e36 M3's

David _b

David _b

David _b

Associate
Joined
28 Mar 2004
Posts
2,430
Location
N Ireland
Hi

Ok after having a bad experience with the 200sx and deciding it was end time of fun cars i have rethought. I wanted a m3 so shall have one before Mr Sensible turns up. So should get 5k for the 200sx and can add a little putting me right in m3 land.

What goes in these, what to look for. I have only ever been in a evo edition and drove it. How does a standard m3 go compared ? Is the evo and VANOS risk trouble worth the extra ? Most have about 100k on them by now that i have seen. FSH usually present. But what really is worth looking for on these, what goes. Just after opinions. Also, i drive the 200sx which is no godsend on petrol, but how will a m3 compare. usually getting 350 mile to say £55.

Thanks
 
Both variants have VANOS, just the 3.0 only has a single vanos unit whereas the 3.2 has both intake and outlet VANOS.

EDIT: You might want a read of my thread, HERE
 
Hi there

Driven both the M3's from that era.

The M3 3.0l has a less linear power band I found and there was a noticable kick past 4000rpm. Performance was nice.

The M3 3.2l I drove had very linear power band so actually felt a little slower but the speedo said otherwise.

Also the M3 EVO I drove was the SMG which I actually really liked, not sure if thats available on the standard 3.0ls or not?

Yes the double Vanos on the 3.2l can be an issue and even cars that have had it sorted sometimes still go wrong again, so maybe something to consider into running cost.

Apart from that both cars are fun, plenty of power and are now bargains. Just make sure you get one that has FSH or has been looked after by a specialist and looks like a well cared for car.

Also something else you might wish to consider is the M5 from the same era, as there are some really nice ones now available for £5000ish and these generally have had far less owner and been cared for better. I believe some models have EDC suspension which can have issues and be expensive to fix wheras some have a handling pack as such with is less problematic. I believe 1992 and earlier cars have a 3.6l 340BHP engine, wheras 1992/1993 onwards cars have a 3.8l engine producing more power. Maybe another option to consider. :)
 
So..Is the evo worth the extra. Cant see much about the difference in them in there. I know its 3.0l v 3.2 and 5 speed v 6 speed. Vanos and double vanos. I have only drove a evo and it pulled all the way, hard, til about 7500 with a completely glorious note off it :D
 
It's hardly that big, it's only about what, 40cm longer than an M3?

Anyway, M3 wise from what I have heard the Evo version is not worth the extra hassle - shame really as they tend to look slightly better inside and out.
 
Ye the evo has a lip at front and different tail lights i think. How much quicker will the m3 feel to my 200sx tho. Its an extra 80bhp i think and NA so no sudden Uuuuummmmph about 4k :p
 
David _b said:
Ye the evo has a lip at front and different tail lights i think. How much quicker will the m3 feel to my 200sx tho. Its an extra 80bhp i think and NA so no sudden Uuuuummmmph about 4k :p
Click to expand...

Hi there

You will probably find it feels no quicker then or maybe even slower. Turbos are fantastic for making you feel like your going quicker than you are, especially cars with whopping big single turbos. :D

One thing for sure the M3 should be a far more precise handling machine and its power delivery will be effortless. Just remember with the M3 to watch the speedo as it soon goes round.
 
Ok

So im going to look at a m3 e36 tommorow night. Its a little older at 1994 with 117k on the clocks. FBMWSH untill 105k having new brakes and tires all round recently. The fella is going to do me a deal on the 200sx with maybe £500 my way. It has the evo lip and evo taillights. black leather interior and just sprayed the wheels up.

http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/7884/dsc00291cj1.jpg

http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/2853/dsc00293ay1.jpg

http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/6485/dsc00288yw9.jpg

http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/1097/dsc00283cn2.jpg

http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/1937/dsc00286bn1.jpg

opinions please
 
Isn't an M3 going against the initial reason for changing your car? Or has all that business cleared up now?
 
Leaving car at home, if im out using a steering lock disklock thing and keep the key for it in my wallet not on the main bunch of keys. New friends, new driving about area. I wanted a m3 and will have one. wanted it before i turned 20 but at least i should have it in the same month i came 20. Close enough :cool:
 
Leave that to me..Its sorted. I insured my first s14a with been 19 1 years NCB + 1 year clean record.

Is this a better idea then compared to the sport idea ?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom