looking to buy a e36, help me out with a few ?'s

[m3f_ahead]

hey guys, i drive a 98 integra gsr right now and im thinking about selling it and getting a 95 m3. i love my car alot but my cousin had a 95 m3 and when i would sit in that thing i couldnt stop smileing. ive always loved the e36, and always dreamed about owning one and now i think i might be able to make it happen. so could you guys give me some ideas on what to look out for, whats diffrent from year to year. i know the 95's were obd1 were the 96 and 97's obd1 too? which year is the fastest and what changes were made if any from year to year. thanks alot for your help :thumbsup:

[m3f_CrazzyM3]

Some main things to consider



95=OBD I-most consider this the best for mods......best track car...3.0 engine



96-99=OBD II-3.2 engine



late 98-99 models have an updated stearing wheel



I think it depends most on how much your planning on spending on the M........you can get a high mileage 95 for pretty cheap...but if you want a low mileage 99 or 98 it's gonna be high 20s or low 30s but if you shop around you might be able to get a better deal(these are what i've been seeing on autotrader)



Besides those changes listed above.......I don't think there are any major ones......I know the sedan was introduced somewhere in there(97 I think) and some stuff about a split fold rear seat.



But I think those are the main things......also when you buy an M3 make sure that the water pump has been replaced with one with the metal instead of plastic(I think it's the impeller)



INSOMNIA SUCKS.......I'VE BEEN UP ALL NIGHT AND I DON'T EVEN KNOW IF I SPELLED THAT RIGHT......HAHA.....this is where I come when I'm bored......good luck let us know what you decide:thumbsup:

[m3f_ahead]

thanks for the info, ive just got one more question. the 95 was a 3.0 but the rest were 3.2, but they say it responds better to mods just because of obd1? out of the box which one is faster? and mod wise im not going to do too much i think the car is pretty much perfect the way it is. all i plan on doing is some suspention work ( handling is really important to me) and id probably get i/h/e and probably a chip of some sort. thanks for the help and hopefully ill own one of these really soon.

[m3f_CrazzyM3]

I think the two 2 are pretty even as far as 0-60 and 1/4 times



And it's true that the OBD I responds better to mods......I'm not sure why.



As far as suspension.......the M3 got great handling.



If you get the 95 you wont be able to shark it cause that only works with OBD II......but you will be able to get a chip.



You could get intake and exhaust........but I don't know of any headers......I think racing dynamics has one for bout 1and a half grand.....but I can't remember if that's for the M or 3 series or both.



If your looking to get the I/H/E for better sound......an cia and exhaust and chip will do just fine.

[m3f_ahead]

you said something about sharking it, whats sharking it? and as far as i/h/e goes im not getting it for sound, just performance, id like to get a exhaust that doesnt make too much noise. and could you guys post up some links for me so i can check out who makes what and how much it costs for the e36? cause i doubt there are going to be as many aftermarket companys as there are for my current car. thanks alot for the info:thumbsup:

[m3f_CrazzyM3]

Sharking the car 101........



http://www.ecisbmw.com/product_files/software/shark%20injector.htm



same thing as a chip but it's removable....it downloads the jim conforti software into your car.



Cold air intake, exhaust......and other stuff



http://www.activeautowerke.com/



http://www.hamann-motorsport.de/tun1e.htm



http://www.ac-schnitzer.com/



http://www.bavarianautosport.com/



http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html/index.asp



http://www.uucmotorwerks.com/



http://www.dinanbmw.com/default.htm



and heres a good site to check out......lots of info..

http://www.eurospeed.org/

http://www.logun.org/



Those should answer any questions you have.....let us know what you decide......

:thumbsup:

[m3f_ahead]

thanks alot for all the links, ill make sure to check them all out later tonight. for right now im really into selling my car and getting the m3, i feel as if ive outgrown the gsr. but only time will tell what happens. ill most probably go with the m3. thanks :thumbsup:

[m3f_kchildre]

I upgraded from a GS-R also... had a step in a 95 325i for a couple of years before the wife would let me get the M3. I went with a 98 because of the larger engine and some of the smaller improvements they made over time, but I am not a serious racer. I autocross and do some driving schools. If you plan on serious engine mods, go with the 95... I would recommend a little newer, a little nicer, and a shark injector/intake/exaust for engine modifications. Good luck with the decision.