Decision time E34 M5 or E36 M3???
Discussion
The time has come I think to part with my Z3M. Much that I hate to as it's a great motor but I would like to free up some money for a house purchase.
I have been bitten by the ///M bug though and want a replacement that is similar in performance, a bit more practical and around the £5k mark so the obvious choice is the E36 M3. You get that lovely 3.0/3.2 straight six that for me is the best feature of my Z3M plus a decent sized everyday saloon to boot.
Then I got thinking about the E34 M5. Similar sort of money and similar performance wise.
The car needs to be decent on the track too as I am getting rid of my Integrale track toy as well (down to 1 car instead of 3!).
I suppose it boils down to how good is the E34 M5 compared to the E36 M3?
Any problems with either?
I know about the VANOS issues on the M3 Evo's, I have just had mine replaced on the Z3M (under warranty). I don't particularly want a £2kish bill later on so looks like the earlier 3.0 is a better option with more reliable single VANOS.
What about the E34? Any problems with them worth mentioning (I know of the early Nikasil lining problems)? and are they any good on track? 3.6 or 3.8? I know the later 3.8's with Nurberg suspension can be expensive to put right if the leveling system goes (or ditch the suspension cheaply) but anything else worth noting?
I look forward hearing peoples experiences of either and especially anybody who has owned both.
Cheers,
Colin
I have been bitten by the ///M bug though and want a replacement that is similar in performance, a bit more practical and around the £5k mark so the obvious choice is the E36 M3. You get that lovely 3.0/3.2 straight six that for me is the best feature of my Z3M plus a decent sized everyday saloon to boot.
Then I got thinking about the E34 M5. Similar sort of money and similar performance wise.
The car needs to be decent on the track too as I am getting rid of my Integrale track toy as well (down to 1 car instead of 3!).
I suppose it boils down to how good is the E34 M5 compared to the E36 M3?
Any problems with either?
I know about the VANOS issues on the M3 Evo's, I have just had mine replaced on the Z3M (under warranty). I don't particularly want a £2kish bill later on so looks like the earlier 3.0 is a better option with more reliable single VANOS.
What about the E34? Any problems with them worth mentioning (I know of the early Nikasil lining problems)? and are they any good on track? 3.6 or 3.8? I know the later 3.8's with Nurberg suspension can be expensive to put right if the leveling system goes (or ditch the suspension cheaply) but anything else worth noting?
I look forward hearing peoples experiences of either and especially anybody who has owned both.
Cheers,
Colin
Thanks for the replies so far.
Much as I like the E34 it seems tuning parts are not easily found and they are more expensive to run than an E36...unless anyone else has some input on this?
As for the E36 not being a proper ///M...well I don't care what badge it has on it as long as it has a power to weight of over 200bhp/ton, RWD, LSD, handles reasonably well (or can be made to cheaply), fairly reliable and can be used everyday.
Much as I like the E34 it seems tuning parts are not easily found and they are more expensive to run than an E36...unless anyone else has some input on this?
As for the E36 not being a proper ///M...well I don't care what badge it has on it as long as it has a power to weight of over 200bhp/ton, RWD, LSD, handles reasonably well (or can be made to cheaply), fairly reliable and can be used everyday.
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