Taking My E36 M3 Out For Its First Drive 

By virtue of the simple passing of time, we never achieve success when we first aspired to. Buying what we coveted back then is a good way to appreciate how far we've come. Congrats on fulfilling one of those dreams Matt!

Missed the sound of that E36 engine, power isn't huge but just sort of smoothly swells as you lean into the gas, you glance down and are going just a bit faster than you thought. It's something about the original VANOS system's torque curve and the slightly tall stock gearing.

my first dream car back in 1998/99 was a dakar yellow E36 BMW M3 EVO, as time went on i bought myself a brand new E92 BMW M3 years ago and i had to have it in individual Dakar Yellow,

Highly recommend a short throw.

It like a foreign language to me But I’m fascinated and learning a Ton! Thanks Matt

Look at all that compound in the hood vents 😮

When u're done with the oe shocks, can i have it? jokes apart, this car is mint, i love this combination of color and interior!!!

17:22 Matt!! the man of detail doesn't know that the little arrow on the gas gauge shows you what side your gas cap is on... lol

Sweet e36 content😎

Hey Matt as far as the wheels go, are you gonna put the Michelin’s from the DS2’s 225/45 on the front 24’s and the 245/40 on the rear 24’s? What are the width of the BBS E87’s? Tire sizes for them? I wouldn’t keep the DS2’s. I know you want to keep the OE parts, but those aren’t desired by really anyone haha. I’d just keep the new Michelin’s and ditch the DS2’s.

Im just here to get a heart from ol' Matty!

Every video Matt posts recently are videos that make me think yes, i want to watch that.

Crazy how far your channel has gone. So happy!

...speaking of gas. CHANGE THE FUEL PUMP. That screwed me hard one time.

Get the subframe X-Brace and Motorsport strut tower brace along with the shock tower reinforcements plates while your doing the steering rack swap.

The type of video you hit thumbs up before even watching

The euro steering wheel is so much better than that ugly wheel

I haven't been this early to something since I started my first job. This is way more worth it

lol. I couldn't stop grinning driving my E36 m3 home for the first time. Love the instant torque. Not massive amounts, but just right for what it was. Can't wait to see (and hear) yours once you get it up to what you want. :-)

Congrats Matt! I get to re-live my days of owning a 1997 E36 M3 sedan through you!

I’ve never seen that much body roll on any OG drive.

95% of all e36 drivers have no clue that their headlight switch is illuminated because that light bulb in the switch has usually burned out. . . I wonder if this light switch turns on? The bulb is literally one of the tiniest ever and it's only about a five minute job.

I've had Dinan exhaust, intake, strut bars, & tune since 2002. I love it.. it's very civilized.. great sound but not stupid annoying. Recently I replaced the exhaust, intake and strut bars w/ brand new parts from Dinan because they still sell the exact same parts! The parts were still performing 100% but only 80% cosmetic and I wanted everything to look brand new and sold old stuff for good money. The old carbon fiber intake had a foil Dinan logo that starts to peel - they fixed that w/ the newest generation it's back to carbon fiber w/ integrated logo. The exhaust also says "Dinan" on the two tips and it will fade over the years. The fake carbon fiber stickers on the front strut brace will fade over the years and the brushed aluminum bar will start to oxidize. At the end of the day very happy w/ the quality & performance of the dinan stuff

Loving this content. Loved the E92 series, and this is great too

This is my exact dream car. Unfortunately I can't get one yet because I would like to have a project one to rebuild and I don't have the money or a garage for it since I am in college lol keep up the great content!

Hey please show or at least explain how you do most of the maintenance or upgraded parts for those DIY people like myself that own an e36.

you should get a z3 steering rack

I love my E36 M3 it has just enough modern comforts. yet i really get the feel of the road when driving.

Leave the Vaders, they look better than the speed V

yess sir more e36 content

The Dinan tune raises the redline to 7500 and removes the top speed governer and sharpens response

cant believe he isnt doing an m50 intake manifold

That Euro 3-Spoke (triangle airbag) is stupid, 100%. It's a 385mm wheel which is the same as the 4-spoke you currently have. No hate for that 4-spoke but the Euro 3-Spoke is a super misguided "upgrade" far too many do. It's too damn big. US 3-spoke is 375mm and the Mtech wheel (non-airbag) are 370mm. Both of the latter wheels are excellent OE options, especially for guys that are 6' and taller.

“This is a nice place to be” as an e36 owner, I have never heard anyone say that while sitting in one lol

I’m so jealous of Florida roads. I hope you recognize how good you have it

I'm SURE you know this, but the gas gauge will always tell you what side of the car the tank door is on.

I’m rolling Billsteins front and back on my 99’ e36 M3. On OG LTWs it rides smooth as glass. Stay far away from the stock suspension.

Just out of curiosity, do you know how many e36 m3’s were made in this color? I just picked up mine (which had obviously been repainted) and upon looking up the vin I discovered it’s techno violet. Just wondered if you knew any production numbers since google hasn’t been any help

This channel is an inspiration and a bad influence becuase I want to get another E36

Lollipop bushings (aka lower control arm thrust bushings) should be replaced

Sweet!

Not to be a Karen, but you gotta move those headrests up if you're that big of a guy. In a rear-end collision, you'd be f****d. Whiplash is the least fun time ever, trust me.

Thanks for taking us along the first ride. I’m sure you’ve made up your mind, but I think the enthusiast people that watch would be interested in this comparison. Put something like KW coilovers on while you wait for the Ohlins. In order to describe what it’s like going from a good to better coilover setup.

I really do not know what they try to say? About the car's on sale or ? The dealer's for agrements somethings going on?

Is this your favorite car you’ve ever purchased? Seems like it.

You can really juice up your engine for cheap with a M50B25 non vanos intake, new exhaust headers and a tune. It will make you around 280hp, all easily reversable mods ofc.

Maybe a shot of the car would of been nice🤦‍♂️

Please check the seat control adjustments. The E36 Seats can get amazingly low. You just have to play with the adjustment and lower the rear then front. Rock them back and forth till it’s all the way down and then bring it up to what works for you. Too bad it’s not a slick top.

That color is perfection.

my guy matt living the dream. proud of you man, enjoy the build.

PLEASE ADDRESS THE SHIFTER!!! THESE CARS ARE VERY EASY TO "MONEY SHIFT"

Is the torch still in the glovebox?

Fyeah spec that thing bro

Thoughts on removing the CDV (clutch delay valve)? I've never experienced a manual BMW without one but I always here good things about doing it.

Verry nice!!! Engine swap it with a euro spec 3.2 321bhp version with a M carbon airbox/ straight pipe and a remap, 360bhp!!! Also replace always at 63.000 miles the crankshaft bearings and vanos sealants and the oilpump and fit a 3.2 dry sump carter. I have the 3.0 version with 285 bhp.

I’m only 4 years younger, but for some reason this car has no affect on me. I would LOVE an e46. I also really like e30’s. But I’ve never cared for the e36.

Do you really have the seats in it's lowest position? I can get both my vaders and my OE sport seats very low. I don't remember how low I could get OE regular seats.

awesome... I would recommend not filling more than 30% so you can replace the fuel pump as preventative maintenance. You can't siphon an E36 going in through the gas cap - otherwise you would have to undo fuel line to injectors and run pump to siphon from engine area.. pita.

As a middle aged man who has been slowly upgrading an E36 M3 convertible for 10 years I am enjoying your new journey. Just an observational tip... Gas fill is always on the same side the pump handle shows in the little icon on the gauge. Oh... and I think you might be overlooking a seat adjustment... There's a lot of different flavours but I have never seen any BMW (including manual seats) that doesn't have an "elevator" adjustment... height of the actual seat up and down. Might make you a lot more comfortable.

Sounds really good totally different to my S50B32 engined car though. I didn't realise your car was a low mileage example too. My car is totally original but then that's me ! Each to their own and all that.

Keep this car, an N/A manual car that is light and analog is going to be something we all want in a few years

First M3 I test drove was a Techno Violet E36 basically identical to that car. Made me fall in love with BMW! Now I’m addicted to P Cars 😂! Love the channel!

Ouf my dream car😍

For the floppy gas pedal, consider aluminum throttle cable bushings

what rear end ratio are you thinking of swapping to? I've tried most and the 3.64 is the best. 3.46 from an auto is a little cheaper. both really make the car come alive without sitting too high in the revs while cruising on the highway. Optionally you can remove a spacer in the diff and add more clutch plates for a little more lock up. Also, don't forget to remove the clutch delay valve when you bleed it and upgrade to a stainless line there. On the suspension front, Bilstein B8 Performance plus is way better than OEM as a stopgap and valved so perfect. pair them with H&R sport for street use

If you’re going to do the clutch, I highly recommend swapping to a six speed with a shorter rear gear. Would really wake it up! Lightweight flywheel is also something to consider but I understand the drawbacks. Recaro speed or sportster cs? Oh and I almost forgot DINAN/FIKSE FM5 FTW!

I remember the first one I saw back in the 90's riding with friends up in the Chicago suburbs. It came along side the car I was in and was a Boston Green coupe. Totally aspirational for me at that point as I was in my mid-20's. I started with a Nissan hardbody truck as a first car purchased after college ('94) and then on to Honda/Acura before getting my first M3 in 2004. It was a '98 Estoril over Dove coupe. Sold it in 2007 when my daughter was born to get a 4 door car. Missed it, and now I am back in aa '97 M3 4/5. Has been a little over a year, but just about have it where I want it. I love the torque in 2nd and 3rd gears...so much fun.

lol just rip it

Uncle matty i ordered the kranzle k1322tst and the kobrajet hose! the hose is phenomenal, im still waiting for the restock on the kranzle but thank you for everything you are doing for the community. You are helping to educate younger guys like me and you have done the research required to make the best products so we don’t have to, so from the bottom of my heart thank you for all that you do! Keep up the great work and the great content.

I also have an e36 m3. Personally changing the steering wheel to a deeper dish smaller diameter wheel made a HUGE difference on the driving experience! I've always felt that the stock wheels was too far away from me 👊🏼 Give it a try!!

You will also be very surprised with how sensitive the throttle cable becomes after you get the slop out, there is an adjuster under the throttle body to adjust to cable to get all the slack out, makes a HUGE difference

Matty - that exhaust sounds incredible. Pleeeeease don’t waste your time trying 7 different others when that sounds that good. Just Mark it ✅! 😊

Just like owning a Ducati everything falls apart because it rumbled so much.

this sounds like more then the $25k you were talking about spending

I'm with you on the steering wheel. Seemed like people changed them out simply because the Euro version was available and somewhat affordable. I never thought it was an improvement. 'Valentine 1' came outta your mouth as I was thinking the same.

Very nice car! Congrats on the new purchase. Looking forward to seeing more videos.

My brother had one of these brand new in silver. I have great memories of being a 12 year old in the passenger seat.

It’s killing me to watch this video, same as on my M3 in the hood vents get the wax build up

Growing up I’ve always known them as “door panels” door cards sounds so bizarre to me.

This car is awesome 👌

You can drop the seat lower with a latch on the front corner of the seat and drop the rear with the latch furthest back on the seat iirc.

Also while you have the opportunity replace the front diff bolt they tend to bend or snap over time

That's gunna be one badass Obssesed garage queen! Jk hope you can drive it on some good roads when it's done.

Shame you guys never got the uk model we got 320bhp keep up the good work mate love the channel

Borla does sound great - no need for exhausrt noise piped through the sound system.

Its hard for a car that was hot back in 1996, to stay up to expectations up to this day

Hey Matt, why do u shift to 2nd before going to 1st? I notice that

I’ve been loving all of the recent videos. Been a subscriber for a while now and it’s awesome to see how much the channel and the business has grown!

How do you like the car without the arm rest? I deleted mine and like it much better

Vanos is a wonderful thing, brings on the torque early 👍

You should get some E88 or RT88 on the E92 to match the E36

Now you have me in my garage cleaning the vents. Thanks Matt. 👍

I think it would be cool to tint the back 3 windows only. 90’s style.

What ever side your gas gage is on you dash is what side of car it's on

The Mtech 2 steering wheel is one to get. Dont know if they make one with an airbag though

This is the Florida version of Fyeah spec. I love it!

That color is so OG. Congratulations Matt!

Those water-spots OG approved?

Make sure to change the cabin filter

I think this thing needs a built motor with a single turbo setup, will still feel pretty oem and linear for sure!