The BMW 3 Series, E36 generation, is now classified as a thirty-year-old car, especially when it comes to the earlier models. The E36 was in production from 1990 to 2000. It succeeded the E30 generation and was later replaced by the E46. The most significant change with the E36 generation, compared to its predecessor, was the rear axle. The E36 was the first to use a modern multi-link rear suspension called the "Z-axle," originating from the Z1 model. However, the E36 Compact version, aimed at cost efficiency, continued to use the old rear suspension setup. Another interesting aspect is that the E36 was not available with all-wheel drive, unlike both the older E30 and the newer E46, which had all-wheel drive options. Let's take a closer look at how the guys from RAJmotosport in central Slovakia customized an E36 Coupe to their liking.
A few meters past the gates of a vast area, two BMW E46 Coupes appeared among many trucks and buses, and I knew I was heading in the right direction. As I got a few meters closer, a wide E36 Coupe in beautiful red stealthily peeked out behind them. I knew definitively that I was parking in front of the right gate with the sign "RAJmotorsport" above it. The E36, also known as "šrotka" (a play on words for "junk"), waited quietly, as if it knew that today it would steal the majority of attention. The first words were short and incomprehensible, but it's not easy to get up on a cold and rainy morning. After a short while, its 2.5-liter six-cylinder heart took a deep breath, and everyone around stopped for a moment to listen to its beautiful voice.
The slim body of the E36 Coupe is fitted with a complete Pandem fiberglass body kit – from the front bumper to the fenders, sills, doors, and rear spoiler. They used a sufficiently rigid body as a base, free from rust and additionally treated against corrosion. The body's rigidity is increased with front and rear strut braces. The cabin space is also reinforced with a safety cage and sports seats from OMP with safety harnesses. In front of the driver is an OMP steering wheel and a digital instrument panel that receives all essential data from the control unit via Bluetooth connection. Right next to the steering wheel, the driver's hand lands on the hydraulic handbrake lever with an OBP handle. A few centimeters further, there's a gear lever with a short shifter. In addition, there are some important switches in the middle of the fiberglass dashboard and a fire extinguisher. The vehicle also features a completely new electrical installation, without unnecessary cables and switches.
But the most important part is located behind the front fenders. Beyond the bash bar, there's a massive intercooler, an oil cooler, and an aluminum water cooler. I'm talking about the 6-cylinder 2.5-liter gasoline engine with the code name M52B25. Under the hood, it is accompanied by a Garrett GTX3076R turbocharger mounted on custom-made exhaust manifolds. The engine was adapted for forced induction by lowering the compression ratio. From the turbocharger, a 3-inch stainless steel exhaust leads all the way to the rear bumper. On the opposite side, compressed air flows into the engine through an electronic throttle valve and an aluminum intake. Ensuring an adequate supply of fuel is a system with a 20-liter fuel tank, armored pipes, two Bosch pumps, and 960cc injectors, also from Bosch. The entire engine is controlled by the Ecumaster Black ECU with an anti-lag system. The guys fine-tuned the engine to run at 1 bar of boost pressure. However, when they slightly spiced it up with 1.3 bar of boost pressure on the dyno, šrotka reached 415 horsepower. A lightweight flywheel, weighing only 6 kilograms, contributes to the quick response to the throttle pedal.
The M52B25 powers the rear axle through a ceramic clutch and a Sach Performance pressure plate. Between the rear wheels, there's a rear differential with a 3.91:1 ratio. As is known, the E36's rear axle setup can be a bit problematic, but RAJmotorsport didn't forget about it and placed the axle in solid strongflex bushings, along with adjustable lower control arms. Wide fenders on both axles house AP shocks designed for the M3 model. And because the red E36 is a full-fledged drift machine, the front suspension is upgraded with a complete set with 70-degree wheel angle and uniballs. Ensuring safe stopping power are front brakes with 330-millimeter discs, Ferodo Racing pads, and HELL braided lines. In the rear, there are also 330-millimeter discs and ATE pads. A new brake fluid system runs through the entire car.
The BMW E36 from RAJmotorsport is a truly functional drift machine ready to hit the track. In the morning, we arrived, and the car started without any issues, except that we only started it to move to the photo location. I think if I saw šrotka in action, it would be much harder for me to leave. The vehicle can also be modified for rallying, hill climbs, or slaloms. Remarkable is also the short period during which the guys managed to build this red beauty from scratch to the last detail. The construction took only 2 months. However, no detail escaped them. Notice the screws on the body kit; each one is precisely measured and aligned in a row, none of them protrude beyond their line. You can see that the founder and owner of RAJmotorsport, Braňo, is meticulous, and he approaches every exhaust he welds or car he assembles with a huge amount of passion and attention. It's a joy to meet such rare individuals in our small Slovak car community.
The E36 Coupe in exactly the condition you see it is looking for a new owner who will faithfully care for it. The price for this red BMW from RAJmotorsport is €17,300.
Contact
Branislav Rajnoha (Banská Bystrica)
RAJmotorsport
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
phone num.: +421 908 350 910
Text & Photo: Mateo
