Choices, and More choices

[mmclaren]

Ok to explain my story
I own a 318i 95, e36 Manual "Converted from auto =)"
"m3 Kit, Billstein Suspension, lowered, re-upholstered completly in leather"
But its boring...

It looks hot "Bimmers done up are not very common in Australia"
But its sooo slow
I have even put a 4.1 Dif in it, which makes it boot Sh*t Loads faster than a normal 318i but its SLOW!

My options

A) Conversion to m3 Engine
Ive had a manual to auto conversion so i have an idea of what i am in for
B) Sell it and buy

A) 325i
b) 328i
c) m3

Now before jumping to conclusions, "Everyone would be thinking go the m3"

BMW prices in australia are extravagent

318i => Approx $12,500
320 => Approx $15,000
325i => Approx $20,000
328i => approx $25,000
m3 => $40,000 +

So now you may understand my problem.
To upgrade a complete car to a m3 = $27,500
And an engine Swap Approx $10,000

Leaving me with a nice $ 17,500 in my back pocket....

What i am asking here is for opinions, i have recently moved job to a much higher wage so money isnt the biggest issue at the moment.

Would i be better off to buy a 328i and spend money on the engine....
or the 325i??

If you were me, what would you do??

[vwk]

I would go with the 328i. Nice smooth engines, good gass mileage etc.

Prefer that above the 325i, 320i wouldn't satisfy you I guess..

I'd go for 328i.. M3 LSD.. M3 spaghetti exhaust (I think you guys have the same tech specs as we europeans).. then you'd have my car.

I'm not totally pre-judged but hey.. my car drives like it could fly.

Cornering goes mad, 6.6sec to 100km/h and still 245km/h top speed.
120-230km/h goes as fast as a '94 911 Carrera 4 at a small factor of the gas usage of an M3, and almost half the purchase cost.

[mmclaren]

328i was one of my favoured choices, but they are rare here to find, and i want a Manual one, which is even rarer "I dont want to have to go through another tranny conversion"

[vwk]

Even in europe, holland specifically, it was hard to find a 328i, they're quite rare.. And if you find one it's sometimes riced out.. very bad 19" imitation M3 rims, Lexus look taillights etc.

And even then there are a lot of auto's.. so searched for a month and found mine, original M3 packed manual 328i

A good search is never a bad choice, don't get to focussed on "must having" that car. Save your money and find a good car, so you can enjoy it for years.

[drz]

If your existing transmission can handle the power, I suggest that you swap in either an m3 engine, or a 328i engine. You already know your car well, and buying another used vehicle involves -- again -- having to diligently look for anything that needs fixing, aside from the upgrades you want to do.

My vote goes to m3 engine swap + putting money into upgrading brakes, suspension, etc., in orer to handle the power.

[RexKing86]

swap or go with the 328...

[mmclaren]

The transmission is going to have problems handling a m3 engine.
Well the clutch for sure, but i planned to put the 6 sp, with 3.2 litre under the bonnet.
And DRZ i like your idea, going to call a few companies to get quotes now