doing my research

[firefly948]

I'm looking at buying a 1995 M3, and I figured this would be a goofd place to get some info about it, because you are all M3 drivers. It's an inline 6 with 240 hp, and 238 lbs torque. it weighs 3,100 lbs. Is this all correct, different web sites are giving me different specs.

Also, is there anything that is inherent in the b30 motor (I think that's the right model engine)that I might have to fix? Is there any specific mileage that I shouldn't buy it past? About what mileage would I have to rebuild. How reliable are they? How easy is it to mod the engine...is it easy to get big hp #'s out of it?

Please just post any info you think I might want to know...I'm doing research out side of the forums, but as M3 drivers, I respect your opinions and experiences as the most accurate and valuable. Thanks.

[DinanM3_S2]

Your specs are right for the US Spec M3 Engine. The Euro spec is a bit stronger. While im 90% sure that the full title of the US E36 M3 engine is M50 B30/M52 B30, most people refer to them as the M50/M52 (us) or S50/S52 (euro).

Only major problem that I know of that is common is a bad water pump and maybe a bad fuel pump. Of course you should run an inspection before you buy any BMW. They aren't very expensive and they can save you a bunch. You don't want to buy someone else's problem.

Now the best part of this car, modifying it . The E36 M3 is generally considered the best BMW ever made for tuners. Heres some links to some tuning companies and my favorite cars.

http://www.automotivearticles.com/Da...5_BMW_M3.shtml
Fastest E36 I've ever seen. Dado's from DTM Power and Teckademics

http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/213766
#1 M3 on cardomain.com 416hp

http://www.dtmpower.net/featured_car/featuredcars.html
buncha DTM Power featured cars

www.dinanbmw.com
tuning company that did all the mods on my E46

http://www.activeautowerke.com/main.cfm
tuner that makes a mean E36 turbo. Stage 2 = 430hp @11 psi, ~$10g

http://www.bmpdesign.com/
another seller of aftermarket parts