m3 query

[land9]

how are the e30 m3's different from their counterparts? - what should i look for if i was looking at one, so as not to drive away with a tarted-up 316??
also, what are the body panels made of - metal or fibre glass?
thanks a lot

[vwk]

You can check trough the VIN:

WBA is normal BMW
WBS is genuine BMW ///M
WAP is genuine Alpina

That could help you a lot

[land9]

thanks man!

[dutchbmw]

http://www.bmw-z1.com/VIN/VINdecode-e.cgi

Probably useful too.

[rmxpete]

all side panels are metal my friend,I have a 86M3 so any qs I will be happy to answer, obviously the vin is by far the safest way to determane if its genuine or not,also theres only one car that drives like an M3, I think it would be pretty hard to make a 316 "that" similar wouldn't it?? although I guess not if you have the cash. cheers pete

[nukeduster]

the 5 bolt lug pattern is a pretty good give away, and the sway bar mounting points on the m3 vs. non-m cars is different..

the sways mount ont he shock housings on the m, and they mount on the control arms on the non-m's..