1995 BMW 316i
- Manual Transmission
- 1.6l 8v 4 cylinders M43 engine.
- Alpine White, newly repainted just this August '08 @ Algon Autowerks.
Modifications:
- European Headlights (projector) came from an e36 M3.
- HID bulbs 8000k (H1)
- All Weather Bulbs (Xenon)H1 for the fog lights.
- Stebel Italy Air Horn.
- Leather Seatcovers - German Leather
- Pioneer DEH-6950IB
- Sony Explode Subwoofer with built in amplifier.
- Kicker seperates at front
- JBL 6x at the back
- 17" Breyton Flame Replicas with 215/17/45 Federal Tires.
- Power Flow Mufflers with Euro Tip.
I had this ride of mine since 2003. This is my very first German car. The very first things that i had to fix with this car was the suspension.
Suspension
The front and back control arms, tie rods and bushings had to be replaced. Of course, all of the shocks were shot. Replaced the shocks with bilsteins at the front and Excel-G shocks at the back.
Aircon
Aircon was also a bust. This car was obviously not in the right country. Why? the a/c was only whispering its air at speed 2. I went right away to repair this problem by replacing the microfilter which was very heady due to contaminants. The compresor, evaporator and etc all had to be replaced.
Engine
I had no problems with this M43 engine since. I just replaced parts for the usually maintenance: Oil Filters, Fuel Filters, Air Filters, Fully Synthetic Oil, Brake Fluid, ATF, etc... Fan Belts and bearings also had to be replaced.
Electrical
I usually experience electrical problems when I do not use my car for several days. This car seems to unhappy when not used all the time. Sometimes door actuators don't work properly. I had to buy new euro headlights due to the old headlights were broken. Not accident broken but disabled due to wear and tear. Sometimes the bright switch stucks when I leave it for several minutes. But with the new headlights everythings ok.
Brakes
No problem. Just replaced the brake pads. Brakes needed a lot of cleaning...
Interior
This is where most european cars have problems... The interior roof lining usually sags. The leather cover for the steering wheel cracks. The rear view mirror dropped like a hot pancake. I fixed this problem by using epoxy to seal the deal. I plan to bring the car at leder interia this year but Im having a hard time in scheduling my trip there.
Exterior
Newly repainted here at my own shop here in Algon - Pulido Paint Shop.
We used Anzahl urethane paint for the whole body of my E36. Finished it off with 3M detailing products. If ever you know somebody who would like to get his ride detailed or washed over just contact me. I'll give you an estimate. I usually ask the budget of the customer so I'll know what we can do with his/her ride....
My paint shop is located here at TOAPFI Compound Brgy. Mamatid, Laguna 4025.
I don't plan to buy any new car soon. I contented with what i have right now. Restoring and maintaining this car has brought joy and fulfillment to me. Words can not explain to see a basic car groomed into something what I have been longing for all these years. Come to think of it, I was the person looking outside the window of my japanese car since I was in college. i was gazing through the window to see these wonderful european masterpieces. I guess through hard work and determination i can say that i finally achieved something that work really hard for. After all the problems that i have labored with this car I truly can not say that i am finished. I am aware everything is not forever. But as of now, I can say that BMW really guided me to be focused and determined. Quality has always been an issue for me since I have been a BMW aficionado. Even though my car is 13 years old and counting... i can still rely on my sturdy steed to do my daily tasks while giving me the prestige that I am in the Ultimate Driving Machine.
