Project car

[Bonez0124]

hey Fanatics,

I've been toying with the idea of a project car. I really like the idea of an E91 (or a wagon) with an N55 swap or something that has already been used in the E9x chassis. I'm doing some homework and wanted to find out if there are any reputable shops in JHB who have done engine swaps before, or who I can work with to throw some ideas around.

TIA

 

[Mytfine]

hey Fanatics,

I've been toying with the idea of a project car. I really like the idea of an E91 (or a wagon) with an N55 swap or something that has already been used in the E9x chassis. I'm doing some homework and wanted to find out if there are any reputable shops in JHB who have done engine swaps before, or who I can work with to throw some ideas around.

TIA

Project cars and shops generally dont end very well especially if you are on a tight budget.

 

[Nick]

☠️

 

[Bonez0124]

wouldn't say I'm trying to do it on the cheap, seen a lot of cool builds all over the world and would like to do something locally..... or just end up buying something fast and boring

 

[Benji]

I cant give you any advice, but pleeeeeeease build a 335i 6 speed touring and then sell it to me at a huge loss 🙏🙏

I wonder if Peter (AEW) or David Robinson would take on a project like this...but expect to pay easily in the region of 50k for labour alone, then 2 donor cars and then all the "while youre in there" and upgrade jobs. You are probably looking at the thick end of 600k, but then what interesting cars can you buy for 500k these days...

 

[rodga]

E91 m3 touring please

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[Bonez0124]

I saw a build thread with an E91 converted into a M3 touring, I don't think I'd go that far.

I cant give you any advice, but pleeeeeeease build a 335i 6 speed touring and then sell it to me at a huge loss 🙏🙏

I wonder if Peter (AEW) or David Robinson would take on a project like this...but expect to pay easily in the region of 50k for labour alone, then 2 donor cars and then all the "while youre in there" and upgrade jobs. You are probably looking at the thick end of 600k, but then what interesting cars can you buy for 500k these days...

HAHA well that's idea a 335i touring, I've already come to terms with making no return if I ever did sell. You'd pay 500k for a polo these days so may as well try something different.

If BMW brought a 340i touring this thread wouldn't have been started

 

[Bonez0124]

E91 m3 touring please

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Full conversion M3 e91 LCI manual S65 build: BlueM3Wagon

Full conversion M3 e91 LCI manual S65 build: BlueM3Wagon

www.m3post.com

like this?

 

[Peter@AEW]

I cant give you any advice, but pleeeeeeease build a 335i 6 speed touring and then sell it to me at a huge loss 🙏🙏

I wonder if Peter (AEW) or David Robinson would take on a project like this...but expect to pay easily in the region of 50k for labour alone, then 2 donor cars and then all the "while youre in there" and upgrade jobs. You are probably looking at the thick end of 600k, but then what interesting cars can you buy for 500k these days...

A lot more than 50k and closer to 100k.
Never a good idea if one ever expects to break even upon sale.

 

[Bonez0124]

A lot more than 50k and closer to 100k.
Never a good idea if one ever expects to break even upon sale.

Agree people generally run away from 'project cars' since you don't know the history etc and each will have their own set of 'unique' challenges

 

[Nick]

just buy a gt3.

 

[Benji]

Generally, a project like this is a labour of love and is never a wise financial decision. It makes even less sense if one is going to pay someone to do the work for you. The end result is only worth it depending on how badly the owner wanted the project and how well it was executed. You also need to be the kind of machoistic who enjoys the process

Having a uniquely awesome car can be a priceless reward for a pricey outlay and no price can be put on that!

 

[TBP88]

I suspect the cheapest build would be to find a 325i E91 wagon and N52B30 swap (maybe do a manual while in there)? Going from an NA base to a Turbo car, unless you're willing to do aftermarket management likely ruinous. And you'll 100% lose money when you resell.

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

What about a E91 with a BMW I8 subframe and Amarok seats?

 

[individj]

do it...if I were to build something it would probably be a Z4 hardtop with M62b46 6 speed //M diff etc. etc. but you seem keen for a touring..I say do it. N54 6 speed touring

 

[TurboLlew]

wouldn't say I'm trying to do it on the cheap, seen a lot of cool builds all over the world and would like to do something locally..... or just end up buying something fast and boring

Bear in mind a good many of these builds are sponsored in some way or are heavily subsidised. It is often a person who actually owns the shop doing the work or who otherwise has access to resources (even just daddy's cash LOL) to throw at it that would otherwise cost a fortune (I even think 100K in labour is on the light side once you try to get integration done as well as required maintenance and upgrades on brakes/chassis/suspension).

It is not impossible to gather a following or gather some sponsors to get a project off the ground. When thinking about the other dude's fake-1M idea this came to mind as well but not sure 99% of people really have the time, energy or charisma to create content. Perhaps that can also be something you partner up with someone on? This is a way to get what you want in a non-financially destructive way perhaps? You could even create drama (and adsense money) off the failures along the way... as opposed to questioning every decision that has brought you to this place.

Non DIY builds of these sorts are like tattoos... To do them well you have to spend loads of money. You need an absolute expert in the specific type of thing you're after. They are basically tailored for you exclusively and are extremely personal. Everyone is going to ask you questions about pain and cost (and most saying how they'd never have the guts to do it). Some will love them some will hate them. You will also never get rid of them (well not unless you are willing to spend even more money and go through even more pain)

If you're ok with all that then a 335i wagon could be fun LOL... or even something stranger like an M50d wagon

 

[modocrat]

Now this....

View this content on Instagram

View this content on Instagram

 

[Mytfine]

Just last week i had to again in 3 years go collect my BIL's F100 project from another shop that took deposits and dont complete work to the required standard. And this was an easy build,
he wanted a stock truck just lower. He would have scrapped the whole project a while ago if wasnt worth so much and he already sunk a big chunk of cash into it.

If you have the money but not the skills, Lease a workshop for 6 months , hire a skilled worker and get it done yourself.

Im not saying all workshops are bad but what starts off with good intentions soon becomes a headache for both the workshop and owner.