Nardo E36 M3 "GTS" Build

[UA_Chris]

Well after losing the previous thread on M3F, I'll do my best to recap the build so far. Car is 98' M3 Coupe Originally TiAg over black, purchased September of 2016 with 112k on the clock. I'll skip out on the general maintenance and standard 20 year old BMW problems and recap the main chapters in the story of creating my own vision of an OEM+ E36 M3 "GTS." The idea behind the build being to create

http://<a href="https://flic.kr/p/2i.../a>, on Flickr

http://IMG_5542 by christian Labon, on Flickr

First up was a set of 18" AG Cast wheels

http://DSC01636 by christian Labon, on Flickr

http://IMG_2105 by christian Labon, on Flickr

Next up was a full respray to Audi Nardo Grey to match my F80

http://IMG_1844 by christian Labon, on Flickr

IMG_1857 by christian Labon, on Flickr

And some interior progress courtesy of Coby wheel and Erwins Carbon

DSC09564 by christian Labon, on Flickr

Wanting to move towards a more classic look, I went for a set of Forged LM style 17's

DSC02676 by christian Labon, on Flickr

Fancywide V2 Diffuser Installed

DSC03933 by christian Labon, on Flickr

Around this time is when I started to develop a vision for the build, I loved the idea behind what Porsche does with their RS models, and though BMW has only used the GTS namesake for 2 models, I figured it would be a great way to define the build without trying to copy the LTW or CSL namesake, instead creating my own vision for a model that never was. As this idea came to be and after building 2 M4 GTS's for clients, I realized just how out of proportion the factory M4 GTS wing looked on the M4, so after some research and help from my friends at both PSI and IND Distribution, I was able to get my hands on a Genuine BMW full carbon GTS wing. Equipped with the BMW motorsport endplates from the M235iR race car, the wing is the exact width of the trunk lid gap to gap, and in my opinion was the perfect way to get this vision moving towards a reality.

http://DSC08760 by christian Labon, on Flickr

DSC08749 by christian Labon, on Flickr

Next up was a front suspension refresh along with a Porsche 996 911 front BBK refinished in Sakhir Orange attached with Rallyroad brakes and SS lines. StopTech Cross drilled rotors and Hawk HPS 5.0 pads add up to a great BBK upgrade with massively improved pedal feel.

http://<a href="https://flic.kr/p/2h.../a>, on Flickr

http://573007F4-895B-42C6-ACB8-66D69AC1F403 by christian Labon, on Flickr

As this was all happening I started to think about my dream wheel setup, as much as I loved the OEM Style 24's, I wanted to do something different and put my own touch on what is without a doubt the best wheel design for the E36 chassis. After designing and planning with a friend/wheel designer, this was the result.

http://IMG_4516 by christian Labon, on Flickr

render3-Recovered by christian Labon, on Flickr

After rendering, planning, measuring, and finally biting the bullet. The design was forwarded to my wheel manufacturer and a month later I received this picture...

http://FullSizeRender by christian Labon, on Flickr

When it comes to wheel and tire setups, a proper tire can make all the difference and Michelin was the obvious choice both for their long time history with BMW and for the simple fact that their new PS4S tire is undeniably better than pretty much any other tire out there for street use. After getting 22k rubber abusing miles out of the set on my F80, I figured these would be more than worth the investment, and was excited how to see how the latest and greatest from Michelin performed on a much lighter and much less powerful chassis than most PS4S tires see.

http://IMG_0950 by christian Labon, on Flickr

Next up I finished collecting parts to complete my OEM LTW front tray setup. The tray is comprised of all OEM parts except the GT corner splitters as availability is limited and prices are 10x what I paid for the OEM quality reproductions. In my opinion the front lip was the missing link to really balance out the styling of the rear diffuser and wing setup and I think the build looks more complete as a whole because of it!

http://DSC04003 by christian Labon, on Flickr

DSC03989-2 by christian Labon, on Flickr

http://DSC03089 by christian Labon, on Flickr


And finally the Interior as it sits right now, latest addition being the Genuine BMW Motorsport belts sourced thanks to @Westopher!

http://61321368-F690-426C-9653-EBF397F0B76D by christian Labon, on Flickr

http://IMG_2267 by christian Labon, on Flickr

http://DSC01618 by christian Labon, on Flickr

OEM LTW Glovebox badge thanks to Braymond141

http://69E5EBA5-D5A4-45B2-B370-C226892891B5 by christian Labon, on Flickr

Hope you all enjoyed and definitely looking forward to documenting the rest of the progress as I work towards finishing what has been one incredibly fun project so far. The E36 M3 platform is so incredibly timeless and there's no question as to why their following is so strong and only growing stronger as they get older. I've been in love with it since the first test drive and find myself staring at it all too often. It's too enjoyable not to daily drive and as such the F80 has seen fewer and fewer miles per month as I get farther and farther along with the E36. I've spent way too much time the last few years scrolling through instagram and hunting through forums trying to learn as much as I can about the platform and how I can continue to improve it as much as possible while still keeping it true to this OEM+ vision, obtaining as many OEM parts as possible and digging through BMW parts breakdowns both classic and modern. Thank you Braymond141 both for the countless pages of invaluable content you've created and creating this new Forum after M3F went down. The content you and others have shared over the years is truly priceless and has helped me so much throughout the build process. Excited to continue building and sharing my unique take on such a timeless platform!

[Braymond141]

Glad to see you over here, Chris. I usually write-off Nardo cars, but something about this one looks right. Sending you out a package to help with your GT/LTW trim theme 😈

[SpaghettiM3]

I’m a big Nardo fan and love seeing it on an e36. Looks great!

What do you think of the Recaro’s?

[UA_Chris]

Glad to see you over here, Chris. I usually write-off Nardo cars, but something about this one looks right. Sending you out a package to help with your GT/LTW trim theme 😈

Haha thank you Brett! Nardo has definitely become played out for a lot of people these days, but I think that's because it's either done on the wrong car or just isn't executed well. There are so many variations of grey that are advertised as "Nardo" but aren't even close. Nardo has basically become the household name if you will for any flat shade of grey which I think is a large part of why it's played out for so many people.

I've been going back and forth about your international door sill badges since I saw that you released them, in trying to keep it all as genuine as possible I usually stay away from anything reproduction but since all of the OEM ones are either yellow or degraded, and the fact that yours are probably higher quality than the OEM ever were, I'm definitely going to have to make the exception and order them!

I’m a big Nardo fan and love seeing it on an e36. Looks great!

What do you think of the Recaro’s?

Thank you! The Recaro's are easily one of my favorite additions to the car to date, extremely comfortable and look right at home in the car while saving around 20lbs per seat with planted brackets and Recaro sliders installed. They should look even better once there are a set of Schroth 4 points coming through them as well!

[Braymond141]

I've been going back and forth about your international door sill badges since I saw that you released them, in trying to keep it all as genuine as possible I usually stay away from anything reproduction but since all of the OEM ones are either yellow or degraded, and the fact that yours are probably higher quality than the OEM ever were, I'm definitely going to have to make the exception and order them!

I already sent you a set, haha. Mine are 9/10th's OEM but 1/10th the cost. I tried to make them perfect but manufacturing is a factor in that, my artwork was perfect. That said, people seem to like them and overall I like them.

[UA_Chris]

I already sent you a set, haha. Mine are 9/10th's OEM but 1/10th the cost. I tried to make them perfect but manufacturing is a factor in that, my artwork was perfect. That said, people seem to like them and overall I like them.

Wow thank you! If they pass your standards I'm sure they will be more than good enough and 99% of people would never know the difference, excited to see them in person and get them installed! Thanks again!

[JitteryJoe]

Oh, I do like this build. Nice job!

[Toodaloo]

This is executed very nicely! Good job successfully modernizing the E36 chassis; a very hard thing to do!

[JPetro]

Wow, not sure how I missed this on M3F but this is epic!

I'm really debating on the rear diffuser. To me, it doesn't look right with a stock wing but once you put the GTS wing on...perfect.

I imagine it wasn't easy...or cheap to source that wing?

[UA_Chris]

Oh, I do like this build. Nice job!

Thank you! Likewise on your gorgeous TV coupe! One of the first threads I read through when I joined M3F!

This is executed very nicely! Good job successfully modernizing the E36 chassis; a very hard thing to do!

Thank you! I’m glad the effort has been well received! Definitely wasn’t easy but I’m nowhere near finished yet!

Wow, not sure how I missed this on M3F but this is epic!




I'm really debating on the rear diffuser. To me, it doesn't look right with a stock wing but once you put the GTS wing on...perfect.




I imagine it wasn't easy...or cheap to source that wing?

Thank you! Been following your build for a while and definitely solidified my need for an S54 to complete the build. You've done a great job with the build so far and love seeing fresh S54 swapped content!

[UA_Chris]

Nardo M3's social distancing, been spending my extra time at home cleaning up the details and working through the never ending checklist in my notes, hoping to take the project out of project car eventually!
http://IMG_3171 by christian Labon, on Flickr
http://IMG_3172 by christian Labon, on Flickr

Speaking of projects... Fresh roll bar from Kinematic Speed just finished and shipping this week. 4 point roll bar with gusseted cross bars because the wing wasn't doing a good enough job of blocking my rear view! Love the design of the gusseted cross bars and only 4 lbs more than my Kirk Racing roll bar(FS) that's been sitting in storage waiting to be installed for the last 2 years. This is mainly due to the crossbars being a thinner diameter tubing as they are not a structural component and the lack of hardware compared to the Kirk bar being a 1 piece design. Was never a fan of the bolt through downbars and lack of cross bars on the Kirk bar but was the best option I could find at the time short of a custom solution. Also pictured are custom threaded inserts which will be welded into the harness bar once I finalize my seating position. Got this idea from the factory M4 GTS roll bar and love it for the ease of taking the harnesses in and out of the car. Shared the idea with Sam and he made it happen no questions asked! Great quality and customer service bringing new ideas and solutions to the E chassis. He is working on a race shifter solution which seems to be the perfect no compromise race shifter, but more on that once I get it in hand and installed.

http://52AB88A3-760E-40B4-A5BE-404C4C47C9CA by christian Labon, on Flickr

http://EE496457-18CA-45CA-AA6B-800E8EE354EF by christian Labon, on Flickr

M4 GTS Factory setup

http://60341007528__730DB190-DE59-4F7A-AD51-41A66A8C47E0 by christian Labon, on Flickr

[MattDearPhoto]

The Style 24 inspired wheels are definitely interesting! Something similar I've considered one day doing also.

For me the GTS wing is too modern for the car, would have looked at what 90s touring cars, especially STW was doing aero wise to kinda keep it more period, but then you can argue that this probably is more effective from a downforce perspective by being a modern design.

[UA_Chris]

The Style 24 inspired wheels are definitely interesting! Something similar I've considered one day doing also.

For me the GTS wing is too modern for the car, would have looked at what 90s touring cars, especially STW was doing aero wise to kinda keep it more period, but then you can argue that this probably is more effective from a downforce perspective by being a modern design.

Yeah the GTS wing definitely isn't for everyone. For me it was just a random idea I had and after some research worked out perfect for me. I wanted to build a slightly modernized interpretation of my ideal M3 and with the BMW Motorsport endplates the wing is the exact width of the trunk lid which in my opinion is the perfect width for a wing. As far as function goes the rear definitely seems more planted but I have to do some more experimenting with the different angle settings to get it dialed. In the process of track prepping the car now so hopefully I can get some actual data once I get it out on track. No doubt an LTW would be the safe route with this car but with the ever decreasing number of good options out there and real ones becoming pure Unobtainium, I thought the GTS wing would be a good option for a fraction of the weight, and still a bargain compared to a legit LTW!

[UA_Chris]

Not too much progress as of late... Business has been crazy and the list of to dos on the M3 is growing fast. Interior is currently stripped for a custom rear seat delete and install the roll bar I showed in the previous post. Quick shot of the interior with the bar in for final test fit, next on the list is to paint it Nardo and install.

http://IMG_4138 by christian Labon, on Flickr


While I had some downtime it went to a buddy's shop to take care of some long overdue bushing replacements.

http://IMG_4759 by christian Labon, on Flickr

As you can see he had a great time getting them out. Broke 2 RTAB tools in the process, so definitely glad I saved that project for him. At the same time I took the control arms back with me to sandblast and coat with POR-15 Aerosol. Finished off with Turner monoball inner control arm bushings.


http://IMG_4729 by christian Labon, on Flickr


http://IMG_4738 by christian Labon, on Flickr


http://IMG_4784 by christian Labon, on Flickr

And a Saturday cruise with both the M3's. Very happy about how the E36 is progressing but definitely can't wait to keep pushing forward and improving it!

http://IMG_4511 by christian Labon, on Flickr




http://bmw%20m3&#x27;s%20-%20ultimateautoa0712 by christian Labon, on Flickr


Last but not least some fresh badges from Brett/MSportParts! Thanks again Brett, always appreciate what you do for the community!


http://DSC01645 by christian Labon, on Flickr

[UA_Chris]

Minor update as I work through finishing up the latest details and roll bar install.
http://DSC01962 by christian Labon, on Flickr

http://DSC01993 by christian Labon, on Flickr

As much as I love the OEM LTW tray, I felt it looked unfinished and needed the same treatment the rest of the OEM trim has received. Also decided to color match the factory M3 lip to help highlight the tray and corner splitters instead of it all blending in together. Think it helps the whole car look more finished and I love how big of a difference such minor changes can make!

http://DSC01994 by christian Labon, on Flickr

At this same time I also color matched the Roll Bar, strut tower brace, and Planted seat mounts. All minor details but I think in the end it will make for a more complete and cohesive package.

http://DSC01977 by christian Labon, on Flickr

http://DSC01980 by christian Labon, on Flickr

http://DSC01960 by christian Labon, on Flickr

http://DSC01958 by christian Labon, on Flickr

Also added a set of Schroth Profi 2 ASM Harnesses which will clip into the eye bolts threaded into the roll bar as I talked about in the last update! Lap belts will also be clip in for ease of removal when not in use.
http://IMG_5432 by christian Labon, on Flickr

Planning to install everything this week so expect some completed photos as I prep for a track day/shakedown to find out just how good this chassis is on something other than the boring Florida roads this car lives on!