What are the major differences

[MrChance]

328iS vs. M3

I know this may look like a stupid question to you guys, but I am new to BMW's in general and aside from more horsepower, I am not sure I know all the differences between the two. I would rather find out the right info than go about the forums being an ass with the wrong information.

More power. (I know)
Upgraded exterior. (I know)
Upgraded suspension?
Upgraded brakes?
Upgraded interior?

What are the major differences?

[bitcore]

brakes: yes, larger rotors & bigger pads
interior: seats, some have really really nice seats. Other interior differences are mostly just styling.
suspinsion: yes, the bushings are tougher and last longer, rear shokmounts don't fail as bad, I'm sure a few other things I'm unaware of, and some things may be exactly the same. I'm not too sure about shock absorbers, they may be stiffer. I think the springs they use are stiffer and shorter also.


The major difference between a regular 3 series and an M3 is a higher tolerance in the parts that they use. MANY of the engine components are of higher quality, better suspinsion bushings, varrious other lightweight components...

[SHAHAB323IS]

ok this is the 1,748,472nd time someone asked this question, not to be rude but you should try the search feature, it is very usefull and if you are new to bmw's, it will be particularlly helpful to you

[97alpineM3]

M3DUDE that had to be the smartest thing you've said to date... congradulations... you made my day.. thank you.

Les

[SHAHAB323IS]

Originally posted by 97alpineM3@Sep 9 2004, 05:11 PM
M3DUDE that had to be the smartest thing you've said to date... congradulations... you made my day.. thank you.

Les

it made my day knowing that i made your day, and yes i do have smart things to say, i just say stupid stuff in the lounge, where people shoudln't really care

[///M Power]

ACtually most people are ignorant in asking their questions so this members specific question eally isnt that abd at all. stop bitchign at people and attempt to contribute.

I dont believe their is camber on the 3 series, and the 96+ M3's handle better than the 95. Also the 95 m doesnt have camber.

The m3 has bigger sway bars also.

And a obvious answer is the M has larger rims which do help a little.

[97alpineM3]

Ok if your talking about camber... your not exactly right... but on the righr path...

BMW wont admit that they have adjustable camber on these cars... but they do. This is rather difficult to convey via the internet.. but I will try.

The front strut on E36s connects to the hub in three places with three bolts. Two are at the very bottom of the strut and bolt directly through the strut into the hub, perpendicular to the direction of travel.

The third (and this is the one I will be talking about) is parallel to the direction of travel, about 4" above the other two, and passes through two tabs on the strut and mounting flange on the hub. The holes are machined to fit snugly around the OEM bolt. However, the "crash bolt" (which replaces the upper OEM bolt) is a slightly smaller diameter and allows for a mm or so of play between the strut and hub. This slop is what permits the approx. 1/2-degree camber change.

So with this knowledge... if you replace that bolt.. you gain the ability to shift from .5 deg camber change.

This is a big deal to BMWCCA due to the stock class wanting BMW to reconize this bolt (that you can buy through BMW) as a stock camber adjustment.. Thus allowing them to have a +/- 1/2 deg camber adjustment.

This part number is rather hard to get.. but from my best knowledge is... either one of the two...

07 11 99 00 58 7 or 07-11-9-900-587... its rather difficult for sure due to how this "crash bolt" came about. A lot of people are still waiting for the tech bulletin varifying a part number. BTW the nut for this bolt should be P/N 07-12-9-964-661 which is a M12 x 45 nut..

Yes the M3 has larger sway bars..

So.. how do these "larger" wheels have to do with better performance... rotational inertia say's otherwise....

In other words.. I want your take on how larger wheels help a little...

Les

[Kevin325i]

Or you can use a washer in there.

[97alpineM3]

Where exactly would you put that washer... I know you have to get two - four washers to fit with the new bolt.. but never heard of just using a washer.. due the existing length of the bolt there isnt enough room to lengthen the both with a washer...

Please explain.. cause in my head.. that has no possible way of working.

Les

[Kevin325i]

I've been too lazy to look more into it that a washer on the bolts you speak of. It's probably too short to work, but the stuff I've seen is just adding a washer in there. You could probably just go to a hardware store and get new bolts.

Me thinks we're talking about the same thing and I'm confusing myself.

[97alpineM3]

Yes... probably... these bolts.. "crash bolts".. you can pick them up from your dealer... for, I think less than five dollars... I'm almost positive.

Les