the 328i touring project

[dudehog]

hello all. i am starting this thread for anyone that wants to contribute to the 328i touring. i bought my standard 328i touring in black, with black interior and black leather.
a lot of the time i ask myself whether something from the saloon or compact etc will fit so i help this all helps. as it stands it has had the current changes are:
drilled/grooved/vented discs
k+n panel filter
poly anti roll bar bushes
poly font wishbone bushes
lowered coil overs on the front and lowered (height adjustable) on the rear.
i have acquired an m3 rear bumper to fit and will also get a new grill panel, front wings, bonnet and m3 front bumper.
also i will put a short throw shifter in with new bushes for a newer tighter feel.
when the engine dies i will put in a uprated clutch too.
i want to keep it a usable car but with better-than-stock-styling (like the sport touring) and with sensible upgrades for fun but nothing too brash like a roll cage. any contributions accepted willingly
it will be a thread that will updated by myself accordingly as i have restricted funds.
thanks for looking

[Lord Vader]

Excellent write up but I see a lack of pictures!! That's the important part. A lot of guys love the Touring models.

[dudehog]

as soon as my poxy camera works i will post some
i do like german estate cars . more styled , dare i say than some of the coupes and saloons. just my opinion

[Lord Vader]

I do like the Touring's but I don't think I'll ever own one. Unless its the Alpina one. I'm quite preferential to Saloons. I like the styling of them better then Coupes. That and I have two kids so four doors is a must.

[dudehog]

stock

[Lord Vader]

That looks awesome. Why do you need a new bonnet though?

[dudehog]

thank you it has slowly developed rust on the edge and has split. not a massive amount but enough to make me want to change it. it will be the last thing to do.
with the rear bumper i will touch up the little corner parts and a bit on the arch.
the front wings/bumper/grill will be a do-all-at-once type job.

[Lord Vader]

How much rust? My bonnet got a bunch of rock chips on tleading edge of the hood and with moisture it rusted and bubled the paint. Looks like crap but easily fixable with a respray.

[dudehog]

well it's only a small upgrade but a bit better than than stock side lights.

[Lord Vader]

Look good. Who makes em?

[dudehog]

the picture makes them look brighter than they actually are. they were only £7.00 so nothing ventured nothing gained. i like angel eyes but they look a bit too modern on the e36 IMO.
BMW 3 Series Coupe E36 Front Side Lights Lamp Xenon White LED Bulb 12V W5W 501 | eBay

[Lord Vader]

Oh wow. Their just bulbs? I thought try we're new headlights. They look good, but what's the actual light output like?

[dudehog]

they're not as bright as daytime running lights like you get on new cars but i do find them brighter than conventional bulbs. and they are only side lights. not dipped beam or full beam bulbs. at night i should imagine they look quite good, will find out tomorrow and if i remember i'll take a pic. i got them, and will get rear tail light led bulbs and number plate bulbs, so i can have them on during the day for that little bit of extra safety without the current drain. especially as regular filament bulbs divide their current draw into 10% light energy and 90% heat energy.
i won't worry about led indicators bulbs as they won't be on all the time.

[dudehog]

well it is with deepest regret that i bring the sad news of my car. the project has come to a grinding halt as some drunk donkey in a celica ploughed into the back of it at about 30mph. unfortunately this has cause 3 grands worth of damage and she won't be going back on the road. RIP my humble 328i.

[Lord Vader]

Oh no! That's terrible! Can't you ask for it to be fixed? Any structural damage?