BMW M3 Evolution (E36): PH Carpool
The M3 lives on as a four-door only in 2014; here's a blast from the past in the same mould
Car: 1996 E36 M3 Evolution Saloon
Owned since: July 2013
Previously owned: "2009 Audi A5 2.0T Quattro, 2008 Fiesta ST, 2004 Fiesta Zetec 1.4"
Why I bought it:
"I 'needed' a driver's car and a project car. Ultimately the A5 while a fantastic car lacks driver appeal. Being a bit of a techie I had been hankering after a project car for some time. I'm keen to learn how to fix, repair and service things as well as find out how they work.
"I'd looked at classic Impreza turbos and DC2 Integra Type Rs. Any examples were well worn and not half the car the M3 is. This low mileage example popped up, I made the initial 'feeler' phone call, then had a think about it. I organised a suitable time to view the car, bartered with the owner over the following week, the man maths calculator was brought out and the car was mine that Saturday morning.
"Going through the history I have since discovered that the car was owned from new (for quite a few years), by my brother's ex-girlfriend's father. What a small world!"
What I wish I'd known:
"If I knew the community was so good, I probably would have made the jump earlier. I don't think there is anything I regret about buying the M3."
Things I love:
"The engine, it's so tractable, responsive and revs out beautifully. A work of art.
"The subtlety of the package. The saloon body with no spoiler is a bit of a sleeper. Actually the package in its entirety. A superb engine, great brakes, a good chassis with a mechanical set of controls. A very organic car in an ever growing digital age!
"The community that supports the car. PistonHeads [See Neil's project thread here for more - Ed.] and the M3 Cutters forums have been a great help.
"Learning about the car, its history and how it works. Spot the car geek! Switching off from the daily job, faffing about with the car in the garage is very therapeutic."
Things I hate:
"Greedy dealership parts guys and being addicted to buying parts on eBay."
Costs:
"Exhaust mounts, OEM head unit, service items (oil, filters, plugs, etc), subframe x-brace, Vanos upgraded seal and high tensile bolt kit. Pending costs are fuel filter, suspension, brake and wheel overhaul.
"The costs have been minimal so far. Dealerships can be expensive for parts at times, but bartering with the price or looking online can save quite a few quid."
Where I've been:
"I haven't actually driven the car much. Short trips after a fettle or on a nice day are always welcome. The best journey had to be a roadtrip with two mates, me in the 'loon, another in a 348 and another in a Boxster, epic cars and great roads, unbeatable.
"I'm usually too busying working or tinkering on the car to drive it. She is no garage queen, just being anal, I'm just keen to get her looking better than new, then I can relax and enjoy driving it."
What next?
"Continue improving the car... Drive her more, which I definitely will be doing next summer. Another toy to add to the fleet perhaps?"
Want to share your car with PHers on Carpool? Email us at carpool@pistonheads.com!
I own an old E30. The knowledge on the internet about keeping old BMWs in great shape is just immense.
Think I'm going to leave it without one........might even refit the retro lights!
For some reason the press were a bit sniffy about the four door at the time.
I could never figure out why - I love the idea of a more practical M3/M3 sleeper.
The only thing I never liked about the saloon was the seats, they should have had something like the coupés Vaders or even recaros; those fitted as standard were neither visually pleading nor as good at holding you in place.
Buy a good one, with full history, the vanos done (3.2) and non-rotten wheel arches, and it will be a great ride.
SWMBO still coverts an M3 coupe in Imola blue....
The only thing I never liked about the saloon was the seats, they should have had something like the coupés Vaders or even recaros; those fitted as standard were neither visually pleading nor as good at holding you in place.
Buy a good one, with full history, the vanos done (3.2) and non-rotten wheel arches, and it will be a great ride.
SWMBO still coverts an M3 coupe in Imola blue....
Don't worry I'm not going on the defensive... But I don't mind the sport seats at all and found them supportive enough.
I do agree re buying a good one. The vanos is over hyped really, catch it early if it is "going" and maintain it and you shouldn't a have a problem.
Wheel arches are a genuine issue, same as the E46. Thats one of my next jobs, properly treat the metal and seal it, so that the rust never decides to appear.
I'm sure there will be posts about the vanos, I'm not sure but I thought it affected the 3.2 not the 3.0, and that often updated bolts cure it (I'm sure there's a guy called Mr Vanos who repairs them with new bolts, updated seals etc)
It's nice to see you haven't gone for the later wheels, or out a boot spoiler on it, as I really like the stealth look of the standard car.
I'm sure there will be posts about the vanos, I'm not sure but I thought it affected the 3.2 not the 3.0, and that often updated bolts cure it (I'm sure there's a guy called Mr Vanos who repairs them with new bolts, updated seals etc)
It's nice to see you haven't gone for the later wheels, or out a boot spoiler on it, as I really like the stealth look of the standard car.
I'd had a few people ask if I'll be fitting the front splitter, spoiler etc... I agree the stealth look suits the car. The wheels, well I quite like them, so no wish to change them .
The window seals are a common item I believe.
They'll be different on the coupe, but basically need to replace all seals on either side. Anyone want to ship me some to Dubai??
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