Advantages: So easy to drive well Disadvantages: So easy to drive badly
and handle. They have real credibility to those in the know.
My M3. It's an E36 3.0. That means it's the single VANOS engine rather than twin as in the 3.2. This means it's much more reliable. (the vanos is a bit of clever cam timing wizadry that retards the cam timing at low revs to make it run OK slowly. It costs £1200 to fix). There is virtually no power difference between the engines though the 3.2 has a 6 speed box (not as strong as the 5). Most track guys go searching for the single vanos motor. You can dump the vanos, put schrick cams in the car and a carbon box, make a real 330-350 BHP and have £3.5K less in your bank, just don't tell your other half!
The dampers get soft with age - stick some Bilsteins in their place. The catalytic converter can fail - £250 from catman. The suspension bushes can wear though they are cheap as chips from ...
ultimamike 19.07.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of BMW M3
Advantages: Fast, reliable, good handeling, comfortable, looks evil, solid build, smile factor Disadvantages: expensive to maintain and run, steering wheel is a bit big, long gear throw
Bmw E36 M3 evo saloon
I love my M3 evo, 90k on the clock so far FSH and still on the same healthy sounding vanos unit. Ive always had quick cars but this thing is awesome. There are a few updated items on the 3.2 E36 M3
including bigger brakes from the M5 6, speed box and bigger 3.2 twin vanos engine giving a massive 321bhp.
Beware though this car cant be run on a shoe string budget. my spends so far
1) new suspension and bushes standard boge set up £1000
2)gear box selector seal £150
3) inspection 2 service £850 which has highlighted that the vavles will need re-set in about 20-30k at a cost of £400
4) Its going in in two weeks to get the vanos serviced ,new mesh oil filter, solinoides cleaned and longer BMW bolts fitted to the front plate at a cost of £150
And if that troublesome vanos unit goes im looking a £1500 ...
reidtastic 11.07.2008 (07.07.2008)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of BMW M3
Advantages: Good motorsport feel Disadvantages: Pricey, can get stiff neck, driving at speed
At first glance there doesn't seem anything special about it, but I have to admit it does look better than the average BMW. That's when I noticed the lower front spoiler, the wider wheel arches that hide the wider axle. Believe, I couldn't go wrong with 20 18 inch rims,...can I ? Then there's that little hump on the bonnet to make sure there's enough room for the bigger engine. At closer inspection I noticed the M3 nostrils on the front fenders...and the emblem on the back on the car that says EMMMM 3 !...but the most distinct characteristic I like lies below the emblem...it's the beautiful 4-pipe organ ( twin exhaust ) which plays the most wonderful sounds known to BMW kind !...no not the church organ...but this one vroom-VROOM !! (get it ?!) Once inside I noticed the usual BMW leather upholstery, a little chrome polish here and there ...
joeyhey2007 22.10.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of BMW M3
