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BMW 3-Series (E36) 1992-1999: How to Build and Modify
Make your BMW 3-Series (E36) an even more capable driving machine by improving handling, stopping distance, and acceleration.
Veteran author Jeffrey Zurschmeide explains how to upgrade handling and control through the installation of aftermarket coilover springs, bushings, sway bars, and larger brakes. Producing more power is also a priority, so he shows you how to install and set up a cold air intake, ignition tuners, and exhaust system components.
You are also guided through work on cylinder heads, cams, and pistons and shown the right way to install superchargers and turbo kits. If your 3 Series is making more power, you need to get that power to the ground; guidance is provided for upgrading the transmission and limited-slip differential.
The E36 was the embodiment of the luxury sports sedan, and the standard that other manufacturers strived to reach. And as such, the BMW 3 Series became wildly popular with BMW, manufacturing 2.67 million E36 cars worldwide from 1992 to 1999.
The BMW 3 Series has set the benchmark for performance and luxury. But even at this benchmark, these cars can be dramatically improved. Each major component group of the car can be modified or upgraded for more performance, so you can build a better car that's balanced and refined. If you want to make your E36 a more capable vehicle in all respects, this book is your indispensable guide for making it a reality.
Acknowledgments
Introduction
About This Book
Chapter 1:
E36 Model and Engine Guide
E36 Model Guide
Project: Swapping an E46 S54 M3 Engine into an E36 Chassis
Chapter 2:
Upgrading Exhaust Components
About Catalytic Converters
Cat-Back Exhaust Systems
Project: Upgrading a Cat-Back Exhaust
Exhaust Headers
Chapter 3:
Intake Modifications and Forced Induction
Engine Performance
Engine Air Intake
Project: Upgrading an Air Intake 30 E36 Intake Manifold
Project: Installing an M50 Intake
Forced Induction
Getting Fuel into the Engine
Engine Management and DME Upgrades
Chapter 4:
Improving Engine Internals
The Long Block
Project: Freshening the VANOS System
Project: Installing S52 M3 Cams
Cylinder Heads 60 Bottom-End Work: Crank, Rods and Pistons
Chapter 5:
Improving Handling
Suspension Terms and Concepts
E36 Suspension Design
Wheel Alignment
E36 Suspension Modification Stages
Project: Front Suspension Upgrade
Project: Rear Suspension Upgrade
Sway Bars
Project: Installing an H&R Rear Sway Bar
Project: Installing an H&R Front Sway Bar
Other Suspension Parts
Project: Upgrading Rear Trailing Arm Bushings
Project: Upgrading Rear Lower Camber Arms
Wheels and Tires
Chapter 6:
Improving Braking
Stock E36 Brake System
Upgrading the Brakes
Project: Installing a Rear Brake Kit with Upgraded Calipers
Project: Installing a Wilwood Big Brake Kit
Chapter 7:
Upgrading Transmission and Driveline
E36 Transmissions
Project: Installing a Short Shifter
E36 Clutch Basics
Final Drive and Differential
Project: Installing a Limited-Slip Differential
Chapter 8:
Improving Driver Comfort, Safety and Aerodynamics
Sport or Racing Seats
Safety Belts and Harness Bars
Roll Cages
Gauges and Indicators
Aftermarket Steering Wheels
Sound-Deadening Materials
Chassis Braces and Reinforcements
Project: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace
Aerodynamic Devices
Appendix:
Project 328i Final Build Sheet
Source Guide
Make your BMW 3-Series (E36) an even more capable driving machine by improving handling, stopping distance, and acceleration.
Veteran author Jeffrey Zurschmeide explains how to upgrade handling and control through the installation of aftermarket coilover springs, bushings, sway bars, and larger brakes. Producing more power is also a priority, so he shows you how to install and set up a cold air intake, ignition tuners, and exhaust system components.
You are also guided through work on cylinder heads, cams, and pistons and shown the right way to install superchargers and turbo kits. If your 3 Series is making more power, you need to get that power to the ground; guidance is provided for upgrading the transmission and limited-slip differential.
The E36 was the embodiment of the luxury sports sedan, and the standard that other manufacturers strived to reach. And as such, the BMW 3 Series became wildly popular with BMW, manufacturing 2.67 million E36 cars worldwide from 1992 to 1999.
The BMW 3 Series has set the benchmark for performance and luxury. But even at this benchmark, these cars can be dramatically improved. Each major component group of the car can be modified or upgraded for more performance, so you can build a better car that's balanced and refined. If you want to make your E36 a more capable vehicle in all respects, this book is your indispensable guide for making it a reality.
Acknowledgments
Introduction
About This Book
Chapter 1:
E36 Model and Engine Guide
E36 Model Guide
Project: Swapping an E46 S54 M3 Engine into an E36 Chassis
Chapter 2:
Upgrading Exhaust Components
About Catalytic Converters
Cat-Back Exhaust Systems
Project: Upgrading a Cat-Back Exhaust
Exhaust Headers
Chapter 3:
Intake Modifications and Forced Induction
Engine Performance
Engine Air Intake
Project: Upgrading an Air Intake 30 E36 Intake Manifold
Project: Installing an M50 Intake
Forced Induction
Getting Fuel into the Engine
Engine Management and DME Upgrades
Chapter 4:
Improving Engine Internals
The Long Block
Project: Freshening the VANOS System
Project: Installing S52 M3 Cams
Cylinder Heads 60 Bottom-End Work: Crank, Rods and Pistons
Chapter 5:
Improving Handling
Suspension Terms and Concepts
E36 Suspension Design
Wheel Alignment
E36 Suspension Modification Stages
Project: Front Suspension Upgrade
Project: Rear Suspension Upgrade
Sway Bars
Project: Installing an H&R Rear Sway Bar
Project: Installing an H&R Front Sway Bar
Other Suspension Parts
Project: Upgrading Rear Trailing Arm Bushings
Project: Upgrading Rear Lower Camber Arms
Wheels and Tires
Chapter 6:
Improving Braking
Stock E36 Brake System
Upgrading the Brakes
Project: Installing a Rear Brake Kit with Upgraded Calipers
Project: Installing a Wilwood Big Brake Kit
Chapter 7:
Upgrading Transmission and Driveline
E36 Transmissions
Project: Installing a Short Shifter
E36 Clutch Basics
Final Drive and Differential
Project: Installing a Limited-Slip Differential
Chapter 8:
Improving Driver Comfort, Safety and Aerodynamics
Sport or Racing Seats
Safety Belts and Harness Bars
Roll Cages
Gauges and Indicators
Aftermarket Steering Wheels
Sound-Deadening Materials
Chassis Braces and Reinforcements
Project: Installing a Front Strut Tower Brace
Aerodynamic Devices
Appendix:
Project 328i Final Build Sheet
Source Guide
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