E36 M3 saloons - why the lack of them?
Discussion
I'm contemplating E36 M3 ownership and the lines of the saloon have always appealed. Did BMW not make many though? I always remember the coupe and convertible being a more common sight when new so perhaps have answered my own question in a way?!
Also, those I see in the classifieds all seem to have done daft mileages - where are all the sub 100k examples?!
Also, those I see in the classifieds all seem to have done daft mileages - where are all the sub 100k examples?!
There weren't many to start with: about 700 approx came across, IIRC; significantly less than the other options. They featured late in the life of the 3.0 litres, hence those tend to be M/N registered, the rest Evos, but production stopped before the coupes & cabrios, so tend not to go much beyond S & T. A few have gone off roading, a few got pinched & w/o, & quite a few got stripped out as track weapons. I'd guess at less than half are left. All the normal imports were standard box, the SMG wasn't officially available, although I've seen one advertised, apparently a legit BMW management car. And I guess once you've got one, you hang on to it - there's little, if anything, out there that ticks as many boxes. Worth the hunt, though!
Having owned M3 vert, 325i Coupe and M3 Evo Saloon the saloon was by far my favourite. Great cars and quiet rare. Mine was completely debadged from factory making it a lovely little Q car.
The suspension on the loon is ever so slightly softer than the coupes making it very comfortable on UK roads. That said it would have done with being a little stiffer for the Ring but it still put in some respectable times.
Miss this car dearly.
The suspension on the loon is ever so slightly softer than the coupes making it very comfortable on UK roads. That said it would have done with being a little stiffer for the Ring but it still put in some respectable times.
Miss this car dearly.
///Mike said:
Mine was completely debadged from factory making it a lovely little Q car.
- mine too, often catches people out. Put mine onto Bilsteins, it "handles" slightly better but I've spoiled the ride a bit. Occassionally get numpties telling me it doesn't exist, "coz they only made two doors & convertobals, innit!" 
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