New to ///MFEST and definitely new to the Euro scene!

EvikeMatt · #1 06-04-2012, 03:51 PM

Hey guys!

My name's Matt! I'm 24, live in the 626 area code, and work as the spokesman for Evike.com, an airsoft retailer. I have recently become the proud owner of a 1998 E36 Cosmo 5spd coupe, but more on that in a minute.

I guess this is my intro thread, although my first post won't include any pictures because 1. I don't own a camera, and 2. I'm writing this intro while sitting at work, so I can't really get down to the parking lot to take cellphone pictures, but REST ASSURED!!!! pictures will come soon.

To start off, I'll give a bit of history on my previous cars, in chronological order. 1972 VW Beetle, 1968 Camaro SS/RS, 1991 Toyota Pickup 4WD, 2003 Honda Civic EX Coupe, 2005 Acura TSX (I absolutely adored this car)

Now finally my 1998 Cosmosschwarz Metallic M3 5spd Coupe!!! I purchased her in February of 2012 from a local seller who lived in Burbank. After looking at the car twice, and getting a PPI, she was all mine! Although she was in great condition and had relatively low miles for her age, the previous owner certainly had neglected various areas of standard E36 maintenance. The first thing we did was replace the entire cooling system, then moved to refreshing and updating some of the suspension components, starting a full set of bushings all around

Then of course we had to replace leaking power steering lines and a cross-threaded and leaking oil drain plug. Soon after this maintenance, the VANOS system started making noise and letting me know it needed some TLC, so out came the unit to be refreshed with both a Beisan seal kit and an anti-rattle kit. Unfortunately the M3 also came with an aftermarket "autoparts store" exhaust, and while it sounded okay, it wasn't installed improperly (y-pipe and swiss cheese welds don't mix, not to mention a certain lack of ALL of the stock exhaust hanger parts) and I wasn't a huge fan of DTM tips.

Anyway, since the engine and suspension have been brought up to speed, I've just been enjoying the heck out of her!!!! She drives like no car I've ever owned. I gotta say, the thrill of driving and M3, and the people in the community I've met thus far have really made owning this car an absolute pleasure. There are a few more things in the works for my car either in progress or in the works in the very near future, but I think I'll save those for a build thread!

I would like to extend a big thank you 3 members that have helped me immensely, and have pushed me to join both this forum and become a more active member in the community. Joseph, supkev, and RicHarD. I definitely plan on going to as many meets as I can, and getting to know everyone in the MFEST community very well!!!!

Pictures to come as soon as I can take 'em

in closing, i'd like to extend a big

to everyone and a great big

for the awesome times I can forsee ahead on the forum!

thanks guys

-Matt