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View Full Version : What year of E36 M should I get?


ClubSpec330i
06-03-2006, 01:54 PM
I am selling my E46s and thinking of replacing them with M3/4. Since this will be my first used BMW, had plenty of other used car in the past, what should I be looking out for? I only know that 95 is probably best for mod but there is no 4 doors in '95. Thanks for any suggestion.
Balthazarr
06-03-2006, 02:21 PM
I am selling my E46s and thinking of replacing them with M3/4. Since this will be my first used BMW, had plenty of other used car in the past, what should I be looking out for? I only know that 95 is probably best for mod but there is no 4 doors in '95. Thanks for any suggestion.

There is a sticky for FAQ on E36 M3's in this forum.
hc1001
06-03-2006, 02:27 PM
since sedans were only offered in 97 and 98, i would jus look for a sedan in the best conditon... the year doesnt really matter.
HBpredhunter
06-03-2006, 02:48 PM
id get a 95 and start modding... but i couldnt find one in good condition
Perculator00
06-03-2006, 04:57 PM
id get a 95 and start modding... but i couldnt find one in good condition


exacly....thats why you should just get a clean earlier one....OBDII....doesnt matter...software is out there too.

Or....you could buy mine...do a search for my name to find the FS thread
rustamd
06-03-2006, 06:26 PM
95-99
Sadiq
06-03-2006, 10:02 PM
2008
sagittaria
06-03-2006, 10:45 PM
??? He wants and M3/4 so like a pp said, only options are 97 or 98. I also don't think it matters and would buy on condition etc. Unless you just HAVE to have the three spoke wheel and rear headrests from the factory of the 98 (but you can do both to a 97 so who cares?).
todor
06-03-2006, 11:53 PM
The only significant difference between 97 and 98 is that the side airbags were optional on 97 sedans (and not available on 97 coupes), but standard on all 98 M3s. So a 97 might not have them. Other changes include that rear headrests, an armrest, and a lighted shift knob were added in 98. Then, in the middle of the 98 production year, starting in 03/98, the 3-spoke steering wheel replaced the older version. That's it. Oh, and there were some minor changes to what colors were available.

There's really good info on specs and history of the M cars on this site:
http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=15

If you see an ad for a cheap M3 sedan, it's most likely automatic... they go usually at least $1000-$2000 cheaper than manual ones in the same condition.

Also, the myth that 96+ cars are much harder to modify is not true. It was true in the beginning, but since then people have figured out how to modify OBD2 cars. It's still probably a little easier to modify OBD1 cars but not by much.
devilbones
06-04-2006, 02:53 AM
OT, are you from Duarte, CA? I used to live there and Monrovia. I have a 97 M3/4 and I love it. I would suggest a 97 :)
James Bond
06-04-2006, 04:46 AM
Ide go for a 98.5 just for that steering wheel. If you dont get that wheel you WILL want it later :)
todor
06-04-2006, 06:58 AM
Ide go for a 98.5 just for that steering wheel. If you dont get that wheel you WILL want it later :)

The 98.5 design steering wheel can be purchased for a few hundred bucks apparently (with the airbag). And I've read that it's relatively easy to swap into earlier models. Just FYI. Although I definitely like the newer design, I wouldn't let the steering wheel design dictate my decision.
rxcess
06-04-2006, 09:03 AM
[QUOTE=todor]The only significant difference between 97 and 98 is that the side airbags were optional on 97 sedans (and not available on 97 coupes), but standard on all 98 M3s. So a 97 might not have them. Other changes include that rear headrests, an armrest, and a lighted shift knob were added in 98. Then, in the middle of the 98 production year, starting in 03/98, the 3-spoke steering wheel replaced the older version. That's it. Oh, and there were some minor changes to what colors were available.
QUOTE]

Don't forget the crappy buffalo leather that showed up in 98. The rear seats in my car have smooth, supple (nappa?) leather and the fronts are hard and rough textured.

Just for reference my cars build date is 1/98. It is a M3/4/5. It has the rear headrests, armrest, 4 spoke wheel, lighted shift knob, and side airbags.
Ty Vil
06-04-2006, 10:14 AM
There were no 3 spokes on the sedans IIRC
HBpredhunter
06-04-2006, 02:17 PM
95 is cheaper ill say that... and easier... less hassle to go through...
but you can get an obdII to make the same power.

my justification for my hassel is that my car is way nicer than a 95 m3, at least any ive seen (and i dont have the UGLY steering wheel!)

but then, if you find a 95, in PERFECT condition (they are out there) or a LTW you have just scored