E46 M3 or Turbo E36 M3

[Todd]

I am debating to turbo my '98 E36 M3, or sell it for an e46 M3. Any Opinions?

BTW - The turbo kit would probably be mech tech, since its CARB legal.

[Brad D.]

Originally posted by Todd
I am debating to turbo my '98 E36 M3, or sell it for an e46 M3. Any Opinions?

Hmmmmm.....well I guess after we just talked on the phone you know my opinions already!

[Kevlar]

Turbo E36

A stage 1 or 2 E36?

Stage 1 E36 m3 or E46 m3 = e46 m3
Stage 2 E36 m3 or e46 m3 = e46 m3

Hey I'm bias since I have one...

[Todd]

Stage 2 w/ HKS AFR module.

[CadenceX]

e46 m3,naturally aspirated power

[elmercc]

For me, that would be a no brainer! Definately the e46 m3!!

[Todd]

I think I am leaning towards the e46 m3. An e36 turbo is faster almost all around, but the e46 provides total turn key power, and with a warranty. My decision will be made tomorrow, when mech tech sees if they can get Brad's car running right.

[slvr98 M]

Whats wrong with Brads car. Share it with us.

[Excidium28]

Turbo E36!!!!!!!!

[Brad D.]

My car is detonating a little..SO..back on the dyno it goes so Karl at Active Autowerke can burn me a new chip. It happens under 3/4 throttle in 4th and 5th gears on the freeway.

Time to remap that fuel and timing curve a bit.

[RightM3]

Turbo E36 without any hesitation.

[Brad D.]

Oh let me just add one more thing. The E46 is an amazing car with an amazing engine, and yes I am all for normally aspirated power.

I'll tell you one thing though. When you feel an E36 putting out over 350 lb/ft of torque out of a 6 cylinder engine, you WILL be amazed. The god damn thing pulls so hard in 5th gear its like 3rd gear used to be.

[Dinan540i]

I like my powered delivered naturally, I've driven many turbo cars and never liked the lag. The E46 M3 is also superior in many other ways and when it comes to resell your car, the Turbo M3 will be worth nothing. If you have a special affection for the E36 though, it would still be a good choice. Yet, the Turbo has its upsides as well, when it finally kicks it's quite a ride, just not the linear acceleration you get with na.

[onebadm5]

hmm, depends on my priorities

if i wanted an all out track car, E30 M3

if i wanted a decently priced car with a lot of aftermarket appeal, E36 M3

if i wanted a badass looking car loaded with techo gizmos and such, E46 M3.