US spec E36 - bad idea?

[VX Foxy]

I'm aware of (most of) the differences, mostly the 46 missing ponies...but assuming one could live with the reduced power, would a US car be a really silly mistake?

[rassi]

It is pretty much on par with the European M3 in terms of torque, and lots of US power upgrades available (think superchargers and turbo kits) but I think you would find the rev-happy exercise that is M ownership missing, as well as having problems finding buyers for it when proper E36 M3 are so readily available.

[VX Foxy]

Thanks, it was the resale that was concerning me. There's one on the 'trader looks absolutely mint...I'm sorely tempted.

[tjw110]

I'm sure it uses an modded 328 block, and makes up the difference with the torc and gear ratios.. Just get a UK M3

[chrisr29]

I think it's a 3 litre version of the 328 with different cams. About 240 bhp. Think I saw that one in the trader as well, didn't seem cheap enough to make it worthwhile.

[fridgemiester]

Buy the real thing or you will be disopointed.

[VX Foxy]

OK - anyone know of a UK one that's in as good nick?

[fridgemiester]

lots of good one's about, check service history, read up on vanos problems, smg boxes are an aquired taste, so don't buy unless 100% happy.
Check this forum for what to look out for, corrosion on rear archers is problem etc. spend some time looking and dont buy the first example you see.

[BountyHunter]

VX Foxy said:

Thanks, it was the resale that was concerning me. There's one on the 'trader looks absolutely mint...I'm sorely tempted.

someone on the e36coupe site went to view it and said it was a total dog.

[VX Foxy]

That's a relief! Do you have a link to the thread?