Going to buy a 95 M3...but

[m3f_granturism_8ebc90590f]

Originally posted by ///Munky

That's why I'm going to do a UUC Evo 3 and tranny mount!



How does a tranny mount help you from missing a shift? I would like to know so I can do the same thing to the car I might get, Thanks for the info ///Munky:thumbsup:

[m3f_///Munky]

No problem...just sharing the information I came across from looking around here and talking to a good friend who happens to know a lot about M3's. I plan to do this as my vey first upgrade, in case some punk tries to test me too!



Does anyone have experience with both the red and the black tranny mounts from UUC? I understand one of them is supposed to be more for track use and the other street use, but I am leaning toward the track one because it is more stiff. The only downside is that it'll transmit more vibration into the cabin. Any thoughts?



To put the topic back on track, I don't know that mileage is a big issue on a 95 unless the routine maintenance has not been peformed with regularity. On a higher mileage car, I would most definitely have the engine compression and leakdown tested.



Just be careful with one that's had an engine replacement because of mis-shift..

[m3f_Edgy_592e912c16]

Grant:



$90 isn't bad for a basic inspection. Even better if as mentioned earlier you can find an independent guy, rather than dealer. I guess your compression test question is covered by the JeiJay post re warranty.



For example, I went the Carmax route but brought to my mechanic, even though car had only 16K miles and Carmax syas they do full inspection. He id'd loose radiator hose and wheels out of alignment, which Carmax then fixed for me gratis.



Off thread -- unbelievable how bad the car is in snow! I almost got stuck twice just going 6 blocks to my friend's garage to get her out of all this weather... (and before someone posts, yes I turned the traction control off...)

[m3f_///Munky]

I haven't even attempted to drive mine in the inclimate weather here recently, but I'm lucky because I haven't sold my old car, and have gotten rides into work with co-workers who are better-equipped to handle this weather.



I would think you would want the traction control (ASC) on...can someone explain this?

[m3f_DSK M3/4_7bd32f4682]

here are a couple of good places for basic information:

http://www.eurospeed.org/e36m3faq.pdf



http://www.bmwmregistry.com/faq.php



the '95 was the first year for the E36 M3 in the US, and it came with the 3.0L OBD I engine. the '96-'99 M3 came with the 3.2L OBD II engine. both made 240hp, but the 3.2L makes a little more torque. however, the OBD II electronics are more difficult to deal with when modifying the car. that is why the OBD I cars, even with the smaller engines, are preferred for people who do extensive mods. forced induction is when it really is nice to have an OBD I car.



any car you are thinking about buying should be checked by a good independent mechanic before purchase. it is well worth a couple hundred bucks. any seller who refuses to let a mechanic check the car over before the purchase is wasting your time. don't be afraid to walk away if something doesn't feel right.



things to watch for on the E36 M3:

-plastic water pump ('95 - '97 only?)

-worn rear shock mounts

-worn rear trailing arm bushings

-5th gear issue (stick should rest in the middle position when in neutral; if you engage 5th and then put it back in neutral, see if the stick now rests over to the right)

-worn exhaust hangers

-dash bulging above center vent ('95 only?)

-weak valve spring retainers (early '95 only)

-VANOS rattle

-bad pixels on the on-board computer

[m3f_hawkinsmc]

Back on the tranny mounts, how does this help against misshifts. I don't think anyone answered the previous time it was asked.

[m3f_DSK M3/4_7bd32f4682]

the stock mounts are too compliant, and under load, especially if the car is in a turn, the transmission will move under the car, and you will think you are catching one gear when you are really catching another gear. it becomes a mechanical overrev (because the tires are driving the engine, rather than the engine driving the tires) and there is nothing the computer can do to save you. if the rpms get above ~8k, valves and pistons collide, and you are looking at a major repair.



the aftermarket tranny mounts are stiffer, so they don't permit the tranny to move around under the car. there is a *slight* increase in cabin noise, but it is almost nothing. highly recommend you do the tranny mounts, ground control or jt designs rear shock mounts, euro ellipsoids, and x brace as your first mods. takes care of a few issues that the factory should have.

[m3f_Effervescent]

:O That's kinda scary, no?



-Eff

[m3f_astan100_7ef66fbe89]

The possibility of a misshift is very scary...which is why a lot of people pay the 70 bucks for the tranny mounts.



As far as black vs. red...I asked a guy on bimmerforums who said he tried both and said that he didn't notice a differerence at all as far as noise was concerned.



He said he liked the red better but didn't really get into it.



Before someone asks it, a SSK will not help prevent the misshift.



Also, tranny mounts will not help you if your shifter gets stuck under 5th gear in your 98-99 M3's with a ZF tranny. The Getrag tranny on the pre 98's is supposed to be better in that respect.



Check under the FAQ section for buying a used M3 and read up on the gear getting stuck thing...very common problem.



That was a lot of rambling...but there you go.

[m3f_granturism_8ebc90590f]

Thanks for all the info DSK M3/4, great post about what to look for.

[m3f_///Munky]

Originally posted by DSK M3/4

highly recommend you do the tranny mounts, ground control or jt designs rear shock mounts, euro ellipsoids, and x brace as your first mods. takes care of a few issues that the factory should have.

Noted. Now all I have to do is find some loot to do these upgrades (oh, and convince the wifey).



Hehe...just the other day she saw me looking at upgrade parts and said "but I thought you said you weren't going to do anything to this car." To which I should have responded "well, if you believed that, then you sure as hell don't know much about me!"