Noob to BMW

[biran]

Hello BMW junkies
I've been looking around for a 1995-1998 BMW 3 series for about 8 grand, but there seems to be alot of confusion in diffrent models. I keep running around in circles witch is why I am here. I just need to know a few things for sure. Like can the coupe come with a 6 banger? What makes the M3 special? Can I put a 6 speed after market manual into a formerly 5 speed manual without extreme difficulty? What models are coupes? And how realiable is the eletrical?
Once I've bought it I plan to
- New clutch
- New racing cam (colt cams)
- cold air intake (aem)
- Bore the cylenders
- Lightweight racing pistions
- 5 or 6 speed tranny upgrade.
- and a desrect new exaust system

Thanks alot for the help,
Brian

[volcomnator999]

welcome to bimmeforums...you can search in the e36 section and come up with a lot of answers.

what makes an m3 better? well it has a better suspension and more HP and the bumper,side skirts, rear diffuser, and the moldings are different. i dont think AEM makes intakes for BMW (but i could be wrong). Look at www.cosmosracing.com for intakes.

[dawgeatdawg]

The couple definately comes in either 325 , 2.5 i6 or 328 , 2.8 i6. You could put in a six speed but I don't think it would be worth the extra $$ IMO unless you're getting rid of a 4 sp auto anyways. And as for models that are coupes..this is where it gets confusing. The IS denotes sports and is usually a Coupe but I think you can get an I that is also a 2 door. If I'm wrong someone correct me. Electrical is fairly reliable as long as it has been maintained fairly well. Hope I have been of some help. GL

[camiloteram]

i think to not confuse our young grasshopper, is = 2 doors i = 4 doors. thats it.

and Ti = compact e36

[biran]

Thanks alot. I am definaltly looking for a M3 then. Regardless of milage. Can anyone think of anyother things to change while I have the engine open? High flow oil pump possbily or is it even worth changing anything else?

[wziggy101]

boring the cylinders is a bad idea on an m3. There's just not enough room.

[bmwlovr]

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/neilche04/album?.dir=4d0bre2&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/neilche04/my_photos

BUY ME!!!

[biran]

Not enough room ... explain please? Andhow hard would it be to convert a M3 engine into a 320?
Thanks again,


P.S. Im going to keep asking stupid questions for a little longer.

[biran]

bmwlovr, where is that car? and how much USD do you want for it?

[SilverBeam]

8 grand won't buy you much in the world of M3s, either save up at least 12,000 or get a clean 328. BMWs are geared very nicely, you can't afford one with a 6sp, but because of th gearing, you dont' really need it. Gearing + vanos (variable valve timing) is a beautiful thing.

[organic///M]

welcome to bimmerforums

[mikese36]

:wavey Welcome

[///w3fl3x]

Not enough room ... explain please? Andhow hard would it be to convert a M3 engine into a 320?
Thanks again,


P.S. Im going to keep asking stupid questions for a little longer.
Do you mean to say a 3.2 liter engine?

M3 already comes with the 3.2.
The 95 came with a 3.0, but the 96+ all came with 3.2.

If you search or go to the e36 section all of these questions have been asked and answered a long time ago.