My $8.8K 176K mile Craigslist E36M3 Journey Begins

[m3f_nholmes]

I wanted something solid that seemed recommended by other track junkies so I got the Mason knock-off from Rogue Engineering:





I have yet to mount it, so I have no idea if it suffers from the same issue you are having...


It's low priority for me at the moment.

[m3f_97_4dr_5spd_m3]

Known Issues: random brake light circuit warning (but brake lights work), air bag light (plan to remove anyway, perhaps install res across circuit), seats pretty worn (recover, or race seats TBD), needs brake job, rear shocks blown... TLC.

Go back to the rear lights and take the bulb holder out. Take a peak at the connection between the holder and the metal circuitry itself. I had some corrosion/electrolytic type stuff happening. Usually it is just the resistors picking up a difference in what they're specd for.



Clean/scratch off and you might just be good to go.

I'm so excited to have my toy so I take my wife to dinner in it the night i drive it home.... She's already skeptical when I chirp the alpine alarm and set off the alarm leaving the house... We roll to dinner w the rear shocks missing the top bushings and she suggest my toy is unsafe.... So we arrive at trendy bar rest and I valet:::::: pull up, get out then alarm goes off and valet guy can't get it started.... Wife unhappy w my track project .... To put the final cherry on top--- I pop the pioneer faceplate off and ask my wife to carry it in her purse. Classic 90's flashback. She says no more dates in that car!

Dump her.

[m3f_nholmes]

[Smilie: LaughHard] [Smilie: LaughHard] [Smilie: LaughHard] [Smilie: LaughHard]

[m3f_betrezra]

NH - yup that looks like the one to get... strut tower brace.

97 4Dr - yup... since I swapped tail light housings (comes with new electric circuits)... no more brake light error.... too late on the last bit..... after 19 yrs we're like 2 peas in a pod... just not 2 peas in an E36. She does want to take it to the track .... (when it's done)>


New fogs installed ... big diff, having trouble getting the right length hood struts.... got 2 sets one too short... one too long! trying 1 more time.


New rotors/pads for FR arrived tonight.... I've got plans for Friday.


Also ordered new front vader seat covers today.... going to hold off on racing seats/brackets until later...... not sure I want to street racing seats/harnesses..... will just go back forth as needed later. Too much damnnnn fun driving this to/from work!!!

[m3f_betrezra]

Some more pics from tonight:


New yellow turn signals.... and new yellow fogs.....

New front main seal / harm bal bolt.....

New front brakes......

[m3f_nholmes]

Niiiiice

[m3f_betrezra]

Looks like I have some goals:


2/18 autocross practice @ Police Academy Houston 1st shake down of car on track.

4/1-4/2 Cota - edge addicts...... with my GT3 buddy from Austin.

5/6-5/7 NOLA - with my buddy who just got a Fiesta ST..... affectionatly known as a FIST>

[m3f_nholmes]

Awesome.


Your fogs look good.


I went with CREE LEDs from eBay.

[m3f_betrezra]

Thumbs up ---holmes!


Ive been a car forums since the late 90's ... and im finding this old school m crowd to be a good bunch. Thx

[m3f_nholmes]

They're pretty good, I've gotten some dirty looks from a few of the purists here but generally everyone is friendly and helpful.

[m3f_westopher]

Known Issues: random brake light circuit warning (but brake lights work), air bag light (plan to remove anyway, perhaps install res across circuit), seats pretty worn (recover, or race seats TBD), needs brake job, rear shocks blown... TLC.

Very common issue. You will need a new brake light switch. It goes under the pedal. Its a ****ing nightmare to change if you aren't extremely small. I did it hungover and ended up puking beside my car after being in it upside down for half an hour.

Its a good excuse to take your front seats out and vacuum the car. It feels so much cleaner afterwards.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/tech...ake_Switch.htm



Enjoy the car. Hold off on the LSx plans for a bit till you get to know the car. I think you will be pleasantly surprised how fun this car is in all situations, since its not so fast it will get you in tons of trouble. I have as much fun driving the mountain roads near the speed limit with my wife on a nice summer evening as I do at a track day.

[m3f_betrezra]

West - I'll try that on the brake switch.. I'ts working fine now.



I need some help on new black front carpet.... it seems BMW stopped making it...... any ideas on where to source? even a used clean one will work.

[m3f_97_4dr_5spd_m3]

Some more pics from tonight:



New yellow turn signals.... and new yellow fogs.....

New front main seal / harm bal bolt.....

New front brakes......

[/URL]

A common quick mod is to snip the wire to the front parking lights. You still get the blinker (obviously), but you won't have the amber blaring all by its lonesome.



And, remember, get rid of her ass....she's holding you back!



My wife loves my car.

[m3f_nholmes]

A common quick mod is to snip the wire to the front parking lights.

Do you mean the corner turn signal lamps? Like, to turn off the constant illumination from them while the lights are on?



Just trying to understand the mod, exactly.

[m3f_betrezra]

I don't plan to drive around with parking lights on..... so no prob there.


Found a used good cond carpet for my car on fleabay.