Some wagon needs no introduction… For this week’s blog feature, Avantturous was honored to meet the man behind this famous SEMA 2023 build E36 Touring. Like any SEMA builds before it, this wagon was fitted with latest and greatest parts available from the industry. Marvin; the owner, shared his story on how he had a E36 M3 as his first car (lucky guy!) and it only made sense to get deep into his root for his latest SEMA build. The only difference is he decided to spice things up by going with the wagon platform this time around.
Before tackling on this project, Marvin already had a clear vision on how he wanted this wagon to look. The whole build took about three months from start to finish. The Touring’s build quality displayed on how a lot of modifications were clearly thought out before executing: from fitting coupe specific Pandem widebody onto a wagon, custom-built rollcage, to keeping the OEM BMW Boa-Boa fabric in the interior (more on this later…) and of course building those beautiful Hartge wheels wrapped in meaty Toyo R888R tires to fit perfectly under those widebody panels. To achieve an aggressive stance, Marvin opted for air suspension setup from Prazis.
Since Marvin wanted to build the E36 M3 Touring that BMW never built, its aggressive appearance is backed with some muscle power by receiving a S54 engine swap paired to a 6-speed manual Getrag gearbox. This engine was then enhanced with freer flow headers and exhaust setup from SuperSprint, a Turner Motorsports CSL airbox and upgraded fueling system. Carbon fiber valve cover also made its way to compliment the Turner CSL airbox. With great power comes great responsibility, therefore Marvin upgrade the Touring’s braking system with Brembo brakes all around. As a finishing touch, the Brembo calipers were finished in fluorescence color to match with the rollcage inside.
Going back to the OEM BMW Boa-Boa fabric that I briefly mentioned earlier… This material was impossible to find and Marvin was determined to keep this OEM blue Boa-Boa theme on the Recaro SR3 seats that were going into the wagon. His solution: cut up the OEM seats inserts material and carefully stitch them onto the Recaro and partial doorcards. To complete the interior, Marvin added alcantra 3-spoke steering wheel, custom-built rollcage, custom-built cover plates and RTD motorsport style short shifter.
Thank you Marvin for sharing your wagon and your story with Avantturous and we look forward to be seeing you and your wagon around the streets of Southern California!
Introduce Yourself:
My name is MARVIN and most of my family and friends call me MARV. I was born and raised in Manila, Philippines, moved to Queens, NY when I was 18 then eventually settled in Los Angeles, CA (SoCal) since 2005. I work as a CTO for an Engineering firm!
WHY A WAGON?
I’ve always loved a station wagon – I like the style, shape, and the rarity of the car.
I bought my 1997 BMW E36 Touring back in November 2022 through an auction. Since this specific model was never made available in the US, I thought I’d get one to be one of the first owners to have it.
What inspired you to tackle on this WAGON build?
My first BMW was an E36 M3 and since BMW never made an E36 M3 Touring, I thought it would be nice to convert this wagon as such, hence, I called it Project “1OFSOME”.
What inspired you to get a WAGON in the first place?
I was inspired to get a wagon because it’s rare to see one in the states, not to mention the specific model that I purchased.
Did you consider a different WAGON instead of this one?
I did! I had my eye on the S210 Mercedes Wagon but my love for the BMW’s still kicked in!
What was your original objective with your car and has that objective changed?
I initially purchased it for the purpose of daily driving and after ~6months of ownership, it escalated quickly to become a show/track car build!
What style would you say best describes your car?
The M3 Touring that BMW Never Made!
Who assisted in the planning/building/modding of your car?
I planned the whole build process and started organizing my build team when I decided to debut the car for SEMA 2023. I’m very picky with who I work with on my cars as I only want to work with people that have the same passion and interest that is in-line with my vision. Here’s the list of my build sponsors:
1. Team Garage Life
2. Tier1Auto
3. Smokedogg Customs
4. Toyo Tires – https://www.toyotires.com/
5. Brembo – https://www.brembo.com/en/
6. Race Technologies – https://www.racetechnologies.com/
7. Pandem – https://pandemusa.com/
8. LiquiMoly – https://www.liqui-moly.com/
9. AntiGravity Batteries – https://antigravitybatteries.com/
10. Prazis Air Suspension – https://www.prazis-airsus.com/
11. Golden Wrench – https://goldenwrenchsupply.com/
12. SSA Autohaus – https://ssahaus.com/
13. Supersprint – https://www.supersprint.com/
14. Exo Shield – https://www.getexoshield.com/
15. Tirestickers – https://www.tirestickers.com/
16. Smokedogg Customs
17. CSF Radiators — https://csfradiators.com/
18. Motorsport Hardware – https://motorsporthardware.com/
19. Blackvue – https://blackvue.com/
20. Ikon Auto Collision — https://www.ikonautocollision.com/
21. Drvnmind — https://www.drvnmind.com/
22. Ceej Customs
23. Alfonso Upholstery
What do you feel makes your car unique / special in your eyes?
Most E36 owners would either widebody or motor swap this type of wagon, I did both, so to me that’s the most unique and special thing about the car.
What is your favorite part/feature/function of the car?
Hartge Wheels, S54 Motor, Custom Pandem Widebody and Custom RollCage
If you could pick one thing you aren’t satisfied with about your car, what would it be?
None.
What has been the biggest obstacle you’ve faced while building this car?
Custom Widebody Fitment since its made to only fit a coupe!
In addition, the interior fabric of my seats is rare and since this BMW Boa Boa fabric is no longer available anywhere in the world, I had to take off the fabric from my OEM seats and transfer it over to my SR3 Recaros and door panels.
What one word best describes your car?
Elite
What is your final goal with this car?
Take it to the Dyno, Car Shows and just have fun with it!
