How US buyers got screwed over the E36 M3

[David70]

Originally Posted by Jamese93

If I may just make the point, the US got them ridiculously cheap (as you always do you lucky buggers...) and therefore many of you could afford a car which for example many of us Brits at the time could not. It's therefore not all that bad is it? Plus whichever way you look at is the e36 coupe is a good looking car...

Good point. We got "screwed over" by paying less for less of a car. Some here forget that if we had gotten all of the items Europe got we would also have had to pay for it.

[COChris]

Huge surprise that wasn't produced by an American.

[CanAutM3]

I remember this all too well

While I appreciated the E30 M3, it left me slightly unimpressed. In the early '90s, there was this doctor that competed with us in time attack events that showed up in a brand new red E30 M3, it was just stunning . However, I could totally spank it around the track with my modded MkII VW GTi.

It is the EU spec E36 M3 that got me totally in love with the M3 . My uncle worked for BMW Canada (motorcycle division) and always got cool loaners from BMW. He often was kind enough to let me test drive them. In Canada, in 1994, we were lucky enough to get a limited import run of a few EU spec M3 with the 3.0L 286ps engine. My uncle showed up at my dad's place with one. When he pulled up in the driveway, he revved the engine and spun the wheels just a bit. The sound of the engine was mesmerizing. I was in total awe . While I was drooling all over it he tossed me the keys . That test drive was complete bliss and swore to myself I would get an M3 someday .

Fast forward a few years, and BMW Canada announced that they would be starting to sell the E36 M3, albeit the US version. As soon as they showed up at the dealership, I asked for a test drive. What a disappointment. While it still was a very enjoyable car, it left me on my appetite. It had none of the magic that I had experienced a few years earlier. Since an M3 was quite a financial stretch for me in those days, I decided to pass.

A few years later, the news came that BMW would be making a single M3 for the world market with the E46. That got me excited again. When the specs were released, I had a deposit down for my first ///M car ever; which I received almost a year later. While we got short changed on the brakes in NA for the E46, everything else was perfect . I have been hooked on M3/4s ever since .

[Nugget]

Originally Posted by MSCD

Lived in the UK during the 1990's and was aware of the engine difference. Just brought BMW CAR magazine back and the August edition has the Austrian M3-R very cool!

*Australian

M3-R[edit]
Fifteen M3s were ordered by BMW Australia in 1994 to race in the Australian Super Production series. All were delivered to Tony Longhurst Racing for final preparation by the Frank Gardner run team. Eleven were made available to the general public (who had to possess a CAMS license to be allowed to buy one), while four were retained for the race series. The M3-R had locally sourced King springs fitted to Group N adjustable struts and rear perches, AP Racing twin plate clutch and four piston brake calipers, dual pickup sump, an oil restrictor in the head, A C Schnitzer cams, a 3.25:1 ratio medium case diff and M5 driveshaft, cold air snorkel into air filter box replacing left hand fog light, non functional rear seat, air conditioner delete and more aggressive tune, GT front splitter and rear spoiler with extensions and gurney strips. This was the most powerful production E36 made with 240 kW (326 PS; 322 hp). A bolt-in FIA-approved roll cage was also a factory option (locally produced by Dencar) there were several differences between the cars depending on customer requirements, early numbers had non-staggered BBS wheels, later had staggered BBS wheels (individually numbered plaque fitted to centre console below emergency brake lever)

Just had two M3-Rs recently pop up for sale for ~AU$65k.
For context I bought my 1994 M3 (pictured below) last year for ~AU$13k.

[MSCD]

Originally Posted by Nugget

*Australian



Just had two M3-Rs recently pop up for sale for ~AU$65k.
For context I bought my 1994 M3 (pictured below) last year for ~AU$13k.

Thanks Nugget - got to love auto correct! Hope iOS 10 leaves me alone!

Awesome looking car!

[NickyC]

E36 M3 was my first ever BMW, Hellrot red. It was a fantastic car, only sold it to get a Z3M.

I still take an E36 M3 over an E46 M3, or that poker E90 M3 disaster. The car was an absolute hoot, and the styling looks awesome to this day.

[bmwmnation]

Man we really did get screwed

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by Paul-Bracq-BMW

Canada got the "real" one. For once it was better treated by BMW than the US...

Only for one year though...

As I posted previously, once the US spec E36 M3 was released, the same watered-down version was sold in Canada . We also never got the 321ps 3.2L version.

[techwhiz]

I'm not sure how "screwed" we were.
My 3 series progression was E30 M3 -> E36 M3 -> Current e90 335.
The E30 was an unmitigated blast! I had Borla exhaust, and all kids of other stuff. The one thing about that "proper" and hand built M3 that I don't miss is the cost. Everything was more expensive. I do mean everything.

So going from the E30 to an E36 M3 (US Version) was great. Better brakes, better amenities and less cost. It drove great and shared enough parts with the regular E36 that repairs didn't break the bank.

It was a great car but I couldn't justify an E90 M3 when I sold it.
Just the "M-Tax" for insurance in California is crazy.

So while the individual throttle bodies and six speed of the euro M3 were great.
I did not miss the expense. I lived that with an E30.

[vdude]

Lol - even though I got screwed over (as the video pointed out by featuring my "lowly" Boston Green E36), I still like the e36 a lot and consider it a keeper. Each gen has a unique personality that sets it apart. Though it could definitely use more power....

[marcva]

Originally Posted by MSteve5036

when you get excited to see an e36 m3, it matters that it is actually an m3. There are tons of e36's around, but m3s kept relatively stock are harder and harder to find.

True. I've always evolved my cars. I haven't proactively changed a lot, but as things get tired, I'll replace with, "better." to keep the relationship fresh.

At 100k replace shocks with Konis (Lot of HWY driving).
X Brace is a pretty standard update to stiffen the car.
at 120k when a coil spring snapped, I put in Dinan springs instead of stock. Just a tad firmer with same balance.
Ellipsoids are a given in this car
Installed the Understeer shift kit with a custom "weighted" select lever to shorten throws without being notchy. ZHP weighted shift knob.
I have a recaro SRD on the drivers side for comfort and control on track days, plus my drivers seat bolsters hold up much better when I don't use them.
I drive in a hands free state and upgraded to a bluetooth head unit in the car with stock coloring. Added alpine amp and real speakers. i have the stock head unit for purists, but it's really hard to leave bluetooth once you have it.

The car came with an ECIS intake, and I bolted on a Stromung because I, 'love the way she screams in bed' I have the stock exhaust and intake if a follow up owner wants them...If I ever sell.

[FrankiE90]

I like getting screwed in this e36 m3 sedan.
been my daily for the last year.
honestly like it -
was cougar life but now she's a hot slut in heels, that needs to shave her coochie.
starting to become one of my favorite bimmers.

#S52PAC

[Haywood]

Originally Posted by FrankiE90

I like getting screwed in this e36 m3 sedan.
been my daily for the last year.
honestly like it -
was cougar life but now she's a hot slut in heels, that needs to shave her coochie.
starting to become one of my favorite bimmers.

#S52PAC
Attachment 1494827

Wow! Beautiful build.

[WestBankM4]

Wish I never sold mine! I had a 1995 M3 3.0L Alpine White.

Ended up being gutted, caged out, flared out, and sitting on 335's front/back square setup.

Miss this car genuinely. True story, didn't realize I had a blown head gasket, drove it down to the track, completed my track day, and limped her home with frequent water stops. She never let me down.

[///M Ryder]

Originally Posted by Analog Imports

Hey Phil, on a side note, do you have any threads on your GT4? Congrats on the upgrade!

Thanks for the luv........here you go........Phil

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1264389

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1286477

[Analog Imports]

Originally Posted by ///M Ryder

Thanks for the luv........here you go........Phil

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1264389

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1286477

So awesome man, congrats. Great write up and comparison. Are you on rennlist?

[///M Ryder]

Originally Posted by Analog Imports

Are you on rennlist?

Yeah.....same name.............Phil

[W///]

Great to see current and ex E36 M3 owners.

I am completely happy with my US spec version. I bought it to be a reliable bulletproof car that was not a maintenance hog. As everyone knows, the S52 does that very well, and it's in a chassis that is ridiculously friendly and balanced.

Personally, I have no interest in adding power mods to mine any time soon. That thing has actually plenty of torque and is my current DD. I really don't have any interest in adding an E46 M3 to my current fleet to be honest.

I got super lucky and found this well cared for Techno Violet/Dove/5MT 1999 coupe only 10 miles from my place! She's been a great car so far, and for the money, I struggle to think what else I'd rather have: