Keith's 1998 M3 Evolution Individual

[Keith]

If any are interested in my new project, then I'll be documenting my work on the new M3 here...

Thanks for reading.

[Keith]

So... I'm back in an E36, M3 Evolution flavour. Same lovely warp-speed lump as the M Coupe, but less than half price. Bargain.

Being back in an E36 has re-ignited my love for them. Whilst rather basic, they are a cracking car, and the S50 is a beautiful piece of work. Who needs boost, when you can have NA that sings like this?

The car was a long term forum favourite on E36coupe.com. They all thought they knew the car very well. Or so they think they did.

It was not the beacon of 'mintness' that everyone held it up to be. It was more of case of all it's good points being highlighted, and none of the bad bits ever being shown - hence why journals can be misleading. I felt I owed it to all those who 'knew' that car to show it for what it is - warts and all, so in an unusual start to a journal, that's what I will do. My work will be to get this car up to the standard that it was once regarded as already being in - as near-mint as possible (for a 12 year old car).

This is how everyone thought the car was... These pictures were taken a year or two ago;

Leather:

[Keith]

Looks 'Mint' Eh?

Anyhow, the work starts. Time to show you how it really is today.

There are a long list of things I need to do, but the base is there. I paid more than other examples out there, and although not perfect by any means, it'll be a good base for me, and is in a very desirable colour combo. So lets start on the positives.

For me, the reasons it was worth paying extra for are;

- Polybushed all round

- Complete suspension refresh, including new AP coils (not the best, but German, ride is good, and guaranteed for 2 years), new drop links, front wishbones, rear top mounts.

- No rust except spot on boot lid

- Arches undersealed and still looking very tidy

- Documented history via James' + Robin's journals (last two owners, most of the work done by James), and lots of receipts

- Colours. Did not want Estoril unless in exceptional condition

- New water pump

And those are the good points.

Now, here are the bad for you all to see.

First up. The champagne leather. Rears are OK, fronts are a bit dirty, have some very deep and grotty creases, and a top layer scuff where my a** goes on the drivers seat.

Bolsters look particular y bad;

Paint. Front end has a bit of peppering, and 3 or four bad chips. Bonnet has some light lengthwise lines on the leading edge, where stone have skimmed it. Would definitely get away with it on other colours, but not black. And seeing as the bonnet has had a respray, I get the feeling the paint may be a bit thin, so detailing it myself may prove tricky. But that's minor. Being used as a daily, this will only get worse, so I will not worry about front end paint for now. However, there are other obvious flaws

Drivers door chips;

Paint imperfection on passenger door, above handle

Wheels. Very tatty. all lacquer peel, except one which also has been kurbed (this is bar the worse part of the lacquer too)

Cracked O/S fog

Rust. Bubbling on boot. This is the only place on the entire car, and will be sorted soon.

James painted everything. I mean everything. Coil pack cover (white), all rub strips and door handles. This no doubt looked great when he did them, but now they look a bit tatty - especially the door handles;

The door handle surrounds are a bitch to remove apparently, and if I want to change the entire handle, this is even more of a ballache and will require new keys too. Still undecided how to solve this.

I've just ordered a complete set of rubs strips though as I want plain plastic - £270 worth. Of preformed plastic. Bags of money for old rope really.

Another gripe. The car has been lathered in that god-awful trim shine s***. I bet its silicon based too - which is an arsehole to completely remove. I want a nice, matt dash, instead I have something that looks as though it is covered in baby oil. I will be trying solvent cleaner, mixed liberally with elbow grease to restore this to how it should be soon.

Also there are unknown speckles of something on the side of the centre trim, which are doing my nut in;

Other things that bother me is grotty boot carpets, chipped-to-fcuk battery cover tray and loose material on the parcel shelf. Not only that, there is no OEM stereo, but a Sony HU linked to some Infinity speakers in the boot, and it sounds shocking after the HK in the Coupe - which was the best BMW system I have heard to date.

So there you have it, appearance wise.

Mechanically, the car is in very good nick to be fair, mostly down to James, and for that, the car is a credit to him. However there are a number of niggles to address.

- An ABS sensor is fcuked, although do not know which yet. This is also an MOT fail

- Brakes all round will need doing by the winter, discs too.

- Tracking is well out. I do not believe Robin addressed this when he did the suspension refresh, so the steering wheel is at about 5 degrees out when driving straight :shock:

- Horrible warm squealing from the belts/pulleys at the front.

- Unknown coolant leak somewhere to be traced. Although very small. It has not lost barely any in 200 miles.

So, now I know the car better, do I feel I paid too much? Well, a bit, yes. But still. The things that are important to me are there - I know the history, I know there is no rust in critical panels, it's all been polybushed, and the car has some nice bits, spec and colours. Ultimately, I'd rather pay for this than a cheaper, but unknown Evo in a more common colour. This does have 87k on the clock, but the vanos is still quiet and it is a late, Individual model - both worth paying a bit for at least. Oh, and I love the private plate which must be worth £250 of the asking.

Unfortunately, both viewing were in the wet, so I missed all the paint chips and broken fog, and would have pitched much lower if I had seen. But sod retrospect. Overall I am very happy with the car.

Plenty of new bits are either under my bed, or in the postal system making there way toward me as we speak, including;

- New Fog

- New Complete set of door mouldings and rubs strips

- New washer bottle (again, James painted this the current one! Black; and I dislike it)

- New 'BMW M Power' coil cover - James's was painted white, and I want it back OEM

- New belts and tensioner + idler pulleys

- New parcel shelf

- New boot tray

- Genuine BMW Cosmos paint stick set to touch in door chips

- Armrest

- Genuine New 6-CD changer (second hand, but boxed and unused)

- Geniune BMW Business cassette player (courtesy of our own Ollie - cheers dude)

I think that is all.

Being arranged very shortly will be;

- Retrim of both front seats

- Wheel Refurb - daimond cut again. I think I will use these as summer wheels, and want to source a set of geniune ACS Type III non-racing for winter use. They are my favourite one-piece rim of all time. If anybody has or spots some in 17" or 18" flavour, please let me know ASAP.

So that is where we are. No update as such, but that is how she stands - perhaps a little less mint than perceptions were, no? It is certainly enough to keep me busy, and leave me with enough jobs to turn this into my own.

Thanks for reading so far. More updates after I fit the mountain of parts on their way to me.

Keith

[Jags]

Like I said on BMWOWNER, your an inspiration as to how you think of each and every little thing to improve any of your cars. Any car should feel privilged into falling into your hands. Can't wait to see how you get on with this.

[Keith]

Works Starts

Well, a week into ownership, not much is completely finished yet, but work has well and truly started, keeping me busy non-stop. Most of which seems to follow the pattern of; get started, get halfway, find something I need to order. Call Cotswold, wait 2-3 days for part. Start again. Find more bits I need to order... and so on.

I've been eBaying hard, and scanning all the classifieds here and elsewhere, so have slowly been accruing bits which will all be fitted in due course. I'll show you what later.

Maintenance

Belts/Pulleys

The most annoying thing I had to sort ASAP was the screeching belts - these ruined the new car for me, as once the engine was warm I could here them from inside the cabin it was that bad. Rolling up for petrol in my new M3 was more embarrassing than cool. I could be heard a mile off.

So new AC and alternator belts were ordered, as were new tensioner and idler pulleys. Easy job, made easier by Robert Bentley's excellent guide HERE.

After Robin had that oil leak, I was keen to thoroughly de-grease every pulley, so after the belts were removed, they were all treated to a strong solution of G101 and a going over with detailing and tooth brushes.

All nice and oil-free;

Fitted;

It was almost certainly a combination of both greasy pulleys and worn pulleys - the toothbrushes were filthy after cleaning and both pulleys had a fair bit of play. I'm pleased to say that any noise is now gone, on start up and when warm. The silence is very satisfying indeed.

Fog Light Replacement

A new fog light was fitted whilst doing the belts too;

Missing Headlight Washer Pump

Also had a chance to inspect the curious missing headlight wash pump. I could see no evidence of any hose, and the washer bottle was plugged. Weird. Anyhow, this is what had happened;

Bumper off - found these floating about:

Glad to see the hoses were still there at least - I thought somebody might have just deleted the whole option.

And here's whey somebody went to some length to remove the HL wash pump and plug the washer bottle hole;

The hose you see in the image clips in to the back of the HL wash telescope - but as is evident, part of the plastic, which allows the hose fitting to clip inside the telescope has broken off, loosing the seal and creating a leak.

No idea why the owner at the time thought best to remove an expensive option - a new telescope was about £10 :roll: . This is awaiting delivery and I'll update once sorted.

Tie Rod Ends

Went to get a 4WA (as the steering wheel of off centre by some way) only to be told to go away and sort the seized tie rods. Well, it wasn't quite like that, but I was told they're fcuked.

I tried my best with heat, penetrating fluid and tools to release the fcukers, but it was a no go. So I spend about a week at the ECP desk awaiting new Lemforder arms - which will be fitted after the weekend.

[Keith]

Tidying Up

New Motorsport Caps was a must;

And the entire dash was scrubbed hard with a nail brush and Liquid Leather shampoo, and then wiped down with solvent cleaner to remove the awful dash trim shine, as I like it matt;

Was ALL like this (bloody shiny)

And is now like this - much better (lower dash trim is not done, and neither is the gear console as new ones are being sourced)

Steering wheel came up good too - although the rag I used was absolutely black afterwards - maybe it had been Scuffmastered? Anyway, it was rank, and looks much better now. I also scrubbed the stitching with a weak G101 solution and toothbrush which brought the tri-colours back out;

As you may have read, James painted everything - so new side strips were ordered for an eye-watering £270 , as well as a new washer bottle (which can't be fitted until I source a new HL wash pump, although I'm on it);

I can't tell you how much these will improve the car in my eyes - they are totally unmarked of course being brand new, and I'm certain will freshen up the entire look of the car. These will not be fitted though until I have machine polished the surrounding paint, as I HATE getting polish/wax in the trim edges, so I figure best to take advantage whilst they are off.

I've also de-waxed and then cleaned with IPA each stone chip, and then touched in with a Cosmos stick set. These will then be machine polished, and hopefully become hard to spot.

Minty fresh armrest sourced;

Although perhaps a fail on my part as I need an armrest centre console :roll: . Again, I'm on it.

New OEM 6 CD changer sourced, to go with a Business cassette HU that Ollie is kind enough to donate for the cause :wink: . Cheers man. This will be fitted soon as I am awaiting delivery of all new bracket parts.

Wheels

I do love the diamond cut Motorsports that came on the car, but every single wheel had lacquer and corrosion where chips had caught them, and all around the valve stems. They were looking very tatty indeed. So I was in two minds what to do.

This is waht they looks at when freshly diamond cut;

Anyway, after chatting to my refurber (Andrew at BJV Engineering) who came to check them out today, I've decided to get the inner parts powder coated in a brilliant silver, and then the whole face diamond cut but NOT lacquered. This will take lots of cleaning with Autosol twice a week to keep fresh, but should look blinding . I'm very excited. These will take a week to do, so until next Friday, the car is on axle stands;

Gives me a nice opportunity to have a look for this marginal water leak (although doesn't seem to have lost any since I've owned it), to get the tie-rods fitted, and to have a good old nose around underneath the car.

Can't wait to get driving again though.

Gruppe M

Saw this and had to have it after my Bro had one on his Type R. Awesome bit of kit, awesome noise. I bought this for a song - not much more than a new Dave F! I know for a fact I could sell this to the fella's on the M Coupe forum for £150 profit staright away. But no way - I'm keeping my mits on it!

Broke it down into its individual elements and gave a good clean - it came up mint;

I've cleaned the filter too and I'm just waiting on a K&N recharge kit so I can re-oil it. Then it'll be going straight on.

So that's where we are. Lots of these jobs should be finished by next week, so a better update of the finished jobs then.

Thanks for reading.

Keith

[DonB]

Inspirational stuff Keith...without being harsh on the last owner, it seems to have been neglected quite a bit

recently...but no doubt you'll have it back to its former glory.

You should have your own TV show...like a better version of Wheeler Dealers, lol.

[Keith]

Like I said on BMWOWNER, your an inspiration as to how you think of each and every little thing to improve any of your cars. Any car should feel privilged into falling into your hands. Can't wait to see how you get on with this.

Jags, that means a lot dude

Inspirational stuff Keith...without being harsh on the last owner, it seems to have been neglected quite a bit

recently...but no doubt you'll have it back to its former glory.

You should have your own TV show...like a better version of Wheeler Dealers, lol.

LOL! Cheers Don

I think it was a combination of the last owner (Robin) neglecting obvious things like a broken foglight, stonechips and the screeching belts that let the overall standard slip, and James (the long-term owner prior to that) only ever showing what he wanted to show - i.e. none of the faults/tatty bits. I still don't know why James painted so many things - paint chips over time and then it all looks tatty. Anyway, all of the painted bits will be replaced (just need to do that handles and rocker cover and they'll all be brand new again).

Hats of to James though on the maintenance side - he keep it completely rust free and the engine runs very sweet. Also glad he did the subframe polybushes - that's an ballache of a job to do on your drive!

[Mikey]

Looking good already Keith. With your 'OCD' for maintenance I'm sure it'll be mint in no time !

Good work so far buddy.

[scrimja]

Definitely lots to keep you busy there Keith! Quite a lot of outlay that you weren't expecting though?!

I'm sure you'll have it near perfect in no time at all though!

[Keith]

Definitely lots to keep you busy there Keith! Quite a lot of outlay that you weren't expecting though?!

No, I viewed it twice before buying, so I knew exactly what to expect. For me, the colours, the fact it is an Individual and the solid mechanics (plus no rust) was enough for me to buy it. The rest I can sort with a little time.

I'll have it up to scratch in no time

[scrimja]

No, I viewed it twice before buying, so I knew exactly what to expect. For me, the colours, the fact it is an Individual and the solid mechanics (plus no rust) was enough for me to buy it. The rest I can sort with a little time.

I'll have it up to scratch in no time

Fair enough. Will look forward to seeing it progress mate. Don't go spending all that house money you have from selling the MC, or the missus will no doubt kill you .

[Mark330Vert]

Although Slightly neglected, Shes gona look Ace and OEM goodness in ur hands Fella.

This will be another great Journal I'm sure and already looking forward to ur updates.

Can i see this one in person this time? Lol

good luck!

[Keith]

Although Slightly neglected, Shes gona look Ace and OEM goodness in ur hands Fella.

This will be another great Journal I'm sure and already looking forward to ur updates.

Can i see this one in person this time? Lol

good luck!

Yeah man, of course ha.

I'll be rolling down to all the shows in this one, so you'll all see this one for sure.

Already cracking on hard with it... Even sourced a new boot lid to be sprayed, so it'll be 100% rust free very shortly, and pretty much all the maintenance will be done by the end of next week. Then the seats are off to John for a retrim and she'll be most of the way there.

[Aidan316i]

Fair play Keith!

We only thought you were bad minting up the M Coupe to Minty Mint stnadard

Sounds like you've a bit of work ahead of you, but all the best with it mate!

I'll keep watching the forum for updates!

[Dicky]

Brilliant I do love a Keith modding thread they cover everything and you do such a great job

Mate good work and when you are finished she is going to look so well

[DJ Jonny B]

Do you sell them on at a profit?

How do you find the time to do all this, I struggle to find the time to wash my car!

[KSG]

In your eyes it may not be perfect, but for most of us that is quite normal for a 12 year old car.

All of the "faults" are quite minor, and I love how you pick up on stuff that I'd overlook as normal wear on an older car. Like you said, the main thing is that the shell and engine are in good nick, and the individual colour/interior set it off nicely.

Cant wait to see how you freshen it up, the end result will be a stunner.

[momo]

Wow! Looking forward to seeing how this progresses! Keep up the good work dude!

[Conor]

Keith a riviting read as always dude Not driving her in this weather must be a killer but on the plus side if this is any indication on how our summer will be you will have her well sorted before then. Keep up the great work!

[Graphics]

Great work, had two E36 M3's in my time, superb cars...

[Keith]

Brilliant I do love a Keith modding thread they cover everything and you do such a great job

Mate good work and when you are finished she is going to look so well

Cheers dicky my man; means a lot coming from the creator of the Imola Beast lol

Do you sell them on at a profit?

How do you find the time to do all this, I struggle to find the time to wash my car!

My 328 I made money on, The CS I made a tidy profit on, the M Coupe I broke even after all the mods/tidying and servicing... So cheap motoring really

In your eyes it may not be perfect, but for most of us that is quite normal for a 12 year old car.

All of the "faults" are quite minor, and I love how you pick up on stuff that I'd overlook as normal wear on an older car. Like you said, the main thing is that the shell and engine are in good nick, and the individual colour/interior set it off nicely.

Cant wait to see how you freshen it up, the end result will be a stunner.

Cheers dude. The 'faults' I accept - if I didn't I wouldn't have boufght it. But when I say 'faults', what I mean is things I will have to immediately address

Should be looking good soon I hope...

Wow! Looking forward to seeing how this progresses! Keep up the good work dude!

Keith a riviting read as always dude Not driving her in this weather must be a killer but on the plus side if this is any indication on how our summer will be you will have her well sorted before then. Keep up the great work!

Yeah I'm dying to cruise around in her... But once the wheels come back I'll feel better, knowing she looks the part

Great work, had two E36 M3's in my time, superb cars...

Good man - this is my 3rd E36 and they always tick the boxes - fantastic drivers, and really accurate feedback through the steering/pedals makes them a joy to drive hard.

[nathanwest]

knowing you mate, this is going to be stunning when youve finished with it... good work

[stringy93]

Good job Keith, I love your attention to detail! Looking forward to seeing her in the flesh

[Jamesy Boy ACS3d]

Looks awsome buddy

I expect by the time you have finished with her she will look like she has just rolled of the production line in Germany

You realise you now have me pining for my old M3 Evo and that I need one for the good British summer!!!!