Guys, I Am New, Can Someone Please Tell Me Model The Differences In M3 Years?

[m3f_bigr1]

I am 100% new to this and i am starting to follow the M3 market. can somone tell me the differences between 1991-1999 M3 Models? What to look for, Good and Bad qualities, power, ect. THANKS!!!

[m3f_eduardo go_61bf44b0e1]

I can tell you about the european models since i am from an european country.

First M3 shows up in 91 with a 3.0 liter engine (S50B30) showing 286hp. In 95 shows up a very limited edition called M3 GT with the same engine but with a few upgrades like different oil pump, different cams, different intake and no speed limiter. This was good for 296hp only in coupé version. Even the interior had some upgrades like real carbon fiber aplications. In 96 apears the S50B32 engine with 321hp and a bit more torque compared to the 3.0 liter. Same bodyes as for 91 up models, coupé, cabrio and more rare 4 door sedan. It also introduces the SMG gearbox and the six speed gearbox (3.0 liter had five manual gears). More safety equipment like side airbags, traction control etc. Diferences from the outside compared to the 91 till 95 models are: white turn signal lenses (stock) and a more "oval" mesh grilles.

Hope this helps.

[m3f_eduardo go_61bf44b0e1]

I FORGOT SOMETHING...

If you have the chance to compare both 3.0 and 3.2 you will find the first engine more agressive and happy to go up in the rev counter. It`s power is easily felt. The 3.2 engine is more of a torque driving, seems more progressive without the agressive feel of the 3.0.

Good points for both cars: Power, smothness, confort, brakes, top speed, resistance of the chassis, suspensions and a lot more things.

Bad points: weak clutch, excessive weight and those mirrors that insist in disapear at night. (very easy to take away).

[m3f_PurpleM3Pursuit]

yeah.. where are you from... that would help.. haha.. but yeah.. we can give ya alot of advice...let us no ur location so we can give ya the right info

[m3f_bigr1]

i am from Pittsburgh, PA

[m3f_PurpleM3Pursuit]

As for the year.. 95-99 for the E36..

95 OBD I - 3.0 liter 240bhp can't recall the torque.

96-99 OBD II - 3.2 liter (if im not mistaken) 240bhp 236ft/lbs

all i can say is bad ass.. 95's are easier to mod due to being OBD I but the later years have the bigger engine.. if anyone has any other info or corrections.. please post

[m3f_bigr1]

"S50B32 engine with 321hp "



Why are the US engines so much lower on HP????

[m3f_97BLKM3COU_0f375e15e2]

Originally posted by bigr1

"S50B32 engine with 321hp "



Why are the US engines so much lower on HP????



We just got screwed on that one. I think it had something to do with emitions and certifying the car was more difficult.

[m3f_97BLKM3COU_0f375e15e2]

The current M3's have 333HP. So they finally gave in.

[m3f_PurpleM3Pursuit]

yeah.. too little too late.. ahh well.. we shall find a way!

[m3f_Moriarty]

We got screwed in the US because BMW was cheap and they thought that the Euro motor would have driven up the cost too much, I don't think that emissions were really a factor because BMW knows how to take care of that. The main difference in the euro engines vs the US engines is the intake system.



Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the torque figures of the US vs euro are pretty close, the euro motors just had more upper RPM horsepower. At the same time, the acceleration numbers were close as well, I know a stock US M3 will run a low 14 in the 1/4; I think the euro ones do high 13's in the 1/4 mile, though I'm not sure about that.

[m3f_PurpleM3Pursuit]

yeah.. the one noticable thing to me is the the euro has 6 seperate throttle bodies before the cylinders.. the intake is almost like a retaining unit for the air coming in.. and then when it needs it it just sux it down.. pretty sweet idea... if ya look at the size of the throttle boddies combined, they can **** a whole lot more air down then our little things... im sure there are different cams shafts and things like that too though to allow use of the throttle boddies..