I have been the only owner of this car since it was stock. I purchased the car from the BMW dealership when it had only 8,559 miles on it for $41,576.28 on 06.05.00. The previous owner was an older gentleman who felt the car was too fast for him and decided to trade it in on something else. Since I’ve owned the car I’ve given it preferential treatment above all my other vehicles which I tend to pamper as well. All documentation for service and parts has been kept and made available via soft copy on my computer. Current mileage on the car is 70,996 miles. Before I get in to the modifications section of this story, I would like to explain my attitude and behavior towards this car the entire nine years of its existence with me.
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BMW : M3 Convertible Florida! Auto! 84K Miles!! Real Nice Car!! |  |
US $11,500.00 | 21h 20m |
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BMW : M3 M3 CONVERTIB AMAZING CONDT-ALL OPTIONS-BEST COLORS- NICEST ANYWHERE! | |
US $12,500.00 | 1d 2h 43m |
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BMW : M3 M3 1999 BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE 1 OWNER CLEAN CARFAX |  |
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US $10,500.00 | 4d 7h 40m |
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BMW : M3 1999 BMW M3 Coupe, 5-Speed, Great Driver/Track Car | |
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US $9,000.00 | 6d 57m |
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BMW : M3 1999 BMW M3 Convertible Leather | |
US $10,500.00 | 6d 6h 9m |
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BMW : M3 M3 E36 99 BMW M3 Convertible E36 Silver w/ Grey Leather | |
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US $6,799.00 | 20d 2h 26m |
I have always purchased the best parts for this car going with the BMW OEM supplier as much as possible. All service work was performed by factory trained BMW technicians both at the dealership and at independent service shops. Often times I felt the quality and attention given to the car during repairs or modifications was better done with independent service shops versus the dealer. Some of the work was also done by me (like oil changes and cosmetic changes) because I am a perfectionist and knew I could trust the work would be done like none other.
This car has been garaged more than it’s ever been outside. Some years I only drove the car perhaps 2000 to 3000 miles in a year because it was never my primary mode of transportation, but more my recreational fun car. Now I’m not fanatical enough to say the car has never been in rain, never driven hard or hasn’t seen some minor altercations. My car has also been “driven” and is meant to be enjoyed. So sometimes it was in rain, it has experienced some road rash on the front bumper and hood, and very little on other areas. The fog lights one time shattered from rocks on the freeway, pitting in the factory headlights, I think you get the point. But before you stop here, read on, it gets better.
MODIFICATIONS
I used to think that new tires and window tint meant your car was “modified”. Looking back now I have to laugh. The innocence of my thinking back then is just amusing. My “mod bug” didn’t really get started until summer of 2003. Since so much has been done, I will try to create a logical time line with what the modification was, when it was installed and how many approximate miles were on the car.
More details and specifications on the modifications done will be presented right below the time line.
Each modification I did was always done considering the following questions in mind:
1. What is the fitment like, is this a part BMW uses and will it be a perfect fitment?
2. Where is the part manufactured?
3. Is it OEM or replica?
4. Will this modification enhance the appearance, function or performance of the car as compared to the original factory design and purpose?
Any part that was “cheap”, “replica”, “not ideal fitment”, “too good to be true”, “not engineered and specified enough” was thrown out and not considered. I also spend hundreds of hours on BMW forums reading and educating myself on products before I decided to pull the trigger and try it for myself. Let’s get started with the list.
Date of Purchase Item Description Car Miles
2003.06.13 (1) Billy Boat Performance Exhaust 45,766 miles
2004.01.20 (2) Pagid Brakes and Bavarian Autosport Rotors 50,448 miles
2004.07.20 (3) Tire Rack BBS Wheels and Tires 52,537 miles
2004.07.23 (4) Dinan Super Charger and Stage III Suspension 52,537 miles
2004.08.17 (5) Bekkers Clear Corner/Side Markers and Tail Lights 53,909 miles
2004.09.22 (6) Paint Trim Panels and Door Latches 54,058 miles
2004.09.27 (7) KO Performance Stage II Boost Kit 54,177 miles
2004.10.05 (8) BMW LTW Wing w/Extension Blocks 54,177 miles
2004.10.05 (9) Windshield and Moldings 54,177 miles
2004.10.05 (10) E36 Motorsport X-Brace 54,177 miles
2005.02.26 (11) JTD JT Designs Aluminum Under Panel 57,067 miles
2005.12.08 (12) SPA Dual Face Digital Gauges 59,282 miles
2005.12.08 (13) Gauge Pod 59,282 miles
2005.12.14 (14) KO Performance Stage III Boost Kit 59,282 miles
2005.12.19 (15) Rieger Infinity 1 Rear Bumper 59,282 miles
2005.12.29 (16) Carbon Fiber Engine Cover 59,292 miles
2006.09.18 (17) Umnitza Corner Splitters 59,514 miles
2006.10.02 (18) BMW Battery 59,514 miles
2007.04.17 (19) Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 Tires 60,009 miles
2009.06.22 (20) Bosch Euro 803 Air Mass Meter 3.5” HFM 69,719 miles
2009.07.13 (21) ZKW HID Headlights w/Angel Eyes/HID Fogs 70,037 miles
MODIFICATION DETAILS AND SPECIFICATIONS
(1) Billy Boat Performance Exhaust
FBMW-1210 E36 M3 w/Twin 3.0” DTM
(2) Pagid Brakes and Bavarian Autosport Rotors
D1131P/D1132P Pagid Brake Pads
34112226171U/34212226177D Bavarian Autosport Cross-Drilled and Slotted Rotors
(3) Tire Rack BBS Wheels and Tires
Front – RS944HDBPK - BBS RS-GT 18 x 8 5-120 ET35 Two-Piece Forged Wheel – Diamond Black
Rear – RS946HDBPK – BBS RS-GT 18 x 9 5-120 ET45 Two-Piece Forged Wheel – Diamond Black
Front – 24YR8SPORTPS2XL – Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 – 225/40R18 92Y Extra Load
Rear – 535YR8SPORTPS2XL – Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 – 255/35R18 94Y Extra Load
(4) Dinan Super Charger and Stage III Suspension
(340bhp @ 6000rpm - 307lb/ft torque)
D860-4210 – Dinan S3 VORTECH supercharger system
D760-0321A – Dinan Cold Air Intake
D760-3200 – Dinan High Flow Throttle Body
D903-32M2T – Dinan Performance Engine Software
D190-3213K – Dinan Stage 3 Suspension Sytem
(Performance Spring Set, Koni Adjustable Struts and Shocks, 22mm Adjustable Front/Rear Anti-Roll Bars, Front Camber Plates)
D180-0362 – Dinan Front Strut Tower Brace
D180-0372 – Dinan Rear Shock Tower Brace
(5) Bekkers Euro Clear Corner/Side Markers and Tail Lights
56222EZ – Euro Clear Front Corner – Left
56223EZ – Euro Clear Front Corner – Right
56283EZ – Euro Clear Side Flasher – Left
56284EZ – Euro Clear Side Flasher – Right
56220EZ – Euro Clear Tail Light – Left
56221EZ – Euro Clear Tail Light – Right
(6) Paint Trim Panels and Door Latches
Body shop sanded trim surfaces and filled to make smooth, flex agent was added to Estoril blue paint to provide durability and longevity.
(7) KO Performance Stage II Boost Kit
(390bhp @ 9.5 PSI – 306 rwhp @ 8.5lbs)
LFWLE36SH – UUC Stage II Flywheel 6061-T6 Aluminum 8.5lbs w/M5 Clutch
VDP UDPK – Victory Product Design Under-Drive Pulley Kit
Active Autowerke Water/Alcohol Injection System
6” Custom Crank Pulley T6061 Aluminum
(8) BMW LTW Wing w/Extension Blocks
Purchased used and was black. Body shop sanded and prepped surfaces and painted pieces Estoril blue. BMW part numbers are etched in the wing pieces.
(9) Windshield and Moldings
Due to pitting, windshield was replaced along with cowl and rubber moldings to restore to new appearance. It took the BMW dealership three windshields by the time I was satisfied. Two previous had small amounts of blemishes in the glass.
(10) E36 Motorsport X-Brace
Was simply purchased and installed at my independent shop after coming off an E36 convertible.
(11) JTD JT Designs Aluminum Under Panel
JTD907 – 6061-T6 Anodized Aluminum
(12) SPA Dual Face Digital Gauges
DG201 – Oil Pressure/Oil Temperature
DG210 – Water Temperature/Incoming Air Temperature
DG211 – Boost/EGT
(13) Gauge Pod
Custom made by a company called Edge Motorworks in Dublin, CA. Had most factory-like appearance of any other products reviewed.
(14) KO Performance Stage III Boost Kit
(527bhp @ 11 PSI – 422 rwhp @ 10.0lbs)
3.5” Intake
3.5” Bosch Euro 800 HFM
Active Autowerke Stage III Software
Active Autowerke Scaler For OBD II
Active Autowerke E36 Track Pipe
Active Autowerke E36 Differential Support Bracket (DSB)
11611735727 – BMW M50 Intake Manifold
01D0308 – Delphi 42lb Injectors
Eurobahn Aftercooler Kit w/CF Intake
R5671A-7 – NGK Race Spark Plugs
261.A1.561-02C – Schrick 256 Degree – 10.6mm lift – Exhaust Camshaft
261.E1.641.V2C – Schrick 264 Degree – 11.2mm lift – Intake Camshaft
TSU9990001 – Turner Motorsport Sway Bar Reinforcement Tabs
33322229153 – Turner Motorsport Rear Trailing Arm Bushings
USCE – UUC Evo III Short Shift Kit
TM-R – UUC Red Transmission Mounts
SSBL-6-1 – UUC Stainless Steel Brake Line Kit – 6 Lines
VAC-HG-M50-87 – VAC Motorsports – VAC S50/S52 Multi Layered Head Gasket .080” Thick, 87mm
ARP-HSK-M50 – VAC Motorsports – ARP M50 Head Stud Kit
VAC-SEMK-E46 – VAC Motorsports – Engine Mount Kit – E46/Z3/E36
POW-FCAB-E30-E – VAC Motorsports – Powerflex E30/E36 Offset Urethane Control Arm Bushings
VPD Oil Cooler w/Aluminum Oil Cooler
(15) Rieger Infinity 1 Rear Bumper
49035 – Came from Rieger out of Germany. Had my body shop use all brackets and support hardware from OE bumper and install on new Rieger Infinity 1 bumper. Estoril paint was blended with back and sides of car for color match.
(16) Carbon Fiber Engine Cover
CFVC E36/6 – Bavarian Autosport Carbon Fiber Valve Cover
(17) Umnitza Corner Splitters
Provided by Umnitza and made of high quality ABS plastic. Purchased a few sets and had my body shop paint them with a flex-agent added to the Estoril blue paint for strength against chipping.
(18) BMW Battery
61217567184 – 75 AH Battery. First one lasted over 6 years.
(19) Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 Tires
Front – 24YR8SPORTPS2XL – Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 – 225/40R18 92Y Extra Load
Rear – 535YR8SPORTPS2XL – Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 – 255/35R18 94Y Extra Load
(20) Bosch Euro 803 Air Mass Meter 3.5” HFM
This was purchased as part of an upgrade to increase incoming air capability. The 803 meter comes from a Porsche twin turbo application. The 803 meter is capable of higher voltage than the 800 meter allowing more air flow. A new dyno run would show a performance increase over last dyno run performed on 2007.01.26.
(21) ZKW HID Headlights w/Angel Eyes/Fog Lights
Umnitza ZKW glass headlights from Germany with 5000K HID low beams powered by 35W ballasts made in Germany. Has Orion V2 LED Angel Eyes. Fog lights are also 5000K HID powered by 35W ballasts made in Germany.
SUMMARY
This car has been in Arizona, Nevada and back to Arizona again. It’s never seen snow. The paint on the exterior is like new and shows minimal age. There is one minor ding on the right front fender and one on the driver side door that was repaired and filled with touch up paint. The car again was garaged most of the time so most everything is in excellent condition. The wheels are in excellent condition with very minimal curb rash at all.
The interior is in surprisingly excellent condition for the age of the car. I think it still has the same smell when I bought it in 2000. It has NEVER been smoked in. Did fast food get consumed on a rare occasion, yes. Anyone who has ridden in my car though knows I have a list of rules to follow and rightfully so, but come on, they had fun too. The only issues with the interior is a little wear on the seat bolsters (no tears or rips), both seat motors that control pitch of the back rest are inoperable (but the seats still move forward and back plus tilt). The passenger side seat belt is a little finicky lately as well and doesn’t retract fully like the driver side does. One of the SPA gauges for “boost” and “EGT” does not illuminate with a back light (could be loose connection is all). The rest is excellent. Some things I didn’t mention in the list of modifications which to me isn’t really a modification are the interior xenon bulbs, carbon fiber overlay in the instrument cluster and storage compartments, AC Schnitzer clutch, brake and throttle racing style pedals, custom shift knob and matching e-brake and the Infinity BassLink subwoofer in the trunk. It has its own amp to drive the speaker and adds to the driving experience. All the front and rear speakers are the original Harmon Kardon sound system that BMW put in the M series. The front speakers at the top of the door seem to be crackling a little bit at times. I think they are reaching their end of life but still sound fine even now, just not perfect.
The engine bay including electrical wiring, belts, hoses, etc. are all in excellent condition. I frequently over the years of ownership tried to keep the engine bay as clean as the car’s exterior. I always want the car to appear as if new. Mechanically the car was serviced and maintained right to schedule if not ahead of schedule. Most of the engine components are still rather new with low miles on them like the radiator, overflow bottle, water pump, belts, hoses, fuel filter, fuel pump, O2 sensors, spark plugs, fuel injectors, rear/main seal, oil pan gasket, head gasket, (head ported and polished), MAF, hood shocks, battery, and the list goes on.
The pictures and video presented here will tell the story and you can determine for yourself how you feel the car was taken care of.
I mentioned in the introduction section of my ad that the car has had some minor altercations (rock chips/road rash, etc.). There is only one situation that exceeds normal wear and that was back in March of 2007 right after a monthly BMW Car Club meeting in the evening. I was entering the I-15 freeway up in Las Vegas to head home and was entering the on ramp in 3rd gear with the throttle at almost full open throttle, suddenly the car spun sideways, I remember it being at around 70 MPH. A friend of mine who witnessed it behind me said it looked like I ran over a patch of dirt in the road as the car spun sideways. I was very fortunate that the only thing that happened (while freeway traffic was a clear 800 to 1000ft behind me) was the car continued to slide and slow down as it moved across the freeway lanes and toward the center median. When I contacted the median it was with the right rear corner of my bumper and perhaps no more than 25 to 30 MPH. I’m no expert but all I can say is I wasn’t injured at all and the car started right up and I was able to drive away and go home. Due to the sliding I wore flat spots in all four tires. That is why you see I purchased all new Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires in April 2007. This was also when I decided to remove the stock M3 bumper I still had on my car at the time and install the Rieger Infinty 1 rear bumper. It had already been painted and was waiting at my body shop. The other damage my body shop noted and then repaired was right below the rear tail light on the right side and running making its way to the left, a very small portion to the LTW wing and part of the floor panel in the trunk. No damage was done to the frame of the car at all. The repairs were done so well that today I cannot tell at all that anything ever happened. I’ve put just over 10,000 miles on the car since then and it still drives and handles like new. I have photos of the original incident.
I planned to keep this car and never sell it. I even had my 9 year old son believing that when he grew up, I would pass the car along to him. My opinion of the E36 M3 body style is that it is one of the best cars BMW ever made with the exception of the original E30 M3. The only reason I sell it now is due to changes in life circumstances with income and family. As much as I love the car, family takes priority over a car so I am hoping to sell it to someone who loves BMWs as much as I do.
I have owned and sold many things over the years and I’m continually honest and forthcoming in my dealings. I have disclosed everything I could ever think of with this car. My reputation in the BMW community is solid. When I lived in Las Vegas I was the driving events coordinator for awhile until I moved to the Phoenix Valley. And speaking of that, the car has been to two different weekends of driving school where I took it out on a track and drove it. That was where my appreciation for everything I invested in to the car really paid off. If I could continue own it now, I would do BMW driving schools each year. It’s the perfect car.
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