1M3 Clone 2.0 - The Build Log

[///m3d]

we're excited to see the outcome of this project. good luck, pal!

Thanks! Should be an interesting ride (yes, an unfortunately bad pun there)

[///m3d]

We are currently prepping the inner and outer quarter panels. Taking measurements and doing mock ups in preparation for making the initial cuts into the existing quarters to remove them.

The car is on a frame rack at this point to ensure that nothing moves when we do make the first cuts!

[Venom]

Good luck man! Welcome to the conversion club!

[VMRWheels]

Can't wait to see the end result. Any kind of estimated time frame?

[Brearley_III]

Nice! Can't wait to see this build!

[///m3d]

Good luck man! Welcome to the conversion club!

Nice! Can't wait to see this build!

Thanks! We are pretty excited as well!

Can't wait to see the end result. Any kind of estimated time frame?

We are figuring it will take at least a couple months. Only time will tell!

[///m3d]

This update is all about measuring the quarter panel against the chassis to see where the final cuts are needed. We measured, test fit and measured some more. Then we made initial cuts in the existing quarter panel. These were intentionally smaller than the final cuts to give us room to fine tune the fit.

As you can see from the wheel well picture, their is a significant gap between the outer 1M quarter panel and the inner 135i quarter panel. This is exactly why we got both the inner and outer quarters.

For now we are focusing on the outer quarters and getting that fit right, then we will move to the inner quarters.

[///m3d]

With the initial fitment of the outer quarters completed, the outer quarters were trimmed down to size and we are now ready to finish off cutting the old rear quarters out. This is being done per factory standards, which means each spot weld is being drilled out and the entire (remaining quarter) will be pulled as a panel.

With this step complete, we can prime the inside of the new outer quarters and turn our attention to the inner quarters. For the inners, a large chunk of the panel is identical across the E82 platform. We will be removing the individual panels that we need to update and installing them per BMW factory standards to the existing panel. You can see the inner wheel well being transferred here. There are also a number of support brackets that need to be installed.

[ShocknAwe]

Interesting to see it being done with full panel replacement. Thanks for the pictures.

[///m3d]

Interesting to see it being done with full panel replacement. Thanks for the pictures.

You bet! If you are going to do it, might as well do it the "right" way.

[///m3d]

Continuing to make good progress on the inner quarters. This is a critical section of the build becuase it provides all the structure for the outer quarters once everything is buttoned up.

Also got a nice little package from one of our sponsors!
AST 5200's which are amazing dampers. Surprisingly comfortable on the street and a true motorsport design so they perform amazingly on the track.

[Yeineken]

Are the inside quarter panels OEM? They look fantastic.

[///m3d]

Are the inside quarter panels OEM? They look fantastic.

Yup! Every single body panel is an OEM factory part.

[dm874]

^I have crazy respect for what you're doing. Good work buddy

[chris82]

Originally Posted by ///m3d

Continuing to make good progress on the inner quarters. This is a critical section of the build becuase it provides all the structure for the outer quarters once everything is buttoned up.

Also got a nice little package from one of our sponsors!
AST 5200's which are amazing dampers. Surprisingly comfortable on the street and a true motorsport design so they perform amazingly on the track.

That is awesome, I enjoy seeing all these pictures of what's under the panels!

[///m3d]

^I have crazy respect for what you're doing. Good work buddy

Thanks!

That is awesome, I enjoy seeing all these pictures of what's under the panels!

Glad you are enjoying the progress. Definitely a lot of work!

[alexc93]

Can't wait to see how this comes out.

Wish I had the guts or the time to take on a project like this.

[///m3d]

Can't wait to see how this comes out.

Wish I had the guts or the time to take on a project like this.

I am definitely anxious as well!

[///m3d]

The inner quarters are finished and primed up. Now we are laying down the adhesives and clamping the outer quarter in place before following up with the finish welding/rivets.

As you can see from the inner fender well photo, taking the time to complete the inner quarter per factor specs yields a fantastic factory fit and finish. Well worth the extra time to get the little details like this correct!

[swagon]

[questionable]

Just awesome, the attention to detail is not seen like this very often, im yet to see one conversion go this far.

[Yeineken]

I've got to say it. The 1er looks like a stripped VW Bug without the rear quarter and trunk.