pic)
* Michelin Tyres (to take her back to OEM)
* I was thinking about a little low but after driving the car last night, the car is very low and so comfortable so I don't really want to compromise that.
* An interior and Exterior Detail. Paint correction and leather refresh.
* Debaffed Airbox + Golf Tee Mod
* Replace Door Handle Rubbers (have become slightly brittle)
* Replace Drivers door handle (has some scratches)
* Replace Bonnet Shocks
* Replace HU (I need Bluetooth)
* Door Speaker Replacement (Look as OEM as Possible)
* Clean Rear Screen
* Little plastic piece between rear headrests has a crack.
* Front Passenger seat Recliner Cable Fix
At some point I would like to do the following as well:
* Full M3 Kit
* Change of Wheels (Contours or something period correct and OEM)
* M3 Exhaust or Decat and change Tips
* 325i Manifold
* Diff (I need to do some research)
* Vanos
That is about it for now. As I come across stuff I will post it here and I will update my progress.
Thanks for looking (Help and advice will be greatly appreciated)
As the years went on, I always was distracted by the latest vehicles and technology. So much so that I eventually just admired the e36 and as much as I could have bought one I focused my efforts else where.
So fast forward to the last few months. I have been thinking about letting go of my Golf 7, however the right offer did not come along and I was going to take a bath on the car anyway so the urgency to sell the car was not really there. Then about two weeks ago on a car Whatsapp group, Divio posted some pics of some stunning e36's and that stoked a fire.
A day or two later I began the hunt, the usual began on Gumtree and Olx but everything I looked at was just awful to say the least. Cars had no History or had questionable history. Some had mechanical issues and others were just not the base I was looking for.
I thought my list of wants wasn't too much:
Late Model
Pref Motorsport
6 cyl
FSH
Unmolested Interior
The above being much harder to find then expected, I turned to the forum to assist in finding the right car. I got a few leads through my post with the most promising coming from fellow respected forumite Moose. Moose let me know that he knew of an e36 328i convertible that the owner may be willing to sell. The car in question was actually Moose's car which he sold on to a friend of his. He let me know that the car was not in the exact same condition it was in when it was in his possession but looking at the way Moose takes care of his cars I wanted to take a look.
I went to view the car last week Saturday and within the hour I had struck a deal and the handshake was done and the car was in theory "Mine".
The car was in the best condition I had seen of the vehicles I viewed and had a few niggles but those were minimal.
On to the car
1997 BMW 328i Convertible Auto
Montreal Blue
135xxxKm with FSH, (Upto 100km with Auto Atlantic and with uncle Peter, Gizmo and Auto Technique till now)
Black leather with Electric Sport Seats
Sport Steering
Auto Climate Control
HI Fi Sound with CD Shuttle
Semi Electric Roof
Climate Control
Cruise Control
17" Style 32 (Wides and Narrows)
I think the vehicle is very very nicely specced and a great base. The Car is completely OEM and has the full toolkit and the original radio. The roof works like a charm. The AC blows Ice Cold. The Engine purrs. She is by no means a fast car but boy she is a looker and the sound and feel is great.
In terms of what I feel needs to be done to the vehicle, the list is as follows:
* Fluid refresh (Oil, Coolant, Brake Fluid)
* HID Kit (Car has projectors)
* Missing a small piece of beading on the drivers side (Will post a pic)
* Michelin Tyres (to take her back to OEM)
* I was thinking about a little low but after driving the car last night, the car is very low and so comfortable so I don't really want to compromise that.
* An interior and Exterior Detail. Paint correction and leather refresh.
* Debaffed Airbox + Golf Tee Mod
* Replace Door Handle Rubbers (have become slightly brittle)
* Replace Drivers door handle (has some scratches)
* Replace Bonnet Shocks
* Replace HU (I need Bluetooth)
* Door Speaker Replacement (Look as OEM as Possible)
* Clean Rear Screen
* Little plastic piece between rear headrests has a crack.
* Front Passenger seat Recliner Cable Fix
At some point I would like to do the following as well:
* Full M3 Kit
* Change of Wheels (Contours or something period correct and OEM)
* M3 Exhaust or Decat and change Tips
* 325i Manifold
* Diff (I need to do some research)
* Vanos
That is about it for now. As I come across stuff I will post it here and I will update my progress.
Thanks for looking (Help and advice will be greatly appreciated)




