If you designed the E36 M3, what would you change? [Archive] - Bimmerforums

joe325i

10-01-2002, 06:09 AM

ellipsoids and angel eyes!
beefier brakes?
water pump w/ metal impeller... and metal thermostat housing..
other than that i think the e36 is as close to perfect as you can get.
AND I DONT OWN A M3!

alexd

10-01-2002, 08:57 AM

The center console, it is so plastic and cheap!! Oh and I would put a real roundel in the steering wheel.

Drea///M3

10-01-2002, 10:06 AM

Tilt steering or at least a "non-bus-sized" steering wheel....I would have also like a glass sun roof (moonroof)..but that's just petty of me....
One more thing, all/most of the rubber bushings, I would have fitted greaseable polyurethane ones....

Caymandiver75

10-01-2002, 10:26 AM

Some things I would have changed:
1. Glove box (we all have experienced the sagging thing)
2. Center Consule (it does look cheap and mine didn't even come with a center armrest)
3. Ellipsoids instead of the cheap US version
4. Shorter shift throw
5. A clutch pedal that doesn't squeek
6. A flywheel that doesn't make noise when the car is in neutral (slight, but still there) i have factory clutch and flywheel

Thats about it. I wouldn't change anything else.

:babyd

Rel44 M3

10-01-2002, 10:35 AM

Originally posted by alexd
The center console, it is so plastic and cheap!! Oh and I would put a real roundel in the steering wheel.

Um, I have a real roundel in the steering wheel...

I probably would've put in a remote trunk release. I get embarrassed when people ask me to pop the trunk and I say I can't, push in the little nipple. Also, the undertray and porkchops need to be secured a little better. I can't think of anything else right now.

Rahul325

10-01-2002, 11:07 AM

didnt the earlier ///M3's not have cruise control, not that i use it often but its good to have. So i would add the cruise control as standard on the M3's if i have designed it.

later...

Rel44 M3

10-01-2002, 11:11 AM

Cruise control was sold only as an option on all model year E36 M3's.

Keda

10-01-2002, 12:39 PM

The E30 & E46 M3s both have more aggressive fenders than the standard 3er. I would have liked to seen this in the E36. At the time, I think BMW was going for an 'understated' look. But, as a result, any 3 can be made to look like an M w/ only a few bolt-ons.

For an example of this, look at Alan Taur's 95. I think that is how the M3 should have been made.

Oh yeah...no US motor!!!!! This should be #1.

98///M-DROPTOP

10-01-2002, 12:43 PM

Originally posted by ///DTM325i
Lets say you could have designed the E36 M3 back in 93 or whenever it was...what would you have changed on it while keeping it at the same price?

Since you didn't specify which US or European price, I would make it clear to my engine team that their out-year plans for 1996 and beyond included an OBDII 3.2L dual-Vanos six throttle body engine for all US M3's..........essentially one common engine ( different software/engine managment excluded) for the world M3 consumption.....with dual turbocharged versions of the same engine as the only acceptable back-up plan. I would also make sure that 1999/2000 plans included a V-8 with enough production volume to qualify for (insert racing circuit here) homologation. Oh well, I guess I blew the budget and caused significant price increases worldwide........but I bet there would be lots of extremely happy and loyal M3 owners in the US:)

Zoso

10-01-2002, 01:19 PM

One touch up windows that work all the time.

Better rear shock mounts

Navigation system built in (and someone tell BMW to use a better NAV system than what they currently use).

1995red318i

10-01-2002, 01:24 PM

uhmm..i don't know. i don't have an m3...but give me a month or two and i will give you some personal impressions:D

but i think it could stand to be lightened a little:dunno but with the same hp:evil2

CABimmer

10-01-2002, 01:26 PM

1. how about a transmission that would not let you get into first gear when you shift to third.
2. Metal waterpump
3 Aluminum underpanel
4. Brake light switch that worked for more than a few years
5. 8 1/2 wide wheels in the front
6. Standard CD player
7. Front mounted rocket launcher and 50 cal machine gun. :bigun2: for lame US drivers in my way.

1995red318i

10-01-2002, 01:28 PM

Originally posted by CABimmer
7. Front mounted rocket launcher and 50 cal machine gun. :bigun2: for lame US drivers in my way.
you might want to talk with JP about this one...i think he has something in the works;)

Rel44 M3

10-01-2002, 02:30 PM

Stickers on it that say VANOS. :devillook

///DTM325i

10-01-2002, 02:33 PM

1. Spike strip deployer
2. Oil slick releaser
3. HID brights placed in rear with driver's eye detecting leveler for SUV's
4. 10% tint
5. One touch button licence plate cover.
6. One touch 100% emissions release system.

Better get some go fast mods to go along with it, or else you might die from a passing M3. :evil2

joe325i

10-01-2002, 02:35 PM

things to add..
beefier leather so it dosnt wear out so quick!
and the center arm rest isnt crappy leather and looks like SHIT becuase its cracked.
not butt ugly rims!
thats all..

TiAg ///M3/4

10-01-2002, 05:00 PM

- Better RSMs.
- Ellipsoids.
- Aluminum underpanel.
- Magic no-money-shift doodad.
- Whatever it takes to keep the shift lever's rest position between 3 and 4, rather than under 5 when it's cold. (This is scary.)
- Euro powerplant in the USA!

Jgent

10-01-2002, 05:50 PM

How about:

1. Oil pump nut that doesn't fall off
2. Oil pressure system that can cope with roval's
3. 6 speed transmission
4. Money shift issue designed out

Rel44 M3

10-01-2002, 07:22 PM

How about just give us the Euro-spec M3? Sounds like it would remedy about 90% of our qualms.

HR-M3

10-01-2002, 09:25 PM

Originally posted by ///DTM325i
...HID brights placed in rear with driver's eye detecting leveler for SUV's...

:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

That's about it!

NiTE

10-01-2002, 09:34 PM

Originally posted by Rel44 M3

Um, I have a real roundel in the steering wheel...

I probably would've put in a remote trunk release. I get embarrassed when people ask me to pop the trunk and I say I can't, push in the little nipple. Also, the undertray and porkchops need to be secured a little better. I can't think of anything else right now.

wait wait wait... so even if you get the OEM BMW Alarm system with keyless entry you dont get a trunk release? :eek: :(

C.Yang

10-01-2002, 09:39 PM

fix the underpanel. fix the jack pucks that keep falling out. euro package at least as an option. optional no sunroof. 6 speed tranny, like the euros. monocromatic bodystyle i.e. paint the modings.

Rel44 M3

10-01-2002, 10:45 PM

Originally posted by NiTE

wait wait wait... so even if you get the OEM BMW Alarm system with keyless entry you dont get a trunk release? :eek: :(

Nope, no such thing on the E36 M3.

SI///M3

10-01-2002, 11:39 PM

I wish we had Ellipsoids stock, better underpanels (stock are POS!).... that's really about it. I think BMW did everything else right, even the US version of the car...
Of course I say that after I've spent several thousand dollars in mods... but hey, even if the US M3s came with Euro engines with 400+ hp full racing suspensions ect we'd still be playing with 'em! :)

NLR

10-01-2002, 11:59 PM

I would definitely add a 6th gear for highway cruising. These engines just scream for an additional gear at about 80 mph or so. There would probably be less engine wear while at the same time better fuel economy. Other than that, I wouldn't change a thing.

sfhighroller

10-02-2002, 01:47 AM

6 speed, same engine as Europeans, and ellipsoids...Basically give us the same damn car that you gave to the Europeans!

Sam L

10-02-2002, 02:07 AM

this body style for the 3 series, and wider fenders for the m3. euro engine (for the US)

Stuttgart951

10-02-2002, 02:42 AM

Wide fender flares ala E30 M3s and...

A factory TURBO version. :buttrock

Ron17

10-02-2002, 09:06 AM

Originally posted by Rel44 M3
Stickers on it that say VANOS. :devillook

Am I the only one that found this exceedingly funny? Perhaps no one else got the insinuation... :dunno

Rel44 M3

10-02-2002, 09:57 AM

Originally posted by Ron17

Am I the only one that found this exceedingly funny? Perhaps no one else got the insinuation... :dunno

Just me and you, man. The rest of these guys are operating on a different wavelength. :)

Anetsberger

10-02-2002, 01:26 PM

Originally posted by Stuttgart951
Wide fender flares ala E30 M3s and...

A factory TURBO version. :buttrock

There's a bitchin idea. Factory turbo... imagine the power. :eek:

1995red318i

10-02-2002, 01:29 PM

Originally posted by Ron17

Am I the only one that found this exceedingly funny? Perhaps no one else got the insinuation... :dunno
no i got it...it was pretty funny;)

i am actually on my way out right now to get a tattoo that says "vanos" like that guy with the vtech tat.:laugh

moron.:confused:

JEFF98

10-02-2002, 04:01 PM

Larger rear wheel well openings so that we don't have to play the fender rolling game when we go to aftermarket wheels.

///M_Wraith

10-04-2002, 01:28 AM

Interior fit and finish in general. More use of CF, Wood, Aluminum, whatever to liven up a dull interior. A better instrument cluster including electoluminescent displays. A stock oil pressure/temp gauge would be great.

A larger/better oil recirc system. Stock Xbrace. 6 speed tranny.

Ron17

10-04-2002, 10:16 AM

More hp and 6th gear

mrhmmhmm

10-16-2002, 11:07 PM

What the euro model has
Modern interior
E46 RSMs

artnshel

10-17-2002, 12:37 AM

The lack of a sixth gear is a substantial drawback for me. I do occasional road trip with lots of time above 4,000 cruising in fifth. Sixth would be really nice.

I'd also like tilt wheel and a smaller wheel, but I can add that.

Really is a great car.

Art

binh

10-17-2002, 12:47 AM

stronger hood latch in the interior...feels VERY flimsy....better doorhandles, possibly metal...they feel like they are gonna snap off everytime i open the doors:(

M-SWEET

10-17-2002, 01:35 AM

built in radar detector......:buttrock :buttrock :buttrock

Rel44 M3

10-17-2002, 09:26 AM

Originally posted by binh
stronger hood latch in the interior...feels VERY flimsy....better doorhandles, possibly metal...they feel like they are gonna snap off everytime i open the doors:(

??? You must be really strong. I've never felt that way about the door handles.

frayed

10-17-2002, 10:34 AM

Originally posted by Jgent
How about:

1. Oil pump nut that doesn't fall off
2. Oil pressure system that can cope with roval's
3. 6 speed transmission
4. Money shift issue designed out

WTF are you doing on Rovals anyway? j/k

I agree. The listed items are pretty fundamental, many of the other warts I can deal with.

I'd add better brakes like Pcars come with. That way I wouldn't have to work so hard to find a pad that will work with the stock braking system and last more than a freaking weekend on the track.

I'll also add that the car should have a better interior, more like an Audi. There, I said it. Whew.

berserkr

10-17-2002, 02:30 PM

Can someone explain the oil pump nut problem? Is it something I can check?

Rel44 M3

10-17-2002, 03:50 PM

Sure, the oil pump nut falls off, you lose oil pressure instantly, and you need to shut off the engine right away to avoid catastrophic failure. The common thought is that a spin out is the most likely cause of the problem, although some M3's have reportedly had this problem just with normal street driving. Anyway, just remember, in a spin, both feet in, meaning brake and clutch are depressed.

berserkr

10-17-2002, 04:13 PM

Is it something I can check externally or is it inside the oil pan or whatever?

DSK M3/4

10-17-2002, 06:31 PM

it's at the bottom of the motor. very difficult to get to.

-better gauges (oil press, water temp, oil temp)
-different 5th gear to drop rpms to around 2000 @ 65mph
-non-staggered wheels
-ellipsoids
-one touch open/close for all windows and sunroof
-factory TMEs

NiTE

10-17-2002, 07:50 PM

hmm.. everything in my car is one touch except for closing the sunroof. Its a coupe though

Rel44 M3

10-17-2002, 08:12 PM

Originally posted by NiTE
hmm.. everything in my car is one touch except for closing the sunroof. Its a coupe though

Same here. Sunroof is one-touch open, but not to close. Both windows are one-touch up/down.

AvusBluR

10-17-2002, 10:09 PM

Just gimme the euro M3 with some Recaro SRD's and the TME and I'm all good.

Rel44 M3

10-18-2002, 10:45 AM

Originally posted by AvusBluR
Just gimme the euro M3 with some Recaro SRD's and the TME and I'm all good.

In hatchback trim? ;)

FiKtIOn

10-18-2002, 10:49 AM

That would be super badass..Put me down for a euro mTres hatch..:-p

AbeM3

10-18-2002, 11:39 AM

Some real gauges... oil temp/pressure perhaps?

ducky

10-18-2002, 11:49 AM

I have no complaints other than my plastic headlight housings, and the lack of a center console armrest :az:

PaulSoo217

10-18-2002, 03:12 PM

*5 speed for auto trans
*hide-away wipers
*gutter on both sides of the windshield
*never-fade black plastic on exterior plastic trims
*more rear leg-room
*one-touch sunroof open/ close
*cockpit adjustable suspension
*head-rest for all seats
but i still like it the way it is : )