Was there an outstanding year for E36 M3??

[E24_635csi]

Ive been intrested in buying an E36 M3, and i was wondering if there was any year of the E36 M3 that stood out more than another year?

Was there anything special BMW did to them throughout the E36 era?

Thanks,

Matt

[cS]

95 obd1

[Aldo]

Yep 95 and mines for sale, what a coincidence

[E24_635csi]

whats so special about the 95' i know it was the last year that they used the ODB - I cause after they went to the 3.2 Litre
ODB-II . Is it something that i should hold out until a 95' comes up?

[snk328is]

Not only did they have OBD-I back then, Avus Blue was also a color option back then.

[M///King]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong but i think the OBD-1 cars respond to smaller mods (ie exhaust, intake, pulleys )and teh OBD-2 cars need larger mods to see large power gains like turbo's and superchargers....I hope thats right....

[Bassmaster_old]

Another vote for the obd1...and better if you can find a 3.2 version.

[LinearX]

I prefer a 98. 4-Door sedan body available, side impact air bags, more torque stock, more reliable, and a bunch of small updates as the E36 neared the end of it's production cycle. Also likely to have lower miles. Worst problem is not OBD-II, but the premium you pay for the car.

Personally, I think Estoril is the best BMW blue and that Avus is a bit overrated.

[tEckniks]

im lookin for a e36 m3 too. where can i find the changes thru 95 - 99 and the options that where availabe?

[ken_vs_ryu]

the only one i can consider deserving the ///m badge.

http://www.race-cars.com/carsales/bmw/1059091616/1059091616pc.jpg

[ClintonM3]

99, M 3 spoke steering wheel.

[E24_635csi]

Well by the looks of it the 95' is a great year for the M3, I will look around, on the autotrader.ca I have not seen very many 95's... ive seen more 97's than anything.

And also knowing that they responded better to mods, thats also something i will keep into considerstion...

I thought that BMW only made the sedan M3 in 1997? i may be wrong here. but i havnt seen one in 98'.

[Dan]

WHOOHA... 98 came with side impact airbags? did the 97 come with it too?

[toddman35]

Only m3 sedans were made in 97 and 98. I'd have to say 95 both because of obdI and avus blue is such a pimp color.

Dan - side airbags were standard on 98+ e36's, so no, 97's didn't have them.

[///Arman]

95 without a doubt.

I had enough money to buy a fully loaded 99, but I went with a 95 because thats what I always had been in love with. 95 M3 was the first M3 I drove which was my friends, after that I drove many many 96+ and none felt as good as a 95. I love how 95s feel, they're rough and you feel more like you're in a sports car, the newer these cars are getting, the less you're connected to the car. I test drove a E46 M3 the other day for example, and I still like my 95 more, I feel its so much funner to drive....I will eventually have to buy a E46 simply because its a newer car but not because its necessary a better car!

[E24_635csi]

its going to be hard to find a 95' with not many miles on it... let alone find one. how much are they going for? estimated..

[Cru Jones]

I don't really think you can go wrong with any year. If you want a track car, go with the 95; but, if you want an everyday driver, go with a 99. The later models have a "better" interior. It's more updated.

I have a 99 and love it. I have to sell it though. :(

[on a friday]

a 95 m3 with low miles will probably be around $17,000. With higher miles they can be found for under $13,000.

[E24_635csi]

I was just on www.trader.ca ( canadian auto trader ) there are 0 1995 M3's i think i would have to contact one of the dealers here and see if they an bring one in for me, or make a trip to the states. Since there are numerous M3's there

[Lux Interior]

Another vote for '95...

And I happen to have one for sale (with low miles). :D

Take a look...
'95 M3 For Sale (http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=158984)



-Lux

[GEN3RIC]

Damn luxury editions. :(

[VoltesV]

Since you're in Canada, see if you can find a 1994. I believe they came with the Euro 3.0 and 286hp. IIRC, very few were brought in and they were the only 'legit' Euro motor cars in North America.

[LinearX]

I beleive the side impacts were available in 1997, but were optional.

[Stuttgart951]

1995

[JSN]

96 and up especially with the lux interior got further and further away from a true race road car

so...95

[12:03]

lux int is overrated. get a late 98. its the best. Estoril owns all.

[VoltesV]

Sorry, but I still think that since your in Canada, try to find a 1994 with the 286hp S50 motor. This is the way BMW actually intended the car to be. No lux, no OBD-2...just a great platform with a stellar motor. IIRC, it comes stock with Euro lights, too.

It won't be cheap, though.

[E24_635csi]

VoltesV - you are right i have seen a few 94' Euros here with the 286hp motor... but these guys are asking neer $40,000 canadian for these. I can buy a 99' M3 here for cheaper, and do some mods to make up for that lost power... Did they come with the Vaders?

Why was the 95' like a race car compared to the newer M3's?

[Oxcart 1]

Id get a 98 or 99.

[arpecker]

1995 M3 OBD1
look for one with low mileage.

[kb15322]

I dont think a 95 with low miles can be trusted. Rolling back miles in a late model is very easy and can be done by any mechanic.

[hinzm3]

Man i'm happy with my 99. Lower miles, newer car. You get more tq than a 95 and yes the 0bd1 does like mods better but it all depends on where you want to go with the car. I dont know what the laws are like in canada but you could do a obd2 -obd1 conversion. Its a fed offense in the states though.

[///brian92fs]

There are quite a few differences between the 95s and the 96-99s which make the 95s more desirable. But, keep in mind though that most of these differences can be obtained in the aftermarket. So, it may make more sense to buy a newer lower mileage car & buy some of the advantages of the 95.

The 95s have a more aggressive suspension setup that the 96+.
- They use the same size tires on all corners (235)
- The angle on the steering knuckle is changed and the lower control arm bushing is offset. This promotes toe out under bump.
In general, the 96+ are more neutral handling and thus are more prone to understeer. The 95s are better for the track, but could be a bit unpredictalbe for the average american driver. Which is probably what led to the setup on the 96+

These traits can be obtained in a 96+ by using a Ground Control coil over with the shortened housings (talk to Dale at GC to get more info).

95s also have the better flowing M50 intake manifold. As mentioned previously, they are OBDI, which is easier to mod. 95s can generally be modded is small steps, were a OBDII car takes a big investments like a Conforti Cam Kit (www.eurosporthighperformance.com/cams.html)

Of course the 95s only have a 3.0 liter engine. The 3.2 liter OBDII engine has a bit more torque.

A good book outlining the differences is "BMW Buyers Guide" by Fred Larimer. Also, check out www.bmwmregistry.com for production numbers & other FAQ items.

Hope this helps and good luck with the search!

[VoltesV]

Originally posted by kb15322
I dont think a 95 with low miles can be trusted. Rolling back miles in a late model is very easy and can be done by any mechanic.

Actually, it's not that easy. The mileage is stored in a number of places on the car (gauge cluster, even the lighting control module and 1 or 2 other places in the car) and if they don't match when you start the car, you get a little light on your dash to let you know about it.

If you get a new set of factory gauges, it is my understanding that it has to be coded from BMW, not your local dealer. At least this is what I have heard. My friend's E36 M3 had the gaues replaced under warranty and they didn't recode the original miles so he's got the indicator light.

[E24_635csi]

///brian92fs - Thank you for that information, that will be very useful to me.

Im sure here if i do the conversion, there will be some concequence, but thats only if you get caught... lol. i probally would stick with either the odb-I or odb-II depending on which i get.

[///brian92fs]

Originally posted by E24_635csi
///brian92fs - Thank you for that information, that will be very useful to me.

No problem. Good luck with the hunt. I don't think you can go wrong with any year E36 M3 IMHO. Just be patient and try not to settle. I spent 1 1/2 years in the search.

[rmani]

Every year is good just look for the best deal.

[E24_635csi]

Yeah i hear ya. Im not in a huge rush to find one, i've still got my other babies. the 6 is just an awesome car... the 7 - just a great family car... and the 3 - fun!...

[gordie]

After reading the entire thread, Brian92fs finally hit on some of the items that distinguish a 95 from the later cars. My recommendation hinges upon what you want to do with the car.

If you want a total track car, the 95's are the best starting point. The quicker steering ratio is important, but more so is the lack of the 96-on cars' increased inherent understeer. On these cars you can even increase the front negative camber with a couple of washers. On the later cars you can swap strut mounts to achieve the same thing, but the '95's are simpler.

One big advantage of the very late cars is that the points where the rear subframe attaches to the unibody have been reinforced. I believe that these changes were incorporated in the 98 and 99 M3's, but if I'm wrong, hopefully someone will correct me.

I have a 98 sedan, estoril blue. I like it a lot. I believe that if you look at a lot of cars that are within your budget and buy the best one you find, you are unlikely to be disappointed.

Good luck, gordie

[E24_635csi]

When and if i get an M3 it will be a every day driver ( well for the summer that is ) i will most likely not take this car to the track, maybe to the strip a few times and see what i can do but, mainly an every day driver.

And you are right, I will definately buy a car in my range and if i feel comfortable driving it... if there is a 95 M3 and 96 M3 same shape and i feel more comfortable driving the 96, i will go with it.

The 95' seems like an awesome car. but for what i want to do with it. I will probally go with a newer year, also mileage is a large factor, Finding a 95 without many miles on her is going to be a hard task. And i would really like this car to last a long time.

I went and saw a few M3's the other daya 97' in Alpine White.. and two were in Estoril Blue... one was a 98 and the other 99. The white really grew on me after a while, With the wing it had and the clear corners it made the car look pretty awesome, and with a nice set of rims, It would look outstanding.. But the Estoril is a really nice colour as well

[E36M3]

i concur hehe, 95 OBD1. my engine only has a couple thousand miles on it...and it will be available for sale in a couple months. :)

[Brashland]

Originally posted by ///brian92fs
There are quite a few differences between the 95s and the 96-99s which make the 95s more desirable. But, keep in mind though that most of these differences can be obtained in the aftermarket. So, it may make more sense to buy a newer lower mileage car & buy some of the advantages of the 95.

The 95s have a more aggressive suspension setup that the 96+.
- They use the same size tires on all corners (235)
- The angle on the steering knuckle is changed and the lower control arm bushing is offset. This promotes toe out under bump.
In general, the 96+ are more neutral handling and thus are more prone to understeer. The 95s are better for the track, but could be a bit unpredictalbe for the average american driver. Which is probably what led to the setup on the 96+

These traits can be obtained in a 96+ by using a Ground Control coil over with the shortened housings (talk to Dale at GC to get more info).

95s also have the better flowing M50 intake manifold. As mentioned previously, they are OBDI, which is easier to mod. 95s can generally be modded is small steps, were a OBDII car takes a big investments like a Conforti Cam Kit (www.eurosporthighperformance.com/cams.html)

Of course the 95s only have a 3.0 liter engine. The 3.2 liter OBDII engine has a bit more torque.

A good book outlining the differences is "BMW Buyers Guide" by Fred Larimer. Also, check out www.bmwmregistry.com for production numbers & other FAQ items.

Hope this helps and good luck with the search!

MAN!!! I was JUST about to type that. Especially about the wheely size and knuckly thing being bent all funny. :cool:

[JamesM3M5]

Originally posted by snk328is
Not only did they have OBD-I back then, Avus Blue was also a color option back then.
My kind of man...

What are you looking for in particular? Each has their ups and downs.

Plus you can convert any OBD-2 back to OBD-1 with a significant gain in torque and HP.

[tybmw]

95 is the way to go!!!!!!!!!!!

[tybmw]

how hard is it to convert a obd 2 to a obd 1?