Help with E36 M3 Selection

[rlearp]

Hi,

I'm new to BMWs but not to performance cars. I just had a blast this past weekend in my Lotus at a BMW track day at VIR, really had a good time. I was impressed with the E36 M3s and am now looking for one for my daily driver. I've sort of selected a 98-99, for some reason, and am looking for some guidance on what year to purchase.

I would like a car that has some nice creature comforts - HK sound, 6 disc, heated seats, and maybe power seats. What other options are there? I don't car for a sun roof since I never use the one in my VW and could save a little weight. Are two doors lighter than four doors?

Any years better than others? Any known problems with specific years? Thanks much for any assistance you can offer, I appreciate it.

Ron
www.gt40s.com

[///M Power]

For modification, a 1995 is probably a better choice. The 95 has a 3.0 litre engine with an obdI setup.

Other things you should look for is if it has a luxury package. The one thing i hate on the luxury package is the side skirts. The luxury skirts are the same as the base e36 3er. They dont get that agressive M3 look.

[Styles]

Welcome to the forums... I'm newer also.

I think you would be happy with a 95 m3... thats what i drive and i love it... its got enough performance stock.. but is easily upgraded and modded. with less hassle

[rlearp]

One color I like is this Estoril (spelling) blue that I've seen on some. Anyone know what years?

And wheels, any particular wheels tied to a package so I can easily ID cars? Any "performance" packages on the M? That is, shorter rear end ratio or anything such as that which I should be aware of?

I'm not to worried about modding the car - I've got other ones for that and this is a daily driver, so I'll so suspension work as needed for the track but that is probably about it.

[///M Power]

You have the 10 spoke M wheels. The M contour wheels (star shaped) and teh 5 spoke M lightweight rims. The lightweight looks like a 5 star wheel but has two pokes divided by a small gap at each apex of the star

[frank de jonge]

Go look for a Euro M3 GT (95)

Very luxury and sporty and fast (295bhp)

[BlantonG13]

While a 98 or so will obviously be newer, may have less mileage and be in better mechanical condition usually, a 95 would be the best to have in my opinion. You can find them for cheaper. First and foremost, they have the ODB-I computer meaning that you can just toss a chip in and gain some decent HP and Torque. You can't do that with 96+ e36s because of the ODB-II computer. You need a shark injector to remap the software on these, you can't just plug in a chip. Reasoning is, the Shark isn't as effective on an ODB-II computer. ODB I is just better engine management for these cars.

I don't know if it works for all e36 cars, but I read somewhere in this forum that the 2 doors are actually heavier than the 4 doors. It has something to do with stiffening and reinforcement of the frame because the coupes lack a pillar when compared to the sedans...double check though on that...Goodluck on your search and purchase, an e36 is my dream, I just don't have the funds to look into buying one right now, that and insurance wouldn't be able to handle it... ghead

[snikwad]

im in the same boat too dawg.
but i think im gonna try to get a 98 or 99, im assuming they have less problems, or atleast one less, and thier steering wheels looks better than the old 4 spoke too.

the ODBI in the 95 3.0 is all good, but they had no TC in case oyu have to deal with some snow and had the BS plastic water pump, tho most may have been changed by now. 95s are more hardcore too, firmer suspension staggered wheel setup, all that got changed in the 3.2s i think, since 96, but im kinda new too, its just that ive been a M3 fanatic since day one.

[007ben]

Sure the 95 M3s had no TC? my 94 325i has TC.

[BlantonG13]

TC is no big deal considering snow, its just a matter of becoming a skilled driver and having experience in these driving conditions...if you are that worried about TC and a car doesn't have it, make sure its a manual, that way you can at least control the engine speeds, that really helps slippery driving a lot easier. I too have been an ///M3 fanatic since I knew what one was

But yeah Snik, I like the 95s simply because they do seem to be more aggressive...I like that in a car

[robbins6103]

I've HEARD the 4 doors are lighter due to the extra body reinforcment....I'm not too sure though.