€1,000 BMW E36 EV Build 17 : The Return

[@Evbmw]

For people asking about legalities of conversions , insurance etc: openinverter.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1090&p=17928&hilit=ireland#p17928 openinverter.org/wiki/Ireland

[@usedevvlogchargeheads798]

I didnt even think of the insurance factor, thanks for the heads up 👍

[@johannescordier7923]

I think ,a 2000 euro budget build is a great idea , show us the way . Thanks .

[@MattsAwesomeStuff]

Damien: 1 - First, this was my favorite build you've done and the biggest inspiration for me to start my own still-in-progress EV. Thank you for the content. 2 - I too was amazed that almost by the time you were done building it, it was no longer the DIY budget meta-game. 3 - To me, the 1000eu challenge should not include the cost of the vehicle. Because everyone will pick a vehicle that they want to convert. The interesting part, the challenge, is not "how cheap can you purchase a vehicle", that's boring, that's uneventful, that comes down to how long you're willing to wait, how much effort you want to put in, how many risks you're going to take on what might be a lemon and million other restoration-questions that we've seen a million other places. That's just "Buying a cheap car 101". For your channel, everything interesting about this is "how cheap can you convert the vehicle that you might choose to convert?" And that should be just about constant regardless of the donor chosen. In fact, most people presume this is what you did, everyone forgets the "... including the cost of the vehicle" part. Let people break the cost into the 2 pieces: car + conversion. 4 - Definitely re-use the car. Strip it back to what a de-Diesel husk would be, and start clean in terms of conversion. 5 - If you write a book, you need to partner with someone signficantly more beginnery than you. I think it's too hard for you to picture what it's like to not have the knowledge and intuition you have. There has to be someone to bridge that and say "Dumber... more dumber... keep dumbing it down... okay that's something most people who would need this advice could understand."

[@nivuz]

I totally agree. Especially on #5.

[@Evbmw]

Thanks for an overwhelming amount of feedback folks. I am reading all comments and suggestions:)

[@kylereese4822]

A crazy thought.... A Tesla powered I8....

[@napsternpjy]

Thanks for the work youve done, youre great!

[@Markhooperpug]

Would love to see the same concept but using more up to date components - the work you've done with the Toyota bits is fantastic and would certainly make it work out better for more people as these can be obtained so easily. A "how-to" short series on an "economy ev build" would be amazing! Keep up the great work 🙂👍👍

[@davidp8157]

I think your concept of a current technology budget build will get a lot of interest and support, as with the availability of relatively cheap second hand parts, the general interest in ev's and clean green image etc, I can see a decent number of ordinary individuals taking on a project like this , who would not otherwise have got involved in car projects, whether it be a decision based on being cheap , fun or just to say you have done it yourself. The book idea (electronic format, so there is no cost to you, no printing cost, no postage courier cost, immediately available once paid) has significant merit, and should attract reasonable interest and sales Keep up the good work

[@anducampu]

I'm very much looking forward to reading your book too and also try to replicate the project.

[@lijkenkist1]

I am very, very looking forward to this!! And if you ever come to write that book, I will be the first to buy it

[@MetricNotStandard]

If money and knowledge were no object the Tesla powered e31 would be my dream build… but this e36 build is what inspired me to plan a bimmer build. I love watching you show people constantly that EV conversions are obtainable and affordable. Also, I will be waiting for that book. It is exactly what I’ve been looking for. Damien, you are a god send to DIY EV.

[@CASHSEC]

Don't write a book. Create a web site with subscription access. Easier to update. Cover all aspects to road legality, insurance everything. Such Brilliant work Damien. The red arrow should go to Beaulieu or similar.

[@PrinceVeganin]

Good to see it again, I think the best idea would be to sell it and start again with a new one. Converting an already converted doesn’t seem to be as representative as starting with afresh.

[@22rabbits]

Good point!

[@Scooby2606]

I'd love to see a build costing up to 3000 euros, that has a genuine 50 mile range, and doesn't rely on parts that your average Joe can't get hold of. Keep up the good work.

[@SprintsNClimbs]

Put me down for a your book and I would say sell the current E46 and get a fresh one going through the conversion from scratch with the new components.. super exited I’ve been looking for this type of conversion for years! Kind of reminds me of the old haynes book ‘build a kit car for £200’ :-)

[@HLN-os5py]

Damien you’re videos should be shown as university lectures. Learned a lot thank you! Correct me if I’m wrong but, I think this is a fantastic conversion to save most Oldtimers and if someone is looking to getting into EV builds, because switching components from an already working DC to an AC system is always better than not starting at all because of too many technical challenges or budget for a first time build. Keep up the great work! Love your humor too :-)

[@billbitner9142]

Damien! Thank you so much for posting these. I'd say your experience with previous and current builds give you the knowledge you don't have to do a darned thing with the Red Arrow. You already know enough about the current market to get a very good estimate and many different builds with all kinds of options. Writing a book is a huge effort. I'd encourage some type of e-book that you can update regularly. We've seen the EV world change a lot, depending on what parts are available. Most important in your book in how you go about figuring what components to use and which are compatible with what. Thanks for your video's and inspiration. You've helped me a lot!

[@alibro7512]

The Red Arrow €1000 build was so inspirational for me I started my own budget build. The only issue I had with this build was the inverter used parts that normal folk either couldn't get or couldn't understand and the design was beyond most normal folk. What I would love to see is a sub €5k build using components all sourced from eBay or local classifieds. It should include parts from hybrid or electric cars and must include a battery big enough for 100 mile range. The price should also include the relevant evbmw or Huebner VCU, cables, contractors etc. The car does not need to be included in the price as everyone has their own idea of what car they want to convert and I believe €5k is a price most people would consider acceptable. Oh and hurry up with the book as I want to buy it yesterday. 😀 I guess the most important thing for me is the detail as I will want to copy what you do.

[@InTheGarge]

more on how to Read and Write Can Bus messages would be great. I'm still having a hard time understanding how to control the Prius inverter with can messages. Thanks for all your hard work Damien! You are the guy who convinced me to even attempt something like this!

[@annavariumful]

Strangely enough we don't mind you rambling on Damien. It's kinda soothing like listening to a gentle babbling brook, whilst learning at the same time :) Mind you I have discovered I can increase the play back speed to 1.75 X and save some time if I need too. LOL Love the vids! Keep them coming please!!

[@benbament7424]

I think an economy build series would be great. These hybrid components are game changers, the more people know about them the better!

[@rdflo6739]

I love the idea, mostly because I really want to do a AC motor build myself some day, but with kids, no garage and little time, I'm resigned to learning, reading and pondering. However from the start I wanted to do an AC upgrade without the energy waste of a gearbox. So please take us through all the steps, make it work in full feedback mode, explain how to sort out heating, cooling, charging, fast charging, electrics and maybe even hooking into more modern can bus arrangements to reuse things like gauges and dials. Maybe a new dinosaur burner world be better as you'd have to start from scratch. Personally I find redoing a project to be less motivating, just a thought. I'll certainly buy your book!

[@blackterminal]

A gearbox means you an use a lower powered AC motor. I dont believe over all that its more efficient to do away when you consider you can use a lower power motor. But someone correct me if im incorrect.

[@JamieLovick]

The Red Arrow is back!

[@JamieLovick]

We do love your work, and am excited to see what comes next. You've inspired me to learn about EV conversions, where it was just a concept that I was interested in before. There is still more to learn, the little things that hold it all together, but that will come with time, and more videos... :)

[@lestere6232]

Yes it would be great to see a budget AC build for both front and rear wheel drive.

[@Nut_Job.]

Hi Damian, I’m definitely interested in a 2nd version (economy) build for the Red Arrow. I have a broken 5 series here & I’m keen to bring it back to life. The control/canbus work is confusing for me at the moment, so I’d be interested to learn more about this 👍

[@blackterminal]

I also am glad to not have a can bus car. But may want to try that another day. I would like to see turn key but budget solutions for can bus. Right now its still mostly for rocket scientists

[@SRFirefox]

Seeing a Toyota Hybrid build in the E36 sounds awesome. I'd be interested to see how you integrate the transaxle into the RWD car.

[@TestTest-eb8jr]

YES, PLEASE do an "updated" version of the "Red Arrow" build. I'd love to be able to replicate that then on another (late 1980's) japanese ("sportscar") RWD platform. (anything around €2500 to €3000 would be fantastic) [ I'd also buy your book the moment it'll come available] Greetings and Regards from The Netherlands

[@8031173]

A €2,000 build is a great practical idea. I've started the DC budget built but will hold off and follow you on this one if you proceed 👍

[@PlanetCypher_]

Definitely do it Damien, an economy build with update equipment, accompanied by a book too.👍

[@ryanwood6006]

Definitely do a redo! And im very much looking forward to reading your book

[@nicnoknoo]

Great Idea to do an economy build using the latest OEM parts people can readily get hold of and almost plug together. It’s all well and good being able to build parts for an electric car if you have the in depth knowledge.. but for most who have little electronics knowledge trying to follow that approach is very intimidating almost to the point where a project will stall before it starts, especially since there is high voltage electrical power involved. Please if you do re-start the Red Arrow project, please can you also continue on updates with the Super Yacht :) love to see that Lexus setup with a more competent battery 👍🏻

[@EVBoxster]

The red arrow series was what made me do an EV conversion. I found the episodes relatable and particularly enjoyed the straightforward step-by-step process (not too technical). I’ll be honest, at the time I didn’t enjoy your videos of dissecting PCBs and preferred the car content - two years on I’m now the other way around. Anyway, I think a new approach to the series would be welcome - especially the full integration of the car’s systems (gauge cluster, heating, cooling, EVSE charging and a simple BMS.

[@peterdambier]

You are driving it. You are writing a book on it. Do the update! Your book will be loved all the more.

[@mikeselectricstuff]

Meanwhile, Swindon Powertrain just announced a Classic Mini conversion kit that costs more than a brand new electric Mini!

[@Scampi6000]

The Red Arrow for me Damien gave me the biggest insight into the fundamentals of where to start from and how to get what ever you choose to out into the car, rolling under its own electric juice. I think the prius kit is the #1 choice here as you would tripping over them there's so many about. Rock bottom price for an incredibly robust unit. Would love to see this. I'm already geared up for a prius based Coupe Quattro build....😁

[@vwbradyboy]

put me down for a book pre-order :) and YES a new economy build with prius components would be a fantastic series! Would it be easier with a FWD platform, though?

[@matadams122]

Yes, this sounds great! I watched your e36 build way back when and i definitely think its time to revisit. 2K Euro using modern salvage toyota parts makes this project something much more accessible and attainable for someone like me - a potential first time self builder who's been sitting on the fence for years, daunted by the complexities of sourcing the right parts to re purpose at the right price. Already imagining this in our 260k mile e39 530d.

[@tomtomburke22]

i would absolutely love to see a similar build process now, or a rebuild. Would very much buy the book. Just getting into my second year as an electrical engineering technician student. And want to attempt a conversion myself. Your videos are absolutely priceless with valuable information. Being a student budget is the biggest issue. But seeing the Prius parts and how easily any person can get them is amazing. Have to say you've been a major influence, every minute I'm not in school or working I'm watching your videos and researching about everything that goes into building EV's. My dream would be to design EV's for a major company that is budget-friendly or even start my own company. one can dream.

[@pdabin]

sorry late to the party but I honestly was most excited when you were going to do the gs450h. that seemed like it was going to be the least stuffing around . thanks for all the wonderful videos

[@TorgeirFredriksen]

Make it by using widely accessible parts, that's my opinion :)

[@daveunsworth9931]

Glad you’re still driving your bmw. I have a bmw estate 320d. I would like to convert to ev. Just watching your videos on it for info. Thanks.

[@markcollins8334]

Hi Damien, a dc motor was out for me because I couldn’t get near anyone’s forklift workshop during lockdown. Choosing one always looked a bit hit and miss anyhow. So to transplanting an auto ac motor - I wouldn’t dismiss the manual gearbox from the transplant vehicle. It allows for less current demand for the same torque at the wheels and also lower high voltage requirement because the motor speed is limited by the gearbox capability. Lower current leads to less cooling requirements and lower maximum high voltage leads to cheaper batteries and/or better range(?).

[@supreme713-]

I appreciate the content... looking forward to the book and future build.

[@SteaM992]

I would love a book with all your knowledge in there

[@TheSilverBuick]

Yes! Either a Toyota or Nissan inverter/drivetrain, with charging, how the contactors are setup with charging, and the blackbox of BMS and how it connects in with the charger.

[@ndhartz7541]

Thank you Damien for all the hard work you put into trying new ideas. We do the easy parts which is watching you fail or succeed with so many cool things that sometimes I wish I could had the time to do. I admire the time you take in explaining everything in layman terms. I am planning on converting my 2005 Jaguar XJ8 (bad engine) but I would appreciate it if you could guide me in the right direction.

[@anthonymaresca4839]

Hey Damien. Really needed to see this video. Dc motor on a manual gearbox is a no go these days. I’d greatly like to see what approach you’d take now with all the new methods out. I’d hope it gets min 100 miles a charge and hits 80 mph. Please do that with the red arrow or if you have a similar BMW maybe an e46 it would be cool too. If you do choose to write a book, it would be cool to have those barcode squares (don’t know what they are called) in your book on certain pages that we as readers would be able to scan and take us to maybe a video that shows us the process. Anyway big fan of your work and hope you keep doing what your doing.

[@pashko90]

Damien, i know whatever you gonna do its gonna be MADNESS!!!

[@MickeyMishra]

9:19 since you asked the absolute best way to go about this is to do some kind of van into an electric vehicle. especially a hybrid style car since swapping over a Prius motor would be a great idea. the other part is figuring out how to use second-hand battery packs and also installing an extra motor to the rear drivetrain to give it all wheel drive capability and excellent performance. a perfect platform would be something like in your neck of the woods a Chrysler all wheel drive minivan. it's cheap you can literally almost get them for free and most of the times soon as the Transmissions or something like on your neck of the woods the engine that's a diesel usually gives out then they are almost for free and the bodies in the other parts of the car pretty well maintained because of your crazy European car standards. the reason why I say this is because I'm starting to realize that many people are starting to live in their Vans and if you're able to go ahead and make electric vehicle so efficient doing the heating and the cooling of these vehicles on an electric powertrain would really be a significant cost savings too many people who are living that type of Lifestyle. one build should be cured completely towards efficiency and livability the other build should be completely here towards performance and ripping a hole in the asphalt. since most engines only need to use a fracture their power to keep a vehicle moving and to keep it Heating and Cooling running then when there is Sun demand the electric motors in the batteries can take care of the large bits such as acceleration and going up large Hills or embankment with enough battery capacity that a small engine would actually be much more efficient in that configuration. it should use all junkyard parts of some of the most cheapest and most available engines and vehicles available that are also relying or can be made reliable with little too very modest costs. I also have to agree about the cost of electric motors since the weird thing is some of them cost as much in the US as a whole Tesla drivetrain. the fact that you can pick up a Prius that's actually working and running that may have a bad cell in the battery for less than $500 is an outstanding deal. since many battery suppliers are now having to recycle some of their batteries since they've reached at least their service life or envelope and have lost a third of their capacity or 20% of their capacity they are usually recycled for newer batteries since these systems must maintain a operating envelope such a server data centers so LG has a wide assortment of second-hand batteries that are still in very good shape and condition but just don't have the same capacity that they did when new . also it seems like all these vehicles that you've designed are very European and seem to be very safe well that doesn't need to be a reality for the rest of the world so everything that you need to do to pass that tub of or whatever type of inspection you guys actually do in your role and you can kind of side step.. in fact there should be a push to make an all-out budget ultralight electric racer which basically has just enough batteries and power to go ahead and dump all of it to get to the end of the track. a basic budget No Frills absolute bare minimum track quarter-mile monkey

[@chrisdenney4251]

One book sold here 👍

[@MakerTools]

I almost used your plans to convert my new 2000 z3, but couldn't find a forklift motor due to covid shutdowns. Then my mechanic unfroze the engine, so it's rebuilt now instead. Glad I did. Will run again soon. So. Your red vehicle remains important as is I think. It's a dinosaur in the diy electrified cars genre...like a hotrod model "t". I say don't change it. Next, since Prius is a very decent car, lasts long etc etc...why not help modify them to be more up to date? Just a thought. I had almost bought one..that needed love and corrosion removal. If that's a good system...maybe help prius owners soup up or improve their plight? There's my view! Thanks, I've enjoyed many of your excellent videos..)

[@ervbon7493]

It can be done with 1000, we need some more details on a clean setup of on home charging with the the Prius gen2 inverter and that would be it completed. I’m just in the process of using a Prius gen 3 transaxle, a gen 2 Inverter and one Prius battery pack and that was about 700. It did take me some time to get other things and to learn about it all however I’m getting there. All I need to do now is figure out how the connect a charge port to the gen2 inverter then make the car road legal with the DVLA, which I have no idea how it’s going to work out. But all in all, it is possible, and you are showing that it is. So well done. Oh and I think you should just load it with Prius parts as call it a day. Lol

[@DesignByJea]

Thanks for the effort your putting in, don't think it matters to much which car you use as long as the method transfers.

[@backwoodsbungalow9674]

An e-book might fit in well with documenting the next budget EV build. Your experiments have revealed how affordable used hybrid components can be modified to use in a budget BEV. Your book could show how some of those components can be used together in a budget build. Maybe you could ask for volunteers to translate the text from genius into ordinary mortal instructions. Other viewers might have experience of ebook software or CAD drawings.

[@JamieJones1985]

The red arrow is the reason there's a blue bug on my drive. Car cost £300 quid but selling parts that comes off is bring the purchase price down. Probably down to about £250 now. Already got £80 for a gen 3 prius inverter. ~£250 for a outlander phev motor. ~£350 for logic board. £30 for a zafira power steering pump. Aiming for an outlander battery or 330e for ~£1000 All been well will have a funky little EV for £2k but the bit money cant buy is that I'll be able to fix any thing on it and for little money.

[@christopherbrand5360]

Yes, absolutely. I think the conclusion you have made is right. Red Arrow is cheap but otherwise irrelevant as a low-Voltage DC kludge. You would never advise people to pursue that approach broadly for the coming budget EV conversion revolution. Motors, inverters, chargers, batteries, and other bits from the auto scrapyard please!

[@foxxyytofficial]

but what about people in countries where you can't find those things, i am trying but its really hard (almost impossible) to find them

[@AntonMakesStuff]

I think it's a really good idea to remake the whole budget EV concept. 2000€ might also be too low though... A too low budget will require more work and it might be hard to get the same cheap components as you. Maybe ≈3000€ is a better level?

[@CurtisKlope]

Hybrid parts sounds like a GREAT idea. Do it! I’m so inspired by the red arrow build and this new approach would make it even better. I really want to attempt this...

[@woodywiest]

Always interested in this kind of content Damien! I would love to see a slightly more modern used vehicle. The whole build with car being less than 5k would be peachy if it's possible, maybe it's not, but you're the miracle man! Throw in a fast charge and all the goods! Either way, you have my attention. The 1000 euro ev build is my favorite series, really inspiring!

[@volvo24091]

Good man. Well done!

[@gladegordon3624]

Definitely looking forward to getting your book, sound fantastic! Currently finishing up my first EV conversion on a Toyota but would love to know how to recycle the guts out of a hybrid to get the wheels turning. You're a huge inspiration mate:)

[@johnschofield3586]

I'd love to see you do a front wheel drive build using Prius components as far as possible.

[@grahamleiper1538]

Like the use of hybrid parts over forklift motors. Would love to get more detail on how you keep the likes of ABS and stability control working with the motor gone. Is it as simple as CAN messages telling the systems the motor is still there?

[@EngineersFear]

Yes, pretty much. Stability control is all done by the brakes. All I had to add was traction control to limit wheel spin. github.com/jsphuebner/stm32-car

[@badrinair]

Rebirth of the red arrow ..what kind of range would the target be for this €2000 budget build? Good luck Damien 👍🏽

[@randyeller8139]

Hard to call on that one. Components here in my part of the states are both rare and expensive either way you go, DC or AC. Remembering how far you brought the Red Arrow back from the mess that it was it would be interesting to illustrate both ways of doing it, showing both the current ( no pun intended) setup and the new Toyota AC components stuck in.

[@koffibanan3099]

It would be very interesting, showing what you've learned over those years

[@RahanComhaltas]

Why not try a front wheel drive Damien. Something like a Nissan Micra. Very affordable old car. Use the transaxle from the Prius etc. Have the driveshafts "adjusted" to suit. I have 2 micras...an 05 and an 03 model. Was going to do the 03 as a preliminary test. I already have the transaxle and the inverter/controller and a battery from a prius. Am in TUdublin for a while into the future and unless I can get myself sorted for next summer it might not be done. I think it might be a good project to take away from all BMW stuff. I also like the idea of the Mazda Rx8. PS I'll be your first customer for the book.

[@carlbylenga2541]

Damien, you are a great teacher! It would be great to see you do another build on an economy budget. If not the "red arrow" again, how about a first gen BMW Mini? Many were plagued with bad drive trains and I see many available at cheap prices (and they already have electric motor driven pump for the power steering rack).

[@craigmarvin4612]

I like the idea of doing electronic power steering. I looked into the Vauxhall/Opel Corsa EPAS and years ago somebody was selling an module on eBay for £10 that would trick its ECU into thinking it was still in a Corsa and you could adjust the assistance level with a potentiometer although I suspect an improvement would be to make it vary with road speed. The tricky part would be getting it to fit as if it was original equipment in a BMW. I’d also like to lose the gearbox but I have no idea what motor could be used directly on the prop shaft.

[@Pats-Shed]

A new fresh build would be interesting, but given the rising values of older BMW'S, it might be interesting to start with a FWD chassis with a Prius transaxle. Plenty of dead modern diesels out there with less problems with insuring older cars but with added complexity with canbus for body control systems.

[@Tony-ow3if]

Great seeing you again...and this conclusion Damien. No doubt you're very busy. As a latecomer to this channel and topic, can anyone please give me a brief and concise summary as to why this DC Red Arrow conversion is now obsolete. I was under the impression that a DC conversion was; - Simpler with less components - Way more affordable Please add or correct Thanks Tony

[@Tony-ow3if]

Anybody...Willing to comment? Damien....it would really be appreciated.

[@minsu3191]

I'd say the best build would be 1) Using a mid 2000s AUTOMATIC gearbox car (price not included in budget) 2) Budget 3000 Euro (parts that you sell don't count as a reduction from the cost) 3) Getting as much pre-built stuff as possible (inverters, batteries, CAN bus stuff etc...) 4) Must retain AC/power steering and any other already present creature comforts

[@Good-Enuff-Garage]

So I am doing jus that in the US and looking at staying under $5K not counting the cost of the '71 GMC truck

[@DecDude84]

If you started over, would you put two motors in? With an MGR in the rear axle? I don’t think it matters what chassis you use, red arrow or otherwise, at long as the components are the ones you have been talking about recently on KZbin and openinverter.

[@maggiepoynter]

I look forward to seeing the remake on the budget build. My E28 524td keeps getting more and more expensive to maintain after my last big repair ive said NO MORE! when the next major component fails EV will be the way.

[@chazfisher3724]

Hey Damien! I love the idea of a budget build with re-purposed parts. But I'd like to see you build a front-drive car. Here in the states, finding a rear-drive donor is more difficult, because the pedestrian engine choices like that 1.7l diesel aren't sold. By the time the engines go in the high-end rear-drive cars, the bodies are pretty clapped out, too. So building a VW Golf/Bora, or something in that class, would be a more representative choice of car for us. Love your channel, and learning a ton over at openinverter.org. Keep up the good work!

[@mathewndebele1960]

Round 2!!!! Go for it.

[@daruxxxx]

Book is a great idea !

[@AtomASMRGaming]

I have an old BMW, and was thinking of converting it to EV. But would love to see updated and more accessible components like toyota inverters, motors etc.

[@OldCrowle]

Dammit, clicked „like“ by accident. Will be on the lookout for more red arrow!

[@phibin777]

i really loved the first series on this would be great to see the next chapter with the e36 still :)

[@robertstevens2857]

My recommend is to use VW GTE (Passat) batteries as these are 9.9 kwhr for the price of a 7.5kwrhr 330e battery [i have brought 2 myself], IO would probably mate a Prius/auris trans axle to the gearbox [i brought the outlander rear motor myself, but wish i brought the Toyota L210 [is300h] motor], you could also use grey goose or her land yacht as an example of sensible conversion, anyways many thanks to you contribution to the open source community :)

[@Retrospelaren]

I would love to se a RX-8 build with a Lexus GS450H trans and inverter. I would be nice to get some tips on how to find a good battery for a EV build and not be forced to buy a Leaf battery pack for 2000€. Thanks for a real good KZbin channel that has given me a lot of inspiration.

[@xelad6159]

I would love to see an E36 or E46 Economy build, although I struggle to believe it could be done all in for 2k including batteries

[@orangeblade2]

Id by that book. Amazon self publish to order apparently, could keep costs down. I have an e46 touring just waiting.

[@itekani]

With the amount of work involved, regardless of budget being 1k or 2k, better take the extra cost and get a better car in the end.

[@JonathanPorterfield]

Love your ethos Damien, as mentioned in the commnets , how about converting and 'old' mini , with a budget build ?

[@badrinair]

My one suggestion is , that get a super luxury car from the early 2000 for cheap and bin the engine and make that electric. It becomes an aspirational vehicle then. Jag XJ, Bentley conti, etc... They are beautiful vehicles that deserve a chance to be relevant in the world we are in.

[@zzhero]

Sounds like a great idea... should update , every 2 years.

[@knoxsp]

This sounds like the perfect use-case for using the gen2 inverter for drive, dc-dc and charging all in one. Maybe with an rx400h motor.

[@nivuz]

I'd appreciate a "convert a larger car"-build. Like how to convert a VW T5 family bus economically. And keep it as easy to understand as possible.

[@MarkOwen4]

Planning my own budget conversion, I'm getting me head around the inverter part and motor control, there's plenty of advice and activity to be following along on the open inverter forum. But I think perhaps some of the planning around the peripherals, so I was doing some googling the power steering pump this morning, so how that works, same with AC systems. I realise it's specific to the BMW, but perhaps as a jumping off point and general discussions around it? Also, I'm still struggling to get my head around high voltage junction boxes, bms, and chargers.So perhaps the cheaper self build options you 'cheated' on in this build One final thought. Tools... what would i need for it? What would they cost? What should I hire?

[@yulydemidov3627]

Simply can't wait!

[@karlschreiber7231]

Yes rebuild with modern components,

[@briandowling8372]

Most people doing a conversion won't be updating an existing conversion but changing from ICE to EV. Given the e36 needs some body and trim work, perhaps doing a fresh conversion with a different car (another e36?) with a solid body would be better/easier?

[@The_Schimpanski]

Damien, do you describe and show the Toyota Hybrid gearbox in one of your videos?

[@zene966666]

It would be very cool and helpful to see a detailed video series on how to convert a car with Toyota/ Lexus parts!

[@daveyacarter]

How about doing a cheap conversion on a Mazda RX8. There are loads with dead engines, begging to be saved......

[@foxxyytofficial]

If i'm not mistaken, there is a channel with name "Dylan Witt" doing exactly that, converting a RX8 with hybrid parts

[@squidlings]

Checkout dave blackhurst on KZbin as well.

[@jcwright45]

@@squidlings Also check out Stephen Knox, Knoxev on Insta

[@PerdixDesignLtd]

Cracking Idea to update the Red Arrow with current (sic) knowledge. Being a bit of an electrophobe when it comes to design, I'm already looking forward to the book! If you can't get the bimmer back to unmolested state, you might need another old nai...erm... donor vehicle. Viva le Red Rocket!!

[@adrenaflo9325]

Hi Damien, I just discovered this project and your channel, been watching a lot of your videos and REALLY, REALLY want to get started as well! I'm a bit of a bmw fanatic as well, have several e46s and 1 e36 316i compact that I'd love to see converted to electric!! I may already have found a forklift engine, that wasn't very hard to find, and am now wondering what to do for batteries... I would love to get in contact if that's possible, been watching your videos and searching the web but still I have a ton of questions ^^ AYWAY, hope to see more soon!

[@celeron55]

Doing it on another vehicle would highlight the fact that the process is repeatable.

[@sveip]

Would like to see how you make the Prius gearbox fit in this. The electrical part is quite well documented in many places, but the mechanical is not.