Ultimate Guide to E36 BMW 3-Series Widebody Kits and Conversions

Introducing Widebody Kits for the BMW E36 Sedan

The BMW E36 sedan, manufactured from 1990 to 2000, remains one of the most popular BMW 3-series models for tuning and modification. With its responsive inline-6 engine, rear-wheel drive, balanced chassis, and relative affordability, the E36 provides an excellent platform for all kinds of performance upgrades and custom styling changes.

One particularly striking modification that has been gaining popularity in the E36 scene lately is the addition of a widebody kit. These kits involve installing flared fenders, side skirts, and other new body panels to give the E36 a more aggressive, lowered, and widened stance.

Benefits of an E36 Sedan Widebody Kit

So why might an E36 owner choose to invest in a widebody conversion? Here are some of the main benefits:

• Improved aesthetics - The bulging fenders and hunkered-down look simply give the E36 added visual attitude from all angles.
• Accommodates larger wheels - Wide fenders allow fitting larger diameter Wheels and lower-profile tires without rub.
• Enhanced grip and handling - The wider track and tire footprint provide more lateral grip when cornering hard.
• Custom style - Wider rear fenders in particular make the E36 look less like a regular 3-series sedan.

E36 Sedan Widebody Kit Styles

There are a few main styles of widebody kits available for the E36 to give different looks:

• Rocket Bunny - Featuring iconic riveted over-fenders and modern styling cues popularized on Japanese tuner cars.
• Rieger - Providing a more clean, German OEM+ style befitting of the BMW's heritage.
• Vorsteiner - With aggressive lines resembling their kits for newer BMWs like the E92 M3.

There are also more subtle options like the AC Schnitzer widebody kit to give a Motorsport flair. And many universal kits from brands like Duraflex can be adapted to the E36 as well.

Installing an E36 Widebody Kit

Getting these fender flares properly fitted and aligned does require some specialized work. Here is an overview of the installation process:

1. Remove OEM fenders, side skirts, bumpers.
2. Modify wheel wells and chassis for clearance.
3. Secure new widebody panels and align gaps.
4. Adapt or replace hood to match fender profile.
5. Install widened side skirts and bumpers.
6. Refinishing with paint/wrap.

Expect the job to take a full weekend or more in most cases. Having an experienced shop perform the install is advisable. But for the dedicated DIY-er, it is certainly an attainable project with proper planning and care.

Tying the Look Together

Once fitted with a widebody kit conversion, an E36 will need appropriate wheels, tires, and suspension modifications to complete the look.

Wheels should be sized between 18" to 20" diameters to fill out the fender wells. Tires can be as wide as 275 mm in front and 325 mm rear. Coilovers are essential to dial in ride height and handling balance with the new dimensions.

Many also add front splitters, rear diffusers and spoilers, graphics packages, interior upgrades, and power-adders like turbo kits at this point too. When done right, an E36 sedan with widebody makes for a truly head-turning street or track machine.

Widebody Kit Manufacturers for the E36

If you are sold on going wide with your E36 3-series coupe, here are some of the top manufacturers offering widebody kits specifically made for the E36 chassis:

• Pandem - Maker of the Rocket Bunny E36 kit with riveted style fender flares.
• Vorsteiner - CNC'd widebody with carbon accents available.
• Wald International - Japanese tuner with an aggressive 34mm front, 50mm rear kit.
• ATS - Offering a Type-1 kit for a milder OEM+ widebody style.
• Fifteen52 - USA-made bolt-on fiberglass fenders in multiple widths.

There are also many options for universal widebody kits that work well for custom E36 builds. And various one-off and custom fabbed kits exist too. Again, finding an experienced shop to handle both fabrication and install is key to getting the perfect fitted widebody on an E36 3-series.

Conclusion

The already great looks and performance potential of the E36 BMW 3-series chassis can be taken to another level with the addition of a widebody kit. Dramatically changed proportions give it serious presence. And the capability to fit larger wheels and tires equates to sharper handling too.

Executed properly, an E36 sedan, coupe, convertible or wagon widebody conversion results in a uniquely personalized BMW build. One that pays tribute to the stout E36 platform while thoroughly improving upon the factory bodylines after over twenty years. What E36 doesn't look better with bulging bolt-on fender flares and its corners carved out?