3.0 or 3.2

[m3f_chemicals_b2f60131b9]

Im from Australia and Im looking at selling up my 400hp Holden, and getting into an M3. My question is whether the 236kW 3.2 ltr is worth the $$$ over the 210kW 3.0 ltr.



Is ether one better for mild modification, and can the engine computer be "cracked" into so the programming can be changed in real time on a chassis dyno?





Questions - questions, but there is plenty to learn, and I wanna make the correct choices early. :thumbsup:

[m3f_///sleeper_f29d08a5a4]

You guys in Australia are sooooo lucky. We get the diluted M3's up here in the States (I love them though! :thumbsup: ). Personally, I'd probably go for the 3.2 litre b/c of its stock extra power. Bringing the 3.0 up to the spec of the 3.2 would probably set you back the difference between the two in the first place, especially if a shop's doing the work. On the other hand, w/ the US models, the 3.0 is more easily tuned with minor mods compared to the 3.2. I'm not sure about the Euro's though.

[m3f_chemicals_b2f60131b9]

There doesnt seem to be that much between them in acceleration, but there is a $AU 10-15,000 price difference there. True the 6spd box is a benifit, and whe now have avaliable RON98 fuel, (opposed from RON96 from a few years back) so the higher compression engine will run better on. The only thing swaying me to the 3.2 is that they are not so old.

[m3f_M3AN_5f4dc0ba80]

Get the 3.2 if you can but you'll be happy with the 3.0 if that's what you can afford.



$15k is a big gap, $10k is more what I'd be comfortable with.



I've driven both, the 3.2 is a slightly better car, with a much better gearbox and better engine but the 3.0 is still a demon.



Gearing is the thing that keeps them close <160km/h, after that the 3.2 starts to walk a little.



You'll love either... probably the 3.2 a little more...