I've always loved BMW race cars of the 70's and 80's and late in 2013 I found a red 1990 car for sale in Ireland. It had a stripped interior, roll cage and race seats. It also had uprated suspension, ARB's and a caron fibre airbox. A couple of calls later and I booked my flight from Heathrow. A quick flight, 30 miles in a hire car and I was there. I knew pretty much instantly that I wanted it.
Thanks to the seller being so patient and my partner helping me out, after about 6 months I was able to fly back and collect the M3.
Within a few weeks I had made a few mods. The first of which was a Mishimoto alloy rad.
After UK registration, I racked up a few miles using the M3 regularly. I also opted to change the look and fit Compomotive TH alloys. I also made sure everything was in top order mechanically.
I had to replace the Bonrath wiper. I know it's not to everyones taste, but I love the single wiper look.
I also put a few track miles in. I absolutely love driving the M3 on track. It is incredible that a saloon car can handle the way the M3 does.
As time went on I worked hard to repair any small rust issues that I found. Overall it's a really solid car but all BMW of the era usually have some rust.
A wash and wax would still have it looking good though.
I set the geometry to try and optimise the handling and minimise excessive wear of the Toyo r888's I usually run.
I also opted to replace the cage strengthening plates and repair the footwell. There's no point fitting a cage unless it's properly installed.
It looked great once finished and the carbon fibre splitter and gurney were rubbed down and sprayed in clear coat.
I also had the dash flocked.
Unfortunately, a few weeks ago I was rear ended whilst stationary and hit into the car ahead. Damage wasn't heavy, although the boot floor did need to be pulled straight by a jig. I also had to find a replacement rear panel. As new panels are NLA I managed to source an excellent used one.
So from Monday we start work preparing for paint. I'm also going to make a few changes, such as fitting BBS E50's and replacing the black leather Recaro interior. Anyway, I'll post some more photos once the prep work is underway.
My current ride is the V8 M3 but I'd much rather be in my E30.
Thanks to the seller being so patient and my partner helping me out, after about 6 months I was able to fly back and collect the M3.
Within a few weeks I had made a few mods. The first of which was a Mishimoto alloy rad.
After UK registration, I racked up a few miles using the M3 regularly. I also opted to change the look and fit Compomotive TH alloys. I also made sure everything was in top order mechanically.
I had to replace the Bonrath wiper. I know it's not to everyones taste, but I love the single wiper look.
I also put a few track miles in. I absolutely love driving the M3 on track. It is incredible that a saloon car can handle the way the M3 does.
As time went on I worked hard to repair any small rust issues that I found. Overall it's a really solid car but all BMW of the era usually have some rust.
A wash and wax would still have it looking good though.
I set the geometry to try and optimise the handling and minimise excessive wear of the Toyo r888's I usually run.
I also opted to replace the cage strengthening plates and repair the footwell. There's no point fitting a cage unless it's properly installed.
It looked great once finished and the carbon fibre splitter and gurney were rubbed down and sprayed in clear coat.
I also had the dash flocked.
Unfortunately, a few weeks ago I was rear ended whilst stationary and hit into the car ahead. Damage wasn't heavy, although the boot floor did need to be pulled straight by a jig. I also had to find a replacement rear panel. As new panels are NLA I managed to source an excellent used one.
So from Monday we start work preparing for paint. I'm also going to make a few changes, such as fitting BBS E50's and replacing the black leather Recaro interior. Anyway, I'll post some more photos once the prep work is underway.
My current ride is the V8 M3 but I'd much rather be in my E30.
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