E36 M3

[macca13]

I have been looking for a new/old car and basically want a car that will do everything well (easy to please aren't I ) so far the M3 is coming out in front but I have a few questions.
Can you spend all day in the M3 and still walk that night (try this in a WRX)?
Will track work destroy it?
Does it have predictable handling (this is why an older porsche is out)?

any other opinions on the E36 M3 especially from people that have used one as a daily driver and on the track.

Thanks

[morerevsm3]

Hi, I have a '94 M3, it is my only car apart from van supplied by company for work use, nearest race track I have been on is 4hr drive away, I leave early in the morning, drive to the track, sometimes towing a trailer with race rubber in it, change wheels when I get there, drive around track all day, then drive home again, in the last 12 months, I have done 4 days on skidpan,a day at winton, a day at phillip island 2 days at mallala, 2 hillclimbs and about 40 passes at drags, I have not had any mechanical failures, although I could get the original clutch to slip. these cars are firm, but comfortable enough tp drive long distances, I have driven to Adelaide, dropped my kids off and driven home same day a couple of times (550ks each way) M3's are extremely predictable and forgiving in handling characteristics, albeit with too much understeer built in for my liking, but I rectified that with Noltec adjustable caster/camber plates, factory X brace (from a convertible) and I had my Bilstein shocks rebuilt and revalved stiffer as well (my car has M3R coilovers, which are also a much stiffer spring rate than standard M3) when I get to the track, I am not exactly gentle on the car, I ran 3rd outright at a hillclimb in the wet to 2 4wd turbo cars, 2nd outright at last bmwccv motorsport round, run very low 13's at drags etc, have a look at these and you will see what I mean http://www.e36fanatics.net/media/vid...A_morebeer.mov
http://www.burnoutsunlimited.net/vid...Picture199.MOV
http://www.burnoutsunlimited.net/vid...Picture200.MOV
http://www.burnoutsunlimited.net/vid...Picture202.MOV

[peterz]

well you've sold me. I must find 40k.

[NMJ-045]

Having owned both an M3 and a few WRX's I agree 100% with morerevsm3.

The only advantage a WRX has is it is cheaper in the long run (And of course if you are chasing massive power its much easier and cheaper in a WRX).

Yes more stuff brakes on a WRX but if you tend to break something on a BMW it’s expensive. (However im sure a few people might disagree)

And to those people who say a WRX is quicker in the wet... I give them this:

http://www.zero45.com/videos/m3vswrx.avi

[GazM3]

The m3 is a great all rounder as alan said. its very versatile and will give good levels of performace, and is pretty reasonable on fuel. As others have said it has inhernat understeer, so you can improve on the inherant hadling with fitting some adjustable suspension bearing plates, and an under car factory x-brace (which it doenst come std with).

As for power they are fairly highly tuned cars from the factory, but you can unlock around 30odd rwkw by fitting the right combo of exhaust/intake/and chip, making it a pretty quick car.

I guess if looking for -ves with the M3, they are few, but prob the major -ve compared to the WRX is the cost of extrating serious power out of it. Rear tyre wear can be high (the tyre wear fairy strikes again) and i guess if you are slack on maintanance and break something, well then you will be kicked in the financial testicles really hard.

[macca13]

Thanks for the advice, My main concerns were comfort on long trips and durability, the two things that let the WRX down plus everybody wanting to race at lights. Maintenance isn't a problem until the computer starts to come into it. And until you notice the M badge it makes a good sleeper. looks like the hunt is on.

[NMJ-045]

Good luck with the hunt! Just be carefull there are a few dodgie M3's out there.