Posts: 3
Registered: Jun 2001

posted 06-11-2001 05:04 PM            

---

Okay everyone bear with me, this is another help me buy an M3 post, sorry! What are the major differences that occured throughout the E36 M3's production span. I know in '96 the 3.2L was added. And in '98 side air-bags were added. However, thats the extent to what I know. I was reading a "cars.com" review for the '99 M3 and it had said that the 3.2L had variable timing. Was this something new for the '99 model, and if so did it increase the performance at all? Basically, I'm asking for some input on which model year I should consider. Were there significant changes on the interior or exterior throughout the '96-'99 years. Your input would be greatly appreciated, plus it will save me some time (and hopefully money). Thanks in advance!

------------------
I will dance, I will laugh, I will communicate, I will cooperate, I will participate, I will motivate...

IP: Logged

Posts: 2
Registered: Jun 2001

posted 06-12-2001 03:59 AM            

---

Hi there, I am from south Africa and here in SA the first M3 introduced in 93 was the 3.0 litre 5 speed version coupe, it came with standard electric sports seats (sport seats like that in any ordinary 3 series) and in 95 a german spec version came out that had the recaro sport seats (looked sort of like porsche type seats) and front and passenger airbags. In 97 an M3 evolution was introduced and here we just got the sedan version. Cosmetic differences were the clear indicator lenses all round, Wood trim interior, polished rims and side splitters on the front spoiler that made reduced ground clearence. The major improvements were the 3.2litre motor and 6 speed transmission which translates to (321 bhp 228kw) 0-60 miles in 5.4sec as compared to the 3.0 litres 5.9 sec (i think its 5.9 secs, could be wrong). The 97 M3s had double vanos. Here in SA though beacuse of our fuel we got a slightly detuned version of the M3 evolution (0-60 in 5.6 sec) but one of the local newspapers tested the M-coupe, M3 3.2, M3 and new M5 in a 1/4 mile dash. the m-coupe was quickest, 0.1 s slower was the m5, another 0.1s slower was the M3 3.2 and another 0.2 or 0.3s slower was the M3 3.0. In my view the M3 evolution would be the better buy, stick to the manual version ... apparently the auto versions in europe are expensive to maintain

IP: Logged

Posts: 3
Registered: Jun 2001

posted 06-12-2001 09:55 AM            

---

Aw man, if we only had it so nice here in the U.S. The E36 M3's that came over had to be de-tuned to 240hp, with a 5 speed tranny. So, essentially from '97 on, they are the same cars? At least for the model you guys get. Did you hear anything about variable timing on the '99 models? Thats really bugging me. Thanks!

------------------
I will dance, I will laugh, I will communicate, I will cooperate, I will participate, I will motivate...

IP: Logged

All times are ET (US)