Build by: CAtunedFL
Pictures: Christine Lisa
In some rare occasions cars find us rather than the other way around. One afternoon we received a text asking if we knew somebody interested in a 1999 318TI with 16K miles that was purchased new in Florida, and still owned, by its 90 year old original owner. Next day we were there to inspect it and after speaking to the owner, a very passionate BMW enthusiast, we made an offer which was accepted next day.
We are still contemplating what the final state of this car will be, but we figured it would be a fun project to mod aesthetically and showcase some of our CAtuned products on it.
But first, lets take a glimpse into this 26 year old time capsule that is 100% stock with just over 16k miles. It is said that there were less than 25,000 E36 Compact units produced for the US market of which less than 500 were made for the 1999 model year. All 1999 carried the M Sport Package which added fog lamps the M-Technic front bumper, side skirts, and M Sport suspension. This one is said to be 1/200 manual for 1999.
We decided to give the 1.9L M44 a basic maintenance run down by refreshing spark plugs, belts, fuel filter. We also refreshed brakes with new rotors, pads at all corners, sensors and a brake fluid flush. A new set of CAtuned cooling system hoses and a coolant flush were added. We finalized it with a fresh oil change.
Now for the real goodies! We decided to go down the OEM+ theme by adding our CAtuned 318TI coilovers. A set of BBS RK017 wheels refinished in white, a set of Vader seats and an OEM M3 front lip.
We will add full array of lighting upgrades which include Depo glass projector headlights using our in house custom E36 Euro headlight adapter harness, clear corner lights, clear side indicators and finished with red\clear taillights.
Stay tuned for the next shoot with all parts installed..