M50 and M52 engines

[carse]

Im looking to buy an e36 coupe as a track car, either a 320 or a 323 as i don't have much money to play with and am still at university but want to get out there and start somewhere, so i figured a lower powered rear wheel driver is not a bad place to start.

Just wondering if anyone could shed any light on what i've heard about the m50 motor. I've heard its heavy and a bit of a dog but thats only going from what i read on another forum somewhere. So basically, which block is better in your opinion? Is it worth going for a post 1994 car just for the update in the motor or not?

Thanks very much.

Sean

[NickXX]

I wanted an e36 track car too. Went for the 318is - lighter, more fizzy engine (16v against the 12v 320 and 323). Not to mention that they are in abundance, cheaper to buy and cheaper to run.

Getting it next week, and off to the Ring for Easter, so will let you know how I get on. Going to remove a fair bit of the interior.

[carse]

Thanks for the swift reply. From what i've read though, both the M50 and M52 engines were 24 valve but the M52 being nearly 30 kilos lighter than the M50 engine. So i was just wondering if anyone has any experience with one or the other or even both maybe? If i'm honest i think i've got my heart set on a straight six as i have driven a few BMW sixes before and love the linearity of them, not to mention the sound.

Thanks again for the reply though and i think i will try a 318 and see, i suppose i can't knock it until i've tried it. I'm not saying that i'm going to though!

Thanks again.

Sean

Edited by carse on Wednesday 5th March 22:34

[carse]

Thanks for that reply. Thats exactly what i wanted to know.

Cheers again.

Sean