e30 m3

[duke 0]

hey there.

Im wanting to buy an e30 M3, but im not sure how to know whether one is just a 325 with the m bodykit or the real thing.. sorry bit of a dumb question, im not to knowledgable on the subject.. thanks.

[Guest Spargo]

Rear arches aren't welded onto the body, they're part of the unibody

Rear screen is at a higher andle, making it a genuine coupe, rather than a 2dr saloon

all arches are metal

Wider front and rear bumpers

Higher bootlid, matches height of the rear screen

Quicker ratio steering rack (3.5)

Oil pressure gauge where the swingometer usually is

Rear seat is molded differently, only seats 2 people

um, 4 cylinder motor :jap:

dogleg box if from Euro, stock if from the states

Different suspension mounting points and geometry in the front

5 lug suspension

These are the most basic differences, but the M3 only shares 2 panels with a normal E30, so keep that in mind. If you write one off, your life won't be worth living. Juzzie however, will sing your praises (another 10K onto the price tag eh J?)

Also the M-Tech bodykit looks NOTHING like the M3 "kit". Time for some research, grasshopper.

[Grant 4]

Yes, Sam is right, you may need to do a bit of research first.

It seems a bit strange wanting something you seem to know very little about.

However I can guarantee when you learn more about them, you will then REALLY want one. They are one of the greatest BMW's in my opinion.

Where do you plan on finding one? They are rather rare in New Zealand, and most people who own them would never ever give them up.

Also have you got somewhere between $35,000 - $60,000 to spend on an 18 year old car?

Cheers

[Gus 5]

unless you mean an M325i......these are just a 325 with a body kit......theres a few around, check trademe and stuff

[Guest Andrew]

also expect to pay 30 k + for an M3 vs 10 k for an M325i

[Guest Spargo]

10K for an M325i? Tell him he's dreaming.

[bumpstop325 0]

2.3L or 2.5L DOHC 4 pot

eco guage replaced by Oil Temp not pressure. Im sure(not HIV 100%)

M3 will beat a 325 off the line but the 325 top end will reel it back in.

edit:(depends on the diff ratio in at the time, According to the BEN site)

Edited October 28, 2004 by bumpstop325

[E30-323ti 66]

OT:

M3 will beat a 325 off the line but the 325 top end will reel it back in.

Maybe if the M3 is knackered and the 325 is worked!!!

The 2.5l 6cyl is more likely to have the bottom end torque to surge ahead off the line where as the revvy 2.3l (or 2.5l) 4cyl will have the topend power to pull away once it is up and going.

[duke 0]

thanks for your replies.

[Juzzie Wuzzie 0]

Best of luck finding your M3. Remember, take your time, and do your research. Otherwise, you will end up disappointed. Also, before purchase, engage a specialist BMW mechanic for half a day to look over the car - just to make sure that nothing problematic is waiting for you around the corner as they are VERY expensive to fix / parts are limited.

J

[Grant 4]

Best of luck finding your M3. Remember, take your time, and do your research. Otherwise, you will end up disappointed. Also, before purchase, engage a specialist BMW mechanic for half a day to look over the car - just to make sure that nothing problematic is waiting for you around the corner as they are VERY expensive to fix / parts are limited.

J

Brilliant brilliant advice.

Cheers

[Juzzie Wuzzie 0]

If you write one off, your life won't be worth living. Juzzie however, will sing your praises (another 10K onto the price tag eh J?)

Not quite $10k, but approaching that.

[Deftones 0]

I've found BMW Registry a good website to see what the different models of E30 M3s there are, the EVO1, EVO2, Sport Evolution, Cecotto etc etc.