97m3 or 99m3??

[m3f_crankinpedro]

im wondering if i should look for just a 99 m3, but im not sure. is there a big difference besides the steering wheel and rear headrests? would i be better off with a 99 with a few more thousand miles? :nixweiss:

[m3f_crankinpedro]

by the way i dont really want to spend more than 17-20k on it and possibly not more than 70k miles?

[m3f_Serious_eeb8859403]

you should be able to find a car around there.



if you can get a 98.5 do it but its not worth getting a worse 99 than a good 97. the steering wheel is a $600 swap.

[m3f_hemlock_1eebd28e89]

I believe the center console armrest was also part of the lux pkg in 97, but became a standard in late 98. For that money I would get a good 97 or 98 with the miles you are looking for instead of a beat up 99.

[m3f_ICE99M3_fd108332c5]

We've had 3 E36 M3's in our household and the year difference doesnt not change anything but a steering wheel. Fine the car that is in the best condition and was cared for...Care for it yourself and you will realize why its the ultimate driving machine

[m3f_Ty Vil_fe6451789c]

ANY 96-99 m3 would be my preference (same motor and tranny)

[m3f_KUpolo]

you get the lighted shifter on the '99.



just get the one that is in better shape.

[m3f_Ty Vil_fe6451789c]

you get the lighted shifter on the '99.



just get the one that is in better shape.

my 98.5 has the lighted shifter

[m3f_KUpolo]

my 98.5 has the lighted shifter





right but the question was about differences in a '97 vs. '99

[m3f_crankinpedro]

oh well i didnt mean to exclude the 98 or 96, but i just meant in general cus they seem to be the most popular years.

[m3f_Yooklid]

Speaking of lighted shifters, what d'yall think of this:



http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33703&item=7961316 689&rd=1



How difficult easy would it be to fit?

[m3f_Sirius_880bd69485]

Speaking of lighted shifters, what d'yall think of this:



http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33703&item=7961316 689&rd=1



How difficult easy would it be to fit?



That'll side right on and lock into place.

[m3f_Yooklid]

And the lighting?

[m3f_ICE99M3_fd108332c5]

you get the lighted shifter on the '99.



just get the one that is in better shape.



I think my lighted shifter is broken...I bought the car last year and it has never worked... :banghead: i guess if something shouldnt work...that should be it..

[m3f_ICE99M3_fd108332c5]

I love how offtopic these Threads get...guy wants to know what year he should get...we end up talking about lighted shift knobs in detail... :rofl2: