Vehicle modification: BMW E36

The BMW E36 is undoubtedly one of the most accessible cars for both beginners and professionals. Produced from 1990 to 1999, it is widely considered one of the most iconic and versatile cars ever produced by BMW. As the third generation of the 3 Series, the E36 offered a blend of performance, luxury and practicality that still holds a special place in the hearts of car enthusiasts. Since its release, the E36 has become a popular platform for tuning and modification across the spectrum of its engine versions from 4-cylinder to 6-cylinder M3s, as they offer a suitable basis for performance upgrades, visual enhancements and even full-fledged racetrack gear. In the following steps, we will show you products suitable for quick and easy installation that will help to completely transform the vehicle.

Interior:

Driver-oriented for easy access and control. Softened plastics in combination with fabric or leather trim. Even the basic models offered a relatively premium feel compared to many competitors in the same class. The gauges included an "econometer" that showed current fuel consumption. This display did not apply to vehicles in the compact version and the weakest 1.6 engine, which did not support this function. The econometer was replaced by oil temperature in M3 versions, so replacing the alarm in lower variants with an M3 is an ideal way to monitor oil temperature while maintaining the serial appearance. The seats in the sports-oriented car had sufficient lateral guidance and in the "Vader" version in M3 models were fully electric with a unique headrest with integrated shoulder pads. Black ceiling upholstery or a sunroof was in high demand at the time of the car's production. The highest equipment provided an on-board computer with an average consumption display and the "check control" option.

BMW E36 SPORTS STEERING WHEEL HUB - the basic modification to the interior is replacing the steering wheel with a sports one, which fits firmly in the hand and allows better control. To install the steering wheel, it is necessary to use a sports hub. It is attached directly to the steering column and, using a pair of spacers, ensures trouble-free installation of the sports steering wheel. You can find a detailed description no how to install the steering wheel HERE.

SPORTS SEAT BRACKETS - the correct position in the car together with the steering wheel create an environment ideal for sporty driving. The seats are universal and therefore require a holder dedicated to the BMW E36 for proper attachment. This way you will be able to easily place the seat in the car without the need for additional modifications.

SHORT SHIFTER - shortens the travel of the gear lever and thus speeds up the ability of accurate gear shifts. On the circuit, every second and precision when shifting counts.

ROLL CAGE - roll cage or half-frame is undoubtedly a safety accessory that belongs perfectly with sports seats. This structure is designed to protect the crew in the event of a vehicle rolling over onto its roof. In combination with sports seats and seat belts, it creates maximum safety during uncontrolled high-speed driving.

CANCHECKED DISPLAY - keep all engine values ​​under control. Oil or water temperatures, pressures, loads and speeds at your fingertips via the interactive touch display located in the center air conditioning vent.

Exterior:

A timeless design that combines a sporty look with sophistication. After the BMW E30, it offers a uniform front section without wide ventilation holes for engine cooling. However, the dominant kidney grille remains as a symbol of BMW in that decade. A pair of headlights with lenses for ideal light dispersion for the facelift with the option of yellow or clear indicators. The sporty look was enhanced by the possibility of purchasing the M-package version, which offered improved bumpers and skirts, lighting and wide door moldings.

WIDE FENDERS - They allow the installation of wide rims and tires, which gives an aggressive look and more options for geometry adjustment or more grip in racing use. Fenders made of durable materials ready for painting. 

M-PACKAGE BUMPER - The bumper made of ABE plastic, equipped with a lip spoiler and grille, is a direct replacement for the stock M3/M package bumper.

M-PACKAGE WIDE DOOR MOLDINGS - suitable for coupe/convertible. Also available for sedan/ touring.

M-PACKAGE SIDE SKIRTS - two pieces of skirts at a discounted price in the M3 style.

KIDNEY GRILLS - different finishes and colors add a distinctive style to the pre-facelift and facelift versions.

You can find a complete range of exterior products HERE!

BASH BARS - they replace the original bumper reinforcement and protect important parts of the vehicle such as the water radiator. They provide modification options and easy installation of an oil cooler or intercooler. 

HEADLIGHTS - Direct replacement for the original lights. Equipped with a lens for ideal light distribution with "Angel Eyes" rings.

TAILLIGHTS - M-packet, stock or dimmed lights improve the lighting and overall design.

You can find the complete lighting range for the BMW E36 HERE!

Engine:

The BMW E36 offered a variety of engines, with the inline 6-cylinder engines being particularly popular for their smoothness and balance. The 325i and 328i models featured these engines and delivered impressive performance. The E36 M3 stood out with its 3.0 and 3.2 inline 6-cylinder S50/S52 engines with 300-320 hp, making it a true icon. There were also 4-cylinder engines available such as the 316i, 318i and 318is, which provided a range of options. Despite their performance, the E36 engines were relatively fuel-efficient and trouble-free, as evidenced by their popularity today, especially in drifting.

FORGED PISTONS AND CONNECTING RODS - a complete range of forged engine parts from renowned brands for various engines HERE!

CONNECTING ROD AND ENGINE MAIN BEARINGS - standard or various-sized bearings for all gasoline engines of various brands.

PORTED OIL FILTER CAP - allows installation of oil cooler lines and outputs for temperature and pressure sensors.

SPORT INTAKE - aggressive intake sound with increased power for various engines. In brands such as Ramair, K&N.

RADIATORS - the larger volume aluminum construction improves cooling. Direct replacement for stock radiators for 4-6 cylinder engines with built-in expansion tank or M3 versions.

THERMOSTATS - lower opening temperature improves engine cooling.

SILICONE HOSES FOR WATER and AIR - durable silicone construction with multiple layers of braid. Resistant to high temperatures and mechanical damage. 

ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION MOUNTS - the original rubber bushings are not strong enough and with age they deteriorate, which results in the engine being torn off from the mounts or its excessive movement in the engine compartment. The solution is to replace the engine mounts with polyurethane or duraluminum ones.

SWAP KITS - solutions for replacing the engine with a V8. The package includes everything needed for successful installation of the engine in the E36 body. 

Suspension:

The BMW E36 featured a sophisticated suspension setup for its time, with an independent front suspension (MacPherson strut) and a multi-link rear suspension, which offered excellent handling. Thanks to the well-tuned suspension system, these cars were known for their sharp and responsive handling, especially in sportier models such as the M3. The M3 featured improved suspension components, including thicker anti-roll bars, stiffer springs, different front wishbone geometry and increased shock absorber rake, which improved its handling. Overall, the E36's suspension provided a balance between comfort and performance, making it ideal for everyday driving as well as aggressive driving.

HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE SUSPENSION (COILOVERS) - height adjustment according to your wishes. In our offer you will also find chassis with adjustable upper top mounts and a choice of different chassis spring loading.

LOWERED SPORTS SUSPENSION - a compromise with acceptable rigidity and a fixed reduction in vehicle ground clearance.

LOWERING SPRINGS - direct replacement for stock springs. They provide the comfort of a stock vehicle with the option of fixed lowering without the possibility of adjustment. 

ADJUSTIBLE CONTROL ARMS - the control arms allow you to adjust the camber of the rear wheels to achieve the ideal geometry for the correct grip or "stance" of the vehicle.

LOCK KITS - they increase the front axle's wheel turn angle to maintain a large angle when drifting or to make parking easier.

STRUTBARS - they reinforce the vehicle body and increase torsional rigidity. Easy installation between the front or rear shock absorber mounts. 

CHASSIS REINFORCEMENT - Corrosion causes damage to stressed parts of the bodywork, which results in the axle detaching from the mounting points. This problem can be eliminated by welding on reinforcing plates. 

ADJUSTIBLE TOP MOUNTS - designed for coilovers or stock shock absorbers with the ability to adjust negative camber of the front wheels.  

POLYURETHANE BUSHINGS - they replace the original rubber silent blocks of the chassis with harder and more durable ones, which improves the vehicle's handling. In the offer you will find brands such as Powerflex or Strongflex. 

ADJUSTIBLE ANTI-ROLL BARS - by simply replacing the stabilizer bar, it is possible to limit the vehicle's roll and improve its driving characteristics. An ideal product in combination with harder silent blocks and adjustable chassis. 

Brakes and transmission:

Cars with the 6-cylinder engine offered ventilated brakes front and rear. ABS was standard, which improved safety and emergency braking. The M3 was equipped with the largest brakes in the entire BMW E36 line, the same brakes could later be found in the E46 330i models.

PERFORMANCE BRAKE PADS AND DISCS - they shorten the braking distance and do not fade under repeated braking and high temperatures. Suitable for combination with teflon brake hoses. 

ADDITIONAL REAR BRAKE CALIPERS - used when installing a hydraulic handbrake to create a separate brake line circuit.

PEDALBOX - replaces the original pedals in the vehicle with the possibility of adjusting the braking effect. The product is suitable for removing the brake booster or shifting the seating position, where the pedals must be moved out of the original position.

CLUTCH AND FLYWHEEL - the lightweight flywheel ensures faster engine revs, improves throttle response and, in combination with an improved clutch plate, creates a product suitable for modified performance and extreme conditions in drifting or rallying. 

DIFFERENTIAL - the car's performance is of no use if it is not properly transferred to the road. This is ensured by a limited-slip differential (LSD), which distributes power and torque equally between both wheels. You can find various differential inserts or repair kits in our offer. 

DRIVESHAFT FLEX DISC - more durable than the standard one, made of duralumin and polyurethane inserts.

Exhaust systems:

The BMW E36 had an exhaust system designed for performance and sound. The E36 M3 featured a dual exhaust system with an H-pipe that enhanced its aggressive sound and performance. The E36 exhaust note, especially in the inline 6 cylinder models, was praised for its deep and refined sound, offering a sporty yet smooth tone. The exhaust system, made of high-strength steel, was built to last and resist corrosion. The M3's performance-oriented end silencer reduced back pressure, improving engine efficiency and power delivery. This silencer also featured a flap that opened under vacuum to allow full passage.

STAINLESS EXHAUS MANIFOLD - Replacing exhaust manifolds with tuned ones ensures better cylinder flushing and increased performance. Turbo manifolds allow the installation of a turbo and thus supercharging the stock engine, which can rapidly increase the vehicle's performance. 

EXHAUST SYSTEMS - The stainless steel exhaust system gives the vehicle a beautiful sound with an aggressive look thanks to the exhaust tip. The Xpipe and full-pass muffler guarantee ideal gas flow.