Best place to buy an E36 body?

[Dblock2151]

My cousin totalled his car, (18 wheeler ran him off the road into a ditch) the body is messed up, but the engine and tranny are in great condition. He has supercharged the 2.5L and is putting out around 350hp+. He said I can have the car, and I'd love to track it, like he did before.

I'm just wondering where's the best place to buy one for relatively good price? I'vce contacted a couple junk yards, but they haven't responded yet. I'd even consider buying a 318i, or 318is, and just swap the engine into that. That way I won't have to buy a new interior and all that.

Here's his car on the track. And a couple various pics.












Any input is appreciated.

[Dblock2151]

And a couple more pics.

[Dblock2151]

Or does anyone know if I can put the engine in an E30? And if the instrument cluster, odometer, etc. would work?

[GUINNESS]

The engine "should" work in an E30, stress on should. The guys over in the E30 forum on http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum would know more about that. Also, I'd check out over there for people selling their cars. Great group of guys there and very knowledgable. I split my time between this forum and that one.

Car looked really sweet. Sorry to hear it was totalled but at least your bro is alright. Someone should yell at that instructor too... hands have to stay IN the car. If you're gonna hold onto something, hold the oh shit bar, not the side of the door... shame shame shame... caught red handing in pictures

Good luck with your search!

[Dblock2151]

Thanks bro.

[hayaku]

i would buy an e36 that is in running condition. then transfer the go-fast parts over to the new car. use this salvaged car as a donor to make the running car much faster...

word of warning... this could be very expensive as sorting out the proper components and tuning it will take lots of time and $$$$$$

yes, the engine will fit in an E30 chassis but will require work and custom parts. its been done too many times already...

[Dblock2151]

Yeah, I know it'll cost a pretty penny, but it's worth it in my opinion. I'm considering either putting the engine in a E30, E34, or E36. Just need to decide which one.

[GUINNESS]

Hayaku brings up a good point. Get a running E36, learn how to drive it as is if you don't have much experience. Use the totalled car for parts to make the new car go faster... and then you have a good working motor and tranny from the totalled car should anything happen to the one you buy... following me there

Also, I don't know your driving experience or anything, but please just don't go jumping into a 350+ hp car off the bat. You'd be really sad if you put it in a wall or over a curb. Like I said, it's not a shot or crack, I don't know how experienced you are, etc... it's just a concern.

[Dblock2151]

No worries bro, I've been tracking car's for 4-5 years. I've driven his car before, and it is powerful, but I'm use to it, I tracked his car with him last year, and he gave me alot of pointers. Thanks for the concern.

[hayaku]

the e36 chassis is the clear class winner in your choices offered. plus there are alot more spare parts which are reasonably priced when you do need them over the e30 and e34.

the e36 chassis has a much larger production run rate then the other 2, plus the m3 parts fit on the non m3 cars. fenders, doors, hoods, etc will be easier to get/replace when you do replace them from racing or going off track.

plan accordingly within your track/racing budget. the more track time you see, the more you will need spares. don't be short sighted and think once you finish building the car, you are done... it don't stop there...

also, with 4-5 years of track experience, its time to get more serious with safety equipment since you should be driving much faster now... cage, shells, harness, fire system, etc...

imo, there is no such thing as a dual purpose track/race car and a street car. there is only one or the other. everything in between is a compromise of comfort, safety, and performance.