OT: got an E36 M3

[shogun]

USA spec., only 27k Miles = approx 43.000 km. Condition like almost new as it was the 4th car of the owner besides a Porsche 911, Jaguar, MB and a Golf Cabrio. One of 7780 built for USA, 4-doors, Automatic, very rare here, actually the only 4 door automatic M3 in Japan I assume.
VIN long WBSCD0329WEE13461
Type code CD03
Type M3 (USA)
Dev. series E36 (4)
Line 3
Body type LIM
Steering LL
Door count 4
Engine S52 (S52B32US)
Cubical capacity 3.20
Power 179 kW
Transmision HECK
Gearbox AUT
Colour ARKTISSILBER METALLIC (309)
Upholstery TEILLEDER W.N./SCHWARZ (N5SW)
Prod. date 1998-02-27

Order options
No. Description
243 AIRBAG FOR FRONT PASSENGER
260 SIDE AIRBAG DRIVER/FRT PASSENGER
401 SLIDING/VENT ROOF, ELECTRIC
458 SEAT ADJUSTMENT, ELECTRIC. F DRIVER/PASS
473 ARMREST, FRONT
498 HEADRESTS IN REAR, MECHANIC. ADJUSTABLE
534 AUTOMATIC AIR CONDITIONING
540 CRUISE CONTROL
554 ON-BOARD COMPUTER
674 HIFI LOUDSPEAKER SYSTEM HARMAN KARDON
686 DIVERSITY-FUNCTION AERIAL
692 CD CHANGER I-BUS PREPARATION
818 MAIN BATTERY SWITCH
925 SHIPPING PROTECTION PACKAGE
----------------------------------------------------
The bad news, the USA version has 80 HP less than the EURO version, it has even a different engine
USA S52B32US EURO S50B32
and even a speed limiter V-max at 224 kmh
Euro 236 kW (321 PS; 316 hp) 155 mph (249 km/h) (electronically limited)
U.S. 179 kW (243 PS; 240 hp) 139 mph (224 km/h) (electronically limited)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_M3

But single VANOS means probably less problems. The owner bought it in USA when he lived there and then moved to Japan.

Light weight and HP combined gives a feeling like a real sports car, much harder sports settings, automatic is good for the traffic jam here instead of a manual.

Have to change the radio/audio system, the U.S. version does not receive here in Japan (different frequencies). Cluster has miles and km indication, to Fahrenheit info on the BC I have to adjust as I am used to Celsius, but maybe that can be switched. Still have to read the manuals, actually do not know anything about the M3 E36.

Found out that in the cluster check control there is no gear and mode indicated, such as M and D. Only miles, day trip and when I set ignition on it shows the usual functions for oil/service etc as on our E34/E32
Someone knows if that is normal? Or bulbs dead, anyway, have to read owners manual.
Car is now still parked at the former owners place, as I first have to find a parking here in town which is not that easy

[vping]

How the hell do you find out so much info about your car.

[Dave M]

How the hell do you find out so much info about your car.

From the VIN. Look around, you'll likely find similar info for yours.


Dave

[shogun]

I asked a friend in Germany who has access to BMW ASAP
= after sales assistance portal,
http://www.parts.bmwgroup.com/
I am also registered there, but have not so much access as a dealer authorized for more details.
but any dealer with online access can give you that print out if you ask him and tell him the full VIN.

[shogun]

pics here
http://s877.photobucket.com/home/hel.../recentuploads

[shogun]

question to the radio experts, Bavaria C33

In my 02/1998 E36 M3 I have the C33 installed. The car is U.S. specification and imported from USA to Japan.
In Japan we have different frequencies.
FM 76-90
AM 522-1628
I was looking for info how to switch that FM to Japanese radio frequencies and found this:

Area of Operation: adjusts the AM band, FM band, RDS, and PTY/TP functions for your particular region of the world. Choices include:

- Europe
- USA
- Canada
- OC + RDS (Oceana)?
- Japan
- No Area

Press the “1” button to cycle through the various choices.

http://www.eabjr.com/Business-Radio-C33-and-CD43.php

tried the trick but only could get the following:

Display serial number (SN xxxxxxx).
Display build date (mine reads SV 29-96 18, which I assume is some sort of a date code).
Set speed sensitive volume feature, GAL n

Apparently other changes are only possible on the C43?
I need for Japan FM 76-90

Anyone has an idea how to change that? Or anyone who wants to part with a C43 which apparently can be changed?
Thanks


and here more pics
http://s877.photobucket.com/home/hel.../recentuploads

tomorrow I will install an AC Schnitzer front strut brace, if it fits on the U.S. version with ASC+T

[Robin-535im]

Wow - that is clean!

Good find.

[shogun]

Front strut brace installed and pics included in the above link.

I like to drive that car, completely different feeling compared with the E32 750, of course, it should, as the M Power sign promises.