Sepang Bronze E30 M3 S52

[reelizmpro]

A few weeks ago I picked up another M3. For those unfamiliar with this one, it was owned by a few forum members on the East coast before ending up in SoCal. The car has quite the history but overall it's in decent shape. In contrast to my Alpineweiss M3, quite a bit of work has already been done to the car including poly bushings, S52 swap, new paint, GC suspension, etc. I plan on putting the finishing touches on it to take it to the next level and enjoy it.

The PO painted the car Sepang Bronze which I admittedly didn't care much for in the for sale ad but it looked a lot better in person. Seeing it in daylight, I realized it was actually metallic paint which makes a big difference. I was thinking of bringing it back to DS initially but think I will stick with this color as it's growing on me and it's fresh paint. On that note, I'm reminded why some people dislike color changes, myself included...because it's rarely done correctly. Anyone can take things apart but few can put it back together correctly. I've spent quite a bit of time diagnosing and correcting many small issues the first week and I'm happy to say, everything is now working as they should. On to the pics...










Recaro SRD's, uncracked dash...off to a good start.





Time to dig in... fixed the odometer/speedo + polished the cover

Alternator bolt had backed out to the radiator. Good thing nothing was damaged.



After some research, I've confirmed it's an S52. "32 6S 2" - 3.2 Liters, 6 cylinders, S = 4 valves per cylinder.



Now to figure out if the vibration i'm feeling is from the Condor delrin engine mounts or the fins hitting the booster.

[oekundar]

Looks like a nice addition to your stable.

[AWDBOB]

Glad to see the car is in good hands! With some TLC I think this car will be a great, fun driver.

[Kershaw]

Sepang is a bit of an odd color but it doesn't look bad. Looks like a fun car too!

[Javier h]

Finally a swapped car

Congrats Barry.

I have to ask without making this a "which is faster" thread but since you have modified S14, overall, which feels quicker?

Like most, I've driven an S52 E36 but never a tweaked S14.

Are you planning on BAR-ing the car?

[reelizmpro]

I need more seat time in the car but the S52 is awesome in the E30. My modded S14 has about 240HP, but the S52 with tune makes more HP and has more torque. Best of both worlds really. I know the added weight is there but on a street car it's a fair trade. I see why people do it but I still wouldn't pull an S14 out of an M3. Obviously, I'd buy a swapped M3 for the right price though. Thing is my 323 was already getting S52 swapped prior to picking this up. Once that car is finished...I will see where this S52 M3 stands but chances are I won't be getting it BAR'd.

[ak-]

Happy to see it in your hands Barry

[Court M3]

Nice pickup! 3 M3s must make for a nice driveway/garage!!

[reelizmpro]

Installed black bumper tape




Installed 1pc Evo bumper seal to clean up the front end

[2mAn]

Cant wait to see what wheels you go with. Thats what I hated the most. Its nice that its in your hands

[MR 325]

Congrats Barry! The collection is getting pretty serious. 8-)

[e30austin]

Very cool!

[Matt-B]

id keep the color.


looks fine. i mean it could be bronzit lol
if you need boots let me know :)

[reelizmpro]

Not much to update as I've been waiting on parts to come in. In the meantime, I've been looking at wheels. I'm thinking black chrome style 32's would look awesome but they've proven to be hard to find. If nothing turns up by the time the car is ready, I may just customize a set of 17" style 5's that I've been hoarding. I'm thinking something black/black chrome/bronze/copper with gold/copper bolts would really pop with the color of the car. Tons of Bdays around this time and the holidays have taken up most of my time lately.

[AWDBOB]

I think you made a great buy with this thing. The history scared everyone away, but it seems like a straight car that really just needed someone's finishing touches on it to make it great. If I had been in a better place when it was for sale I certainly would've snagged it up.