[Dino355]

Thought it about time I introduce myself properly! I've been lurking around on here for a few years but only really started posting since I bought my e90 a month ago.

First started out with BMWs back in 2006 when I bought an AC Schnitzer e36 M3 Evo. It came with a pretty good spec as standard - Schrick Cams, Eisenmann Race Exhaust, Active Autowerke CAI, ACS anti roll bars, ACS Type IIs, and ACS Recaro interior. I fitted AP Racing 4 pots all round, Eibach adjustable rear arms and front top mounts, genuine adjustable GT splitter and spoiler, Fidanza lightened flywheel as well as a 3,62 e46 M3 M Diff and Milltek 100 Cell Race Cats. After a remap at Evolve it was pushing 341bhp.

I did over 100 laps of the Nurburgring in this car and several trackdays.

It also didn't do too bad on the 1/4 mile at Santa Pod even though the clutch was on it's last legs! (the following video was taken prior to the 3,62 M Diff being fitted)

This car served me well until the engine gave up the ghost on a hot lap of the 'ring back in the summer of 2009 a spark plug disentegrated and took a valve with it and two pistons.

That car was parted out and all the modifications transferred to another e36 M3 Evo this time a gorgeous saloon/sedan

Unfortunately lighting struck twice and this car was only with me for 7 months and the engine developed a knock and this too went the same way as the former - parted out and this time all the parts were sold to the community with nothing left (a decision I was to later regret)

Decided on a change at that point and went Jap - a low mileage one owner Mitsubishi Evo V. Great car but it wasn't for me, fantastic to drive and 100% capable of VERY fast driving on twisty roads and the Nurburgring but the interior was awful, the seats uncomfortable and it wasn't exactly subtle! This also brought me some bad luck at the 'ring - absolute brake failure at Ex-Muhle (probably the best place on the circuit for the brakes to fail!). This proved an expensive fix and soon after the car was sold.

Next up the lure of M-ownership was too much to resist and I was back. I felt like I had unfinished business so bought another e36 M3 Evo (what else?!) this time in Dakar Yellow II (again, not exactly subtle but I loved it!)

When I bought it this is how it looked:





And a few subtle mods and I was back on track:

Also got car of the month in PBMW magazine this month



After over a year with the yellow M3, I'd finally got it out of my system and had been wanting to buy something more modern and more 'normal'

I've always been a fan of the e90 as my Wife has a 320d M Sport, which of course has done a few laps of the 'ring

I'd originally planned on getting a 130i M Sport but with two kids it just wasn't practical given how small they are in the rear. Instead I opted for it's larger brother - a 330i. My budget couldn't stretch to an M Sport so I instead went for the SE model.

So far I'm very pleased with it, it looks classy and the engine is sooooo nice (one of the main reasons I went for one is I'm a big fan of the N52)

It has a few nice options such as electric lumbar support, heated leather seats, bluetooth prep, electric folding mirrors, pdc, cd changer, puddle lighting, titan silver interior trim, headlight washers, etc







And here it is with my Wife's 320d M Sport LCI



First thing I've done is put my registration plate on:



I also have a heated Dakota Leather M Sport interior arriving tomorrow with the added bonus of split folding rear seats

Future plans for the car:

Darkline rear lights
M3 rear lip & possibly BMW performance flippers
18" Staggered Ellipsoid 162s
BMW Performance Steering Wheel
M Sport gear knob
M Sport handbrake lever
Suspension upgrade (Eibach coilovers or Koni FSDs/Eibach Springs or Bilstein B14 coilovers - I haven't decided yet)

Opinions, suggestions & comments welcome

[Elie335]

Epic introduction, welcome mate!

[xe90x]

You sir, are my idol.

[arctic330i]

Well seems like you’ve been in the family for some time! Welcome

[MrPig]

Not gonna lie, your e36s looked fantastic and the e36 is my least favourite 3-series. Bravo.

[Dino355]

Originally Posted by MrPig

Not gonna lie, your e36s looked fantastic and the e36 is my least favourite 3-series. Bravo.

Thanks

If only I could afford to have an e36 M3 as a weekend car/track toy as well as the e90 I would have another in a heartbeat!

[XKaLiBaR]

Welcome n00b!

[Dino355]

Originally Posted by XKaLiBaR

Welcome n00b!

Thought you might have passed comment about that red beast lurking in the background of one of the pics

[edirtaynine]

probably one of the best intros on a forum ever. WELCOME!

i like your first e36 out of the three you had.

[Dino355]

Originally Posted by edirtaynine

probably one of the best intros on a forum ever. WELCOME!

i like your first e36 out of the three you had.

Thanks! I like the first one the most too. If the engine hadn't died I would still have it now

[MalM3]

Welcome Dino

I remember you and the blue schnitzer all the way back from E36coupe days
Welcome aboard bruv

[username604]

man, that was one hell of an intro! welcome to the board, i hope you frequent and keep us updated with your future mods!

[chicagob5]

great thread,

made me want an e36 m3 haha.

Our e90s look almost identical on the exterior. The only difference is you have the clear turn signals.

Sharp car !

[M340i Pride]

welcome! lovely cars. love your new car.

your first e36 m3 was a BAD ASS!

[CAPSGOD]

The Estoril E36

[Dino355]

Originally Posted by CAPSGOD

The Estoril E36

There certainly was something about that car

[coldplay]

Awesome series Dino!! I envy you.

[90rr]

great intro ! welcome bud !

[fun2drive]

Welcome.
Oh to have an M3 Evo engine in my M3's..............

[daheechang]

welcome! i'm excited to see your plans for the n52 you should swap the lci headlights from the wife's e90 to yours lol

[Dino355]

Originally Posted by fun2drive

Welcome.
Oh to have an M3 Evo engine in my M3's..............

There is a guy over on bmwowner.com who is selling a fully rebuilt M3 Evo motor with ancillaries for £2500

Originally Posted by daheechang

welcome! i'm excited to see your plans for the n52 you should swap the lci headlights from the wife's e90 to yours lol

Lights, seats, steering wheel, short shift, shifter, handbrake handle, suspension....I want it all Hers is a lease car - I don't think the lease company would take too kindly to a reduced spec when we hand the car back next summer

I can't wait to start tweaking my e90 - the only thing I've not really considered messing with though is the engine itself. For sure I'll be having it remapped at Evolve but I don't want any loud exhausts although a nice induction kit would be nice. For now I'd rather spend the money on exterior mods

[seetully]

again, like everyone else said..amazing intro man..glad to have you on the forums!