Buy euro engine???

[m3f_BMW-///V\-_9d3887488c]

Aside from the FWD thing, I like maximas. They're nice cars. The power difference between this and your maxima will be there, but it won't be crazy. The only reason it might feel that way is because this car is louder and cuddles you less.



I couldn't agree more. I love my Maxima to death, but its not really my type of car, and though it is fast, c'mon--its a Maxima (Not to mention FWD--you'd be surprised at how much sh*t I get for that). It can't even compare with an M3, especially since I've been obsessed with the M3 since I knew it existed.



If you're going to race it, I bet that much faster times can be had with 1) driver's school and 2) suspension mods. That's the cheaper way to get faster times IMO.



I plan on doing both :thumbsup:



Once I get some decent hp out of the car, I'll do serious suspension and brakes and what not, then finish off the power-related mods.



Remember that any weird mods like cams and stuff are going to hurt resale value too. No one really cares about CAI's and stuff though.



Define 'weird mods'...cams and what else? I ultimately plan on going FI, which I would imagine pile-drives the resale value unless you're selling it to someone from a forum like this...

[m3f_rustamabd]

What if... you buy an m3 in Germany, and ship all parts except the body to the U.S., then buy a E36 318i with 300k miles for $3k, and put all the parts in there? I do mean all parts, down to carpet, seats, suspension, etc, etc.

I think this way it might end up being cheaper because there is virtually no tax on imported car parts, plus it will still be a U.S. car, so no major law issues there...

Just a thought though, and unless you can at least partially do stuff yourself, this is not financially feasible

[m3f_BMW-///V\-_9d3887488c]

What if... you buy an m3 in Germany, and ship all parts except the body to the U.S., then buy a E36 318i with 300k miles for $3k, and put all the parts in there? I do mean all parts, down to carpet, seats, suspension, etc, etc.

I think this way it might end up being cheaper because there is virtually no tax on imported car parts, plus it will still be a U.S. car, so no major law issues there...

Just a thought though, and unless you can at least partially do stuff yourself, this is not financially feasible



:eek2: (COUGH-HACK-WHEEZE-CHOKE-Dies)



Yeah.....

[m3f_///sleeper_f29d08a5a4]

"Deep thoughts, by rustamabd."

[m3f_astan100_7ef66fbe89]

I would have to say that buying every piece of a euro m3 and shipping over would be ridiuculous.



You're better off buying the 318 and just stuffing the euro m3 engine in there.



The rest of the parts you can probably get here like diffs etc. I guess it comes down to would you rather have an authentic M3 or an M3 knockoff that is faster than an M3 where most people couldn't tell the difference but you could.



Personally, it all sounds like too much effort for me.

[m3f_astan100_7ef66fbe89]

Oh, and to elaborate on weird mods...pretty much anything that isn't super simple bolt on. If you can install and uninstall fairly easily and it has nothing to do with the engine, it's usually ok. For instance, no one cares about headlight mods, so that won't hurt resale. Upgraded shocks and springs...probably. You eat tires faster and the ride gets rough which scares away the more poserish types.



My car had Stainless Steel brake lines installed in it...now that kind terrifies most buyers because if you NEED stainless steel lines...you're not being too nice to the brakes.



Any kind of engine work usually scares people including chips and stuff, but I guess you wouldn't have to tell your buyer it was chipped or not.



Oh, and the supercharger thing would scare most people on a forum like this too because we all know what it does to the car. so you're definitely right about it piledriving your resale value.

[m3f_BMW-///V\-_9d3887488c]

Oh, and the supercharger thing would scare most people on a forum like this too because we all know what it does to the car. so you're definitely right about it piledriving your resale value.



And what, exactly, does it do to the car? I assume turbos are safer? There's no doubt in my mind that I'll go FI, but I definetly won't do something that will shred my engine to dust.

[m3f_BMW-///V\-_9d3887488c]

I would have to say that buying every piece of a euro m3 and shipping over would be ridiuculous.



Personally, it all sounds like too much effort for me.



:thumbsup:



+1

[m3f_Edgy_592e912c16]

Define 'weird mods'...cams and what else? I ultimately plan on going FI, which I would imagine pile-drives the resale value unless you're selling it to someone from a forum like this...



Astan gave you a good definition. If you go FI, you need to recognize you'll never sell the car for anything near what you invest. Turbo or super no difference. You're only hope would be another teenager who's jonzing for HP, and that target market USUALLY (of course exceptions) doesn't have lots of $$. (Making no reference to you here FYI, I'm looking down the road).



Look at it from the perspective of the buyer -- why take that risk? This is partly why I'm not exploring the Conforti Cam Kit.



If you love the car so much you'll never sell, and plan on driving it until your 35, then FI away.



And BTW, I've got a 1990 Maxima that I totally love for many reasons, but I'd never compare the driving experience to a M3.



I'm not trying to be negative -- in fact I wish I had asked so many questions like you are prior to buying my first M3 two years ago. I found this board after I bought... :whistle:

[m3f_Viking]

So yes the euro engine idea is on hold for now, I'm just going to go with the US M3 and work from there.



Thanks again!



Sound like a smart thing to do, but I just have to defend the Euro a little :beer:



Your US M3 engine is basically the same as ALPINA use in their B3 3.0 with 250 Hp. ( basically a 325 engine with more volum) While that car also is fast and very nice in powerdelivery it can not be compared with the powerdelivery of the screaming M engine. It was the best every made I6 at its time and will go into history as one of the best engine ever. Its practically bulletproof.

No other I6 gives the crisp and instant throttle responce, the combination of down low power and still the screaming power at +7000 rpms. Max torque is 320Nm@3250rpms and stay more or less flat until app 5000 rpms.



Sure you get many engines with more grunt down low, but no one that combines both power in both endes of the rpm scale as this engines does.

Did I meantion the sound?, it is simply music.

If it counts at all the fuel economy on the engine is amazing.

Give you an expamle.



I drove my Euro M3 3.0 a distance over 1800 km ( app 1100 miles ) in less than 13 hours included a stop in a major city with a lot of traffic and rain.

i used 230 liter of fuel. I went flat out where it was possible and fast when it was not. Show me any other engine from the early 90 that will do that, even to day not may engine are that effective. Exept diesel engine off course.



Its fairly expensive to mod though, a camkit with electronic and exhoust will give you app 320 Hp. Some TURBO kits are developed but that will totaly ruin the soul of the engine.





God luck with your future M car, you will love as all owners do. I am now into my 3rd M powered car and I still love driving it.



M3 3.0 Coupe with all the AC Schnitzer goodies, sold it and missed it so much I bought it back after a year.

M Coupe, AC Schnitzer build. AMAZING car

M Compact a bastard, sold it, missed that one too and got it back....



What can I say, I really love my M`s

[m3f_Edgy_592e912c16]

Sound like a smart thing to do, but I just have to defend the Euro a little



Interesting post Viking, no need to defend, we'd all love to have the Euro model!



What exactly is this Alpina company you mention? :hmm: And is that a pic of the new 1 series? That may end up over here on these shores as a M model... :ha:

[m3f_BMW-///V\-_9d3887488c]

If you love the car so much you'll never sell, and plan on driving it until your 35, then FI away.



Thats pretty much my plan, and yes its realistic.



I'm not trying to be negative -- in fact I wish I had asked so many questions like you are prior to buying my first M3 two years ago. I found this board after I bought... :whistle:



I won't buy the car until I feel I know enough about it to warrant doing so. Hence, the research and questions. It really is a blessing to have such great sources of information like this so readily available and accepting to individuals (hoperfully no matter how many questions they ask =) ).

[m3f_Viking]

And is that a pic of the new 1 series? That may end up over here on these shores as a M model... :ha:





The pic in my signature you mean, No :ha: that thing was born as a 101 Hp strong (weak) 316i, and got transformated to a fairly wild and fun sleeper.



I have driven the 1 series and it is great fun. Imagine this with a 300 Hp M engine inside.









What exactly is this Alpina company you mention? :hmm:



SHAME ON YOU MY FRIEND, for not knowing what ALPINA is



ALPINA is a company that have been working on BMW since the 60, it is the most famous "Tuning" house for BMW and are by many regarded today as the best carmanufactor in the world. If I start to describe ALPINA it would take me hours.....

They are infact and has been since late 80 a carmanufactor, NOT a tuning company. The owner goes thrue the roof if anyone is stupide enough to call him a tuner.

Take a look here on their web to get some idea. www.alpina.de

or on this board http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=11



To put it short they started up with carburator kits for the old 1800 series in the late 60 ties. Started racing in the 70 with the 3.0 CLS batmobile and became the most glorious BMW racing team in history.

Some highlights.



1973 ALPINA 3.0 CSL 250 HP and 155 mph fast. At that time everything going faster than 100 mph was considered fairly quick.



1980 E12 ALPINA B7 300 Hp 160 mph The fastest limo in the world.



1984 E28 ALPINA B7 300 HP 170 mph. Again the fastest limo.



1990 E34 ALPINA B10 Bi Turbo, 360 HP, Again the fastest ++ 180 mph.



1995 E36 ALPINA B8, 4,6 ltr V8 engine 333 Hp, 175 mph.



1993 E31 ALPINA B12 5,7 V12 416 Hp and +190 mph.



1997 E39 ALPINA B10 V8s 375 Hp 185 mph



2000 E38 ALPINA B12 6.0 V12 430 Hp, 190 mph.



2004 E65 ALPINA B7 V8 500Hp ++190 mph, 0-62mph 4.4 sec, 0-125 14.5 sec.



2005 E60 ALPINA B5 V8 500Hp, +190 even faster than the E65B7





To sum it up, it is one hell of a comany some fantastic cars. To bad you do not get them in the US. Its a huge shame.

[m3f_Edgy_592e912c16]

Thanks for enlightening me, my new Euro friend. Not trying to over-simplify, but Alpina looks to be sort of like a supercharged German version of what Dinan does here in the States.



Plus, looks like they sell a lot of cool accessories. If I see something I like, can you translate the German and the cost for me? I'll need to refresh my memory of Marks to the dollar. :thumbsup:



V/Power, since you're right in Falls Church synch up with Trev (sirius) before you buy, he works at Fairfax BMW...

[m3f_Viking]

Thanks for enlightening me, my new Euro friend. Not trying to Som det går frem av mitt CV har jeg i mange år arbeidet som konsulent, et yrke hvor det å være markedsorientert er av avgjørende betydning. Jeg har også hatt teknisk ansvar, med oppfølging og opplæring av både forhandlere og service personell., but Alpina looks to be sort of like a supercharged German version of what Dinan does here in the States.









You are welcome



You are probably over-simplifying somewhat. I would think ALPINA is in another league that DINAN. Allthough I know DINAN is a good company, or so I am told, I have no personal knowledge of them other than what I have read.



BTW: The last years ALPINA cars are being build from scratch at BMW normal production lines. Then send to ALPINA for mouting of some of the more special request from the costumers. All development are offcourse made at ALPINA, and the engines are hand made at their own shop and then send to BMW.

Also they do NOT touch any of the M models, except one version of the E30 M3 where they put in a 3.5 ltr with 254 Hp and called it B6 3.5S Very very rare and beutifull car.....



The engine in the new 4,6 ltr X5 is actally the "old" B10V8 engine ALPINA has used since 1998.



ALPINA has not had any supercharged version since the E34 BiTurbo went out of production in 1995, except a Bi Turbo Diesel version of the E39 530d. 0-60 in low 6 sec and 160 mph is not bad for an oilburner.



And offcourse I can assist with translation if you need it. You are most likly to get the prices in Euros. 2 old Dm is app 1 Euro. I think you have to pay a little more than 1 US dollars for 1 Euro.