How to tell apart 95 and 96?

[m3f_ToniH]

Hi,



I am going to check out a M3 soon and the seller says says it is a '96 model. This car is a european spec 3.2 liter car.



It is registered either in late '95 or very early '96 and I would like to know how can I verify which model it really is. After reading some FAQ's it seems the US spec cars went through some important changes in 95/96 but what about the European specs cars?



I am quite impressed with the specs I was given of this car: 3.2 liter 340hp motor, 6spd gearbox, automatic AC, Recaros, black leather interiour, remote central locking, integrated GSM, alarm, starter kill system, ABS, traction control, audio system, 17" wheels and 2 sets of tires etc. etc.



Any advice on this?



There is 3 other Eurpean spec M3's available locally, they are '93, '94 and '95 models. This one seems the most interesting to me.



Thanks.



Regards,



Toni

[m3f_Matt M.]

Hi Toni,



There are several ways to differentiate Euro spec 3.0 M3s from 3.2 M3s.



First of all, no 3.0 liter cars were fitted with the Getrag 6 speed transmission or the automatic climate control. Right there you probably have enough information to be safe in knowing that this is a 3.2 liter car. The climate control retrofit is particularly nasty, so someone would have to go to a great deal of effort to fake that.



Just for discussion's sake, let's look at some of the other distinct identifiers. If it is a two door, does it have power vent windows? This was never officially a 3.0 option, although it does seem to have come on some 3.0s.



Look carefully at the redline on the tachometer. S50B30 motors redlined at 7000rpm I believe, while S50B32s stretched to 7600rpm.



On the outside, the mesh in the front airdam was black on all 3.2 cars, while 3.0s sported body color mesh. Clear turn signal lenses were standard on 3.2s, but that is too easy to change to be a dead tip off. Bring a magnet when you look at the car; an early 3.2 coupe should have aluminum doors.



Lastly, there were a few changers under the hood that are visible, if you know what you are looking for.



Here's a shot of a 3.0:

http://www.fabdirect.com/ph-crash239.jpg



And here's a 3.2:

http://www.fabdirect.com/ph-crash218.jpg



The differences are subtle, but they are there. Notice the different lettering and stripe pattern on the ignition coil cover. Notice the position of the oil filler and the style of the VaNoS cover.



Internally, the S50B32 has two items that I would want to know about before buying the car, both relating to its variable valve timing system. First, has the VaNoS unit ever been replaced? The 3.2's dual VaNoS is a much more complicated system than the earlier single version, and much more prone to failure. If it was replaced, then not only are you less likely to have that problem yourself, you can be confident than a much needed recall was already carried out.



This recall is the other catch about the S50B32. Many S50B32s left the factory with faulty hardware mounting the VaNoS unit. If this hardware lets go, there is serious danger to the engine due to lsudden oss of oil pressure, not to mention that there is a huge mess under the hood from the oil sprayed everywhere.



Here is the info for this recall:

Special Defect Code: 00 11 49 01 00



Workset 1:



E36 S50 B32 M3/Z3M Roadster and Coupé, replacing VANOS screws.

Job number: 00 52 711

Labour: 3 AW

Parts: 4 x 07 11 9 900 677 Screws





It sounds like you've definitely got a 3.2 on your hands, so I would spend less time being suspicious, and more time giving the car a thorough looking over. Good luck!



- -Matt

[m3f_turbo///M3]

why don't you look at the VIN# they can change part but not VIN# :banghead: