New To M3's.....Couple Q's

[FTYM3]

Hi guys just a few Q's about the M3's (E36) and a little bout myself.

Well as you can see Im new to M3's, will be looking to buy in the spring sometime. Ive allways loved the lines of BMW especially the E36. How reliable are the motors after 80k? How well do the later 97-99 M3s take to mild tuning, exhuast intake and EM?

Im a former PCA member and have allways had a Porsche for the past ten years and have recently sold my 911. Ive also owned an STi a WRx a 944 and an Audi A3 and my current DD is an A4 Avant. After looking around I cannot fathom spending 20G for an old subaru or Evo. After a bit of investigation I found that E36s run in between 10-15 for one in good shape. How will this car compare to the cars Ive owned? I absolutely love the lines and I know that the car is pretty quick as is.

Thanks guys....-chris

[bhallid]

Looks like you have owned some nice cars and some fast cars. The 911 and the STi were probably faster, but most of us don't buy the M3 just for speed. Don't get me wrong its quick, but its not a quarter-mile car for the most part. This car will handle as well as your 911 and IMO make you smile a little more. I like Porsche and know they are great cars, I have just talked to quite a few people who have driven both and really enjoy the BMW. My .02

[wsmc831]

motors are fine, just like most other well made cars they last if you take care of them. Plenty of common issues with e36's, all documented very well here. Coming from Japanese cars as I was it was pleansantly suprising to find they are also pretty east to work on. You might see 300 rwhp with every add on, any more and you'll need to go F.I.

Just spend a day going over the board and the stickies, tons of information here. They're not drag cars but for an old car they still drive incredibly well. Weren't voted the 97 Best handling car at any price for no reason.

[FTYM3]

Yeah not a drag race kinda guy...Ive tracked the 944 at Limerock and Pocono north...Loved it. The 911 was track prepped but was sold becuase Im afraid of a 12G engine rebuild. Want a car that can be flicked sideways once in a great while and that is quick enough to merge with traffic thats all I ask for. Love the styling...love the way the engine sounds..Im pretty much sold on one. Thanks guys!! Ill post pics of the cars Ive owned when I get enough posts.

[DoublinUp]

sounds like you havethe right attitude...haha. im fairly new to M's also and for the money i couldnt be happier!

[M3MPHIS]

I've only had mine for less than 24 hours and LOVE IT!!! If you can find one in good shape like I did, GO FOR IT.

[M3zie]

The motors are rock solid, in my experiences. The things that go bad are usually smaller/annoying things. Suspension bushings/links, digital climate controls, speedo dark spots etc.

[scr]

Its a great car. I've owned my now for over 2-years and love it. One item you may consider investing in is the book "101 Performance Projects For Your BMW 3 Series 1982-2000". It is available from Pelican Parts. There are plenty of routine maintanance items in the book.

[live2roll]

just like with any car if the engine hasn't been taken care of then there will be problems. your best bet is to find the lowest mileage you can and stock, because the chances of it being overly abused will be less. ive owned several of these and they are one of the best cars out there

[ZLUJ]

history of the car is what you need to look at, as well as allo the cooling components.

[rodney817]

got my M in October and i dont think i will ever buy anything other than a bmw ever again... nothin but smiles when i drive my car. you wont regret it

[97E36M3forlife]

Got the M to replace my wifes totaled accord

We got it in december and since then she has only driven it a couple times. :)

Its too much of a blast to drive. I Hate when I have to drive the blazer around now.

[varmint007]

Just got one a month ago and I love it.

I also had an wrx for 4 years and an sti for 2. My reasons for buying it are very similar to yours. I needed something that was balanced, fast enough to be entertained, and a great handler. And I've loved M3s for 10 years:)

Make sure to drive a bunch of 'em - they can each have their own very different personalities depending on mods, maintenance, previous owner, etc...

I haven't regretted it for a second, good luck!

[ZLUJ]

Just got one a month ago and I love it.

I also had an wrx for 4 years and an sti for 2. My reasons for buying it are very similar to yours. I needed something that was balanced, fast enough to be entertained, and a great handler. And I've loved M3s for 10 years:)

Make sure to drive a bunch of 'em - they can each have their own very different personalities depending on mods, maintenance, previous owner, etc...

I haven't regretted it for a second, good luck!

nicely said.

[FTYM3]

My minds made!!! I cant wait....

[honda954racer03]

my M is the first car ive ever owned and everyone comes to my house and says ur car is twice as nice as ur parents haha, also love working on it, driving it not so much cause twisties and curves are tempting, I get alot of tickets