Most Desirable M3 Year - Page 3

Matthew · #31 (**permalink**) 02-18-2007, 02:39 PM

Having owned a '95 M3 for 4 years, and then a '99 for going on 3... '99 M3 hands down. Superior build quality, larger motor, tri-spoke steering wheel...

BadGTho · #32 (**permalink**) 02-19-2007, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by corwyn

It depends on what you want. The '95 has an OBD-I engine, but it's a 3.0L, and the benefits of OBD-I over OBD-II for modding purposes is debatable and also depends on how you're going to mod. The '96 is rare. '97 is the last year with the lux package. Later '98 and '99 add the side airbags, rear headrests, and the 3-spoke steering wheel.

In my book there really is no Best year.. only a worst. the 95s are far less relaible, more problematic and lack much of what i like about my M3.

96s are cool.. they are the "forgotten" M3 to many.

personally>? if i could have any E36 it would be a 98.5-99. the lighted shifter knob, 3 spoke wheel and rear headrests are very cool.

BadGTho · #33 (**permalink**) 02-19-2007, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by corwyn

It depends on what you want. The '95 has an OBD-I engine, but it's a 3.0L, and the benefits of OBD-I over OBD-II for modding purposes is debatable and also depends on how you're going to mod. The '96 is rare. '97 is the last year with the lux package. Later '98 and '99 add the side airbags, rear headrests, and the 3-spoke steering wheel.

Oh.. and Corwyn:

having seen your car, and knowing how pristine it is.. that pic in your sig really cracks me up.

i think its time for a CMT Bulletproof detail!

lowviscosity · #34 (**permalink**) 02-28-2007, 07:19 AM

I am getting a '95, seems to be the least problematic based on reviews but those can't always be trusted. Also it was in my price range, with 94k all maintnence records it was a daily driver of a broker who seemed to maintain his other cars well, he bought an Audi S4 since he said he picked up his kids more often. It was clean inside and out and drove solid, so I decided to get it.

BadGTho · #35 (**permalink**) 02-28-2007, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowviscosity

I am getting a '95, seems to be the least problematic based on reviews but those can't always be trusted. Also it was in my price range, with 94k all maintnence records it was a daily driver of a broker who seemed to maintain his other cars well, he bought an Audi S4 since he said he picked up his kids more often. It was clean inside and out and drove solid, so I decided to get it.

i am not sure where you read those reviews.. or who is pointing you towards that car, but actually that could not be further from the truth.

i have never read a review stating that.

the 95 is BY far the least reliable, most problematic E36 M.

95s have weak valve retainers that are prone to dropping into the motor and blowing it up.
in addition, certain colors have no clearcoat, they use a cheaper harder leather on the seats, the door panels in the non-lux M cars are plastic, not leather wrapped. the 95s have a rear speaker setup that makes doing RSMs a pain. they have a different/worse 5 spd than the newer M cars.

95s are structurally weak compared to newer E36 M3s. they lack front strut mount reinforcement, they lack rear floor pan reinforcement and the front framerails are not pre-tapped for the X brace.

i could go on and on and on and on.

personally, i would never buy a 95.

lowviscosity · #36 (**permalink**) 02-28-2007, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BadGTho

i am not sure where you read those reviews.. or who is pointing you towards that car, but actually that could not be further from the truth.

i have never read a review stating that.

the 95 is BY far the least reliable, most problematic E36 M.

95s have weak valve retainers that are prone to dropping into the motor and blowing it up.
in addition, certain colors have no clearcoat, they use a cheaper harder leather on the seats, the door panels in the non-lux M cars are plastic, not leather wrapped. the 95s have a rear speaker setup that makes doing RSMs a pain. they have a different/worse 5 spd than the newer M cars.

95s are structurally weak compared to newer E36 M3s. they lack front strut mount reinforcement, they lack rear floor pan reinforcement and the front framerails are not pre-tapped for the X brace.

i could go on and on and on and on.

personally, i would never buy a 95.

Always second guessing myself, oh well I saw this after researching a bit http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...p/t-60902.html
Not too worried...but its better to be safe than sorry.

BadGTho · #37 (**permalink**) 02-28-2007, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowviscosity

Always second guessing myself, oh well I saw this after researching a bit http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...p/t-60902.html
Not too worried...but its better to be safe than sorry.

i'd be worried.

CMT · #38 (**permalink**) 02-28-2007, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BadGTho

i think its time for a CMT Bulletproof detail!

I taught Corwyn everything I know. He is a Master in his own right.

Although I have learned a few thangs about Alpine White since this past season that I've been itching to try out. Know anyone with that color?

BadGTho · #39 (**permalink**) 03-01-2007, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CMT

I taught Corwyn everything I know. He is a Master in his own right.

Although I have learned a few thangs about Alpine White since this past season that I've been itching to try out. Know anyone with that color?

hmm i just might know a guy.....

you'll have to demonstrate your methods my man.