The rear trailing arm forward bushing (a.k.a. toe-control bushing) wears quickly on E36s.
While I was at it, I installed UUC's Big Boy clutch pedal stop. I've always pressed the pedal to the floor during shifts, so I expect this will save just a little bit of time with each shift. I haven't changed the worn, stock shifter yet, but much crispness was restored with the mount changes; I may decide it's fine as-is.
While not normally a service point, Project 325is' exhaust was history. It sounded great below 2500 rpm but was otherwise pretty lame. When removed, it shook like a can of sand. I checked european car's January, 2003 M3 exhaust test; Supersprint's units performed well, sounded good and had flawless fit, even if they didn't make the most power peak or weigh the least. Other absorption-style silencers I've used are quiet around town but grow throaty when the car is driven hard and they heat up: perfect.
Supersprint's black system with straight tips was still sitting in european car's storage dungeon, and I found it was actually made for a 325/328. Since it still achieved a small power increase on a 3.2L M3, it seemed like a great way to go for Project 325is. The rear silencer's rubber mounting brackets are another E36 weakness, so plan on replacing them if they have more than about 30,000 miles.
UUC Motorwerks also provided a set of its tranny mounts and enforcer sleeves. Combined wit
ToolsHaving the right tool for the job makes working on cars easier, faster and more pleasant, and doing the work oneself usually saves enough money to justify the purchase of any special tools required.
The first tool any European car owner should consider is a service manual. Bentley manuals are said by many to be the best. I had used them only briefly before this project. I found the "BMW 3 Series Service Manual: 1992-1998" to be alternately helpful and frustrating. Generally, it guides one through whatever task is at hand in a safe, careful manner and occasionally addresses a concern such as replacing the water pump only with one having a metal impeller. Its detailed schematics allowed me to track an electrical gremlin. I would be a lot shyer about digging into the car without the manual looking over my shoulder. However, I have also been surprised at the number of times it has been incomplete, unclear, or (rarely) apparently just plain wrong about some detail. I've consulted Mike Miller and a local BMW specialist to find the "correct" way to perform seemingly simple tasks. Despite its flaws, the Bentley manual for the E36 has been very helpful.
Also from Sir Tools are these oxygen sensor tools. We used the low-profile one on the righ
Sir Tools was among the first companies to be highlighted in Tool of the Month (December, 2000), and I turned to it again for several items needed for the tasks outlined in this article and still to come. They are all high-quality, black-oxide-coated, designed and manufactured by Sir Tools for professional technicians and serious enthusiasts.