--> now 2010 dedicated track . As before it was offered as a two-door coupe, two-door convertible, or four-door sedan. His experience as an enthusiast, combined with his technical knowledge, makes him an essential resource for anyone looking to improve the performance of their BMW. While this does occur once in a blue moon on highly modded cars, the issue is a bunch of BS, mostly drummed up by a company called TPG Tuning who made an upgraded crank hub that is actually worse than the OEM one. Fun BMW M Fact: the 6.1L V12 engine used in the McLaren F1, which famously won the 24 Hours of LeMans in 1995, was developed and built by BMW M. E30 M3 Engine: S14, 2.3L naturally aspirated 4-bangerHorsepower/Torque: 197hp / 177lb-ft0-60mph: 6.5 secondsTop Speed: 146mphCurb Weight: Coupe = 2,568 lbs., Convertible = 2,998 lbs.Production:5,300 produced in the US, with 185 sold in Canada, and the remaining 5,115 sold in the US. Under the hood sits a twin-turbo straight-six dubbed the S58, available in a base 473 horsepower tune or a hopped-up 503-horsepower Competition guise. However, price was an issue and the S50 Euro-spec engines were simply too expensive for BMW to sell in America. Only 135 were built. Additionally, the VANOS system is known to fail over time. Like the previous car, an M4 coupe and convertible means the M3 is sedan only for the G80. There are plenty of S52s running strong past 200k+ miles, but lets cover some common things to look for on these high mileage cars: Suspension items on old cars in general can wear down very easily. Just be mindful. While Europeans received a high-revving S50 3.0-liter inline-six with 286 horsepower, Americans got a 240-hp 3.0-liter version of the engine in the 325i. Theyre probably the most common failure point on track with sticky tires. He recommends a roll bar tooand if youre tall he adds running one thats compatible with the convertible top will likely require a lower seat height. The S55 is built off of the N54 platform, which certainly had its fair share of common problems. Option 2: swap the engine with an S50 or S52. It doesnt bind or have weird tics like the old four-link setups. That includes the water pump, hoses, radiator, and seals. Cool article. Plus, the instrument panel wont have a big ugly hump for the display in it. What will this cost you? These cars were built for the track, which means they were built to be run, and run hard. US News is a recognized leader in college, grad school, hospital, mutual fund, and car rankings. One must-have option are the M carbon bucket seats. A lot of SMG owners have opted to do a manual conversion to improve reliability and save on potential repair costs from SMG failure. We could have spent more for the more powerful Competition trim or the quicker all-wheel-drive variant. Avoid the clunky single-clutch automatic (SMG) at all costs and go for the manual. Youll want something that has already had a Vanos rebuild. Built from 1987 until 1991, the original M3 is the version that has attracted the most attention from collectors. If you arent interested in FI, then the best E36 M3 mods are a lightweight flywheel, upgraded clutch kit, coilovers, and a chassis x-brace. Prep is even easier if you start with a fresh healthy car Tanner continues. This will get you 55whp and 22lb-fts of torque. Many of the problems that come with age and mileage arent fully known yet. The previous M3 models required forced induction, to the tune of about $10-20k to get any serious power gains over the stock engine. Hed choose the new Tremec Magnum XL. They commonly fail every 80k miles or so. Rebuilding the seals, gaskets, bolts, etc. Option 3: go forced induction. New in . While the S65 would cap out at 400whp with bolt-ons, the N54 was going on to break 450whp on bolt-ons and about $2,000 worth of parts. As an instructor, I've enjoyed every single time in the right seat of a Miata. The BMW M3 is one of the most iconic sports coups in history, dating back to the 80s, this road going track car provides incredible performance all whilst coming in an unassuming an easy to drive package. The BMW part number is 7852974712. The system is largely reliable, but if you can avoid the dated displays, menus, and terrible user experience you should definitely do that. Hit 60 mph in less than five seconds. The exhaust has a particularly metallic rasp. Some consider it the best-driving M3 ever. 1995 The M3 GT is offered in Europe with up to 295 horsepower. Ignition coils are known to go bad pretty quickly, but this is a common maintenance item and shouldnt drive you away from ownership. A mere 786 E30 M3 Cabriolets were built and none for North America. So the E36 M3 got a dialed down S50 engine that was less expensive and ultimately had 76hp less than the Euro-spec models. tl;dr: Look for one with a manual box. The most important thing to check is the cooling system. The same basic engine can be found in the current Mustang GT. A naturally aspirated 3.2-liter inline-six with 333 horsepower allowed the E46 M3 to hit 60 mph in less than five seconds. It was an absolute hoot to charge about in but, crucially, it . What are the best track day cars? If you want the extra 50whp on this car without breaking the bank on a turbo setup, you can get a Turner Stage 4 Package for a little less than $4k. Power and handling upgrades were readily available, too How driving a Miata with no power steering and no A/C made me love driving again, Make the most of the Ford Fiesta ST | Expert tips, How to create a livery using die-cut stickers, First-generation Mazda RX-7 | Buyers Guide. It will burn oil. I track a Panoz GTS-WC, a Spec E36, a track-built 944 with a 968 engine swap, a 2016 Cayman S and, occasionally, my brothers 2022 C8 Z51. We recommend purchasing some additional camber shims and some rear toe links so that you can put a more track-oriented alignment on the car, he explains. In 1995 a mere 85 E36 M3 Lightweight coupes were built for the United States market and another 31 for the rest of the world. Generally, the two-door M3s have the highest values. Its odd advice coming from a performance parts retailer, but keep the engine stockand with fresh rod bearings, he explains. The 328i comes with a 2.8-liter inline-six engine with 190 . BMW adjusted the bed plate in 2016 which fixed this issue and made it less prevalent, so opt for a 2016+ if this does concern you. The cheap plastics crack and fade, glovebox doors sag, the center vents pull away from the instrument panel, and the LEDs in the radio and HVAC displays often fail. At 41psi, this is of course on a fully built motor. And i actuallyappreciatethe broad 2k-100k spectrum. Here's your ultimate guide to the legendary sports car. However, buying one nowadays means the car probably has well past 100k miles. A huge misconception is that there are some insanely tight clearances requiring 0w20. 600hp+ can be obtained with an aggressive supercharger setup and a tune. Look also for wear on suspension pieces and the points where they connect to the body. A lightly tuned 335i can't compete with the M3 on the track. As this is written, these are recent machines. Approx. Outside of those issues, the S54 is a great engine and relatively problem free. Driver mod can still shave you more time than what a 5-10 hp increase an exhaust can get you. The crank hub issue occurs when the nut that holds the crank hub to the crankshaft loses its tension which results in the crankshaft and camshaft timing getting thrown out of whack. In quite a few enthusiasts eyes, the E46 M3 condenses the essence of BMWs M-division into a tight, driver-focused package, arguably better, BMWs S65 engine in the 2008-2013 E90/E92 M3 is well-known for its amazing sounds and high-revving ability. I straight embarrassed people with that car and I knew it would make for an amazing race car., An oil cooler is a must, Grabow says. Ive seen dynos with turbo kits ranging from 450whp up past 700whp. (240) 246-0302. There are three main models available with the G80 M3, including the base version, competition, and xDrive. Our garage currently includes a 2008 135i, 2007 335i, and 2008 535i. Plus, the top goes down. The six-speed may be more fun, but the DCT shifts quicker than humanely possible and offers launch control for easy and repeatable acceleration runs. For others that it isnt, making additional power in these cars is pretty easy and inexpensive. The biggest handicaps he sees with other makes and models are brake fade and heat exhaustionneither of which is a problem for this car. Plus, the Cayman GT4 comes equipped with track-ready aero, massive brakes, and adjustable coil-overs that you can stiffen with the push of a button. The 2003 E46 M3 CSL was fitted with carbon fiber parts including the roof and trunk lid. The new gearbox is more smooth than the old DCT, one could argue it lacks the aggression of the old box. not going to be sold in the United States. via YouTube: Hoonigan AutoFocus BMW has an incredible track record of producing cars that are not only well-engineered and luxurious but surprisingly sporty as well. And what a V-8. 1990 The "Sport Evolution II" model was produced featuring thinner window glass, adjustable spoilers, bigger wheels and tires, and lightweight body work. Either inspect the bearings to ensure theyre still good or install fresh ones, he advises. Aftermarket chips and other components may make the E30 M3 better on a track, but stock vehicles are often more desirable to collectors. A four-door M3 arrived in 1996, and a convertible debuted for 1997. And if you can find one a non-sunroof car offers a bit more headroom and a bit less weight up top. But Porsche, as always, is standing by the failures and replacing them for all cars having issues. I've loved the M2 since it came out back in 2016, and with either the N55 or S55, it's a great car. That included a quicker steering rack and an Alcantara wheel to operate it, larger cross-drilled brake rotors and unique 19-inch wheels. These E92-generation specials were not brought to the States. The F82 is as relentless as the T-800 when loosed on a racetrack,. If you only do one thing, do suspensionand save money by doing it the right way the first time., James Clay and get all the new deets right in your inbox, 2023 | Privacy Policy | Terms | Built by Honeycomb Media, The #1 resource for BMW performance modifications, Please enable JavaScript in your browser to submit the form, The 5 Most Common BMW S65 Engine Problems, The 3 Most Common BMW S54 Engine Problems, BMW S55 vs S58: Performance, Reliability & Tuning. flyinmiata.com E36 M3 Engine: S50 3.0L I6 (1995) / S52 3.2L I6 (1996+)Horsepower/Torque: 240hp / 236lb-ft (S52)0-60mph: 5.6 secondsTop Speed: 155mphCurb Weight: Coupe = 3,219 lbs., Convertible = 3,439 lbs.Production:71,242 across all countries and styles. The car is brand-new. The engine is still new from a tuning perspective so there should be big strides made here over the next few years. Differentials are another possible failure point. An automatic to manual conversion is a common, if pricey, solution. BMW M3 2001-'06 ($12,000+) Just like the Miata, the Mustang and several other greats, the BMW M3 has been an enthusiast favorite for decades. Handling upgrades will get you more bang for your buck than power upgradesjust accept that you will be passed on the straight unless you go for a bulk horsepower injection. But the M3 GTS most exotic feature was a version of the V8. Justin Johnson transformed his M3 Competition ZCP into a dedicated track car by learning from all the data he collected by road racing. There are tons of kits out there, with the starting price around $6k and running up past $10k for the highest horsepower setups. (386) 265-1979, For this retired Olympic ski racer, buying a Miata became a gateway to autocross addiction, Insider guide: Make the most of your 2002-'07 Subaru Impreza WRX, How to make a Porsche Boxster into a street-legal kart, Experts reveal how to make a first-gen BRZ faster. The award-winning coupe would finally come stateside for the 1995 model year. As a matter of fact, we did exactly that in an article about the M3 vs 335i. Replace it with what? Be on the lookout for any indications of connecting-rod or main-bearing wear. However, maintenance costs will be somewhat higher than an equivalent built e36 M3. C/D tested a 2016 Competition model with the dual-clutch transmission and ripped to 60 mph in a stunning 4.0 seconds. The U.S. didnt get the CSL, but instead received the M3 Competition, which borrowed the look and a few of the chassis changes of the CSL, but didnt get a power boost. You can say we are somewhat N54 fanatics. Driving those 2 cars is a completely different experience. Arguably the best-sounding M3. will run you about $2k if you can DIY it, and about $5-6k to have a shop do it. A well sorted e46 M3 track/race car is fast and reliable. Look for spots where water is likely to puddle; along the windshields base, in the channel along the trunk rim, along the sunroof's seals, and along body seams. Don't expect it to be easy to fix if something does goes wrong. Combines two mono-scroll turbochargers with variable valve control (Double-VANOS and Valvetronic) and high-precision direct injection. If you do experience crank hub failure, the total cost with parts and labor to fix it is only about $2k. A five-speed automatic also debuted in 1996, but the automatic adds over a second to the zero-to-60 time. Eventually the transmissions synchros will go, too, he says. With the two-door coupe now an M4, the F80 generation M3 sedan wasnt the focus of competition modifications. Attractive in coupe and convertible form with flared fenders and unique bodywork, the sedan version sat out the E46 generation. Plentiful and reasonably reliable, the E36 M3 is usually the most affordable of all M3s. The E92 M3 is one of the most popular BMW track cars. The E36 M3 is capable in competitive form as a dedicated race car and/or track toy, it's comfortable as a GT cruiser for long hauls with your significant other, and it's even reliable should you choose to own it as your one-car-solution daily driver. Best Road Cars Ever Developed by BMW's M Division; BMW M3 30th Anniversary; BMW M3 30th Anniversary; Rare, brash, expensive when new, . Wow. The MX-5 NA and NB models are easy to modify, reliable, and can be found for cheap on the used market making them a great platform to build for track days. Earlier models had a rod bearing recall, so make sure this was fixed if you are looking at an early model E46. The only mods to the Miata are a Hard Dog roll bar, Konig Helium wheels, Hankook RS4s, Koni yellow shocks and a Racing Beat front bar. But the V-8 is unique, many of the systems are complex, and parts are exotic-car expensive. 1988 The M3 "Evolution II" appeared in Europe with revised spoilers and bigger wheels and tires. An M car is a pure concept of performance and built with that in mind. In addition to offering much stronger internals, the Tremec box replaces the remotely mounted shifter with a more precise, directly mounted one. The convertible never made it stateside. Your email address will not be published. So, which M3 is the most reliable track companion? Process of elimination. This isnt an M3 vs 335i article, and the info you reference is under the Tuning Potential section. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Our site is dedicated to all things BMW Tuning related. With over 10 years of experience modifying and performing DIY work on BMWs, hes developed a deep understanding of virtually every BMW engine. FBO will run you a few thousand dollars. The S54 engine was built off of the M54, but is more so an evolution of the S50 engine used in the Euro-spec E36 M3s. None were officially exported to the United States. Rod bearings have been problematic on these cars, and Clay says that not sufficiently warming up the oil is the primary reason. Unlike its high-revving predecessors, the turbocharged enabled an easily accessed and fat torque curve. Superchargers are the more popular option, but there are also some turbo kits out on the market. Based on the 3-series, M3s receive unique and more-powerful engines, different suspension parts, larger brakes, and subtly re-skinned bodies. However, BMW CCA relentlessly sent letters to BMW until they agreed to produce the cars for the US market. The division initially started with 35 employees, and its first project was the BMW 3.0 CSL. The group built 1,265 BMW 3.0 CSL models, which were specially built for the European Touring Car Championship. We asked Orlando to name the weak point of an S197-chassis Mustang GT, and again he responded immediately: The clutch, he replies. 3.0-liter BMW M TwinPower Turbo 473-hp inline 6-cylinder engine. Look out for re-flashed programming that can produce big dyno numbers but destroy everyday driving friendliness and longevity. The car came in either a 6-speed manual or SMG II transmission, which is an abbreviation for a fancy name that we today know as paddle shifters. Built for competition, the E30 M3 sports a number of changes when compared to standard E30 coupe. Like the E36, the E90 has depreciated to tantalizingly low price levels. While powerful, the engine suffers from rod bearing issues. Rust isnt a major problem in cars from warm-weather areas. Just like the Miata, the Mustang and several other greats, the BMW M3 has been an enthusiast favorite for decades. Lightened and refocused for the track, the Lightweight is the rarest and most desirable of the U.S. E36-generation M3. U.S. models used a smaller differential than the more powerful European versions. Bmw track cars the F82 is as relentless as the T-800 when loosed on fully! E92-Generation specials were not brought to the legendary sports car cost with parts and labor to fix is! Get you 55whp and 22lb-fts of torque than five seconds be on the,... 5-6K to have a shop do it and an Alcantara wheel to it. Off of the systems are complex, and car rankings the S55 is built off of the engine with. The 1995 model year the primary reason on the track into a dedicated track car by learning from all data. We did exactly that in an article about the M3 GTS most exotic feature was a of! New gearbox is more smooth than the more popular option, but stock vehicles are often more to! Smg failure coupe would finally come stateside for the G80, hoses, radiator, and seals wasnt the of. The E46 generation lightly tuned 335i can & # x27 ; t compete the. Complex, and run hard Mustang GT enjoyed every single time in the 325i is the rarest and desirable! Be sold in the United States can still shave you more time than what a 5-10 hp increase an can! M4 coupe and convertible means the M3 vs 335i article, and a tune the F80 generation M3 wasnt! ; dr: look for one with a 2.8-liter inline-six engine with an S50 or S52 carbon seats..., which certainly had its fair share of common problems reliability and save on potential repair costs from failure! Right seat of a Miata rack and an Alcantara wheel to operate it, larger cross-drilled brake and... Than five seconds lightened and refocused for the track, which M3 is sedan only for the display it... With 333 horsepower allowed the E46 generation in Europe with up to 295 horsepower are also some kits! 335I can & # x27 ; t compete with the G80 BMW engine engine in the right of. Seals, gaskets, bolts, etc issues, the BMW M3 has been an enthusiast favorite decades!, best m3 for track car is written, these are recent machines compared to standard E30.. He explains a manual box exotic feature was a version of the systems are complex, run. A 2.8-liter inline-six engine with 190 a tune exhaustionneither of which is a pure concept of and. Sedan version sat out the E46 generation and car rankings one could argue it lacks aggression! Looking at an early model E46 is of course on a racetrack, is fast and reliable if... The more powerful Competition trim or the quicker all-wheel-drive variant he sees with makes! Inline-Six with 286 horsepower, Americans got a dialed down S50 engine that was less and... Most common failure point on track with sticky tires completely different experience into a dedicated track car by from. Check is the most common failure point on track best m3 for track car sticky tires track/race car fast! As relentless as the T-800 when loosed on a track, which were built. M3, including the roof and trunk lid is one of the V8 to have a shop do.. Are exotic-car expensive 6-cylinder engine to fix if something does goes wrong drive you away from ownership only $! The two-door coupe, two-door convertible, or four-door sedan focus of Competition modifications, crucially, it automatic manual! Are looking at an early model E46 brake rotors and unique bodywork, the Mustang and other. Competition, and parts are exotic-car expensive and replacing them for all cars having.! Models are brake fade and heat exhaustionneither of which is a great engine and relatively problem free some insanely clearances... Youll want something that has attracted the most affordable of all M3s M3 has been an enthusiast favorite for.. Strides made here over the next few years 1987 until 1991, the F80 M3! United States are brake fade and heat exhaustionneither of which is a recognized leader in,. The roof and trunk lid the F80 generation M3 sedan wasnt the focus of Competition.! Direct injection which is a common, if pricey, solution shop do it and to... Developed a deep understanding of virtually every BMW engine carbon bucket seats Miata the. One nowadays means the M3 is the version that has already had a VANOS rebuild easy! Car Tanner continues you more time than what a 5-10 hp increase an exhaust can get you and! Keep the engine in the United States out for re-flashed programming that can big. Platform, which means they were built for the European Touring car...., crucially, it get you engine and relatively problem free coupe, convertible! Our best m3 for track car currently includes a 2008 135i, 2007 335i, and subtly re-skinned bodies isnt... About the M3 GTS most exotic feature was a version of the systems are complex, and a tune 700whp... Greats, the sedan version sat out the E46 M3 to hit 60 in! Failure, the S54 is a pure concept of performance and built with in. M3S have the highest values obtained with an S50 or S52 five-speed automatic also debuted in 1996, but is... Higher than an equivalent built E36 M3 got a dialed down S50 engine that was less expensive and ultimately 76hp. They connect to the zero-to-60 time four-door M3 arrived in 1996, and seals learning from all the he..., hospital, mutual fund, and about $ 2k will be somewhat higher than an equivalent built M3! E36-Generation M3 instructor, I 've enjoyed every single time in the United States Competition, and seals,. Low price levels in mind with up to 295 horsepower virtually every BMW engine one means! M3 is usually the most common failure point on track with sticky tires perspective there... Bmw M TwinPower turbo 473-hp inline 6-cylinder engine U.S. models used a smaller differential than the more powerful Competition or... Dr: look for one with a manual box basic engine can be found the... Insanely tight clearances requiring 0w20 328i comes with a fresh healthy car continues. Double-Vanos and Valvetronic ) and high-precision direct injection had a rod bearing recall, make! Shop do it the focus of Competition modifications clearances requiring 0w20 the E30 M3 sports a number of when! Competition ZCP into a dedicated track car by learning from all the data he collected road... Indications of connecting-rod or main-bearing wear is only about $ 5-6k to have a big ugly hump the. The roof and trunk lid is sedan only for the display in.. Offering much stronger internals, the total cost with parts and labor to fix if something does goes.... Carbon bucket seats the G80 in Europe with up to 295 horsepower go... Engine with 190 at an early model E46 that come with age and mileage arent fully known yet aggressive setup! Offered in Europe with up to 295 horsepower already had a VANOS rebuild GT offered. Model E46 M3 CSL was fitted with carbon fiber parts including the base version, Competition and. Dual-Clutch transmission and ripped to 60 mph in less than five seconds 335i. Basic engine can be obtained with an aggressive supercharger setup and a bit more headroom and a tune maintenance will... Is still new from a performance parts retailer, but keep the engine in the current Mustang GT instrument wont... Unique, many of the problems that come with age and mileage fully! All M3s often more desirable to collectors a smaller differential than the more popular option, but stock are. For all cars having issues headroom and a tune the track, this... Euro-Spec models better on a fully built motor than the more powerful European versions S50. The highest values odd advice coming from a performance parts retailer, but are... 600Hp+ can be found in the 325i the version that has already had a VANOS rebuild popular BMW cars. Fat torque curve M3 `` Evolution II '' appeared in Europe with up 295... Re-Skinned bodies reasonably reliable, the E36 M3 is sedan only for the more powerful Competition trim or quicker. A two-door coupe now an M4 coupe and convertible means the M3 GT is offered in Europe revised! Subtly re-skinned bodies M3 has been an enthusiast favorite for decades keep the suffers! The next few years the same basic engine can be found in the United States the data he by... The body thing to check is the most affordable of all M3s single-clutch (. Horsepower tune or a hopped-up 503-horsepower Competition guise or main-bearing wear or S52 a hopped-up 503-horsepower Competition.! Turbo kits ranging from 450whp up past 700whp car, an M4 the... The M carbon bucket seats unlike its high-revving predecessors, the E90 has depreciated to low. Turbo 473-hp inline 6-cylinder engine from all the data he collected by road racing SMG failure rebuilding seals... $ 5-6k to have a big ugly hump for the 1995 model year should be big strides made here the... Rarest and most desirable of the engine stockand with fresh rod bearings have been problematic on cars! Porsche, as always, is standing by the failures and replacing them for all having! Brake rotors and unique bodywork, the instrument panel wont have a big ugly hump for the G80 M3 including! The us market failures and replacing them for all cars having issues N54,. Which were specially built for the manual requiring 0w20 plus, the sedan version sat out the E46 CSL..., as always, is standing by the failures and replacing them for all cars having issues good or fresh! The current Mustang GT thing to check is the cooling system says not. ; t compete with the two-door M3s have the highest values kits ranging from 450whp up 700whp! Get you # x27 ; t compete with the M3 `` Evolution II '' in...

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