Meet Sharky, my 1992 BMW E36 320i Coupé.

My E36 — 9 Years In

Since this is the first build thread on E36ATRIUM, I'm using my own car as a simple example of how you can structure yours.

You don't have to follow this format exactly — add as much or as little detail as you want. Specs, photos, history, modifications, future plans... make the thread your own.

I've owned this E36 for around nine years now. It has been my daily, my project car, and the car I've probably spent the most time working on.

Spec Sheet

Basics

• Model: BMW E36 320i Coupé

• Year: 1992

• Engine: M50B20 non-VANOS

• Differential: 3.45 open currently fitted

• Spare diff: welded 3.45 ready to install

Exterior

• Colour: Atlantis Blue / Atlantisblau

• Paint code: 207/5

• Exterior: M-Tech kit

• Front lip: Volvo lip, custom-fitted

• Roof spoiler: custom one-off

Wheels & Suspension

• Wheels: Work Emotion XT7 — 18x8.5J ET46

• Alternative set: BBS RC300 — 18x8.5J ET13

• Tyres: 215/35 R18

• Suspension: BC Racing BR Series Extreme Low

• Spring rates: 10 kg/mm front / 8 kg/mm rear

• Bushings: mostly refreshed with Powerflex / Strongflex

Chassis

• Rear subframe: reinforced with reinforcement plates

Interior

• Steering wheel: Nardi 350 mm

• Shift knob: BMW Golf Motorsport

• Short shifter: currently testing a cheap short shifter

• Seats: Recaro SR7 — Alcantara centre / leather bolsters

• Dashboard: facelift conversion

• Carpet: factory blue carpet

• Rear-view mirror: BMW 7 Series Homelink mirror

• Head unit: Android 6.9" with amplifier

• Floor mats: Japanized mats

A Few Details

Atlantis Blue

One of my favourite things about the car is the colour. Atlantis Blue isn't something I come across very often on E36s, and keeping some of the unusual original details of the car has become part of the build.

Why 18s?

Apart from liking how they look on an E36, 18s also help me keep some usable ground clearance.

The car already sits low enough that the steering rack occasionally reminds me about speed bumps.

DIY

I try to do as much as possible myself.

A lot of what I know about working on cars came from learning by doing, making mistakes, helping friends and having friends help me.

Living in Poland also had a big influence on the build. Being around people building drift cars, show cars and BMWs themselves made me appreciate the DIY side of car culture even more. Special kudos to @fatclan_crew that helped me out few times when I was over there in Poland!

What's Next

Current ideas for the car:

• M52B28 or M54B30 swap

• Sort the remaining small rust spots

• Possibly respray the car

• Try another wheel setup / fitment

• Continue improving small interior details

• Keep it usable and reliable

• Sell the current Work Emotion XT7 set

Nothing here is set in stone. That's part of having a project car.

I'll keep updating this thread as things change.

Build Timeline

5 updates

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2026

Owner update·21 JUN 20261

BBS RC300 that I refurbished last year and been sitting in the garage, are finally being mounted. I am taking out the XT7's for a refurbish and paint a new color. :) Moved car to our house, now that I added a gate and made some temporary ramps (until we make a proper driveway) I can get the car here and do some stuff quickly. Only downside it's the dust that it gets here because it is gravel.

wheels

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Owner update·23 JUN 20264

Thule equipped

Thule roof rack, been hunting it for years and finally found it yeeeee! Mounted the bbs back on after refurbished

wheelsbody

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Owner update·1 OCT 20268

5x120 5x114.3 time has come

As I had to get the rear right wheel hub replaced due to the wheel being secured by 3 bolts, I remembered I had these hubs that a guy in Poland machined for me. I had to drill the rotors and one hub again because I messed up the bearing when mounting. Using FAG hubs and FEBI bearings, they are known for lasting after intense use.

body

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Owner update·5 OCT 20261

Tilt function fixed

Yeeeeboiiii, wanted to have this working for so long, looks sick

body

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Owner update·8 OCT 20269

Upholstery refresh and accessories respray

It was about time to give the ceiling and pillars a refresh. I had upholstered them once before, but it hadn’t turned out the way I wanted, and I had used a fabric that wasn’t the most appropriate. Since I’d removed the sunroof, I took the opportunity to upholster that panel as well, giving it some much-needed pampering. I also respayed all the interior bits. I'm super content with the result, as I didn't mess up anywhere haha. This fabric now matches the seats!

interior

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