95 vs. 97

Hi guys, first of all, i'm not very familiar with M3s. I previously owned a 1995 3000GT VR-4 which was recently totaled because somebody hit me into a telephone pole. Anyways, I'm looking for a new car, and I really like the M3. I've read that they're pretty reliable, and they're not too expensive either, considering how nice of a car they are. What I was wondering was whether there was a difference between, say, a 95 and a 97 M3. Also, is there a difference in speed between a 95 and a 97 four door? does the four door add more weight and make the car slower, or is it pretty much the same speed? Any advantages to any years or anything? Thanks.

Oh also, one more thing. How are these cars in the snow? I know they're rwd. If you put some snow tires on all around, and don't drive too fast are they pretty good? Thanks.

The main differences in the US M3s are that the 95 has a 3.0L and OBD1 and the 96 and up have a 3.2L and OBD2 yet all have 240hp stock. You'll get better results out of the OBD1 per mod than a OBD2 with similar mods or so I have read.

As far as the 4door performance goes they are about the same as the coupe. I asked a friend of mine what the performance difference was if any between the two and this is what he told me.
The performance was the same between the coupe and the sedan. However, I prefer the seating position of the coupe and race seats are much easier to install in the coupe.

I see, thanks for the help. So are the back seats significantly bigger in a four door M3 than in the two door one? Also, does anybody know how these would be in the winter with some snow tires? Thanks.

Also, is 75,000 miles too many for a 95? How about 85,000 for a 97? Thanks.

I have a 1995 M3. The car is the same all the way to 1999. Whats different? A few things... Besides the ODB1 and 3.0 L engine, it doesn't have traction control. I believe it's not an option. So for snow you need one with traction control to be safer. RWD doesn't do good in any wet surface. The 1999 has a 3 spoke steering wheel and side impact airbags. More money to fix if you ask me. The 1995 has 8x17 in wheels all around. The later years have staggered wheels, 8 1/2 in back and 8 in front. This also makes a difference in how stiff the car handles. The sway bars are a bit different to fit the wider tires. The 4 door doesn't have the nice looking vader race seats. To be honest....4 doors and an automatic don't belong on this car. thats why for 1993-1995(Euro Spec) and 1995, 1999 they only have 2 door manual available. 1996-1998 has the 4 door automatic option. So you have different seats that don't look as nice as the 2 door. After market parts are more expensive to put on a OBDII than ODBI. Do you homework...the same remus exhaust may cost $900.00 for 1995 ODBI as opposed to $1,200.00 for ODBII. Same company same product...it's like that for all the parts...I've checked. Hence why I baught the 1995 model. Damn why spend 23k for a 1999 when I spent 12k for mine. Looks like new, only 69k miles, loaded, tint, clears all around, and someone put a $3,500 system in it. So I hope this gives you a bit more insight on the differences. I mentioned the 1999 over the 1997 because they are the same except for the steering wheel. I've driven all years from 1995 to 1999 when I was test driving them.

Wow! Thanks for all the great info. I'm not so sure about an M3 now though. I know they do cost a lot to maintain and fix, and I don't want to have to worry about that. Thanks again though.

Wow! Thanks for all the great info. I'm not so sure about an M3 now though. I know they do cost a lot to maintain and fix, and I don't want to have to worry about that. Thanks again though.
Just remember that M3s have been known to last up to around 200K miles when properly maintained. That is more than you can say for a lot of cars. Just make sure that you have someone you can trust look over what ever you think about getting. Even dealerships sometimes do a half-assed inspection so DO NOT take thier word for it.