Lets talk E36 vs E46 for a track car
Discussion
I have a 36 M3 and have raced a 36 328 so I’m biased but………….
The biggest/only pace restriction on a 36 is tyre size as far as I can see. Pretty much everything else has been developed for the 36 in terms of powertrain, suspension etc. But if you want big widths the 46 accommodates better.
Possibly the 36 can be modified but I am not sure, possibly it doesn’t actually need the same width to do the same pace.
But 36s are still racing competitively against current machinery and 46s in power/weight classes, there’s not much else from the 90s that is.
The biggest/only pace restriction on a 36 is tyre size as far as I can see. Pretty much everything else has been developed for the 36 in terms of powertrain, suspension etc. But if you want big widths the 46 accommodates better.
Possibly the 36 can be modified but I am not sure, possibly it doesn’t actually need the same width to do the same pace.
But 36s are still racing competitively against current machinery and 46s in power/weight classes, there’s not much else from the 90s that is.
To me it doesn’t make sense to sink a load of money making a 3-series a lot quicker than what you have now. I would suggest you fix and enjoy the E36 and then when you want a speed upgrade go to a caterham.
The thousands you will spend on upgrades and running costs can finance a £20k caterham easily, which is quicker, can do more track miles every day and hold their value.
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/18532050
Or a hot Honda Elise or VX220 turbo etc for something with more crash safety and/or usability.
The thousands you will spend on upgrades and running costs can finance a £20k caterham easily, which is quicker, can do more track miles every day and hold their value.
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/18532050
Or a hot Honda Elise or VX220 turbo etc for something with more crash safety and/or usability.
I guess I m partly qualified to answer having owned E36 M3 Evo and E46 M3. Both modified and tracked but not dedicated track cars. I ve had something like 5 friends with E92 M3s in various flavours so have a reasonable amount of seat time in those too.
If it were my money I d be buying an E92 M3 or even an F82 M4 and doing less mods. Brakes, suspension, tyres and seats. I d probably go DCT. Main reason for me would be the speed difference. E92 is a step up and the F82 cars are miles faster, particularly if you tune the motor.
I know not that helpful an answer !
If it were my money I d be buying an E92 M3 or even an F82 M4 and doing less mods. Brakes, suspension, tyres and seats. I d probably go DCT. Main reason for me would be the speed difference. E92 is a step up and the F82 cars are miles faster, particularly if you tune the motor.
I know not that helpful an answer !
Edited by Tommie38 on Sunday 27th July 14:36
Tommie38 said:
I guess I m partly qualified to answer having owned E36 M3 Evo and E46 M3. Both modified and tracked but not dedicated track cars. I ve had something like 5 friends with E92 M3s in various flavours so have a reasonable amount of seat time in those too.
If it were my money I d be buying an E92 M3 or even an F82 M4 and doing less mods. Brakes, suspension, tyres and seats. I d probably go DCT. Main reason for me would be the speed difference. E92 is a step up and the F82 cars are miles faster, particularly if you tune the motor.
I know not that helpful an answer !
Is faster always 'better' though?If it were my money I d be buying an E92 M3 or even an F82 M4 and doing less mods. Brakes, suspension, tyres and seats. I d probably go DCT. Main reason for me would be the speed difference. E92 is a step up and the F82 cars are miles faster, particularly if you tune the motor.
I know not that helpful an answer !
The E36 is almost a sweet spot for chassis weight and with any 2.5+ 6 cylinder, it's plenty fast. It's easy to keep upgrading the platform, but having something a bit more affordable is not without merit on track days.
Digga said:
Tommie38 said:
I guess I m partly qualified to answer having owned E36 M3 Evo and E46 M3. Both modified and tracked but not dedicated track cars. I ve had something like 5 friends with E92 M3s in various flavours so have a reasonable amount of seat time in those too.
If it were my money I d be buying an E92 M3 or even an F82 M4 and doing less mods. Brakes, suspension, tyres and seats. I d probably go DCT. Main reason for me would be the speed difference. E92 is a step up and the F82 cars are miles faster, particularly if you tune the motor.
I know not that helpful an answer !
Is faster always 'better' though?If it were my money I d be buying an E92 M3 or even an F82 M4 and doing less mods. Brakes, suspension, tyres and seats. I d probably go DCT. Main reason for me would be the speed difference. E92 is a step up and the F82 cars are miles faster, particularly if you tune the motor.
I know not that helpful an answer !
The E36 is almost a sweet spot for chassis weight and with any 2.5+ 6 cylinder, it's plenty fast. It's easy to keep upgrading the platform, but having something a bit more affordable is not without merit on track days.
I forgot to mention, I also had a stripped and caged E30 about 20 years ago as well. No heater, I remember freezing on the way to track. Been there and done it…
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