Feras

iTrader: (1)

My dad requested that I find him a nice small BMW as a side launch for his land yacht Lexus SUV and that he likes the E36 in terms of styling but he'll take an E46 and hates the new E90. Anyone know if i should steer clear of the early 90s versions or if M3s are to be avoided? I'm definitely aiming to find him a 1995-99 M3

Aoshi Shinomori

As far as I know, those are solid cars. No major problems, but I have never owned one so take what I say with a grain of salt. Obviously make sure you carfax every car you look at and read lots of reviews on these cars. By the way, I looooove the E90 M3, tell your fa-jah he is teh wrong. :p

RA-Eight

iTrader: (6)

If you find a Euro Spec e36 M, you might be able to get a 6-speed manual. I think there might be a displacement increase starting one of those years. I'm not sure though.

Can't go wrong with an e46 M though. Those are hot! Especially with the competition package 19" wheels.

RX-Hachi

While the E46 M3 has got the power, it's heavier and a less nimble handler compared to the E36 M3. Some diehards still feel the original lightweight E30 M3 is the best.

If you are looking at a 95-99 M3, the main difference is the '95's had a 3.0L engine while the '96+ models got a 3.2L. HP was the same on both engines at 240hp (US spec), but the torque was upgraded on the 3.2L engine. However, if I recall correctly, there was an emissions regulation change that was a factor in BMW moving to the bigger engine in order to maintain the same level of performance. And from the car mags, the performance seemed unchanged. In fact, the best 0-60 time I ever saw was from R&T's test of the '95 M3, which clocked in at 5.4 secs. The range being 5.7-6.0 secs in most cases, according to various car mags and various tests done during the life of the E36 M3. In its day, the E36 M3 was also named by C&D as "best handling car in the world", even pitted against Porsches, Vipers, and other high end sports cars. A stunt the much more powerful E46 M3 has yet to achieve and never will. The US E36 M3 was also the only M3 to be offered with a true AT (for those who would want one - not me). The SMG also made its debut on the E36 M3 in Europe but was never offered in the US until the E46 M3 with SMG II.

I owned a '98 M3 and kept it for about 6 years before buying the RX-8. The engine is near bullet proof, but I recall some issues with the oil pan on very early '95s. There were also reports of blown engines due to miss shifts causing the engine to rev above redline. However, all BMWs get pricey to maintain and there's natural wear that will cause parts to fail. The A/C and electronics are common areas. I've owned several BMWs and in my experience it seems to be about the 6th year or so when things start to fail and need replacing on a steady basis. But I've never kept one for longer than 7 years, so I have no idea how a 10 year old model holds up.

As far as the E90 goes, I think the looks are OK. But it's even heavier and a less nimble handler compared to the E46 (I test drove a 330i sport package). I like the E46 M3's style and interior the best, but we don't know exactly what the E90 M3 will look like yet. It's suppose to have a 400 hp V8, which will certainly make it a very formidable car.

Feras

iTrader: (1)

5spd manual or 6spd...not too big a deal here...but thanks hachi i'll see if i can't find him an E36.

Feras

iTrader: (1)

ooh just found a certified preowned loaded 2000 M5 with 6spd...380HP for 35k...drool...i think this may be an early winner...even though it doesnt fit the criteria.

BlueEyes

:D it is

BOOSTD 7

I've got a sweet '98.5 M3 Convertible for sale, Estoril Blue ... 18" Speedlines ... a couple mods. I'd deliver it to PA for $19,500.

Aoshi Shinomori

380 horsepower? What is done to it? US spec has 333 stock, correct?

Aoshi Shinomori

Drool :p That is in quite good condition there Ryan. Very, very nice car. Good luck with the sale.

Aoshi Shinomori

For me the debate will never end. I love the E30, but the E36 has a sportier look to me. The difference is very small though, the only difference to me now is that the E36 will be newer if I were to buy one, so most likely a little better condition.

BlueEyes

Don't make me bust out the pictures, I have 86 mb of e30 M3 pics! i'll do it!! :p


I love the e36 too, it does look damn good.

Aoshi Shinomori

Are you driving that one? :p That is a nice looking one too. I really do like both a whole lot. The E36 had what, 240 hp? The E30 something like 184? I can't remember but I am pretty positive it was a 4 cylinder, no?

Feras

iTrader: (1)

i was wrong actually its 400 hp (M5 not M3)
Engine: 5.0 Liter, 90-degree V8, aluminum block and heads
Valve Gear: DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, VANOS continually variable valve timing
Horsepower: 400 @ 6600 RPM
Torque: 369 @ 3800 RPM
Redline: 7000 RPM
Transmission: 6-speed manual

i just happenned to find a certified M5 and got excited.


M3 has 333 stock in E46 form

Feras

iTrader: (1)

The E30 is beautiful, truly a car of the 80s! its got the classic mean looking BMW look, its got boxy wheel arches and a cool spoiler. Plus it handles like a dream....

ultimate driving machine...yes


but prolly too old for my dads tastes...id pick one up though

BlueEyes

if he says it's too old for his tastes, you simply bring your mom into the room, and say "could you repeat that dad, late 80's is too old for your taste?" you'll have one in no time :p

BlueEyes

yeah, 2.3l 4cyl. made between 200-220. though it more like 192 in the 200hp version. I wish i was driving that one!

Aoshi Shinomori

Bah, I didn't even realize you said M5 :p Whoops.
The Euro Spec M3 had 343 horsepower. I don't know if that was due to a different rating system or a slightly different tune due to our emissions though. All the M series cars have been very nice though. There isn't one I'd mind driving.

Feras

iTrader: (1)

The M5 really is more his style since he's over 50 and rich, but he wants a 3 series for the youth appeal for some midlife crisis reason...i'm not gonna debate, im just gonna be a finder for him like i agreed to be (finders fee=$$$).

BlueEyes

CTS-V?
or does it have to be zee germans

Feras

iTrader: (1)

he hates american cars...basically he's thinking preowned 3 (or maybe 5 since he doesn't like the e90), SLK, boxster, or Acura TL

Aoshi Shinomori

All very fine choices too. The Boxster seems to be like the ugly child of that group. Does he want a roadster? Or does he just love that particular car?(And who wouldn't? It freakin' rules)

Feras

iTrader: (1)

basically what he said he wants is something smaller that he can drive everyday, that gets slightly better gas mileage than the 12-15 that he's getting in his behemoth. He didn't need it to be winter friendly, coz his lexus has 4WD. He ran down a couple cars, i suggested a couple more, that got him going, then he told me to find him a bunch while he's at a conference which is where we are at.

Aoshi Shinomori

How about a new Acura RL? That is an awesome car. May be a bit more expensive than some of the others but it's totally sweet.

But better gas mileage, eh? Honda Accord Diesel for the win! :p Seriously though, suggest I think either the RL or the M5 would be fitting to your father. Good luck with your search.

BOOSTD 7

Quit suggesting other cars, he needs an E36 M3 Convertible! Which gets 28mph highway BTW