What E36 M3 advice?

[robertablett]

Hi i have a budget of 10k and im looking to buy a E36 M3. I have read loads about the engines in perticular the vanos/nikasil issue and im getting more confused by the minute. I dont mind spending 2k per year but i dont fancy massive engine bills so advice would be welcomed.
Should i buy a 3.0 or 3.2 Evo?
Would You buy a nikasil engine or look for the more modern alusil?
Did the 3.0 have a M52 engine or did it only come with the M50(no vanos) engine?
Did the E36 have a double vanos or was that the E46 only?
Thanks in advance.

[1]

I would have thought you would get more advice by posing this on the BMW thread, or you could try www.e36coupe.co.uk, where there is a buyers guide. It is amazing what those guys know about E36's

[robetr]

I would have thought you would get more advice by posing this on the BMW thread, or you could try www.e36coupe.co.uk, where there is a buyers guide. It is amazing what those guys know about E36's

opps
Thanks, seems i have but this in the wrong thread.

[timmo]

Try and look out for an M3 GT 3.0 litre
they made 356 cars and 50 of these in RHD
the LHD cars have lightweight doors and no sunroofs
with Improved suspension and engine mods
they all come in British Racing Green

quick cars in the right hands

[Vixpy1]

timmo said:

Try and look out for an M3 GT 3.0 litre
they made 356 cars and 50 of these in RHD
the LHD cars have lightweight doors and no sunroofs
with Improved suspension and engine mods
they all come in British Racing Green

quick cars in the right hands

And the owners get mentioned in the EVO fast fleet

[phatgixer]

The GT is pretty and has some sexy bits on it. For my money, if you are not constrained by racing in a sub-3 litre category, I would opt for a 3.2 and take it to someone like Phil Cutts and get him to remove the vanos, fit a couple of shricks, and map the car as Alpha N. 350+ BHP nice and cheap.

You can then decide if you want big brakes, decent suspension and a cage.

For £10K you can get the car, suspension and a mild upgrade on the brakes and a bolt in cage I expect.

Or buy a ring car done. Only a couple of thousand more...

Edited by phatgixer on Thursday 24th January 22:50

[mat205125]

3 litre GT every day of the week mate.

My 3 litre M3 proved to be absolutely bullet proof for reliability even with track work and a heavy right foot.

Having said that though, have you seen this?

Over your budget admitedly, but might be worth a chat to the owner to see if he still has it and whether a deal can be done.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/263435.htm