V8 Powered BMW E36 M3 | LS Swapped German Muscle Car on a Budget

The BMW E36 M3 is one of the most beloved M3's to date so how can it be possible to make it even better than it already is? Swap out that little six cylinder and throw in a built LS1 making 430whp so you can start smoking some tires! Brian and Oscar were able to put this thing together in a backyard with a direct swap over kit from vorshlag and this car is a total blast to drive! So sit back and enjoy the ride...
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[@qdysseus-]

I love how tastefully they modded this E36. They didn't completely rice it out or full-on gutted it. Very well done

[@doodlesdoodles5267]

Soo true!!!

[@markd1059]

I think that was more clutch smoke than tire smoke leaving that light 😝

[@Zach-qo7mz]

Lmao he rode that clutch

[@dillongere5645]

you could see the car owners smile of pain when that noob burned his clutch

[@Growzy101]

Cluch is consumable. Job is easy/fast.

[@CandiMan71]

Get him out the left seat and stick with riding shotgun 😂

[@stevenminix]

yeah he smoked that clutch, man is scared of it. I wanna do that, but with a turbo 6.0 LS and t56

[@NoizTheDj]

My son has been talking about building an E36 and then this comes up...badass!

[@user-uj5zc6vx2k]

Build it with a LS series engine❗💪

[@drivinwithdrew7676]

I have a 6.0 in my M Roadster it’s a blast

[@tailopez5106]

@tom connors I think the luxury packages m3s came with the non twisted side skirts

[@menukaariyadasa5863]

@lscansir cured any idiot can buy a corvette these cars stock are also reliable even Scotty Kilmer reviewed one and said it was reliable, the old BMWs are more reliable than the newer ones and some of us in Europe can’t afford to feed a 7.0L v8 becuz you will go broke doing so

[@victorslowik3786]

I liked it, " but once, cry once" and under 20 G, outstanding!!

[@aaronrodgers5852]

I think he meant “Buy once, Cry once”

[@mateo991.2]

@@aaronrodgers5852 t and y are close on the keyboard, so probably just a typo:)

[@sofuknossum1]

Throwing an LS in an E36 and not knowing what Boston green is brought up so many emotions

[@ctpmark]

Very Cool, Great Handling Car with a Reliable plenty of power LS1 and a 6 speed box.. Now that would be an Excellent Drivers Car.. for 20k .. Bargain!

[@jamesstaggs4160]

Really awesome build save for one thing, the seats. I don't know if the old ones were shot or what but they're worth saving or getting a new set. That's one thing they got right with the American E36 M3.

[@Wrenchen-with-Darren]

The LS is just the SBC of this era. I'm good with it, but I'm still a 350 guy. Thanks for the video.

[@clodge5196]

Yes sir, tried and true

[@Robert-goose1]

@@clodge5196 and outdated.

[@user-uj5zc6vx2k]

Welcome to the 21st century

[@Speakertweaker-tp4em]

Robert still good

[@wolfenstein731]

SBC? what's a 350??... so many questions, such a vague comment lol

[@jryalls]

I love how stock it looks. Personally I would have sourced all of the interior and exterior parts from the European M3 Evo including the Motorsport diamond finished wheels. Kept all the interior in it too.

[@Freestyler4130]

E36 interiors are garbage after 20+ yrs. i deleted all the same interior parts like his on my M3.

[@mg_streetkandi]

Nice Remix...big ups to Vorshlag that sells the kit..They do really good work.

[@newbie-8746]

This BMW definitely seems like it's a total driver's car!! Awesome video, Shawn keep up the great content! I really appreciate the work that yall do in making these videos happen.

[@pzkpfw2310]

Looks so good. Not over the top or outrageous. Perfect

[@craighighmore4302]

Very cool car. I think this is the best model as well for these BMW’s. The LS fits like a glove too! Great video!

[@Powershift]

Wicked! That's a truly cool BMW.

[@MrUltraworld]

400+ hp in a 3k lb car is ideal.

[@robertc4311]

@Jerry Beck exactly!

[@surgedidit]

@Jerry Beck 💯

[@CyberDocUSA]

_Buy once, cry once._ Words to live by. I wanted to stomp that little Prius @9:36. 😄 That engine and exhaust symphony is epic! Loving this build, man. The swap is brilliant in that platform and it fits like a glove.

[@slendysmucho]

EASILY best episode yet, such a good combination

[@tomnekuda3818]

I'm in love.....American muscle, German engineering.

[@1BigDaDo]

Makes for an interesting nice car

[@impslap7620]

The exhaust sounds amazing. Looks like I need to start looking for some E36 mufflers for my LS swaps...

[@AutotopiaLA]

Sounds and drives great! This would be a fun weekend ripper

[@sarahdell4042]

The Vorshlag kits are very nice. Cool car

[@Freebird67]

way to go great video as ever shawn realy nicely done car

[@bzmaro]

Love how it looks stock! Nice color sounds good and quick. What a lovely build

[@AutotopiaLA]

Sleeper badass. Fun driver

[@ivycycles]

Awesome drivers car. Now one of my favorites from this channel. The smile on your face Sean was intoxicating :-)

[@bgpkilla124]

just got an ls2 aluminum block for my e30 coupe so i cant wait

[@chrislovett87]

What an amazing car for the money, as is the case with so many other LS swapped cars. Lots of people hate on them but it’s tough to argue the numbers, 200 pounds lighter and twice the power, no brainer.

[@fortheapex]

Isl is heavier

[@GA-ox4jq]

Love the channel Shawn... Like you I'm a musclecar enthusiast, but I have a thing for 3-series and 5-series BMW's from the 90's. This build has me thinking, just awesome!! Would love to do this in either an E36 or E39. Definitely would be saaweeeet!! Always look forward to your videos, keep it up with the great content.

[@DXFXmc]

Really cool car and color.

[@MegasXLR]

Being from Bulgaria I see old BMWs very very often on the streets. And they're awesome :)

[@AutotopiaLA]

They are and this one is extra cool imo

[@rbszx14r56]

This reminds me of the SBC swap into Jaguar,s it just makes them so much better and faster ,really cool

[@willjam465]

I love Boston green on an E36 M3. I have never cared for those one piece aftermarket headlights, though. I love my E36 M3, and have thought about an LS swap. Maybe down the road. Would definitely change the character a bit...lol. With the LS all aluminum and the S52 an iron block, I can see where that makes for a good swap weight-wise.

[@ron5118]

Crazy cool!!

[@cannednolan8194]

Reminds me of a few BMWs that are set up for the track. But this looks like it’s set up for a comfortable good time.

[@realprofessoroak]

this is the dream right here

[@jameslerner846]

sounds awesome

[@strongplanted]

That is a great combo

[@jonesjonz1]

Wonderful upgrade!!... I need a convertible one.

[@snggarageeng]

So simple but so perfect

[@cyclonekevin6199]

Sounds great

[@ahrred3127]

I'm a BMW guy (but no I don't have a car yet) and this is actually awesome!

[@ericswires8534]

I like the guy who just happened to be jogging by during the burnout while he gets a face full of LS exhaust and tire smoke !

[@letslearnit8378]

not only reliable but also pretty cool sounding, wouldn't call it an illegal swap

[@kashv2500]

Put recaros in and its bang on perfect

[@DXFXmc]

Tell Brian and Oscar we want more!!!🤗🤗

[@tresdelengua]

Amazeballs!

[@Machine_s15]

"It's spins no problem" uhhh, that was the clutch...

[@helitonnascimento2042]

Swap legal !!!! Não precisa esconder Brasil já estralei o like show 👏🏆👏🏆

[@kevinmurphy9982]

Sounds like your a BMW guy, cool man. I would never believe anyone would drop an LS into ANY BMW but hey...you brought it to us. Great shoot man....thanks for the vid....your boy from Jersey sayin...keep it up brother.

[@russian4159]

I was thinking of dropping an s65 into my e36 so I love this! Gotta have a good suspension if you want to enjoy all that power.

[@ahrred3127]

Someone actually did a S65 swap on E36 and turned it into a drift car! And its awesome

[@russian4159]

@@ahrred3127 That is so dope! I will post when I have it completed on my end!

[@bravofoxable]

Now this is a proper sleeper! One way of waking up a M3 hahahaha. Thanks for showing us Shawn, really enjoyed this

[@dannyal467]

im not a bmw fan but i respect other bad ass car man cool the fact that the guy built in the back yard doesnt get better than that!!!

[@woocash7488]

6:00 I love the headliner, I have the same upgrade in my car....

[@AutotopiaLA]

Nice. This car is so cool and a blast to drive

[@motherloverjones6008]

LS everything...I can't wait for the 1966 VW beetle LS swap !!!

[@storyteller1749]

That would do it for me too man. Although a 90's 7 series with an ls would be even more perfect. I like bmw's but its the reliability factor that's kept me from owning one

[@driftbum7477]

My only criticism with this car (cherry picking) are the terrible headlights, the rest is just fine.

[@fabianborjon9428]

Right, I'm more of a a fan of the DEPO Glass Euro Halo Headlights. Thats what I got on mine

[@driftbum7477]

@@fabianborjon9428 That sets off any E36, its the only headlight people should run, not cause "its a BMW", everything else is just cheap trash.

[@TranceFur]

Yeah, and the seats... I don’t get why you’d put aftermarket seats with even less bolstering in. I guess if you just want a highway missile that never hits a fast corner, these will be fine.

[@2414kels]

I can dig it 👍

[@rexfox]

Holy shit that looks like it would be a blast to drive!

[@arby.aranda]

E36!!!!!

[@WingChun108]

Great!

[@coryholbrook4643]

E36 M3 LS swapped? Considering we, in North America, got shafted hard on this car back in the day I see nothing at all wrong with it. I really don’t understand why anyone would either. So what? It’s a BMW. There’s nothing all that amazing about them.

[@user-uj5zc6vx2k]

More amazing then most🎭

[@Hole_Motorsports]

Nothing wrong with LS swapping it but you’re wrong about nothing being amazing about the e36. It’s one of the best handling chassis ever made. Go to any track day or club race and I guarantee you will find a ton of e36s.

[@rogerwennstrom6677]

Yeah for this version of the M3 I don't really mind this swap either! Doing an LS swap in an E46 M3 on the other hand...

[@trashbandit2449]

@@Hole_Motorsports yeah great chassis, but the engine could have been better... hence the ls

[@stephenwayant2790]

Very cool. Go Raiders!

[@blakelip3]

That Ferrari at 0:36 😍😍😍😍

[@E36tyler]

That rear end would definitely blow up if you actually dumped the clutch at the stop light properly, must have known lol. Beautiful car, that kit seems sick. Only thing I could not agree with is the seats and those 1 piece headlights.

[@JDuna]

What a good read end for a high hp e36 sedan

[@80PercentAshamedOfU]

@@JDunaI’ve heard the M3 rear end is plenty strong. It’s only the subframe mounts that are weak.

[@roderickroilton9936]

I want to do the same with a clk any suggestions? You have a wicked E. I love it. Its a muscle car

[@grahamefreestone5309]

9:30 BMW smokes the tyres and then a Prius blows its horn. Lol. 😁

[@andrewreichel2562]

Come on Shawn, put the real soundtrack on, I know that Been didn't do what it did Awesome Shawn, as usual!

[@Mjolnirlol]

Wish more small chassis coupes came with a v8. Love it.

[@DeadEnDCrew]

They did it was mid 90s mustangs, after than didn't go well every other car manufactures got scared and said - nope. Lol rip

[@koolkev75]

Brian is a winner cars and football 🏈 go raiders 🔥🔥💨💨💨⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️

[@JS-oi5jt]

It's shocking to read the comments about how many people have never seen this done before. LS swapped e36's are a dime a dozen.

[@Dane_the_Pain]

please do a video on the Datto 510 wagon in the background .. sweet looking ride

[@AutotopiaLA]

Rotary swapped

[@Dane_the_Pain]

AutotopiaLA hell yeah 🙌🏻

[@jb2oldies69]

Nice 👍

[@mromagachi5194]

i have the same axact chassis same color same engine 😂😂😂 crazy i love it

[@Locoandchooch]

I have to do this, but I have a 4 door 3 series

[@beaches2mountains230]

Is it me or is there white smoke coming out of the exhaust everytime they show a clip? Hope not. Love the car. I always had a thing for the buttery smooth inline 6 that came in these stock but like how it keep it clean looking.

[@DuelistMandroid]

I can't wait to drop an LS3 in my 99 e36 vert!!!

[@pablocruise678]

BMW-- the ultimate driving machine ...

[@AutotopiaLA]

This one is extra driving machine...that power and sound is awesome!!

[@klex6009]

GMW

[@fiestahimself9135]

@@klex6009 😂😂😂

[@user-uj5zc6vx2k]

🗣Ditch that 6 cylinder powerband

[@PRESD4TIME]

My cousin had one of these. M3 Europe-spec on 98 octane, & it threw me back in the seat.

[@trumpjongun8831]

It's funny how 98 octane is something special in US, but in here EU it's just basic gasoline i put on my rusty Toyota.

[@sampsii]

@@trumpjongun8831 It's calculated in a different way, in Europe we have 98 RON and it's the same as the US 93 PON

[@farzkusanagi1849]

Do You use Quick Change diff ?

[@applebitefool]

The E36 is lowkey the best handling rwd-fe car ever built and you can get a mint one for 5k. Sell the bmw powertrain to an E30 guy then put a lightweight LS for 10k including supporting mods. Amazing budget track car.

[@AutotopiaLA]

Agreed all the way here

[@TREX7476]

I have 2002 z3 I'm really wanting to LS swap. There's not a lot of forms on it. I'm looking at the LS1 with the t56 transmission. The only thing I have questions on is the harness installation. I would like to have everything working like it does now but how big of a headache is it to splice into my original harness to the new motor. Keep this in mind I'm not that advanced in the electrical department. I'm wondering if there is a plug and play alternative out there that I'm not seeing. Thanks for any info 🤔

[@swapshoplbc6571]

Hit me up on Instagram and I can tell you exactly what you need to do for the swap. @theswapshop_lbc

[@Oscubasteve]

Haha the first sounds and drive off was like watching a b movie w bad sound FX :)

[@joemiller8444]

Want one

[@richgianotti8558]

Always thought the 95s had the S50. S52 was introduced in 96 to make the power with OBDII emissions standards

[@AutotopiaLA]

You know more than I do about these for sure. Always thought they were S52

[@banga8080]

Yep👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@hoonaticbloggs5402]

I just love American dyno figures. I have an LS 1 with a cam and itb’s and it measures 443 at the crank. Whatever the US dyno measures at the wheels is flywheel anywhere else in the world.

[@trashbandit2449]

What's the difference between wheel and flywheel? Different kind of dyno?

[@collhandluke9491]

Miałem kiedyś E 36 sedan, niestety z silnikiem 1600 ccm (4 cylindry, M 43 )

[@ericswires8534]

Does this void the warranty?

[@bruceh92]

Nice engine swap - not getting pulled over in that!

[@AutotopiaLA]

Never

[@trentmeister6001]

how many R's will that motor spin and does it have AC?

[@MrAlim5]

Smokey engine!!!!!

[@AutotopiaLA]

Running a bit rich

[@MrAlim5]

@@AutotopiaLA I hope not a piston rings dear

[@ollydubhead]

Great car, great swap......i'd love to own this... The one thing i don't get is why would you double the power in a nice handling car, then fit seats with no bolstering.....?

[@AutotopiaLA]

Seats need bolt steering badly but otherwise really great little driver car

[@hv9356]

The first time I think you smoked the clutch, the second time you spun the wheels. Don't be afraid, if you're going to do it, DO IT. Don't be gingerly and smoke the clutch.

[@nickg4135]

i really want to do the same but to an e46 or e92 coupe. wicked performance for the money

[@ahrred3127]

Not an insult or a compliment but LS E92 sounds like a Budget M3 😂

[@nickg4135]

@@ahrred3127 m3's are 50k in australia. i can get a e92 coupe for 10-12k and a ls for 3-6k

[@ahrred3127]

@@nickg4135 I subbed, just in case if this idea turns into reality👌

[@richardlevy7328]

I'd drive it, ultimate sleeper...😎

[@AutotopiaLA]

Total blast to drive!

[@ruialmeida5755]

Dude got to do whatever makes one happy! If its a Chevy engine in an E36 Let it be!

[@kingcory21]

One time never hurt, in walks Micah Diaz

[@robertc4311]

Nice...So come again, it’s an M3 with what in it? LOL. Guess it makes sense, BMW wheels will often fit on Chevies too, due to the bolt pattern...way too cool!

[@AutotopiaLA]

I love the LS power and sound in this

[@DXFXmc]

I love the LS motors, but in a BMW? You are going to get us in trouble.

[@monsterzard1]

Lol, that Karen at the end

[@Kyle-pl6rl]

I was curious about how much hp that stock rear end can handle

[@trianifeA7x]

M3 diffs can hold 600hp or more. The regular 6 cylinder diffs like 450 about and the 4 cylinder ones about 300