Ultra flashy BMW E36 M3.
A unique BMW E36 “M3” was spotted at the Trust booth at the Tokyo Auto Salon. In addition to its radically wide body style, the front-mounted intercooler was glimpsed through the front bumper. A peek into the engine compartment reveals a turbine set. We invite you to take a look to find out more about this intriguing car.
Created by a group of professionals who combined their strengths
Every year, Trust provides us with a variety of topics. This year, they focused not only on domestic cars, but also on imported cars, and exhibited a BMW E36 M3 that was full of seriousness.
When we asked for more details, we learned that this vehicle was planned by MOONTECH, a well-known import custom store, in collaboration with British car designer Kyza.
First, LTO, a company specializing in exterior parts, produced the body kit, and Trust was in charge of all engine tuning, including management. This was a car that was completed with the best performance in each of their respective fields of expertise.
Mr. Arai of MOONTECH, the overall producer, told AMW the following story.
“Regarding this E36M3 production, it was made possible by our call. The base car is not owned by MOONTECH, but is a customer’s car. When we told them about our plan, they willingly provided us with the vehicle, so we completed it as a car that would not betray the owner’s expectations and one that would be of a high level as a show car.”
“While each manufacturer was allowed to exercise their skills in their area of expertise, MOONTECH was in charge of the overall vehicle manufacturing. We installed aero parts, painted, and coordinated interior parts including reupholstering, and performed suspension tuning.”
“This body kit itself has only one model in a different color in the UK, but it has not been released in Japan, and this Tokyo Auto Salon will be its first appearance. So, if we were to describe it as a world model, it would be a rare car, of which there are only two in the entire world.”
20 cm blister fenders on each side!
The aggressive edgy sculpting by car designer Kyza was designed with DTM machines in mind, but DTM cars feature cycle fenders, which in this M3 are blister fenders. Since the front and rear molding can be said to be in the DTM style, it can be said that the molding is full of originality regarding the fenders.
The width of the blister fenders, which are worthy of being called a macho super wide body kit, is surprisingly over 20 cm on each side at the maximum. The tires that create the sturdy style are size 315, and the wheels are 18-inch 13.5J (offset -53), which is amazing.
Some of you may be wondering, at first glance, the wheels look like Modena. But this means that they are US-forged New Trail SCD 3-piece wheels. The key point is that the rims are polished, but I feel that the wheel design is nice and reminds me of when the E36 was still running in service.
Bolt-on turbochargers provide a significant increase in power
Based on the E36 M3C, the 3.2L straight 6 NA engine is the original. Trust, who specializes in engine tuning, decided to bolt-on turbochargers to this power unit to greatly increase the power. A special EX manifold was fabricated to allow the installation of a TD06-25G turbine. In addition, the intake area, including the surge tank, was also rebuilt and tuned for maximum efficiency.
The interior is also very elaborate, with the entire image coordinated in green and beige Alcantara fabric to match the body color, British Green. This Alcantara was not originally available in this color, so they asked a specialist to dye the fabric from color samples.
The Recaro seats were also reupholstered in the same fabric to create a uniform look throughout.
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This car is an example of what can be achieved when professionals in various fields gather together and each enjoys serious street customization without compromise.
The E36 M3 radiated an overwhelming aura of intuitive coolness, and the exhaust sound that you hear the moment you twist the key and start the engine is sure to be a thrill.