Le Phoenix

Spending too much time on YouTube, I stumbled across a video of a Turkish driver going flat out in an M3 E36. I fell in love instantly! ...Not with the driver, but with the sound of the S50.

After a long wait, I was finally able to make that dream come true.
Although she is getting on, her still-relevant performance and overall reliability make her a perfectly enjoyable companion for circuit outings. So naturally I wanted to try her on track to discover her full potential.
Big mistake. One foot in the door and there was no turning back.

Still, I stay reasonable, since for now I can't afford to turn her into a real track car. I use this car regularly, including for long journeys, and I have neither the space nor the budget for a trailer. So for the moment it is a "clubsport" car: able to take me to the circuit in relative comfort, then rack up laps without too much trouble, and above all give me maximum driving pleasure rather than crazy lap times.
Since I only bought her recently, the project is not finished. There is still work to do on the suspension and an engine tune. The goal is to gain some performance while improving the connection between driver and road, making the experience richer in sensations.

Currently:

• Momo Monte Carlo 350mm steering wheel
• KAD Carbone M intake
• H&R front + rear anti-roll bars
• Wiechers front + rear strut braces
• Full exhaust system: Friedrich headers – Milltek decat – Supersprint Race
• Powerflex rear suspension bushings
• Short 3.62 final drive (3.23 OEM)
• BMW Performance big brake kit front + rear
• Pagid RS29 pads front + rear / braided lines / Motul RBF 600
• BC Racing BR RA coilovers
• Short shifter with machined DSSR
• 12mm spacers front, 5mm rear
• Michelin PS4 for road and track
• Adjustable anti-roll bar end links

Coming soon:

• BBS RK001 + Nankang NS2R in 235 square setup
• Karbonius or Carbone M carbon airbox (to be decided)
• Schrick 284° camshafts
• Engine management
• Recaro SPG bucket seats
• Clubsport dampers (KW or Nitron)
• BMW Z3 steering rack
• Short 3.85 final drive

Photo credits: Spyk photo, ringspion, thephauto