New to forum- Thinking about getting an e36 M3

[m3f_kurtj]

Hi all,



I am new to this board. I am currently torn between two cars and am looking for input to help. For background- I currently own an '87 E30 325is. It is mostly stock at this moment. Although I love the car and do all my own work on it and will be keeping it, I need more! I hate new cars and don't particularly like the e46 looks. It is too conservative for me. I love the e30, but do not want to deal with the s14. I am a torque fan and I do not want to pay the price for mods and upkeep of the s14.



My brother currently has a '01 540i 6spd w\M suspension (not engine, but the stock ain't bad!) and it is a blast. I am trying to decide which car to get, e34\39 540i M6sp or e36 M3.



I like the small car feel. I did shop before getting the e30. I chose it over an e28 535i and a 635csi. I love to drive and stop as much as accelerate and the e30 just feels great on a winding road.



Modifying the e30 was on the to do list, but since I used it as a daily driver and it is 15 years old, maintenance has always come first. I have replaced stock with K&N and Bosch +4 when replacing. This car will be used by my daughter when she turns 16.



This next car will be modified, as I have to, it is in my blood. My first car was a tricked out Baja bug I build from scratch when 15. I will also have the 325i.



Enough talk from me. I will make a decision based on my wants and needs, but both will fit the needs I have. I am posting here as this is my leaning. Please let me know what you have done. What makes an m3 even better? Years and options to look for, things to avoid. Thanks for your input. If you know of either of these cars in Texas or sorrounding areas, Massachusetts (no salt) or Washington State, let me know as I live or travel often to these areas.

:thumbsup:

[m3f_kchildre]

They're both fast cars but they do it in different ways... The 540 has gobbs of torque (4.4 liters of displacement) but the mass of the car is detrimental to its straight line, cornering, and braking capabilities.



Based on your note, I would steer you towards an M3 becuase of the ligther weight, yet still plenty of grunt (It's a torquey 3.2 liter engine). As far as years/models... I would go with a 1998 and here is why I did:



The 1995's can be modified easier, but they are very very very hard to find and when you do because they're easy to modify chances are you have found one that's been ragged out pretty bad. An unmodified low mileage 1995 M3 is a GEM if you can find one.



After that 1996-1999 are all the same with regard to modifications. They aren't dificult by any stretch now that the OBDII proramming and reprogramming has become easily accessable. Other than that it's a matter of you're preference... later model year, higher price, less miles, extended warantee???



Two doors are easier to find that 4 doors (97&98 only). And you loose the cool vader seats they use in the 2 door coupe and convertible. Here is my take on some of the other changes by year:



1996: OBD II Introduced

1997: Automatic Climate Control Standard(I think?)

Sedan Introduced

1998: Rear seat headrests

3 prong steering wheel (late model year)

Convertible Introduced

Sedan Discontinued

1999: Last Model Year for E36 M3 Coupe

Last Model Year for E36 Convertible M3



I hope this information helps you with your decision. Good quick easy modifications for the E36 M3 include a cold air intake, and software upgrade (shark injector)... exaust, strut tower bars, etc... Great Cars and a lot of fun.



Good Luck