espo_18

Hey guys,
Sorry for the dumb question, I'm new to the BMW world, but I'm looking to possibly buy an M3. What is the differance between the E36 and the E46. Is it years? If so what is the range for each model? thank you.
Tim

BlOOe46

esentially, there are three generations of the ///M3

e30 m3 - 87~91
(american) e36 m3 - 95~99
e46 m3 - 01~06 (roughly)

basically with each new generation came a new body style, a more powerful engine, more luxury, and a departure from their racing heritage

(im assuming ur from america . . . if not, euro spec e36s came out a couple years prior to the american spec e36)

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espo_18

Thanks a lot! I think I'm going to get an E36, unless I get lucky enough for an E46

kaoru-tochiro

The racer boy prefers the e36 because of its road sensitivity, the e46 is heavier and more luxurious. If I had the money I'd get an e46.

ScorLibran

Consider whether you will want to mod the car after you buy it. Are you planning to track it? Even if not, but you still want to modify it like I did with mine, then you'll want an OBD-I E36, if you can find one.

To expand on what BlOOe46 said about the gens, OBD (on-board diagnostics) is associated with the type of emissions the car has. For US E36 M3s, the 1995 was the only OBD-I model (engine type W50-US-B30). 96-99 E36s are OBD-II (engine type W50-US-B32). E46s are also OBD-II.

OBD-I cars have a much less stringent set of emissions requirements than their OBD-II brethren, and therefore can be modded with freedom from dreaded CE (check engine) lights. If you try to mount a Euro HFM, or performance chip, or cam upgrade in an OBD-II car, basically the diagnostic system could freak out and give you the finger (by way of the CE light).

By contrast, I installed a Conforti Cold-Air Intake, Euro HFM, Conforti Performance Chip and Bosch 24-lb Fuel Injectors in my OBD-I 95. When I cranked the car, it gurgled for about 3 seconds while the fuel system re-pressurized, then ran nice and smooth...no lights at all. They were nice, easy bolt-on mods for a total of 32+ hp more than stock and about 2-2.5 more MPG (when I'm NOT standing on it!) The kit cost me about $1250 and took less than 2 hours of install time. Combined with the fact that my engine is balanced and blueprinted, I'm running ~285-290 bhp, and a 0-60 time around 4.9 secs I'd suspect.

I raced a stock E46 M3 coupe ('03 model) a month after I did my mods, he slightly missed one shift (1st to 2nd, took him just a fraction too long, IMO) and I ended up taking him by about 2 car lengths up to 90 MPH or so. E46 M3 coupes are rated at ~4.8 secs 0-60. Therefore, if he hadn't missed the shift, he'd probably have beaten me by about an equal distance, but you get my point about the possibilities of the E36 OBD-I platform.

There are fewer mods available for the E36 OBD-II, and many times 96-99 owners end up spending $1500 or so to do an OBD-I upgrade before they do ANY other mods.

There are even FEWER engine mods available for the E46, with Shark Injectors, cams and exhaust being about it.

My future plans for my M3 include Schrick cams, underdrive pulleys, performance exhaust, then brakes and suspension (I'd have done these last 2 first if I tracked my car). I'll end up with around 320+ hp naturally-aspirated, and will then be able smoke stock E46s anytime. 320hp>333hp? No, but my car is also a little lighter, has different powerband characteristics, plus I think God just loves OBD-I E36s more!

(Just kidding about that last part.) But seriously, a lot of people swear by the OBD-I E36. If you want to talk forced-induction, then you're REALLY talking about power! There are quite a few 400+ bhp OBD-I E36s out there surprising the hell out of Z06's and 911 SC's (for MUCH LESS money invested! (<$20,000 for car + ~$5,000 for restoration and blueprinting + ~$10,000 for F/I kit, installed = ~$35,000!)

Hope this helps with your decision.

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ScorLibran

espo_18

Man, a lot more complicated than Corvettes but that should mean the payoff is better. the research continues! Thanks a lot for all the info.
Tim

D2daT2daM

ha i wish i had the money to get a 1995 m3! rofl

Arcticfox

Originally posted by kaoru-tochiro
"The racer boy prefers the e36 because of its road sensitivity, the e46 is heavier and more luxurious. If I had the money I'd get an e46. "

That sounds kinda insulting. I love my e36. If that makes me a boy, I'll be a kid forever.

Anyway, I haven't driven the e46, but from what I've read, BMW regressed (just slightly) in the handling of the m cars. Most drivers concur that the e36 has better road feel and cornering stability.

But tell me that e46 isn't pretty! Can't wait to try one, with the paddle shifters that is!

rwm514

Could you explain what blueprinting is? I just bought a late 95 M3 with low miles. I plan to mod the hell out of it and may go turbo. I want to make sure the car can handle it before I drop the money into it.

BiMMa b0i M3

the thing that you have to remember is that you have to make sure that your car can handle being turbo especially the head gasket, if you want to go with a good turbo i highly recommend AA Stage1 or Stage 2 Gen 3 turbo, its a grip of money, but worth the power. if you do blow out the head gasket its going to cost a grip of money to get it replaced. good luck.