Let's make an E30 M3! (M3 S14 cabrio clone project)

[CorvallisBMW]

I'm amazed all of the suspension survived intact!

[2mAn]

That looks like Greg in the background of the pics, Im guessing this was an Alpha team event?

[IronJoe]

Made some progress over the last few days. I had a lot of help, so we got a fair bit done:

• Pulled the busted M20/auto
• Pulled the S14/manual
• Swapped over front suspension, steering rack, etc
• Swapping over rear suspension
• Installing interior

I am hoping this will be in some drivable shape by the picnic, but that will mostly be dependent on when parts arrive. I'm waiting on motor and trans mounts as well as various gaskets and seals before I can put the S14 in.


I still have a long way to go:

• Swap in S14/manual, driveline, wiring
• Finish rear subframe/diff/rear suspension install
• Auto -> manual pedals, brake booster, master cyl swap
• Finish interior (M3 dash, gauge cluster, glove box, steering wheel, etc

At that point it should be a runner.


Here's some photos from this week, nothing too special:

[JRiggs]

This is everything I've always wanted to do with one of my old verts and more!

[cleanasse30]

Keep up the good work, dis gun be guud!

[IronJoe]

This project is finally taking shape!

I have the M20 pulled out of the new car, and will pull the S14 tomorrow. Then I'll be swapping over the front & rear subframes/5lug and then the S14 gets installed! I am thrilled things are finally coming together.

Also ECS Tuning updated me on the M3 cabrio fenders, they are in transit! Perhaps they will make their way over in time for the picnic :devil:

[IronJoe]

What makes the side skirts M3 cabrio specific?

They are shaped somewhat differently to account for the slightly different height of the cabrio rocker panel, or so I'm told. I know that a few folks have been able to make the coupe skirts work, but to varying degrees of success. I'd prefer to do things properly with all original parts and leave out the modifying.

[krayzkrn]

ECS Tuning has them for $360 each. Last coupe set that I saw on eBay sold for $600 so you could almost break even on the deal. Not bad for brand new M3 convertible-specific parts.

What makes the side skirts M3 cabrio specific?

[jhaurimn]

Nice score on the vert skirts and fenders! Thats gotta be a big relief.

[ttrousdell]

glad to see parts of the M3 will live on. cool project.

[flyboyx]

the dash on that m3 cabby is grey. i've never seen that before.

[IronJoe]

Here is some inspiration:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-3-Series...m=331847961602

Wow. That looks amazing. Thank you for the link!

[sonomabimmers]

good lord this is great. subd

[Javier h]

Here is some inspiration:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-3-Series-/331847961602?forcerrptr=true&hash=item4d43ae0c02:g:IZgAAOSwn9lXKiEu&item=331847961602

[saucers]

oooo this is gonna be good :popcorn: