After 4 years abandoned, we find out what it takes to get this BMW M3 running again.

[@JamiesGarage1]

Big thanks to Ridge for sending me this wallet for my Dad and supporting the channel! Here’s the site if you want to check them out! > ridge.com/jamie use code JAMIE for 15% off

[@trumanhw]

You sure it wasn't that the battery was getting weaker as to why you were getting about 60 PSI in cyl 5 and 6 ..?

[@jacekbolec9864]

Please restore it, there is more m3 race car builds than restored ones on yt.

[@rehenes3844]

This ^

[@dmcosta]

This. Restore it as a Father and Son duo would in their garage. I know that I would love to take a non running car and a restoration to a car like this and give it to my son as a 1st car. 🙂

[@ghettobecher1352]

@@dmcosta Me and my father did the same with my e36. Still an ongoing project but its almost finished :D

[@yaron1998]

This comment

[@DerikDraven]

💯

[@Mantas.N]

Manual swap and restoration, this car deserves to be keep alive for another generation.

[@BestMotorWerks]

I agree but I would keep it automatic not because I like them but as you said it's deserved to be saved....

[@blerandjashari9111]

@@BestMotorWerks Than why automatic? It is a shame to have a E36 M3 with an automatic and the old automatic are ass and less fun to drive.

[@jacksmith2315]

Id love to see it restored but with well over 200k its just not practicle. e36 m3 are one of my fav cars so id really love to see it restored to its former glory, but just not worth it with well over 200k, even tho these motors last forever. No v8 swap since s50&s52 (not sure what year it is) are way more reliable. Make it a sweet little track car like it was meant to be and enjoy it.

[@ttt69420]

@@jacksmith2315 Doesn't need to be "restored", but i can be at least brought back to drivable and somewhat nice.

[@jacksmith2315]

@@ttt69420 obviously. But he asked what he should do with it. Many said restore it. N like i said id love to see it restored, just not worth it. Obvioisly he going to make it at least decent and drivable, hes not going to do hack work on it

[@Rafymon98]

Show us a full service, on this car, as a base project car that guys would buy and want to get it back on the road. On a budget, sourcing parts, best approach for service. Objective would be, make it serviceable , safe to drive, enjoyable to do and practical Like a father son project. Just my two cents

[@scottweckworth6052]

i’m not 😅 pim

[@ShowMeSomeTrailers]

that would be great

[@john9289]

and manual swap

[@jacksmith2315]

Great idea, but also make it a fun little track car like these were meant to be. No v8 swap. Jus a reliable s50 or s52 engine, depends what year it is. M50 intake on it if its an s52.

[@MLC...]

My two cents. Too many of these are track cars. Do a manual swop and a nice restoration to OEM or OEM+ level. These E36 are becoming sought after now, worth it to save them.

[@sniperassasin1264]

As an e36 ownder, there's a reason people dont street them, they break too damn often and are too expensive. Better to bypass as much as you can.

[@MLC...]

@@sniperassasin1264 I have found with both my e36 318i and 323i that both had years of deferred maintenance when I bought them. Once that was caught up, running costs improved significantly. They can be money pits, but they are great cars when properly maintained. I am a firm believer in upgrading them with parts that last longer, like Bilstein B6 or B8 in stead of cheap shocks, or poly bushes in stead of rubber rubbish, etc. So over long term you spend less. I do understand your frustration though.

[@philp7012]

This is the perfect candidate for a manual swap and a cheap funky paintjob. Interlagos blue perhaps.

[@JamiesGarage1]

I do love Interlagos blue 💙

[@azharhanafi1306]

no one gonna mention that the 10mm socket chillin between the steering rack and steering line? LOL

[@chrispetty5058]

My thoughts exactly.

[@JamiesGarage1]

😂

[@Manu-zt8rq]

Thats normal🙆‍♂️😅

[@jstowe56]

He should just start hiding a 10mm in the background like the pineapple in Psych

[@01bier]

Make it manual en ebay turbo kit on it race car haha 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@craigroberts3732]

Full restore with a new Manual gearbox and you’ll have some great content!

[@Senne_Maebe]

I would like to see a manual swap and restoration.

[@MLC...]

Me too.

[@billjustmusicHD]

Too many of these are abused by youngsters So a oem restoration would be my cup of tea.

[@victorcorpadea1340]

keeping the S52 and tastefully modding it would be the way to go in my opinion, M50 manifold, manual swap, some good bilstein suspension, and oem exterior.

[@victorcorpadea1340]

manual swap and restore the car, m3 are getting rare

[@Vadilator]

If possible I would switch the automatic with a manual transmission and restore the whole car. The M3 e36 is really a car that is something special (says the German guy)

[@griffinlitz4075]

The German guy is right

[@Desmo937]

Oh mate thats exactly the type of content that I love to watch after work to calm down, wonderful car too! Gotta love the M3

[@JohnDoeih]

Man I don’t know crap about fixing cars but I love your channel, I wish I had a mechanic like you in my area.

[@qbs2k609]

I would change transmission to manual and restore the paint. Keep in mind that there are less of those cars on roads every year so try to restore it to good looking and working contition and wait till it gets really expensive in a few years 😎

[@kyleparker733]

You're an absolute genius with vehicles. I'm blessed to have one just as good as you are close to where I live

[@bamwa]

yeah except for the WD40 part. Use spray lithium or silicone on those hinges.

[@saablazer]

Imagine losing your key and just going, “Meh, I didn’t need that car anyway.”

[@Galaxylynx12]

No f....ng way acceptable lol

[@blongsta5]

An m3 too lol

[@TheMarcQ]

Rich person brain rot

[@Ben.N]

More money than sense

[@jacksmith2315]

For real right!?!!! I would not have left until i found it. It had to be somewhere.

[@KingGandhi66]

Love these videos! G8 editing paps!

[@dasfahrer8187]

+1 for the Ridge wallet.

[@rheinamacher1990]

Even though I am a couple of months late to commenting to this video, Jamie, before I go into any BMW car suggestions, I want to let you know I really enjoy watching your KZbin clips, and adding a cameo of your dad to the segment was very cool and hit a nerve with me, bringing all these pent up emotions back to the surface because I lost my dad a couple of years ago, and would do anything in the world to spend just one minute with him again, and I can see that your dad enjoys helping you out and spending time with you in any way possible, like filming broken down BMWs. Always cherish those moments because regret sucks.... Anyways back to BMWs- I watch M539 Restorations on KZbin and Sreten has completed a long laundry list of vehicle restorations, but there is one that he hasn't done and due to the limited supply of BMWs in Europe in general, I think you would be better suited for this kind of project, and i know your viewers would love it as well. It would be awesome if you could pick up a low-mile 2001 BMW 740i Sport on the E38 chassis, and swap out the M62TU engine and automatic transmission with a S62 powerhouse along with a Getrag 6-speed manual swap. No one has done this or documented this type of project on KZbin and I think it would bring you a larger audience and celebrity-like status in the E38 community,-LOL!

[@felipegiraldo3401]

Man when i saw your father, i almost cry. It's nice to see the way he supports you. 😌

[@reidlarson6325]

Thanks!

[@JamiesGarage1]

Thank you!!! Sorry, I'm just now seeing this comment. I'm trying to get caught up, LOL

[@adrianreyno1]

I would be really awesome it could be restored and either make it a five or six speed manual. Restore the engine or put in the E62. The car is not too bad, I've seen worst here in Southern Cali.

[@sjjvddyumiherhv3709]

30 secs with dad on camera and absolutely loved him

[@simiongradinaru7381]

Thanks for not leaving us hanging

[@theylive8256]

Since u have a healthy engine, I think it will increase the car's value if you will restore it.

[@DrHumorous]

Pretty cool director's cut with the dad. I must admit I'd actually consider getting the wallet. Jamie, your dad looks like a good guy, how lucky you are!

[@domkraggp9944]

full restoration and use it as a piece of art in your garage's reception/ lounge waiting area. It's a win-win, pristine bavarian legend for people to gawk over while they wait for their cars to be fixed, at the same time slowly appreciating in value as she sits there unused.

[@kvng.camzzz2123]

Respect to your dad!!!!

[@802Garage]

TBH still my fav M3 design. Just looks understated, but fast. Loving the mini resto! So sad when the low compression came up. Italian tune up woulda been my go to as well!

[@hondapreludeba5]

This is exactly what I did with my 328i found it in a guys yard no key and all. Broke out the ignition cylinder ews delete, rear o2 sap and evap deletes. But it is now up and running great no check engine light and getting ready for drift life

[@assko11]

Always nice to see how robust are the M50/S50 series of engines, sheesh! That thing really cleared up and got his valves kind of reseated. I had my doubts after what you guys saw in the chambers. Anyways please change that headlights and the gearbox needs to go for sure! Would look very cool with blue mat wrap imo.

[@rustypotatos]

Good man! I had no doubt it was gonna crank twice then start immediately. Such a fun day for y’all must feel great

[@northshore_driftworks629]

S62 6 speed but like, restored. Nice bodywork, nice interior, fully working. If I was in your shoes and had the budget I’d go for something like that

[@chadriddle3517]

Jamie , congratulations man your KZbin. Channel has gaining subscribers like crazy 400k ! Wow I been here since day 1 which hasn’t been very long. Much deserved.

[@JamiesGarage1]

Thanks dude! 🤘

[@jonvpham93]

Great video Jamie and crew! Camera handling, audio, and editing was top notch. Hope you expand to more vehicles than the BMW. Like the blacked out 4Runner in background.

[@TheIdiotPlays]

2:02 On my old car when I changed the oil and ran it for 2 minutes the oil always became pitch black :D It was a 1.2l vw polo. Now I have a golf that doesn't burn oil.

[@cristobalnew]

You should totally restore it!!!! OEM plus

[@eddiepFW2345]

2:29 Is no one gonna talk about what looks like a 10mm socket on the steering rack?

[@d33psix88]

Manual transmission swap and itb’s baby!

[@iHelpSolveIt]

I had an old 7 series with a similar problem with the compression. I poured a mix of brake fluid, engine flush and carb coating for aluminium (for alcohol based fuel treatment) let that mix sit on all the pistons overnight, then manually turned the motor to get the valves coated, then pumped a few squirts of oil and with the plugs out, swung the motor, the plan was simple, if this did not work, the motor was coming out ... It worked and that car ran and ran. And yes, i did change the oil before driving and flushed it twice just to be sure i got all the gunk out.

[@kengarcia1461]

Your videos are so in depth man! Love your content 🤘

[@ALKOHOLIC45]

I also vote to keep it original. Please restore is as its a beautiful car.

[@reidlarson6325]

Great video. I have an e36 and I learned how to do a bunch of stuff on it. I would recommend putting a nicer hood on it or changing the engine and subframe mounts. Good job. Looks like you really know what your doing.

[@stephencooper5040]

Barely sputtered and then started running, on FOUR YEAR OLD GAS? How does everyone complain about BMW L6s again?

[@BladeRunner990]

Nobody is complaining about M50/M52, what S52 is basically. Bulletproof engines. If they have oil and water they can run forever. Much more reliable than high reving euro M3 S50.

[@PEIVOLILLO]

Awesome video! Really helpful and entertaining!

[@DfensFailed]

Manual Swap, M50B25 intake manifold + cold air intake, upgrade from viscous fan to E-Fan, and see what you can get out of this car with a before and after dyno run & paint it lagoon green metallic if you still want more build a compressor on top and see what it can go up to, they can be made reliable and this is more or less often done on e36 in germany

[@marksantos2276]

Just really fun to watch and learn with you

[@chadriddle3517]

Please restore it to its former glory! Also if the period correct manual swap is done good also .

[@BayaniBuilt]

DCT SWAP ITS A MUST!!! Haven't seen many do it.

[@Carramrod-k3n]

Tasteful mods and as original as possible. That's what I did with my coupe. Everyone loves a clean classic bmw.

[@f.k.3762]

She has been a beauty once, see how far you can bring her on a somehow reasonable Budget

[@zimmy700]

Nice work as always Jamie, greetings from UAE

[@liver.flush.maestro]

The automatic transmission would have annoyed me way more than the squeaking door 🙂

[@luckyomezi163]

I need this car in my life right now....seriously!

[@SuperMinecraftUS]

That’s crazy cause I’m about to do the same thing! Manual swap and all. I hope you restore it!

[@unknownguy1123]

3:35 how did you guys not notice the socket laying on the power steering rack 😂😂

[@rcrit0]

I couldn't take my eyes off that sweet, sweet DSM in the lot.

[@MegaExaile]

Never put wallets in the back pocket, when u sit down it causes uneven load on the spine and it will cause back ache. This is a normal problem amongst old truckers! On the m3 part I'd say manual swap and turbo and gut it. Some wider arches and a good vinyl wrap.

[@nate_meador89]

Would love to see a simple manual swap and clean up. Budget paint job, show cleaning up the interior, swapping the trans, and covering typical e36 issues

[@rauladrian100]

Glad to see this. Helped me know what to check when I finally be able to buy a BMW. 👌

[@aubreymokwena6265]

I'm from South Africa. That motor can be found in the e36 328 e39 528. M52b28. I can tell by the intake it got on. E36 M3 around Here look way different and you get them in 3.0 3.2 versions and they come out with throttles etc etc. Correct me if iam wrong please. I have done tones of 325 and 328 e36 motors into the e30 chassis. That motor looks way to familiar to me.

[@dreamsun69]

YESS 36 CONTENT

[@dreamsun69]

Sell those god awful head/taillights too! YIKES

[@elgarajedebartolo]

@@dreamsun69 Yes, the stock ones are much better.

[@ralphrotten]

Keep it stock and restore

[@dougwilliams8602]

Amazing that it started. Did you add gas additive ? Restore. Paint job

[@koudiack]

love the helpful tips and the funny humor keep it up!

[@soulmourne2698]

The second i heard it crank i knew it would start very easially, 4 year gasoline is not that concerning if it was 7 or 8 year old yeah it probably wouldnt have started, the fuel pump could have been bad though but its not, i personally would restore it, the car is fine and it can run for much more time

[@adrijonskas6103]

keep it, it's value going to increase overtime

[@MrRedSoldier1000]

Would be a great candidate for a e36 manual swap series :) v8 would be amazing

[@FriendlyIntentions]

2:29 I see a 10mm socket by the steering rack and lines

[@josephsager9425]

I'm a sucker for restorations of BMW's, personally

[@tylercardy6644]

I love this! Great content mate.

[@nickconkle]

The S62 swap is tempting, but I think a Full Restore with manual swap is the way to go. That engine makes a beautiful sound with a killer exhaust setup

[@adamb50]

Another awesome video Jamie! Enjoyed watching as always! Where you located at in Florida

[@Galaxylynx12]

Great job man! Can you please attach the link to the spray that you have used for the door hinge? Many thanks!

[@kostas1146]

Restore it! It will be amazing ☺️ love your videos keep em coming 😉

[@griffinlitz4075]

I’m with everyone else! Restoration and manual swap! I’d love to watch that!!

[@moizsiddikio4]

Completely restore this classic beauty

[@grahamepigney8565]

Straightforward restoration back to original spec. Having driven manual and auto back to back and over extended periods I wouldn't/couldn't decide which way to go. That's a matter of personal taste. I have two E39 M57D30s, one manual and the other auto. You can drive them both lazily or aggressively as the mood takes you, subjectively the manual feels a little faster on acceleration but the auto in Sport/Manual mode is pretty much the same. Different driving techniques but enjoyable in either.

[@jeriwollmann7366]

Do some clean up and restore. Give to needy person. It feels like a blessing car. Cheers man.🚗🚘👍💪

[@jasonh5220]

Why didn't change the atf fluids? Should do so.

[@FACEXCALIBUR]

23:45 That door hinge. “Mechanic.”

[@JamiesGarage1]

😂

[@hateforall4012]

This was a cool video. Thanks.

[@l30red08]

Have an '01 Civic that's been sitting about 3 years. Got an idea from this on getting her running again

[@PWgadgets]

When you first compression tested you failed to provide continuous power to the battery. By the time you got to cylinders 5 and 6 that battery was way too flat to compression test! Great video btw I had fun watching this one

[@CoH_88]

YES rip out that auto trans and fix her up - great content glad I came across your channel from chris fix

[@busterscrugs]

I'd like to see a budget DIY restoration!

[@d2ygn]

Fast street/ light trackday build. With a manual transmission.

[@SeventyRS]

Manual swap it and turn it into a track day car. Wrap it with your company logo, write it off as a company car/advertising. You can make it look great for reasonable costs. Would be fun and inexpensive. Keep the 6 cylinder in it.

[@TolandTheShattered]

Love my e36 M3, you really can’t kill that s52. Takes all the abuse and then some.

[@525ftw]

do an M50 manifold swap ASAP. I finally did that to my e36 M3 before I boosted it and it makes it sooo much more fun, pulls to redline instead of running out of breath at 5K RPM. everyone says manual swap but it could be fun to boost it and see how much the autotragic holds heh

[@MBZXZ]

is that a 10mm socket at bottom of the steering rack?

[@jasonfrancoispotgieter7302]

OEM+ restoration

[@yara-4608]

Manual conversion, EURO spec w ITB’s and restoration!

[@cameronshawger3523]

I just think it’s pretty awesome this man owns his own garage and videos everything smart man I’d like to work for him lol

[@panzerveps]

My favorite lubrication spray is "Service spray". More or less mechanic in a can.

[@josephmuniz9959]

Restore but with a manual PLEASE! They were and are beautiful cars

[@eurogarage2015]

definitely restore it

[@AllanAdamson]

Those back two are notorious

[@Clas.custom.garage]

This car is perfect for a drift car