With the e36 finally back on the road I was loving every second of it. Somewhat raw and simple, however I did feel that there was a lack of power.
Knowing this when I went to buy the car, I knew what I was getting myself into but actually driving the car showed it was a little lower than I'd have liked.
As such, armed with all the basic mechanical knowledge I had gathered from working on the e36, I started looking at replacements.
Firstly having engine swaps to the m52b28 unit from the 328i which would slot right in. However insurance companies weren't to willing to play ball there owing to my circumstances. Subsequently, any forms of forced induction were out of the window as a result.
The only result would be a replacement car. E36 M3's were on the table however with rising prices, it made no economical sense, especially for what the car's intended use would be. Looking elsewhere the e46 330ci was considered. Surprisingly enough, with insurance premiums being cheaper than my e36 and the overall cost of exchange being manageable, the hunt began to find a suitable replacement.
Scouring all over ebay, pistonheads, autotrader, gumtree, and forums, I had narrowed down a list of potential cars. Unfortunately of the already short list, not many actually checked all the boxes that I'd have liked. All except 4. Of which three were sold. On the way to see the fourth, I received a call from the seller stating that that car had just been sold. No harm done I thought, but the seller then told me they had another come in.
Already being half way there, I decided to check it out and long story short, ended up putting down a deposit! That allowed me to sort out insurance, to get the car back and here she is!
New Car! With the e36 finally back on the road I was loving every second of it. Somewhat raw and simple, however I did feel that there was a lack of power. Knowing this when I went to buy the car, I knew what I was getting myself into but actually driving the car showed it was a little lower than I'd have liked. As such, armed with all the basic mechanical knowledge I had gathered from working on the e36, I started looking at replacements. Firstly having engine swaps to the m52b28 unit from the 328i which would slot right in. However insurance companies weren't to willing to play ball there owing to my circumstances. Subsequently, any forms of forced induction were out of the window as a result.
The only result would be a replacement car. E36 M3's were on the table however with rising prices, it made no economical sense, especially for what the car's intended use would be. Looking elsewhere the e46 330ci was considered. Surprisingly enough, with insurance premiums being cheaper than my e36 and the overall cost of exchange being manageable, the hunt began to find a suitable replacement.
Scouring all over ebay, pistonheads, autotrader, gumtree, and forums, I had narrowed down a list of potential cars. Unfortunately of the already short list, not many actually checked all the boxes that I'd have liked. All except 4. Of which three were sold. On the way to see the fourth, I received a call from the seller stating that that car had just been sold. No harm done I thought, but the seller then told me they had another come in. Already being half way there, I decided to check it out and long story short, ended up putting down a deposit! That allowed me to sort out insurance, to get the car back and here she is!
2002 BMW 330ci
First things first, I got the marigolds out and got scrubbing. APC and a variety of brushes resulted in a massive improvement. Aside from the front two wings which need a lot of tlc, the rest of the car has scrubbed up not too badly.
In addition to that, the car needed a service. For peace of mind everything was refreshed. Starting with removing the K&N that one of the previous owners thought would be a good idea.
Whilst changing the filter, APC was used again for both the air box and engine bay.
The cabin filter was also due a refresh as well!
Not to forget a new oil filter and fresh oil.
Following the service came an excuse to enjoy the car...so a 6 car convoy to London was needed.
There are lots and lots of plans for this car, but I've set myself a task to sell all my unused car parts until any new parts are purchased.
If you've got to the end of this, thanks for reading! Will hopefully have more updates very soon!
