E30 bmw m3

As I managed to modify the Fujimi E30 BMW 325i roof height reasonably simply/successfully I decided I would have a go at my old E30 BMW M3 too! And boy did I seriously under estimate the amount of work involved! There are all sorts of things that needed to be sorted, it was not just the roof height that was incorrect!

Below are a list of the things that needed to be changed to result in something resembling the real body shape!

1. Roof Height raised.
2. Rear valance shape changed.
3. Front spoiler made deeper and wider.
4. Rear window pillars and window extensively modified.
5. Rear spoiler side fins modified.
6. Side skirts altered.
7. Door handle lengths corrected.
8. Front spoiler opening changed (still some work to do!)
9. BMW kidney grille still to be changed.
10. All panel lines re-scribed.
11. New panel lines created for windows and roof.
12. Modified rear wheel arch depths.
13. Added height to boot/trunk using styrene sheet.
14. Bending inwards of lower side bodywork below the mould line because it protruded too far out. Achieved by scribing the inside of the body shell first to enable it to stay in place.

Think that's about it for now!

The pictures below show where I have got to after at least 25 hours of work, I must admit I enjoyed getting to where I am now, even though at times it was a bit of a battle!

I will probably build it as a track day car based on the old late 1980's early 1990's racing M3's as shown below because it does not come with the correct racing interior. I will make my own roll cage!

All comments welcome!

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/1346/2010033120100331e30bmwm.jpg

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/856/2010033120100331e30bmwmi.jpg

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/4707/2010033120100331e30bmwmb.jpg

Below is the awful shape of the model as it was built originally.

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/675/20100314e30bmw325i0121.jpg

These show where I have got to so far!

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/313/2010033120100331e30bmwmx.jpg

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/494/2010033120100331e30bmwmt.jpg

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/9003/2010033120100331e30bmwmph.jpg

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/4220/2010033120100331e30bmwmg.jpg

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/3562/2010033120100331e30bmwmil.jpg

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/728/2010033120100331e30bmwmk.jpg

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/1459/2010033120100331e30bmwmo.jpg

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/7091/2010033120100331e30bmwmw.jpg

This one shows one of the new door handles that I made from thin styrene sheet, also had to scribe out the extra recess below it.

http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/1346/2010033120100331e30bmwm.jpg

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/38/2010033120100331e30bmwmz.jpg

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/4518/2010033120100331e30bmwmc.jpg

That is a mad amount of work, but well worth it as it looks just like the proper M3 shape now. The rear end work around the boot/pillars is especially impressive.

How could Fujimi get it so wrong? Even the latest issued kits are incorrect, for the large amount they cost they shouldn have re-tooled it to be the correct shape!

I would say that your efforts are better than the transkits that are available and show what can be done with the poor Fujimi molding.

Surprised there aren't more comments on this as I think your efforts at transforming the badly incorrect Fujimi body shape are excellent. Perhaps it's because it is not possible to appreciate the difference you've until the primer goes on?

very interested in your job :biggrin: I have to make the same kit, and I want to make the Cecotto one

http://www.bmwinfo.com/0466.jpg

I have the Studio27 transkit, but it still needs some more work as you see.

I saw many other things wrong, like the rear bumper, that is a little bit curved on the rear (sawn by the upside of the car) instead of the squared one offered by fujimi, and sawn by side, it's a little bit more inclined in the downside

I think that rear side of the sideskirt is a bit incorrect too and needs a little bit more shape

very interested in your job :biggrin: I have to make the same kit, and I want to make the Cecotto one

http://www.bmwinfo.com/0466.jpg

I have the Studio27 transkit, but it still needs some more work as you see.

I saw many other things wrong, like the rear bumper, that is a little bit curved on the rear (sawn by the upside of the car) instead of the squared one offered by fujimi, and sawn by side, it's a little bit more inclined in the downside

I think that rear side of the sideskirt is a bit incorrect too and needs a little bit more shape

Thanks, will you be cutting and increasing the height of the roof on yours too?

Not quite sure what you mean about the rear bumper being curved when viewed from above, in all of the reference pictures that I have looked at I have not noticed, perhaps it is only a slight curve? I agree about the side view and re-shaped the lower part of the rear side bumpers to angle more downwards (approx 1.5-2.0mm) as you suggested. I also re-shaped the side skirts because the Fujimi ones were not correct as you mentioned.

Good luck with your build, would like to see how you get on!

yep it's only a really slight curve, on the blueprint you will notice it a little.. maybe it's not a big difference with the fujimi bumper but I think it would be better do this too, that shouldn't be a hard modify

http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/2244/blueprintm3.gif

increasing the roof high is necessary to try to give to the car a semblance of reality. I want to try this, but first I have to try to do the new front and rear windshield, that's the thing I'm more concerned about

thanks but I want to do first other models to increase a little my skills :biggrin: I will try to do this one the best I can because I care a lot on this car

yep it's only a really slight curve, on the blueprint you will notice it a little.. maybe it's not a big difference with the fujimi bumper but I think it would be better do this too, that shouldn't be a hard modify



increasing the roof high is necessary to try to give to the car a semblance of reality. I want to try this, but first I have to try to do the new front and rear windshield, that's the thing I'm more concerned about

thanks but I want to do first other models to increase a little my skills :biggrin: I will try to do this one the best I can because I care a lot on this car

Yes you are right, I had not noticed! Should be able to correct it with a bit of careful sanding, same for the rear boot spoiler. As for the front and rear windshields I am hoping I can still use the original front windscreen (test fit appears just about ok) and clear plastic sheet for the rear which will be more difficult.

I will update soon!

i love the work you have put into this kit to make it right.
i think you should make a molding out of it and sell it as a trans kit. cause i know i would buy this.

A bit more progress, I have added some primer, corrected some errors that appeared then re-primered. I have also painted the wheels and am quite pleased with the result so far. I am currently having a major battle trying to make a decent fitting front and rear windscreen which is not easy!

http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/7281/20100506scotlandboystri.jpg

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/7281/20100506scotlandboystri.jpg

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http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/7281/20100506scotlandboystri.jpg

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/7281/20100506scotlandboystri.jpg

nice progress, cant wait to see this one finished

Looking good, nice job on hiding the joins and re-scribing all the panel lines especially around the rear pillars, as there are lots there!

Wheels look good, similar to some of the old Group A racers.

What colour are you going for? And are you considering any decals?

Looks fantastic! I remember a while back there was someone else doing this same conversion and vacuum formed the rear window. Good luck with yours.