More from the seller:
It’s time to sell my 1998 M3 Sedan which I built and documented on BF.c over the last couple of years. I’ve put about 20k miles on it since I did the major overhaul. The 1998 Sedan is the last sedan year and the one to have. I am a professional tech and at the time of the major build was operating a performance shop. All my work on this car is of the highest attention to detail and quality. I have hundreds of hours of professional caliber labor in this car, do the math at $100/hr. I have a thick binder of receipts documenting over $22.5k in parts bought online for the restoration- that doesn’t include the cash parts that were purchased or wholesale OEM parts through the shop, totaling several thousand more. I even keep all my fuel receipts proving it has only run 93 octane. My price for the car is $16k. Reason for selling is simply that I have other cars and don’t drive this M3 much anymore and am opening a new chapter in my personal life where this car doesn’t make as much sense for my family. I would love for it to move soon as I don’t have anywhere to keep it, but am not going to give it away. I will sell it to an enthusiast owner who will appreciate the time, thought, and labor I’ve put into it, and will continue improving and enjoying the car as I have.
The chassis currently has 168xxx miles on it and has a clean Carfax. Title in hand. She has been treated very well under my ownership. I am experienced in driving Porsches, Lambos, Ferraris, etc. and drive everything respectfully, I’ve never even done a burnout in it. I monitor oil temps and have always warmed it up before driving hard. The car is rock solid after all of this work. In the end it has literally been stripped to the bone and rebuilt to my spec- this sedan could possibly be the best example of a “fresh” e36 currently on the market. All e36 problem areas have been addressed. I wouldn’t hesitate to drive it across the country. It is absolutely reliable and drives better than it did when new as my goal was to have a relatively stock appearing M3 with modern power, amenities, and years more of reliability above all.
Now…These are a must read; Here are the links to the build threads starting from when I got the car, for your reading and visual pleasure. These will make sense of the below listed modifications.
Sedan Mini Resto
Exhaust Build Thread
RMS Supercharger Installation
5 Speed Swap
Rear Trailing Arm Pocket reinforcement
EXTERIOR:
Factory paint, no paintwork, all matching factory VIN stickers. 8 out of 10 condition due to various rock chips, scratch on rear fender and passenger skirt, and rear bumper condition. Exterior has undergone expert paint correction and is very clear and shiny. Well protected with Wolfgang 3.0 sealant. Will be fully detailed upon shipment.
-Euro OEM rear tail lights
-Smoked side markers
-Smoked front corner markers
-Genuine ZKW euro projector headlights with new DJAUTO glass lenses
-City Light option (powered via fog light circuit)
-LED halo “angel eyes” (powered independently via button in euro fog light switch)
-5k HID low beams
-Black kidney grills
-New OEM M3 lip
-New Reiger GT splitter
-New OEM roundels (carbon vinyl overlay on front roundel)
-All new OEM rubber seals on all doors, door handles, front glass, rear glass, windshield valance, etc.
-All new OEM fender liners, water deflectors, jack lift points, air dams, brake/cooling ducts, etc.
INTERIOR & AUDIO:
Built the way it should have been from the factory. Factory appearing with all the right mods. Killer sound system. Fantastic mobile environment whether out for sport or with the lady for dinner. Originally Dove grey, I’ve fully retrofitted it to black with all new OEM parts from very low mile donor cars.
-Vader front seats (heated seats but I never wired them- wiring/switches included)
-Rear seat headrest delete (better vision)
-Microsuede headliner, rear deck, + A, B, C pillars (showing some small wrinkles in a few areas now)
-Rally Road ///M stitched center console, leather
-Rally Road ///M stitched shift boot & e-brake boot, genuine Alcantara
-ZHP OEM ///M shift knob
-New OEM floor mats over 40k mile black carpet.
-New OEM door sill trims & M3 covers.
-3 Spoke OEM M3 steering wheel retrofit
-Satin aluminum cluster trim rings
-Euro fog light switch (provides two buttons, one for fogs/city lights the other for halos.)
-Prosport 3- gauge cluster in center console. Very custom install. Boost, AFR, Oil Temp.
-E92 OEM BMW rear view mirror, auto-dimming, Compass, Homelink remote, red light is functional when keyless is armed.
-New windshield in 2015.
-Hardwired for radar (valentine 1 shown in pics not included)
– Window tint, 25%. Legal in Texas and most states.
-Pioneer DEH-80 head unit (Bluetooth, microphone, ipod, aux, cd, usb, fm, etc. all the bells and whistles)
-USB seamlessly integrated into center console charges phone/ipod and acts as usb input for Pioneer.
-Monster RCA cables
-Alpine PDX 5 channel amplifier (incredible amp setup) in custom mount in trunk.
-MMAT audiophile speakers in factory locations. 4” mids + tweeters, + crossovers in trunk.
-6×9 rear speaker conversions in rear. w/sound baffles
-10” JL subwoofer in unported box in trunk. Custom sub level control knob near cigarette lighter.
-Doors and various trouble spots Treated with Dynamat and Dynaliner. Fantastic results.
-Onboard 12v battery tender in battery tray. Plug an extension cord in to maintain during storage.
-United Auto Security OEM integrated keyless system w/ custom OEM e46 diamond key
-1 touch window operation on all windows
-Comfort closing option (keyless/locking closes all windows for you via lock button or key)
SUSPENSION, WHEELS, & BRAKES:
Built to compromise between daily driver comfort and track-worthy ability. I daily drove the car for 2 years and found it very reasonable, and more capable than I can comfortably test. There are no worn out parts in the suspension- everything has been replaced or upgraded. All applicable chassis mods and reinforcements have been made. Only quality parts used, i.e. Lemforder, OEM, or aftermarket upgrade.
-DINAN front + rear strut braces
-DINAN front camber plates with tower reinforcing plates
-New OEM strut bearings
-DINAN/Eibach sport springs
-New KONI single adjustable shocks.
-New OEM control arms, all ball joints, M3 OEM control arm bushings.
-New OEM rear ball joints and bushings (commonly overlooked)
-Rebuilt steering rack, new inner/outer tie rods/boots, computer aligned w/ sport specs
-Eibach sway bar set front/rear w/ poly bushings
-Turner Motorsport adjustable rear sway bar endlinks, new OEM front endlinks
-UUC chromoly rear lower control arms, adjustable.
-New OEM e-brake cables, pads, and hardware
-Reinforced front and rear subframes (weld-in reinforcement plates via TIG)
-Reinforced rear trailing arm pockets (via TIG welded CNC cut reinforcement plates)
-Front OEM convertible chassis brace, new
-Polyurethane rear trailing arm bushings, (powerflex)
-New rear subframe bushings- AKG red polyurethane (street comfortable)
-BREMBO slotted rotors, EBC Red pads front, BOSCH rear
-Rebuilt calipers, new seals and rubbers, Bimmerworld Stainless Steel pistons front & rear.
-New brake master cylinder, reservoir, rubber parts, etc. Amsoil DOT4.
-Stainless Steel brake hose set
-Stamped LTW Motorsport wheels, genuine OEM, powder coated graphite. BFG 235-40-17 rubber, black acorn lug nuts on studs. Square setup, not staggered.
DRIVETRAIN:
Completely revamped, and I mean complete. Every component was removed and assessed. Most parts replaced even if unneeded in the spirit of preventative maintenance (or OCD). Even new OEM hardware in many places.
Engine/Supercharger:
-Low mile block from 97 M3 donor (under 60k miles when purchased IIRC)
-Fully rebuilt and massaged cylinder head. Surface cut, new stem seals, valve job, etc.
-MLS .098 head gasket & ARP head studs
-VAC / SCHRICK supercharger grind camshafts
-OEM / INA valve lifters x24, brand new.
-All new Genuine BMW tensioner rails, tensioner, chain, etc.
-Oil pan w/ custom welded oil return bung
-Rally Road oil cooler cap w/e46 filter, large custom oil cooler, Derale thermostat, all AN hoses/Fittings.
-MOTUL 5w40 synthetic oil
-New Vanos w/ Beisan seals and anti-rattle kit
-New OEM Vanos solenoid + new Vanos hose
-OBD1 intake manifold custom setup (car is still OBD2)
-Eurosport OBD1 CNC intake manifold conversion kit
-Lucas 42lb injectors
-New crankcase oil separator and hoses in custom setup for OBD1 manifold
-RR Big Bore throttle body
-ASC deleted (no light)
-Bosch 803 MAF, resistor modified harness, K&N high flow cone intake w/ sock located inside bumper
-Relocated power steering reservoir (behind passenger headlight)
-New reman power steering pump
-New Bosch 140A alternator upgrade
-318 clutch fan w/ new clutch
-Stewart EMP high flow water pump & aluminum thermostat housing
-All new cooling system- Radiator, all hoses including heater hoses, overflow tank, cap, t-stat, etc.
-Euro Radiator cover trim (deletes alternator duct ugliness)
-Cooling system runs EVANS NPG waterless coolant
-All new belts, pulleys, and tensioners/bearings. New OEM engine mounts.
-New fuel pump, fuel filter, pressure regulator, filter/regulator cover.
-All new engine sensors, all seals, gaskets, hoses everywhere in engine and under the hood.
-Vortec V2 T-Trim supercharger (the big boy) Upgraded by Vortech to HD bearings/seals
-RMS CNC Brackets and CNC crankshaft and idler pulley
-Reichard 8 rib high traction blower pulley. (Doesnt slip @ 16psi)
-CNC aluminum high flow diverter valve
-RMS air/water aftercooler running Amsoil coolant
-RMS dual pass heat exchanger w/custom SPAL fan
-BOSCH water pump for heat exchanger
-OEM level electrical / relay integration into factory fuse/relay box. Uses OEM relays (see build)
-Devils Own methanol injection w/ ramping computer controller in govebox (oem level install)
-Nick G aka Technique Tuning OBD2 tune. Tuned for post o2 overlook, SAP delete, EWS delete.
-Innovate OT-2 interface via OBD2 port (wireless function integrates with logworks iphone app)
-5 speed swapped in using very low mile 420 transmission w/new internal shift detents and seals. Amsoil ATF. Shifts fantastic.
-Reinforced transmission crossmember (TIG welded), UUC red poly transmission mounts w/enforcer cups.
-UUC M5 clutch w/lightweight flywheel.
-New 325is slave cylinder, new *** master cylinder, new Stainless Steel hose. Factory clutch feel and engagement. New clutch fork, bushings, guibo, etc.
-UUC adjustable clutch stop
-UUC EVO 3 short shifter w/ DSSR, new OEM bushings and joints. Very tight but not ridiculous or notchy. Think more like Porsche.
-New/rebuilt driveshaft assembly and Axle shafts, including new hardware/bolts.
-Custom built 3.46 ratio LSD differential. Extensive list of new parts including e28 LSD housing, new clutches, all new TIMKEN bearings, 188mm 3.46 gears, new seals/Bushings/rings/Hardware, new shims and preloads adjusted to performance specs, Amsoil gear oil. The perfect ratio for this car. Very quiet and feels great- build details in thread above.
-Full custom 304 stainless steel catless exhaust. Modified Supersprint replica headers, new Siemens o2 sensors, X-pipe, Aerochamber resonators, all V-Banded and Tig welded by hand into a DINAN V2 rear muffler. See build thread above for details.
As you’d expect from Nick G, his tune is fantastic and passes the OBD2 Texas state inspection with no issues. What started as an RMS kit is now a further re-engineered and thoughtfully improved system that could be mistaken for OEM. There are no check lights, and SRS and ABS systems are functional. The 5 speed swap was all OEM using factory schematics and parts, manual trans wiring harnesses & ECU, and good tuning. Functions as if it came from factory that way. A/C is leak free and Works well- was updated with new accumulator and hoses. The exhaust is simply incredible. From in the cabin it is a hint above factory noise level. ZERO drone anywhere in the driving rpms. From outside under WOT watch out- it can wake you up. Fantastic growl around 2500-3000 and just the right amount of rasp up high. Truly an exotic sound I’ve never heard from another M3, especially when combined with the blower whine.
In case the car is going to a warm climate I am including a brand new Zionsville FatBoy aluminum radiator and Delta Current Control digital fan controller ($900 value). Here in the Texas summer last year I noticed the coolant temps starting to creep up when I would be sitting still in traffic or during a long drive through lane with the A/C on. This occurred in near triple digit ambient temps and the installation of the radiator will resolve the issue if desired. I never installed it because it only happened a couple times to me, but the parts are included in my asking price, along with an assortment of other new and used parts, extra pullies, fluids, car cover, etc.
I have a very thorough binder of documentation included, showing many of the parts purchased during my ownership, and manuals for various items as well. I am very keen on documentation.
Things left to do:
-Cruise control not connected (only requires servo relocation to restore function)
-FM radio reception isn’t connected. Need to supply 12v to factory diversity antenna at back window. Didn’t bother me because I hate FM.
-Rarely, but sometimes the sunroof has a faint rattle. Replacement slides and parts included with car.
-Front tires are showing camber wear on the inner tread lugs from the aggressive front alignment. Only an “OCD“observation.
-Another OCD desire would be to replace the trunk carpet. I would transport detailing supplies in the trunk and spills over time have stained the carpet. See pics.
-Paint is all original and has a 2’ key scratch down the rear driver fender, and various chips and scratches on lower part of rear bumper and passenger skirt. Various minor rock chips elsewhere on the car. ZERO rust. NONE. No bubbles either.
-Clutch upgrade? The build is right on the verge of being under-clutched. The UUC M5 clutch can slip at 5k+ rpm where you’re 100+mph boosting 16psi on highway pulls during cold mornings when IAT’s are low. It has always been this way, it’s not a worn clutch issue because it’s fresh. The car is a beast everywhere else and the clutch behaves fantastic.
Is the car fast? Yes. It should have between 450-470whp right now. Anything over 4k rpm is intoxicating in both feel and sound. It eats E92 M3’s from a dig. Destroys E46 M3’s easily. Most Subies and Mustangs no problem… I would however think twice about taking on a C5 Z06… No turbo lag, feels naturally aspirated. It’s a well composed daily weapon. I will miss having it in my garage.
I’m listing here first so that an enthusiast can snatch it up, but will be listing it on eBay soon. Nationwide transport available upon request.