Thinking About My Car. Twice

[numberthree_]

hi.. I currently have a 1990 525i.. I have lowered the car, replaced the WHOLE interior, done exhaust work on it, lights, stereo, and a TON of other things.. Now I've come to the point where I want to sell it and get an M3 or something.. I want something faster.. I have put a ton of work into my 5 series and stuff, but it doesnt seem like the car that I would take to the track a few times in the summer.... Dont get me wrong, I DONT want a RACE CAR.. BUt i do want some power behind the wheel when needed ... ALthough if I could get a BMW racecar, i would! lol

It handles well, but the power is just not there.. I am a college student so Im not made of money and I guess thats one of the big reasons why I got this car... Would any of you recommend an M3?? Im looking at the mid 90's.. Why or why not?? an M5?? Or should I just drive this and save up meanwhile??? THanks!

[Cellardoor]

Well first off, u have to decided between M5 or M3, do u want the extra doors and a lil more power? or do u want lighter and 2 door? since u are in college (like myself) an M3 will probably be more in your price range and such. I have a 1995 M3 that i freakin love. If you are looking to buy your car for modding in the future i would recomend getting a 1995 of older....anything past 1995 has OBDII computer in it, and its more difficult to mod OBDII. also 1996 and above has ACS (a traction controle system) 1995 and before is ACS free wich i looooove! thats just my thoughts on it. PM me or IM me (its in my profile) for any more info/pics/questions.

-Hutch-

[bigred318]

cought engine swap!

David

[Cruzin 323is]

ya, i'm with david on that!

[spiff325is]

you could get an E34 540i, that would give you some more power.

[thekid]

Originally posted by bigred318@Mar 29 2005, 09:35 PM
cought engine swap!

David

[snapback]321275[/snapback]

NO.

That is not the answer for everything in regards to power. It is not worth it in most cases because of the cost of the engine (and everything else you need) and the labor. Please, stop giving that as plausable adivce for people on a budget. Everyone says that is THE option for E36 318i drivers to swap to an M3. All said and done it can easily cost over 10k with labor. Read his post, see that he is in college and on a budget. Don't just throw it out there like it is the simplest thing in the world.

Save up test drive a few and decide what you want. Sounds like you have a good idea, you just need to actaully get out and drive a few.

[numberthree_]

thanks for the answers so far.. I really dont want to do an engine swap.. a buddy of mine tried it with his car and i did a lot of research for mine.. and its just a pain in the butt unless its the same exact engine.. which defeats the purpose of upgrading..

I may just try saving up over the summer and look for something at the end of it.. I really do want an M3.. Maybe a '95.. Would I be able to pick one up for around 10k?? Also, in the E34 I know that things like the thrust arms, bushings, water pumps, etc go out after certain mileage.. Are there similar problems in the E36's??

[SHAHAB323IS]

there are certain problems with e36's look in the faq section,

most e36 m3's around 10 grand have unusually high mileage or problems, but i'm sure if you look hard and negotiate well you could find a great deal on one,

i'd say maybe looke at some e34 m5's, there's no way you could afford a e39 or e-whatever the new one, lol, but if you find a good deal on an e36 m3 i'd say go for it, you'll be very pleased with the power, if not a good condition 3-series should make you happy, i've driven m3's and such, but when it came down to it, it was way out of my budget, i really wanted an m3, ended up going with this 323is that i picked up in PA, i got it for a steal 7k, when the kbb value is around 12k, so yeah, it's in near mint condition as well, if you find a really nice 3er at a good price i'd say go for it, it might not sound like a lot of power, but i'm sure you'd have fun with one,

hope this helps,
shahab

[jrhaile]

get an e30 m3 and supercharge it :P whatever ///M you go with, you're be more then happy. So find what you like.