E34 M5 3.6 or 3.8 ?

[dp400]

Can anyone tell me apart from the obvious difference in dispalcement, what are the main differences between a 3.6 and a 3.8? Are they both 6 pots and why do the 3.6's seem to be considerably cheaper than the 3.8's. Also does anyone have any experience in running a 3.6 every day that they would like to share with me.

Im looking for an everyday car and am having trouble making up my mind between an M5 3.6 or 3.8, or a E36 M3 3.0 or 3.2 Evo.

Any help appreciated.

[spokey]

dp400 said:

Can anyone tell me apart from the obvious difference in dispalcement, what are the main differences between a 3.6 and a 3.8? Are they both 6 pots and why do the 3.6's seem to be considerably cheaper than the 3.8's. Also does anyone have any experience in running a 3.6 every day that they would like to share with me.

Im looking for an everyday car and am having trouble making up my mind between an M5 3.6 or 3.8, or a E36 M3 3.0 or 3.2 Evo.

There were some improvements in the 3.8, such as the Nurburgring suspension option and the floating brakes that make the 3.8 slightly more competent than the 3.6. I run a 3.8 as a daily driver and I'm not sure I'd commend it, because it really begs you to thrash the tits off it. It also hides speed very well when you aren't thrashing the tits off it, so you really have to keep an eye on how fast you're going.

Very well made car with a nice big boot, though.

[bmgm3]

I think the 3.8's all had different trick dampers that cost a fortune to replace. Given their age by now,I guess quite a few cars would need this doing.

[droptheclutch]

Best avoid the Nurbergring Suspension set up as when it goes wrong it can cost a bundle to put right, unless you revert back to a normal set up.

3.6 is 315bhp
3.8 is 340bhp

my choice out of your list? 3.8 all the way. More of a wolf in sheeps clothing and a real hoot to drive. Just be sure to have your will power @ maximum, as prior post says!

[father ted]

dp400 said:

Can anyone tell me apart from the obvious difference in dispalcement, what are the main differences between a 3.6 and a 3.8? Are they both 6 pots and why do the 3.6's seem to be considerably cheaper than the 3.8's. Also does anyone have any experience in running a 3.6 every day that they would like to share with me.

Im looking for an everyday car and am having trouble making up my mind between an M5 3.6 or 3.8, or a E36 M3 3.0 or 3.2 Evo.

Any help appreciated.

3.6
Not as much mid range torque as 3.8.....likes to rev and hugely satisfying over 4000 RPM right up to 7200......mine flies like scalded cat when the Engine management system wakes (DME system)and realises you do want to 'play hooligan'

3.6 has the less complex 'standard' non-EDC suspension ....
EDC is fantastic when working as it should but if you have to budget to replace the dampers they are ITRO 500 quid a corner to replace

I use mine as a daily runner on limited mileage policy ....average of about 26 MPG will do low thirties on a careful M-way run

Basically all E34 M5s are built like a tiger tank.....get one that's been well looked after (service/receipts/condition etc) and you will never look back

The 3.6 is a fast/brilliant handling motor .....the 3.8 a faster one and a 'better through the range' driver

either are sublime

internally there is little difference apart from the EDC switch in the 3.8/
The late 3.8s have the big six pot floating disc arrangement on 18 inch M parallel wheels......some earlier have the wheels but not the braking system

Dave don't forget to read more info/ask the Question on www.m5board.com the masters of M5 knowledge

sorry if any of the info isn't quite perfect

Edited by father ted on Thursday 4th January 14:47

[father ted]

p.s. M3 or M5 ?

drive them both and try and sample the 'experience'

they are two very different beasts