'96 M3 vs. 97'-99' M3

[PourkyM3]

Hey wasup everyone. I'm looking to purchase an M3 really soon hopefully before Xmas. I want to know is there really much difference from the '96 M3 compared to 97'-99' M3's? I've found M3's for all these years but I need to know if I purchase a '96, is there any difference from 97' and up? Thankyou.

[PourkyM3]

I know the '97's and up have all the computer looking center console (like the Air Conditioning, radio, etc.), but what about the '96, are they like that too? I had a '95 and the air conditioning wasn't computer type, it has the knob turning and that kind of stuff.

[shatoon]

the engine on them are the same. They all have a 3.2L inline six. The only diffrence is that the side marker on the 96 has black plastic around it, like the 95 m3. Also the front kidny grill is flat opposed to the 97 and up ones where they kind of come out a bit. Other than that they are the same. Also 96 and 97 dont' have the back head rests, and side airbags. But the 98-99 have the side airbags and the back head rests. Also the 99 have the three spoke stearing wheels. Which look pretty damn sick.

[PourkyM3]

Really, thanks. What other little or big differences are there from the '96-'99 M3's?

[///3oris]

Originally posted by PourkyM3
I know the '97's and up have all the computer looking center console (like the Air Conditioning, radio, etc.), but what about the '96, are they like that too? I had a '95 and the air conditioning wasn't computer type, it has the knob turning and that kind of stuff.

The '96's DO have the digital climate control... it's only the '95's that are different. But I would prefer manual over digital anyway...

Shatoon pretty much named all the differences I can think of... the only other thing, is that '96s did NOT have automatics... that wasn't an option, also, '96 didn't have a sedan option... only coupe...

I believe that's about it... everything else is minor stuff that doesn't matter..... such as wiring harnesses... etc... but mechanically, they're the same.

Boris

[PourkyM3]

Well that's perfect I dont want a sedan or an automatic. I'm all for the coupe and 5 speed. Also one more question...Should I purchase the car before the year ends or should I purchase after Jan 2003, would the price of the cars come down after the year is over or what? Thanks.

[Baby M3]

That's a pretty good summary of the difference between 96 and 97-99 M3s.

One thing though, the three spoke steer wheel was standard on 98 M3s made after Fed. or Mar. 1998.

Also, luxury package on coupe was available only in 1995 and 1996. 97' up coupes were never available with them.

Jon

Originally posted by shatoon
the engine on them are the same. They all have a 3.2L inline six. The only diffrence is that the side marker on the 96 has black plastic around it, like the 95 m3. Also the front kidny grill is flat opposed to the 97 and up ones where they kind of come out a bit. Other than that they are the same. Also 96 and 97 dont' have the back head rests, and side airbags. But the 98-99 have the side airbags and the back head rests. Also the 99 have the three spoke stearing wheels. Which look pretty damn sick.

[euphoria]

Originally posted by shatoon
the engine on them are the same. They all have a 3.2L inline six. The only diffrence is that the side marker on the 96 has black plastic around it, like the 95 m3. Also the front kidny grill is flat opposed to the 97 and up ones where they kind of come out a bit. Other than that they are the same. Also 96 and 97 dont' have the back head rests, and side airbags. But the 98-99 have the side airbags and the back head rests. Also the 99 have the three spoke stearing wheels. Which look pretty damn sick.

no, 95 M3 has 3.0L M50 engine...96+ has 3.2L M52

[///95M3-R1]

I think he meant the engines for the '96 compared to the 97-99 M3, he didn't mention anything about 95. Read the topic carefully, he was responding to that.

[euphoria]

oops my bad...sorry d00d!

[PourkyM3]

Now is it better to purchase a BMW M3 before Dec. 30, 2002 or to get one after Jan 1, 2003. I've heard buying a car in December is usually the best time to get one, but also I know that prices of cars drop too. Could you give me some advice of when to purchase the M Power...Thanks.

[postmaster]

there isn't much difference between '96 and 97'-99'
this thread should be more concerned about '95 and '96-'99

[Vitolo]

Originally posted by Baby M3
97' up coupes were never available with them.

Yes they were. 98+ were not

[LagunaSecaBlue]

96 has a 94/95 style sideblinker and the older style grille... also they had the old plastic waterpumps.

if i wasnt going to get a 95 (95 is my first choice) i would get a 97+, just my opinion.

[yotone]

i think in 97 they started offering big warranties.