My current project build

projectbimmers

Torque Junkie
Points
182
Location
Raleigh NC
Car
BMW 318ti m44
Hey guys. I'm trying to get used to this forum. Either way, glad to be here. I'm here to learn.

My project at the moment is a 1996 BMW 318ti. I've already done everything to the car cosmetically. I am now finally at the point where I'm considering options for the motor.
For several reasons I have decided to supercharge. I will try a small roots type blower. AMR500. I expect to get some very modest gains from this. Like 5 to 6psi or so. I will be running stock internals. I'm not too sure about engine management but I was looking into getting a microsquirt set up and a breather Tank for the crank case pressure valve.
I'm still researching. Ince I oost enough here I will put up some progress pix.
 
Thanks for starting a project thread, i'll be watching this with interest. You might be the chap that kindly emailed me about an issue, thanks again for that it was a big help.

Megasquirt is a good solid option, preferred in Nissan circles. Make sure you take into account the added need for a knock sensor when you run extra boost.

Have you looked at SCS delta also Link/Vipec and DTA as other options for an ECU replacement?
 
Thanks for starting a project thread, i'll be watching this with interest. You might be the chap that kindly emailed me about an issue, thanks again for that it was a big help.

Megasquirt is a good solid option, preferred in Nissan circles. Make sure you take into account the added need for a knock sensor when you run extra boost.

Have you looked at SCS delta also Link/Vipec and DTA as other options for an ECU replacement?
yes sir, I did email u about the issue. Thanks for helping with that. Site runs fine for me now and I'm really enjoying it. The mega squirt line is the only brand I really knew of besides Haltech for engine management. This is new territory for me. I never messed around with forced induction in my life. I'm 43yrs old now and I have a project that is itching for something new. The supercharger set up I found is something I believe I can handle. I just wanna be sure to research thoroughly. that's how I found this forum actually
 
Here is when I first bought her...1996 e36/5 318ti. One of my favorite cars. First bimmer to catch my eye as a kid when i was big into hatch back like the VW scirocco!!!!IMG_20200907_001728_885.jpg
 
Seein as how I went to school to learn car customizing years ago I decided to make a theme before I set out on the build. After NUMEROUS mind changes lol I decided to pull the trigger on a black and yellow aggressive look for the ride.. and here goes the mission. Part of the "fun" of this build was searching out the parts. See the 318ti is not ur average e36. When it comes to this car everything is an uphill battle to say the least. It doesnt share alot of things with its other e36 family members. Ask me how I know this, lol. I wanted the car to resemble an e36 m3 so as far as interior, the set up was ALL wrong. The seats had to go. I had to search far and wide for a set of "Vaders". U have no idea the mission that was. Either way I did manage to get a decent set of Dove grey ones after searching the country. Picked em up in NJ20190203_113031.jpg
 
I never did like the factory design of the Vader seats. I just like the shape of them. That design just did nothing for me. I wanted to add my own design and start getting to the black and yellow theme20200517_194532.jpgScreenshot_20200506-110829_Instagram.jpg
 

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Server said the carpet pictures were too large to post. Just imagine a grey carpet that is now black lol. I used duplicolor vinyl and fabric spray. Worked like a charm. Oh and how could I forget to show u how the seats came out!!20200620_104620.jpgScreenshot_20200508-124948_Layout.jpg10534.jpeg
 
Steering wheels are the center point of ur vision when ur sitting in ur car. So my OCD kept acting up after a while once I started transforming the interior. I didnt like the wheel at all. That had to get handled right away. I had to source out an entirely different wheel from an m3 and add some of my touch on it. Black and yellow..IMG_20200826_191326_222.jpg20140413_224939.jpg
 
The headliner being gray was sticking out like a sore thumb and pretty unsightly. I didnt just wanna slap some black suede or headliner material up there and call it a day. That would be too plain and boring. I wanted nothing about this car to say plain.IMG_20200816_105223_026.jpg
 
Now if u own an e36 then I'm sure u have had dreaded issues with ur door cards. Horrible design I must admit but hey it's what we have to deal with so best make the best of it. I can write a whole thread just about these damn doors alone but that's for another day. This is the short version of it. The first thing I had to do was search around and find a set of ALL black door cards. Now being the oddball that it is. The 2 door 318ti uses the door cards from the 4 door sedans NOT the coupes. ASK ME HOW THE *#*#*#*# I KNOW THAT!!!! Smh, this car I tell ya. BMW must have had a field day makin this one. Now if u get the panels ur gonna have to fix the clips. I have a tutorial on how to sort that nonsense out on youtube.20200907_134854.jpg

 
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I know u didnt think I was just gonna be satisfied because I found nice black door panel. Ha, imagine that. Music is too much a big part of my life for me to be content with a basic audio set up. No that dont work over here. I like my music loud and clean. I don't think BMW thought of that when this car was made. Well fair enough, I can fix on that.20150317_200406.jpg20150318_191922.jpg20150318_195634.jpg20150324_191705.jpg
 

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I feel like this custom panel is kind of perfect for this door card. It was designed to match the factory lines. I made it bolt on so no severe modifications have to be made to accommodate the panel. I had a 3 way component speaker set in mind. An upgrade from the factory 2way set up20200802_205319.jpgIMG_20200816_132545_584.jpgIMG_20200820_192546_351.jpgIMG_20200819_133122_659.jpgIMG_20200824_223533_604.jpg
 

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As far as all of the grey interior trim pieces. Duplicolor paint for plastics is the way to go for me. Just be sure to prep the panels up by scuffing them well enough so the paint can "bite"IMG_20200228_201144_165.jpg
 
I unfortunately tried to teach my girl how to drive, smh. Big mistake. She banged up the car decently to where I had to get busy repairing *#*#*#*# rather than project work. I managed to get a replica m3 bumper while I was sorting out the wreckageIMG_20200907_145854_848.jpg
 
I went around to a bunch of autobody shops to get quotes on gettin the damage fixed up. These dudes are out of their ever lovin minds I tell ya. I ended up doin what any sensible person would do and invested in myself. Bought myself some autobody tools and supplies and enrolled in a local adult continuing education auto body and paint class. That was the beginning of the this year. I did manage to learn alot for the time I was there. I learned how to prep a car for paint, wet sand, remove dents and restore panels, welding etc. I was able to work on my car in the class ass well so overall good experience for me and my projects. UNFORTUNATELY Corona Virus changed the world out the blue. The class was cancelled right before I took the actual painting class. That really sucked ass because that's what I really wanted to get some hands on experience with the most. U can also see the wheels I got along the journey. Beyern Rapp20190809_170708.jpg20190810_093232.jpgPhoto_1584329140641.png
 
I drove around for weeks with the car in primer. Months actually, now that I think about it. I was trying to find a paint booth I could rent out and try my hand at painting my 1st car. I needed to learn that part as I have other project cars that need to be painted. I'm not paying anyone to do that. What sense would that make?? I eventually met an old timer that was able to take me under his wing and show me a thing or two about painting. I was able to use his garage as well for somewhere to spray the car. I was living in NJ at the time and didnt have a garage where I lived, only a parking lot that didnt allow u to work on ur car.IMG_20200428_222424_765.jpgIMG_20200428_212138_051.jpgIMG_20200429_114118_968.jpgIMG_20200429_112048_460.jpgIMG_20200513_210114_081.jpgIMG_20200429_202436_984.jpg
 
This I must admit was DEFINITELY my inspiration for my exterior black and yellow theme. It's amazing in my opinion. So I set out to pay homage to that build...20200907_163231.jpg
 
I sent my design to a vinyl print shop in NJ and got the graphic printed out. Unfortunately that short 13sec video is too large to post here. Sorry guys.IMG_20200816_103120_402.jpg
 
Now for the exterior accessories and details to get the job done.
Things such as m3 style mirrors.
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Smoked corner lights
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Smoked taillights
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Black and yellow roundels
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Smoked kidney grills
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custom halos
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Pleasure to watch the progress of your work, the interior work is amazing. sucks ur GF crashed it, but the good thing out of it is U have an M bumper now. what are your future plans, widebody? the interior is perfect, love it, especially the seats
 
Pleasure to watch the progress of your work, the interior work is amazing. sucks ur GF crashed it, but the good thing out of it is U have an M bumper now. what are your future plans, widebody? the interior is perfect, love it, especially the seats
I really appreciate this comment. I was really proud of those seats. I think a nice interior can really make a car stand out.

I was looking into maybe some over fenders in the future for an aggressive look. The next mod I'm looking to do is lower the car. I'm now considering coilovers.
 

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