E36 M3 differences from year to year? - BMW Forum

Scarface · 07-13-2006, 10:29 PM

It's been a couple years and my BMW trivia and knowledge is a little rusty so I am going to need some help here! How much did the M3 change power wise or anything else from '95-'99? It seems like I remember in the earlier years the hp rating being a tad lower but I could be wrong. Any other changes would be appreciated too. I am trying to determine what would be the best year(s) to look for. Thanks!

Dave

saltshaker185 · 07-13-2006, 10:33 PM

if i were you i would buy a 95 m3, if you are planning on doing any engine work... the obd1 is much nicer to people who like to "play" with thier engines...

RexKing86 · 07-13-2006, 10:54 PM

however, if you want power right out of the box, the 3.2 litre isnt bad...

saltshaker185 · 07-13-2006, 11:24 PM

power difference isnt that much because of the obd2 restrictions...

///M Power · 07-14-2006, 03:11 AM

OBD2 and OBD1 have the same horsepower at 240 crank power. In the obd2 cars (96-99 us spec) the cars torque increased from 225 to 236 lb-ft. As previously stated it is partially easier to upgrade the 95 M3 obd1 s50b30 motor. Going witht he 95 leaves the great option of witching to bigger injectors, 3.5" HF and 3.5" cold ir intake for a huge gain of almost 25-30 horsepower and similar torque gains. Going forced induction isnt necessarily a problem because kis have been well deigned adn developed for both obd1 and obd2.

Go with acar which you find is in better condition and lower mileage....and if you're lucky, no sunroof.

RexKing86 · 07-14-2006, 11:37 AM

also, if you want a sedan, they were only made from 96-98.

Scarface · 07-14-2006, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RexKing86

also, if you want a sedan, they were only made from 96-98.

I went the sedan route with my other 325i I used to have, this time it's coupe time!!!

///M Power · 07-14-2006, 03:53 PM

Sedan was only 97 and 98 model years.

Coupe for the win!

///M Power · 07-14-2006, 07:35 PM

Oh yeah forgot to mentiont hsi.

95s had a slightly mroe agressive suspension setup with unstaggered wheels/tires and more negative camber. Stock versus stock the 95s are mroe nuetral when compared to the 96+ cars which are more built for understeer. This can easily be corrected by swapping out a few items.

RexKing86 · 07-14-2006, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scarface

I went the sedan route with my other 325i I used to have, this time it's coupe time!!!

just an FYI, the weight difference is not that more in the sedan than the coupe. With the similar weight, i say 4 doors ftw. thats just my opinion.

KILOCHARLIE · 07-17-2006, 09:23 AM

nah man go with the coupe. no offense to the salloon boys but the coupe's look a lot better imo.

RexKing86 · 07-17-2006, 01:25 PM

In the E46, the coupes def look better. The E36 however i think looks better with 4 doors. The coupe E36 look like the door was just welded shut an bondo'd