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1.  16 inch OE Five Spoke wheels and new tires to replace the 15 inch bottle caps that were on it when I bought it, $500.
2.  Brembo cross-drilled sport rotors with Axxis Metal Master pads, $310, DIY in about 3 hours.
3.  B & G Sport Suspension springs with Tokico shocks/struts, M3 RSM, new strut bearings.  $535, DIY and it turned into    a weekend project.
4.  De-baffled airbox, $4, DIY in about 30 minutes.
5.  MacNiel/Weathertech Weatherflector s, in-channel sidewindow air deflectors, $60, DIY 30 minutes

**I'm dreaming of a DASC, but would probably put the money toward a newer car.

Sounds cool, always had a fable for E36s!

Here is my latest add-on.  Lamin-x headlight tint for that ALMS racecar look.  I like the yellow tint look.  They also have blue, smoke and clear and clear bras.  More info can be found at www.lamin-x.com  Cost was $30 and it took almost 15 minutes to install.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/dport135/FrontLightsHB.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/dport135/FrontLowAngle.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/dport135/OneLight.jpg)

I smoked my corners and turn signal side marker on the fender.  I didn't like the contrast between the yellow lamin-x and the amber corner.  Now it is all black.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/dport135/FrontSmoked.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/dport135/LeftCornerSmoked.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/dport135/RightCornerSmoked.jpg)

I used VHT Nite-Shades.  It cost $4 and took about an hour.  With the lights on at night the corners look normal, maybe just slightly darker.

nice man! looking good!

Thanks

Ok my Christmas cash is burning a hole in my pocket so I have some work planned.  I am ordering a new adjustable rear lower control arm, see attachemnt, fog light retrofit kit and a tune-up kit (coils, wires and plugs) and few small parts.  I'll try to take pics as I do the install and some before and after stuff.

sounds cool, interested in some pics!

Did the foglight retro install today.  charper140 and another local came over and helped out.  The lights were wicked easy.  The car is pre-wired for the lights, so if you know what to look for all the plug-ins are there.  The retro-kit from BMW comes with two lights and bracket mounts, dash switch and relay.  First Harper pulled the under part of dash out and fished around and found the end of the wire that had a connector that looked the back of the on-off switch.  After he found it he cut away some tape and loom and feed it up to the dash where we had popped out the plug in the hole.  Pushed the switch in the hole and plugged the harness into the switch.  Next in the fuse box we found the place where the relay goes, Seeker brought a Bently, and we plugged in the relay into the empty spot.  Behind the bumper I had seem some white connectors with black caps on them.  We took the cap off of one and plugged in a light and turned on the headlights and pressed the new button and the light was on.  It took about 20 minutes to faster on the bracket holder and now I have fog lights.  $160 from Baron BMW.  I was worried that it might take all day and we would be chasing wires, but no, super easy.  It also is nice to good helpers.  I'll get some pictures when it warms up enough to wash my car.

Just wondering..... ....won't that yellow film get you in trouble with the troopers?

It has not got me a second look yet.  I believe yellow is the one color you can use on lights, like foglights.  And I think anyone can run with a yellow flashing light if the want to.  Yellow just means caution. 

Fabian has the yellow on his M car, high beams and fogs - no trouble there...i might get on the bandwagon   -- hah!!

Not to mention the Pittsburg Steelers bandwagon, it is all black and gold.  That is not what I did, however, but if you are a Steelers fan it might be worth it.

lets see some pics of the car with the fogs installed!

I was able to get the car washed yesterday.  I should be able t get out for awhile before the games today and get a couple pictures.

OK, I got some pictures finally.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/dport135/side.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/dport135/frontcuoff.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/dport135/frontlightson.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/dport135/profile.jpg)

Also, not really a mod, but I put on a new roundel.  The old one got a huge chip in it.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/dport135/roundel.jpg)

your car keeps gettin sexier man!

Thanks.  ;D

Great, nicely done!!!
Not overdone, like that :)
And the BMW logo is clean :o :o

Today I finished up my tune-up.  I ordered a kit from Pelican Parts, it came with plugs, plug wire loom and coil pack.  Two weekends ago when I did the foglights I was changing all this stuff too.  Some how I got the wrong coils.  I was reading my Haynes manual and Pelican has a neat program on their website where you load in your car info and the maintenance task you are attempting and it gives you a list of all parts needed.  If there are upgrade parts or options it lets chose those also.  Anyway it agreed with my book that I should have 4 separate coils in a row and that was what they sent.  Well, mine was a little different.  The coils are all assembled in a block.  So I called Pelican and I sent the wrong ones back and they sent me the one I needed.  They are pretty decent folks to work with.  Later tonight or tomorrow I may go out for a little spirited driving.  Not really good weather for it though.  Rotated my tires and put an extra clamp on the power steering reservoir line to try and slow the leaking.  I guess this a fairly common nuisance item on E36's.

I did not forget that I have a real car that I can tune on and drive.  This week-end I am going to do this install.  charper140 is going to help and we will do the work at a relative of his that has a home shop with a lift.  Should make it much easier.  He did find a car, I'll remind him to post an update.

Well, it pays the read instructions and pay attention.  Couldn't do this mod at this time, or more correctly, chose not to do it.  You have to unbolt the differential to slide it back about an inch to allow the upper bolt that holds the control arm in place room to be removed.  That was more that I wanted to get involved with. 

Next mod on tap is a Sparco steering wheel.
http://www.sparcousa.com/psteering_street.asp?id=153\

It is the Lap 3 in all black(of course).  Waiting for my wheel adapter to come in from Momo.  They have a new one for 3 series with an airbag.  It has the airbag bypass resistor built in.  Just plug the connector from the car into the adapter and your driver side is bypassed and passenger side works normal and the light goes off.  The part number for it is 8011.  Not all places have it yet, very new.

BTW, 500 posts!!!    Yeah, me.   ;D

Installed the wheel this week-end.  Everything worked as promised.  It's smaller that the old wheel, cuts off the view of the top of the speedometer and tach.  Feels great and gives me much more room getting in and out.  I'll have a pictureor it installed soon.  Also pulled the cluster out and replaced a burned out bulb.  Hadn't been able to read my odometer for a while.   

Pics of the Sparco wheel with Momo hub with airbag bypass.  The correct Momo number is 2011 for E36.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/dport135/sparco.jpg)

looks good manG!

Thanks.  I got my Cassette head unit and CD changer for the trunk.  I will have to make-up some kind of bracket of the changer to hang in.  I found the wires hiding for it in the trunk, it was pre-wired, so the hard part is done.

I have lots of little projects for car lined up this weekend.  Oil change is due, repalce and rewire the air temp probe, replace a ABS sensor, paint the calipers red, install new black kidney grilles, touch up a nastsy paint chip on the front, put a chrome tip on the tailpipe.  I recently changed the bumper strip on the front and got rid of the licence plate holder, got some new wipers from PIAA with the airfoil to keep thme from skipping at speed and finally got the windows tinted.  35% all around with a 15% eyebrow on the front.  Looks much better and is much more comfortable to drive in the summer.  I'll take some pictures after this weekend's projects and get them posted later.

Looking forward to see the changes...
The mob-car is being born ;)

As long as it doesn't look like this: (or brake like it)
(http://www.motorintro.com/actuales/_images/Chrysler_images/300c%20touring/300ctouring_2.jpg)

The blackness grows.  Tint all around, 35% on the sides and backand a 50% eyebrow.  Changed out to black kidneys also.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/dport135/kidney.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/dport135/rearangle.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/dport135/allblack.jpg)

Also painted my claiper red, front and rear.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/dport135/redcaliper.jpg)

now you need a red pinstripe - ;)

what kind of caliper paint is that you used?

lookin good there.

I wish the tan stripe was gone, but I don't think I want red.  The caliper paint is from VHT.  They offer red and black.  It is a brush on application.  Only costs about 10 bucks, and you get plenty.  It would work to spruce up some suspension components if a person wanted to make the underside a little neater.

Wow lookin good man!

Thanks Dustin.

Mighty fine job you've done there!  I really like the blackout.  Very tastefullly done.

BTW, did you ever install your real lower control arms?  I'm curious, because I'm in the middle of doing that myself.

No, I didn't want to remove the differential.  I had the car on a lift while we were doing something else and was going to install them.  When we tried to remove the upper bolt we learned it wouldn't come out.  That was when we re-read the installation prodcure in the shop manual and read about unbolting the differential.  It was too late in the day to start something like that.  I later traded them for some other parts.  Thanks for the comments.  Look forward to reading about your install.

The winter look is on.   I mounted my snow tires for the winter.  I used the 15 inch steel rims that came on the car.  I have left the hub caps off for now, so it's all black.  I may put the hub caps on, unsure so far.  Both look bad compared to my other wheels.  No picture yet.

black... :) I like that, don't put wheel caps on em, or paint them black as well ;)

The jury is out.  One co-worker said he liked it all black.  Another asked what happened, did I get my wheels stolen.  He thought it was very ghetto.  I'll probably just leave it all black, the rims are a little beat up and scratched, I might paint them.

swerd. keep it black.

Taillights from the back and a side shot so you can see the fine black steelies. 
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/dport135/tails.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/dport135/blackwheels.jpg)

A guy at a local meet on 4/22 got a better picture than I have so far.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/dport135/taillight.jpg)

I've been considering the ambers on my high beams for a long long time now - just to add a small...bit of sexiness to the front end...

know of any pre-cut?

www.lamin-x.com should have them.  It might be four piece set, but they are usually only $30.

I gave up on winter last night and put my regular wheels and tires back on. 

Best thing for a black car is chrome wheels. :)

I'm not in to chrome that much.  But I don't like the all black thing.  You need some contrast.

I just can't stop.  I bought some stainless steel braided brake lines from Turner Motorsports for a $100.  Should get to install them this weekend if I can find a brake bleed buddy to pump the brakes.

Let me know how they feel too.

upgrading the brake fluid? super blue?

i haven't bought anything yet, I'll see what's available around here.  Probably just DOT 4.

as long as the fluid is good for the mc - never used dot4, but as long as it is good for ABS, should be ok?  I don't know...

As typical it doesn't go like you hope.  I got the two front lines changed OK.  The back is a different story.  There are four lines to change in the back if you haven't ever looked.  A rubber line that transitions from the body area to the lower control arm, and then after a union with an S shaped line another rubber hose to the caliper.  Twice as many lines and twice as many fitting to give you problems.  I soaked them with PB Blaster to loosen them up.  The first one started giving me problems so I went and bought some flare nut wrenches, but it didn't help.  I could only get one of the four off and changed.  I have some rounded flare nuts now and will need some professional help to get the rest.  Something is going to get torn up.  Went around and bled the brakes and refilled with new DOT 4 fluid.  Took a short drive and it is a very noticeable difference.  When you do a mod like this you never know how much the lines are to credit, or just the new fluid and bleeding the brakes.  The pedal is stiffer than a teenager on a prom date.  Probably very much like when it was new.

Same as on the e30 - rubber line coming in just above the subframe, connects to the trailing arm, then it's steel, then goes to the rubber line to the caliper.

I'm a fan of flare wrenches for small jobs - nothing at or over 17mm, I had a bitch time doing the subframe trying to use a 17mm flare - piece of crap it was...used a 14 for the brake lines, and it was perfect, no skipping threads, like the bigger flare's.

Up above I added a better taillight picture.

Stayed tuned for an exhaust upgrade.  I am going to install a Magnaflow muffler and hi-flow cat soon.  Details and pictures to follow as always. 

Still need to finish off the brake lines and probably should change the t-stat.  I'm pretty sure it is stuck open.  Will install a new O2 sensor with the exhaust also.

your car looks so much nicer than a lot of those other e36's, just the way I like it :)....
(oh and plz, dont put those angel-eyes on your car...)

Thanks.  No, I'll stay away from the angle eye thing.  I would like to do something else with the lights, but I don't know exactly.  If I could I would like everything to be the same, heads, corners and fogs, all crystal clear.

clear lights would be really nice, like the ones you have in the rear of your car (looking great), front lights look a little "old" I think...

Got the Magnaflow 14829 and high flow cat from Vibrant installed today by a local exhaust place.  Big difference in sound, on the gas it really makes some noise.  Coiming off the gas you get a nice gurgle or burble and at cruise very little noise or resonance.  During hard acceleration it is loud without being a nuisance, at least from in the car.  I'll get some pictures up in few days.  I did leave the factory resonator in place.

do you notice any difference in performance?  less restrictive?  or would it be the whole package with headers and K&N?

I didn't drive it much yesterday, so I can't say I noticed any difference, other than the sound.  The car comes OE with headers.  And I did the airbox debaffle, so the only restriction is the AFM flapper valve thing.  I'm going out this afternoon to get a couple of pictures and I will probably go find a local favorite twisty road.

Went on a longer drive.  I can't say there is an increase in power that you can feel in the seat, but it sure sounds like you're doing something though.  It really growls.  I'll know more tomorrow after I drive to work and back on some more familiar sections of road.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/dport135/exhaust4.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/dport135/exhaust3.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/dport135/exhaust2.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/dport135/exhaust1.jpg)

looks hot Dean.

I <3 your car Dean

Thanks, as always.  Everytime I think I'm done, I think of soemthing else to do or add.  Next time I get the car in air I'll get a picture of the cat install.

My final step to the dark side is done.  I painted the lower front bumper black today.  Total DIY job.  Sanded it down a little to rough it up, then hit it with some primer, black enamel and then some clear coat.  All from spray cans.  Looks OK, you can tell it is not the same as the rest of car, but it way better than the gray.  The car really needs a paint job anyway.  Just waiting for a hail storm or a parking lot accident.  As always pictures to follow.

Had the car in garage Saturday to do some items.

Changed the O2 sensor, the other one was probably original.  I figured after the exhaust install there might enough airflow change that a fresh probe might gain some efficiency. 

While on the exhaust topic, upon further review, it is loud, real loud.  The other day we took it around town for some errands, and in the 40-55 mph range it drones very noticeably.  On the highway it is OK, but getting there is a different story. 

Worked on trying to finish my braid brake line install, I got on section on.  I thought I had a good plan of attack, but I simply can't get the fitting loose where the line comes out of the fenderwell of the car without totally destroying it.  I'll have to come up with another plan.  I did install some Russell brand solo-bleed or speed bleeders on the calipers.  Very easy and very handy. 

While I was under the car I noticed that my guibo flex disc has a bunch of cracks in it.  I'm going to get that replaced.  A local shop quoted me $207 and that seems reasonable enough.  If I had a lift I think I would do it myself.

Still have a list of items to do, but that will be another day.   

Car's looking great Dean...
How bout the exhaust, you like the loud noise? Or are you going to look into a "fix"??

I'll leave it alone for now.  Most of my drive to work is on the highway so it is not a big problem.

I had the guibo/flex disc replaced today by a local shop, $181 total.  Seemed pretty reasonable.  I would have liked to do the job, but didn't really have the time, and since it's my DD I didn't want to wait.

I case you haven't noticed, Dinan is selling all their chips at 50% off through August.  Damn, for a $100 I guess I'll have get a chip.  Why do they do this to me!!!!!

Because then you realise that you really NEED one of those chips.... It's not a question of willing, it's an obligation: you owe it to yourself and the car!

Yes, I agree.  I owe it to the aftermarket community that I am a part of to buy this.

I was able, with some good help, to get a few maintenance items checked off this weekend.  Changed the plugs, changed the thermostat and flushed the coolant system and changed the crankcase ventilation valve on the intake manifold.  This last item seems to be one the best kept secrets in the M42 world.  As you stand at the front of car looking into the engine bay at the right rear corner of the intake manifold is a black plastic disk about 2 inches round.  It has one large vacuum line to it that comes from the back of the valve cover.  As it gets older you lose bottom end power.  Changed it and it idles smoother and the power off idle is improved.

I went down to the dealership today and got my computer scanned by the Dinan specialist so he could order my chip.  It will be here in a few days.   ;D

went with Dinan instead of Conforti?  what's the advantage?

I'm not sure Conforti makes a 318i chip.  But, the short answer is price.  $100 for the Dinan.  I got it today, hope to install it tonight.

11 hp at 4000 rpm and 18 foot/pounds of torque at 2500 rpm.  Both are very useable.


Just checked the Conforti website.  He also gets 11 hp, but at 5500 rpm.  And it is $249.

Tried the install last night and it didn't work.  It just cranked with out starting.  Re-checked everything and tried again, still nothing.  Put the old chip back in and started right up.  The Dinan specialist at the dealer said it is not uncommon on high mileage vehicles to need a shot of ether to going the first time.  Seems wierd, but I'll try it. 

Upon further review I can't install this myself.  Or more correctly, I can't install and then get the car to run.  1995 was a change over year when EWS was introduced.  EWS is a security system with microchips in the key that the computer verifies before starting.  If you change the chip you must re-synchronize the computer and only the dealer can do that.  The dealer is going to do it tomorrow and cut me a break on the programming since they told me I could do this myself.

It took the guy at the dealer about 10 minutes to reset the the EWS system.  So add another $86 to the mod and I'm Dinan equipped now.  Didn't get much of a chance to flog the car during lunch, so I'll let you know what I think later.

I had the car on jacks a few weeks ago doing some repairs and got a picture of the bumper repaint.  I just painted from the bumper molding down.  Spray cans of gloss enamel with a clear coat.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v417/dport135/bumper.jpg)

Daddy gets new shoes, Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S.  I got almost 50K out of my off brand disocunt set of tires, so I have big expectations now that I have a set of Michelins.  This is my first set ever, I'm kind of jazzed about.

woah, sorry man - how's the DINAN chip working out?

I hope I don't run into any problems when I get the conforti chip...they say it's totally plug and play.

The Dinan chip is oustanding.  My gas mileage is up and there is a noticeable increase in power.  I'm completely happy.

test

I sold the car today.  Good luck to the new owner.  It has been a great car for me.

Too bad mate... Hope you sold it to someone with a good car 'heart'  :).
But why did you sell it?

To buy another BMW of course.

The young man that bought the car should be a good owner.  He was very patient with me while I found another car to buy.

that car won't be forgotten though - we all know the hours you put into it ;)