View Full Version : can I put an M badge on my car if....
toofast4U
09-29-2002, 05:39 PM
I have an M3 engine? There's a 1996 328is, with no engine or tranny. The front end was damaged but the car has been fixed...Now I can buy this car for $2350 (CHEAP!!!!)...it had about 87K miles on it prior to the accident. The title is not salvage (I saw the title and called and verified with DMV). The guy doesn't want to hassel with it, costs more to put new engine and tranny in it, he would rather get his money out of it (payments I guess). Now I figure I can make this into an M3 for about $8000. (engine tranny, and some little cosmetic stuff.) Is it worth it...1996 M3 for around 10? and if I make it...can I badge it with the m3 stickers or is that too ricey. I'm thinking it might be like a integra putting vtec stickers on or Type R stickers...Just would like to know, am I bitting off more than I can chew...will this be a huge hassel, or totally worth it?
dallasdriver
09-29-2002, 05:42 PM
I don't know, some people are going to flame you for badging it, I don't know its up to you. But that sounds badass and if you droped a euro engine in it would be super badass.
ducky
09-29-2002, 05:43 PM
No, it's too ricey. Think of it as a heavily modified 325is.
makken
09-29-2002, 05:48 PM
or badge it as a 332 or 330 :)
jwBm.W
09-29-2002, 05:57 PM
Originally posted by AlphaLead
or badge it as a 332 or 330 :)
:clap:
OR..........debadged...........
LinearX
09-29-2002, 05:58 PM
I always liked the 332is badging..
more exclusive and unique really
um.. I dont think there was a 325is in 96, thats when they started 328s. I think installing an M3 motor/tranny will run you 7k alone. If the body is in good condition then youll need around 2k for installation/painting of m3 bumpers/moldings/sideskirts
SilverSS
09-29-2002, 06:11 PM
I am a fun of debadging. I always debadge my cars. I love it when people have looks of wonder of there faces!
toofast4U
09-29-2002, 06:12 PM
Originally posted by NiTE
um.. I dont think there was a 325is in 96, thats when they started 328s. I think installing an M3 motor/tranny will run you 7k alone. If the body is in good condition then youll need around 2k for installation/painting of m3 bumpers/moldings/sideskirts
yeah it is a 328is...I have a 325is right now so I guess it was just habit to write 325...
I like the idea of a 332, it's lot more original and I save on buying the M3 body kit and what not
themadhatter
09-29-2002, 06:17 PM
an M3 is more then just the motor.
suspension
subframe
brakes
interior
etc.
I'd go with the 332is badging or no badging at all. Get a 323is badge and move the numbers around :D
Ben of Rogue Engineering has a 330ti in a similiar fashion. 318ti with an M3 motor and trans with a MCoupe rear subframe and suspension.
besides, the vin number will always say it's a 328is and throwing M3 badges on there would look like you're trying too hard. :)
edit:
oh yeah, 328is insurance with M3 power!!!
PoloJag
09-29-2002, 06:37 PM
I would just debadge it.
Stockman
09-29-2002, 07:00 PM
You can ONLY put an M badge on your car if:
Your previous M badge is faded
Your previous M badge fell off
Your previous M badge got stolen
No other reason
WHy would you go out of your way to put the M3 badge on it?
Sometimes i wish my M3 badge wasn't there, i get way too many looks and comments that i don't want or need.
FiKtIOn
09-29-2002, 07:26 PM
Yep. I agree with b0rf. If i were you, i would slap a 318is badge on it
cleoent
09-29-2002, 07:28 PM
i like the idea of a 332, sounds like some kind of cool porsche code. Besides to answer your question you'd be a poser wannabe type if you just put M3 on.
Ben 93 325is
09-29-2002, 07:33 PM
No
Preppy
09-29-2002, 07:42 PM
leave it debadged...much cleaner look.
psk145
09-29-2002, 08:03 PM
put a 332 badge on it, makes people think twice!!! :evil2
Tom Sederburg
09-29-2002, 08:06 PM
You can do whatever you want but remember you used rice as an example for what your planning. M3 badge on a non M3 = rice. If your cool with that then cool.
Personally there's no way I would put an M3 badge on a non M3. The closest I would come is putting a 328 badge on a 325 to make it look newer.
If I were you I'd do the 332 thing or just leave it naked... people will think its a 4 cylinder and be super pissed when you smoke them. :)
Dinan330ic
09-29-2002, 08:43 PM
I hate these kinds of threads. As others would say, don't badge it as an M unless the VIN says it is.
jblack
09-29-2002, 08:51 PM
Originally posted by Stockman
You can ONLY put an M badge on your car if:
Your previous M badge is faded
Your previous M badge fell off
Your previous M badge got stolen
No other reason
Well said! I like that... right up there with
"M's are born, not made"
Ryan Stewart
09-29-2002, 09:19 PM
After I get the Euro bumpers, M-tec1 kit, rebuilt to 328i and s/c I will either leave it debadged or go //M3 (or maybe //M328).
If your car can outhandle and outrun an M3 then it has the spirit of motorsport. Right now my car is more //M than these 4-door auto "American" //M3's that these posers drive around here. I can eat an E36 M3 for lunch in the turns, now I just need the power.
M is for Motorsport, it's just a factory tuner (I still want an E30 M3 though, the real M3).
If you finish the car then I say go for it, but you have to do the suspension and areo too.
John (PA)
09-29-2002, 11:04 PM
It's all a joke.
People who know something about cars think I have an M3.
Others assume I have a 318.
When the ask I tell them it's a 325.. they then give a smirk.
Most M3 owners look the other way.
I run badgeless. They can all kiss my ass, as I can kick theirs. I have yet to loose to any BMW on the drag, track or street. Luckily I don't live near any of my other coherts on the FI forum who are 400HP+. *phew*
Oops.. almost forgot. Don't put an M3 badge on a non-M3 vin!
Hit them where it counts... from looking at tailights.
toofast4U
09-30-2002, 12:34 AM
But doesn't debadging suggest you have a lower model and don't want people to know that, like your ashamed. Like a civic DX taking the Dx off because he know's it's the lowest model...I think I would go with the 332is badge, because you're not lying and not decieving...
Plus, I want to race people who actually think they have a chance against me. Running debadged I'm going to get stock civics, who think I'm a 4 banger, wanting to waste my gas...I want the mustangs and S4's to come looking for me. just my two cents....
Plus is the work more hassel than it's worth...Is my car going to be in the mechanic shop every week because another problem came up? Who else has done this swap?
bimmerforce
09-30-2002, 03:12 AM
don't BUY it !
themadhatter
09-30-2002, 08:49 AM
Originally posted by toofast4U
But doesn't debadging suggest you have a lower model and don't want people to know that, like your ashamed. Like a civic DX taking the Dx off because he know's it's the lowest model...
not really, I'm debadging my '03 M3 when it lands here. I think it looks better clean - like my 323is.
My 323is is debadged since it makes people worry what they pulled up next too (kinda funny if you ask me). That and people confuse it for a 328is since the chrome 323 looks like a 328.
It has a full M-technik body kit on it too. Yes, the M-technik body kit is the E36 Motorsport body kit sold by BMW. The side moldings have the little ///M in them too, not M3 and not M-Technik (as the '94 325is M-Technikd has). I bought the white International Motorsports logs to replace them with but misplaced them/or some one stole them. I'm not spending another $80 for little badges. :rolleyes:
Just don't go out of your way to badge something it isn't. If you buy the M3 motor, keep it debadged....it'll look better and adds about 15hp. :D
Hammm3
09-30-2002, 09:13 AM
Don't let them see you coming!!!!! I have an M with out the M badge, you can have it if your heart is set on it for your car. But we will know it's not a M and most likely make fun of you. HEHE
Caymandiver75
09-30-2002, 03:53 PM
This is kinda like asking if you can label your integra ls or gsr with a type R badge. Even if there is a motor swap, suspension swap etc, its still not a real type R. VIN will always indicate this. I would say debadging to keep it clean and avoid getting flamed that its kinda rice
M3WANABE
09-30-2002, 04:01 PM
Maybe it is explained in another thread...not sure. But what is the reasoning behind switching the badge around to make it 332? Sorry I know it is a dumb question but I am curious. Also, why is there so much anxiety and effort put into the whole badging thing with people? *shakes head* although I do definately agree that if it is not an M3 then don't badge it that way...but thats just me.
toofast4U
09-30-2002, 04:14 PM
well I would rather badge 332 than debadge...M3 is out of my mind right now
themadhatter
09-30-2002, 04:15 PM
a 325is has a 2.5L motor
a 328is has a 2.8L motor
exceptions to the rule: 323is also has a 2.5L motor
staying with the rule
putting the 3.2L S52B32 ('96-'99) M3 motor into a non-M car would make it a 332is BMW.
It's really a play on words, and not a real 332 (that's a whole other arguement.
-Ron
M3WANABE
09-30-2002, 04:20 PM
ahh yes I gotcha now.
jesd325is
09-30-2002, 06:18 PM
well how about just putting a ///M badge and leave out the 3. i think that would be ok to do, and the only other alternative to a total debadge i would do
themadhatter
09-30-2002, 06:45 PM
Originally posted by jesd325is
well how about just putting a ///M badge and leave out the 3. i think that would be ok to do, and the only other alternative to a total debadge i would do
many people feel the badge should be reserved for the actual cars. The only car to have an ///M from the factory was the M635csi - true M Car built by M but never called an M6.
TiAg ///M3/4
09-30-2002, 07:20 PM
I'd say: No M3 VIN, no M3 badge. Engine swap? I think the 330is and 332is badges are a cool idea, and a fun play on the naming system while retaining accuracy.
Debadging is always classy. Plus, you get to scare the little kiddies. ;)
I think the M-Technic moldings, etc, are just fine (and look nicer anyway) since they were a factory option.
I'm also a bitter man because some poseur (or someone wanting to sell to a poseur) stole my moldings and trunk badge a few months ago. That's $500 I'll never have again. Especially given that they used a screwdriver ...
You drive what you drive, and that should be good enough for you. If not, find a way to drive what you want to drive, don't pretend your car is what it isn't.
jesd325is
09-30-2002, 07:38 PM
Originally posted by themadhatter
many people feel the badge should be reserved for the actual cars. The only car to have an ///M from the factory was the M635csi - true M Car built by M but never called an M6.
i knew that, but a while ago i posted a thread in the E36 ///M3 forum about a neighbor with a 318 and a ///M badge on the rear. a lot of folks asked me why i cared and to leave the guy alone. i see it as no harm just as long as there is no 3 at the ned, like my neghbor didnt have upon further inspection.
ihooklow
09-30-2002, 10:13 PM
I don't see a problem putting an "M" badge on a 'Motorsport-tuned' BMW. I wouldn't put an M3 badge on it as this is a model badge. No different than putting a 740iL badge on it IMO. Just incorrect.
But the "M" logo only would be cool. Just like adding a Dinan badge or ACS badge to a car with lots of their parts.
Yackedy Sacks
10-01-2002, 03:29 AM
I think any type of play on badges (332is, 330is, ///M, etc) is fine as long as it doesn't try to imitate an actual BMW production model... why be a poser? Plus it is not cool if a Mustang blows the doors off an //M5-badged 525i and goes around touting that he killed an M5.
The exception is when you downgrade for stealth purposes :devillook
themadhatter
10-01-2002, 09:29 AM
Originally posted by Yackedy Sacks
Plus it is not cool if a Mustang blows the doors off an //M5-badged 525i and goes around touting that he killed an M5.
yeah!!! :laugh
SilverStreak
10-01-2002, 10:51 AM
What's wrong with a sleeper? Nothing... :evil2
Don't badge it an "M"...
toofast4U
10-01-2002, 01:34 PM
getting flamed as much as I did just for the thought of it has convicnced me not to even think about it...but as a sleeper it would be nice...
Now that I've done some more research on prices for a couple extra I could get a turbo...and to go with the whole sleeper thing...I wouldn't do any of the body kits, just clear corners, rims, and tint...just imagine that mustang when he gets smoked off the line with a debadged 318...oh wait...turbo charged 3.2L engine....haha...Damn this is so addicting...
if you give a mouse a cookie...he going to want some milk...if you give me an M engine...I'm going to want a turbo...if you give me a turbo...I'm going to want a bigger turbo...if you give me a bigger turbo...
///MDriver
10-01-2002, 02:41 PM
Originally posted by Stockman
You can ONLY put an M badge on your car if:
Your previous M badge is faded
Your previous M badge fell off
Your previous M badge got stolen
No other reason
Not to mention, if you need an extra reminder somewhere on the car, not that I do though, I just hit the pedal and I am reminded.:devillook :buttrock
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