How US buyers got screwed over the E36 M3

Paul-Bracq-BMW · 09-12-2016, 09:56 PM

Pics of the E36 GT. Love it!

9iron · 09-12-2016, 09:58 PM

Serious question:

I drive an '08 E90 328i sports package/ 6MT. What car is more fun to drive..... my E90 with upgraded suspension or an E36 M3? Power production is similar.

I owned an '08 E90 M3 which was amazing, but wondering how the M3's of old compare to the base 328i's of today.

Paul-Bracq-BMW · 09-12-2016, 10:02 PM

Racing verion of the E36 GTR

[u2b]

[/u2b]

MSCD · 09-12-2016, 10:18 PM

Lived in the UK during the 1990's and was aware of the engine difference. Just brought BMW CAR magazine back and the August edition has the Australian M3-R very cool!

(thanks Nugget)

ec_E92 · 09-12-2016, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 9iron

Serious question:

I drive an '08 E90 328i sports package/ 6MT. What car is more fun to drive..... my E90 with upgraded suspension or an E36 M3? Power production is similar.

I owned an '08 E90 M3 which was amazing, but wondering how the M3's of old compare to the base 328i's of today.

I have fully loaded e92 m3 6mt and stripper sunroof-delete e36 m3 setup for street/track. They're completely different cars. E36 is so nimble/balanced/quick. E92 feels like a really good muscle car. Polar opposites and I love them both for different reasons. E36 is so rewarding and such an amazing car to "work" on a road course. I could mask so many driver errors with hp in the E92 that I decided to dedicate e36 to track use and e92 to daily for my own driver skill development. Will not part with either car.

Let me add the comfort and tech are light years ahead in the E90. E36 doesn't even have a legit traction control system and you're better off removing the system completely (secondary throttle body that chokes the intake). Also plastic interior is becoming fragile with age.

debom3 · 09-12-2016, 10:32 PM

Everyone knows the e36m is the red headed step child of the m3's. But you know what's awesome about the US market e36m....

No rod bearing issues!

I have almost 300k on a stock bottom end on my e36.

I believe what we lost in performance is made up for in reliability.

elons335i · 09-12-2016, 10:50 PM

This thread made me hit up the local list of Craig...

This one seems legit: http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/n...746494268.html

9iron · 09-12-2016, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ec_E92

I have fully loaded e92 m3 6mt and stripper sunroof-delete e36 m3 setup for street/track. They're completely different cars. E36 is so nimble/balanced/quick. E92 feels like a really good muscle car. Polar opposites and I love them both for different reasons. E36 is so rewarding and such an amazing car to "work" on a road course. I could mask so many driver errors with hp in the E92 that I decided to dedicate e36 to track use and e92 to daily for my own driver skill development. Will not part with either car.

Let me add the comfort and tech are light years ahead in the E90. E36 doesn't even have a legit traction control system and you're better off removing the system completely (secondary throttle body that chokes the intake). Also plastic interior is becoming fragile with age.

That is awesome! Very cool to be able to take both generations to the track.

Haywood · 09-12-2016, 11:18 PM

Looks like EAG has both CSL versions!

http://enthusiastauto.com/qsearch/?f...1D=19&1574_0=1

rjd598 · 09-12-2016, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doogee

Owned one and had a few rides in a euro (Canada got some).

The US spec is a glorified 328. Still fun, but it's not an M3.

damn for a glorified 328i it sure did beat a lot of nonglorified cars.

please don't misinform the forums with your "knowledge". by your logic an M2 is not a real M car either and fits the same bill as the e36 yet it has been stated to be the most "M" car BMW has put out in awhile. hmmmmm

ec_E92 · 09-12-2016, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Haywood

Looks like EAG has both CSL versions!

http://enthusiastauto.com/qsearch/?f...1D=19&1574_0=1

Not CSL, but the LTW "club racer" car. Aprox 85 were imported (actual number not known) only in 1995.

e92_m3 · 09-12-2016, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Haywood

Looks like EAG has both CSL versions!

http://enthusiastauto.com/qsearch/?f...1D=19&1574_0=1

Yup! Saw that one as well. Winning the Lottery would be so nice right now...

Paul-Bracq-BMW · 09-12-2016, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ec_E92

Not CSL, but the LTW "club racer" car. Aprox 85 were imported (actual number not known) only in 1995.

According to the M3 register, it was considered as the "CSL" internally. info below, with 126 built in total...

What is an E36 M3 Lightweight?
The M3 Lightweight (referred to internally as the E36 M3 CSL) is a special track-oriented version of the U.S.-spec 1995 E36 M3 coupe designed for serious driving enthusiasts. Though BMW of North America originally stated that just 85 M3 Lightweights would be produced, it has been confirmed that exactly 126 were ultimately built: Ten pre-production examples in January and February of 1995, plus one more in April of 1995, then 115 standard production examples between August and October of 1995. All Lightweights share their VIN sequence with the standard 1995 M3 coupe and were built in periodic batches on the standard 3 Series assembly line. They retained the stock 240-hp S50 B30 USA powerplant, though BMW NA claimed that all engines fitted to the Lightweights were tested to make sure they were operating at the top of the acceptable range. According to BMW figures, the M3 Lightweight weighs 2,950 lbs., 225 lbs. less than the regular M3 coupe. All M3 Lightweights were painted Alpine White III (300) and included the following special features:
-Shortened 3.23:1 final drive
-Aluminum doors
-Reduced sound insulation
-Stiffer springs and shocks from the European-spec E36 M3 coupe
-M shock tower brace
-Forged M Double Spoke alloy wheels (7.5x17-in. front, 8.5x17-in. rear)
-M3 GT front spoiler lip extension
-Standard M3 rear spoiler with integrated third brake light
-Chequered flag decals in BMW Motorsport colors on left-front and right-rear corners of bodywork
-"BMW Motorsport International" emblems on exterior door moldings, interior door sill plates, and trim panel above the glovebox
-BMW sport seats (manual adjustment) covered in Anthracite "Hurricane" cloth with red highlights
-Carbon fiber-look dashboard and center console trim
-Anthracite carpeting from the four-cyilnder E36 coupe
-Air conditioning delete
-Radio delete (pre-wiring for radio and two door speakers included)
-Sound insulation reduction
-Tool kit delete
-Console Valet delete

In addition, the following items were offered as special-order options that could be installed by the dealer:
-M3 GT-style adjustable rear spolier (with integrated third brake light)
-Lower chassis X-brace (for added stiffness)
-Upper strut tower brace
-BMW M oil pan and dual-pickup oil pump
-Ride-height adjustable suspension
-Cross-drilled brake rotors
-Adjustable camber plates

Haywood · 09-13-2016, 12:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ec_E92

Not CSL, but the LTW "club racer" car. Aprox 85 were imported (actual number not known) only in 1995.

Oh ok. Cool.

raysspl · 09-13-2016, 12:13 AM

Ya I believe it

ilya335 · 09-13-2016, 02:22 AM

Go to any track event and there is always some very very fast e36's.

Puryeah · 09-13-2016, 03:14 AM

A was shocked a few years ago when I found out the difference between the US and EU spec, we had a big advantage on that one

But hey, you buy all american muscle cars dirt cheap while we pay quite alot more over here.

Bosozoku · 09-13-2016, 03:32 AM

Drove a friend's E36 M3 back in the day. Fantastic car.
Lightweight, torquey but not a dragster, extremely agile and communicative.

Only bad thing about it was those ugly "M Mirrors."
Still a problem to this day.

SoCali E36 · 09-13-2016, 03:54 AM

Perfectly happy with mine

BEAM3R · 09-13-2016, 04:42 AM

Love my E36 M3.

IB M · 09-13-2016, 06:52 AM

Btw - actually thankful the US did not get those headlight washers. Look awful and I'd never use them.

kprocivic · 09-13-2016, 07:12 AM

My little money pit lol.

09-12-2016, 09:56 PM	#23
Paul-Bracq-BMW Moderator 4152 Rep 1,973 Posts Drives: 1981 323i, sports M5, LSD Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Australia iTrader: (0)	Pics of the E36 GT. Love it! Attached Images __________________ 1981 323i, 143 Kashmir-Metallic, 0094 Pergament, Sports M5, LSD.
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09-12-2016, 09:58 PM	#24
9iron Second Lieutenant 69 Rep 262 Posts Drives: 04 WRX Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Louisville iTrader: (0)	Serious question: I drive an '08 E90 328i sports package/ 6MT. What car is more fun to drive..... my E90 with upgraded suspension or an E36 M3? Power production is similar. I owned an '08 E90 M3 which was amazing, but wondering how the M3's of old compare to the base 328i's of today. Last edited by 9iron; 09-12-2016 at 10:02 PM.. Reason: added 328i
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09-12-2016, 10:02 PM	#25
Paul-Bracq-BMW Moderator 4152 Rep 1,973 Posts Drives: 1981 323i, sports M5, LSD Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Australia iTrader: (0)	Racing verion of the E36 GTR [u2b] [/u2b] __________________ 1981 323i, 143 Kashmir-Metallic, 0094 Pergament, Sports M5, LSD.
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09-12-2016, 10:18 PM	#26
MSCD Brigadier General 3206 Rep 4,036 Posts Drives: 328i Convertible Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: PA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 BMW 328i F31 S ... [0.00] 2012 BMW 328i E93 C ... [0.00] 2010 Subaru Legacy [0.00]	Lived in the UK during the 1990's and was aware of the engine difference. Just brought BMW CAR magazine back and the August edition has the Australian M3-R very cool! (thanks Nugget) Attached Images __________________ 2012 BMW 328i E93 \| Deep Sea Blue Metallic - 2015 BMW 328i F31 MSport Sports Wagon \| Alpine White - BMW CCA DelVal
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09-12-2016, 10:32 PM	#28
debom3 Private First Class 35 Rep 124 Posts Drives: 1997 M3, 2008 E90 M3 Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: San Luis Obispo CA iTrader: (0)	Everyone knows the e36m is the red headed step child of the m3's. But you know what's awesome about the US market e36m.... No rod bearing issues! I have almost 300k on a stock bottom end on my e36. I believe what we lost in performance is made up for in reliability. __________________ 2008 E90 6MT M3--------------------1997 E36 5MT M3
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09-12-2016, 10:50 PM	#29
elons335i Lieutenant 108 Rep 474 Posts Drives: E61 6MT SG \| Night Vision Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: usa iTrader: (0)	This thread made me hit up the local list of Craig... This one seems legit: http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/n...746494268.html __________________ ...
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09-12-2016, 11:18 PM	#31
Haywood I know a thing or 2 about a thing or 2... 3166 Rep 3,497 Posts Drives: E36 M3 Coupe, e39 M5, G26 i4 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: LI, NY iTrader: (11) Garage List 2025 BMW G26 i4 eDr ... [0.00] 2003 BMW e39 M5 [0.00] 1997 BMW e36 M3 [0.00]	Looks like EAG has both CSL versions! http://enthusiastauto.com/qsearch/?f...1D=19&1574_0=1 __________________ 2025 i4 eDrive40 Tanzanite Blue 2003 Le Mans Blue e39 M5 Dinan S1 1997 Alpine White e36 M3 (the old gal) 2013 Mineral White e92 M3 (sold) 2014 Carbon Black 650i M-sport (sold)
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09-13-2016, 12:13 AM	#37
raysspl Brigadier General 992 Rep 3,000 Posts Drives: walking, bicycle, & bus Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	Ya I believe it __________________ re
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09-13-2016, 02:22 AM	#38
ilya335 Second Lieutenant 181 Rep 282 Posts Drives: BMWs Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: West L.A. iTrader: (0)	Go to any track event and there is always some very very fast e36's.
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09-13-2016, 03:14 AM	#39
Puryeah Private 15 Rep 78 Posts Drives: E90 330iA Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Sweden iTrader: (0)	A was shocked a few years ago when I found out the difference between the US and EU spec, we had a big advantage on that one But hey, you buy all american muscle cars dirt cheap while we pay quite alot more over here.
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09-13-2016, 03:32 AM	#40
Bosozoku Almost completely sane 697 Rep 1,080 Posts Drives: '17 M2, '00 S2000 Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: SF Bay Area iTrader: (0)	Drove a friend's E36 M3 back in the day. Fantastic car. Lightweight, torquey but not a dragster, extremely agile and communicative. Only bad thing about it was those ugly "M Mirrors." Still a problem to this day. __________________ '17 BMW M2 (BSM 6MT Exec CarPlay, TechnicPnP ASD bypass, IND M Perf shift knob + keyhole cover, Pedal Haus pedals + heel plate, 3M CR90 tint, BavSound Ghost woofers, Racing Dynamics strut tower brace, Dinan midpipe, Turner intercooler) '00 Honda S2000 (Silverstone Metallic, black leather, factory titanium shift knob + front lip + trunk spoiler, front shock tower brace, front subframe x-brace)
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09-13-2016, 03:54 AM	#41
SoCali E36 BMW Client Advisor 1111 Rep 3,542 Posts Drives: X5 40e/e36 M3 Sedan Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Where the road takes me... iTrader: (10)	Perfectly happy with mine Attached Images __________________
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09-13-2016, 04:42 AM	#42
BEAM3R Private First Class 37 Rep 167 Posts Drives: 1M, E36 M3, 2002, 700, Isetta Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Sydney iTrader: (1)	Love my E36 M3. Attached Images
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09-13-2016, 06:52 AM	#43
IB M Brigadier General 2872 Rep 4,325 Posts Drives: 2013 M3 6MT Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: North Carolina iTrader: (1) Garage List 2017 BMW M3 [8.50] 2013 BMW M3 [10.00]	Btw - actually thankful the US did not get those headlight washers. Look awful and I'd never use them.
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09-13-2016, 07:12 AM	#44
kprocivic Lieutenant Colonel 822 Rep 1,575 Posts Drives: ecoboost s to the t Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: 92346 iTrader: (7)	My little money pit lol.
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