E36 M3 evo buying advice
Discussion
im looking to buy an E36 M3 evo and just wanting to know if anyone has any links to a buyers guide or any general tips what to look for.
whats the price difference between a 4 door and a coupe(like for like year/mileage ect)
anybody have a copy of the autocar road test?
any info greatly appreciated
whats the price difference between a 4 door and a coupe(like for like year/mileage ect)
anybody have a copy of the autocar road test?
any info greatly appreciated
Hi there,
I just sold my evo in february, had it for a year and it was a great car.
My main advice would be to be very picky as theres plenty out there - when I was shopping around I went to see 5 and to be honest 3 were dogs(not literally
) once you actually gave them a close inspection. Mine was a 98' Evo with 37k, paid around 11-12k but it was a spotless example, apart from one service in the year of ownership I never spent anything on it and never had any problems apart from the alarm siren developing a mind of its own - but a 30 pound fix myself.
Only thing I slightly regret was mine had SMG transmission - I know it gets a bit of stick but personally I found it ok, however you can't beat a manual though. The fact it had SMG also made it surprisingly difficult to resell - a lot of dealers got nervous when they knew it had SMG for fear it might fail and land them with a big bill.
I found the m3 forum quite usefull, m3forum.net I think it is.
If you just go to google and type "e36 m3 evo" plenty of info is available.
As far as prices go I assume that 4 doors will generally be cheaper as they're older, and the evo's where built later (around 96 onwards I think?). I never driven a none-evo m3 before so I couldn't really comment but I do know they have 286hp whereas the evo has 321hp.
Regards
Bob
I just sold my evo in february, had it for a year and it was a great car.
My main advice would be to be very picky as theres plenty out there - when I was shopping around I went to see 5 and to be honest 3 were dogs(not literally
) once you actually gave them a close inspection. Mine was a 98' Evo with 37k, paid around 11-12k but it was a spotless example, apart from one service in the year of ownership I never spent anything on it and never had any problems apart from the alarm siren developing a mind of its own - but a 30 pound fix myself.Only thing I slightly regret was mine had SMG transmission - I know it gets a bit of stick but personally I found it ok, however you can't beat a manual though. The fact it had SMG also made it surprisingly difficult to resell - a lot of dealers got nervous when they knew it had SMG for fear it might fail and land them with a big bill.
I found the m3 forum quite usefull, m3forum.net I think it is.
If you just go to google and type "e36 m3 evo" plenty of info is available.
As far as prices go I assume that 4 doors will generally be cheaper as they're older, and the evo's where built later (around 96 onwards I think?). I never driven a none-evo m3 before so I couldn't really comment but I do know they have 286hp whereas the evo has 321hp.
Regards
Bob
I think theres a couple of buying guides on http://www.e36coupe.com
Edited by m3pilot on Monday 9th July 09:29
Edited by m3pilot on Monday 9th July 14:02
I bought one recently, a 98 SMG coupe.
For what it's worth, I think the smg is brilliant. I use the car as a GT for weekend trips / holidays and the smg is great in traffic, either on the motorway or in towns. Its also good enough to use as a manual box and thrash the car through some twisties (you get my drift, pardon all puns etc).
Its not as involving as a manual I grant you, however neither is the M3 in itself as it sits better as a sporty and quick GT rather than as an all out sports car. Its too soft and heavy in standard form IMHO.
There's lots of buying guides but in the end, get a full history and buy on condition. and try the SMG box, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised, despite all the naysayers. Finally, my MRS loves the smg so that was also a consideration for me.
For what it's worth, I think the smg is brilliant. I use the car as a GT for weekend trips / holidays and the smg is great in traffic, either on the motorway or in towns. Its also good enough to use as a manual box and thrash the car through some twisties (you get my drift, pardon all puns etc).
Its not as involving as a manual I grant you, however neither is the M3 in itself as it sits better as a sporty and quick GT rather than as an all out sports car. Its too soft and heavy in standard form IMHO.
There's lots of buying guides but in the end, get a full history and buy on condition. and try the SMG box, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised, despite all the naysayers. Finally, my MRS loves the smg so that was also a consideration for me.
i definately wont be getting an smg version,i hate anything resembling a non stick shift manual gearbox.tbh im not looking to pay £11k for one and im not that bothered about something thats not perfect or has a bit of mileage aslong as it runs ok as i can fix most things myself.just need to know the main things to look for like vanos problems ect.will check the links out.
im pretty much after a manual coupe in estoril blue prefereably with black leather and no sunroof
im pretty much after a manual coupe in estoril blue prefereably with black leather and no sunroof
Definitely have a look on www.e36coupe.com as there's loads of info on there for buyers.
With regards to prices i think I'm not a million miles off in saying you can pick an early 3.0 M3 up from about 4k these days and there seems to be a selection of really nice '97 - '98 Evo's in the classifieds here for around 7 - 8k.
Like someone has already put there are lots to choose from so you shouldn't have too many problems getting the colour / spec you like.
They are awesome cars but find yourself a decent local Indie for the servicing
With regards to prices i think I'm not a million miles off in saying you can pick an early 3.0 M3 up from about 4k these days and there seems to be a selection of really nice '97 - '98 Evo's in the classifieds here for around 7 - 8k.
Like someone has already put there are lots to choose from so you shouldn't have too many problems getting the colour / spec you like.
They are awesome cars but find yourself a decent local Indie for the servicing
i have seen 1996 EVO cars for about £5.5k in autotrader although most look a bit dodgy.
all servicing will be done by me,i dont trust garages as i used to be a mechanic at one.anyone who takes there car to a garage for an oil change is mad.
dont want the 3.0 version as its no faster than the fiat 20vt i used to have
all servicing will be done by me,i dont trust garages as i used to be a mechanic at one.anyone who takes there car to a garage for an oil change is mad.
dont want the 3.0 version as its no faster than the fiat 20vt i used to have
In terms of performance there isn't a whole real world of difference between the 3.0 and 3.2.
The 3.2 has some notoriety about the vanos going pair shaped but its not as widespread as you would believe. But if it does happen replacement units can be had and if you are fitting yourself then I'd go with the EVO. Being that it is newer and has a better spec than most 3.0's.
I'd give SMG a real wide berth on the E36, some people love it, but the reliability of it is questionable and when it does go its a nightmare to put right.
Try and look for one that has had the suspension components done, rear trailing arm bushes, top mounts are a weak point as are snapped springs. If you get one with 70/80k mileage on original suspension factor in replacement costs.
E36Coupe has a whole host of information on these cars. Do a search on there.
The 3.2 has some notoriety about the vanos going pair shaped but its not as widespread as you would believe. But if it does happen replacement units can be had and if you are fitting yourself then I'd go with the EVO. Being that it is newer and has a better spec than most 3.0's.
I'd give SMG a real wide berth on the E36, some people love it, but the reliability of it is questionable and when it does go its a nightmare to put right.
Try and look for one that has had the suspension components done, rear trailing arm bushes, top mounts are a weak point as are snapped springs. If you get one with 70/80k mileage on original suspension factor in replacement costs.
E36Coupe has a whole host of information on these cars. Do a search on there.
cluelesscarnut said:
dont want the 3.0 version as its no faster than the fiat 20vt i used to have
In that case the Evo won't be much different either for you. The power difference on paper is 286 vs 321 - the reality is a lot closer as Evo's rarely made that 321. On the road I'd be staggered if you could tell the difference.Four door Evo's are available & can be cheaper than a coupe - however they've probably been better looked after than a coupe. M3's are relatively cheap cars & a lot of owners buy them but don't service them hence they're cars you wouldn't want to buy...
cluelesscarnut said:
i have seen 1996 EVO cars for about £5.5k in autotrader although most look a bit dodgy.
all servicing will be done by me,i dont trust garages as i used to be a mechanic at one.anyone who takes there car to a garage for an oil change is mad.
dont want the 3.0 version as its no faster than the fiat 20vt i used to have
You're talking about 0-60 figs mate. In reality the M3 Evo will feel a far more rapid car in the real world. Not to mention a fcuk of a lot nicer to drive. It's rear wheel drive, naturally aspirated and is an awesome car with 4 seats and a boot that cruises beautifully and is more than capable of misbehaving itself if you want it to. I've had mine for 6 months and love it. Just don't buy a dog. Get one with a bulletproof service history. FYI the gearboxes normally always rattle when so don't worry about that when testing. They can also be a bit temperamental to select when cold but are great when warmed up. Also, it is generally thought that the saloon handles a touch better. all servicing will be done by me,i dont trust garages as i used to be a mechanic at one.anyone who takes there car to a garage for an oil change is mad.
dont want the 3.0 version as its no faster than the fiat 20vt i used to have
If your looking for details on the car try
http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=15
That'll give you all the information you need on the specification of the car
http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=15
That'll give you all the information you need on the specification of the car
Sorry, I'm a bit late on this one, as some of the guys are highlighting, get an evo, they have different brakes to the non evo, more BHP, different suspension & gearbox and with an induction kit and a couple of sensible mods you can achieve a dyno 325 - 330bhp, 35mpg, 4 seats and put the frightners on some serious fast cars, make sure it's up to temp before giving it the beans, get on a motorway @ 80mph, drop it into 4th and watch your smile grow.
Bad points, i'm on my second, no machanical worries, group 20 insurance can be a bit steep, no traction control makes for some fun in the wet, but the M diff makes up for it in the dry
Get some pics posted of your smile after you have bought one (and the motor)
Bad points, i'm on my second, no machanical worries, group 20 insurance can be a bit steep, no traction control makes for some fun in the wet, but the M diff makes up for it in the dry
Get some pics posted of your smile after you have bought one (and the motor)
My M3 evo has been a great car, I Bought mine for £7.5k with 105k on the clock and have done 55k in the last 3 years (I use it for business )..... just insured it again fully comp for smidge over £500 (buisiness use and 35yr old) and it has averaged 29mpg over all the miles I have done.
As mentioned it's a great GT car and being a 4 door mine is a great Q car.... servicing can be complicated as the major service requires adjusting the lash on the lifters, but its not rocket science so should be easy to service yourself.
For me if you were going to push the car I would upgrade the calipers as they do smoke on my car even with redstuff pads and grooved discs when I push on a little. Also the 4 door has slightly softer suspension.
One mod you HAVE to do is fit a decent aftermarket stainless rear silencer, does absolutelly nothing other than emit a fantastic noise....
Oh and if my car has 300bhp I would be stunned, but it's still a close match for an E46 M3 or Porsche Boxster S.... not bad for what is effectivelly an old jalopy now, thats bearly worth £4k.
As mentioned it's a great GT car and being a 4 door mine is a great Q car.... servicing can be complicated as the major service requires adjusting the lash on the lifters, but its not rocket science so should be easy to service yourself.
For me if you were going to push the car I would upgrade the calipers as they do smoke on my car even with redstuff pads and grooved discs when I push on a little. Also the 4 door has slightly softer suspension.
One mod you HAVE to do is fit a decent aftermarket stainless rear silencer, does absolutelly nothing other than emit a fantastic noise....
Oh and if my car has 300bhp I would be stunned, but it's still a close match for an E46 M3 or Porsche Boxster S.... not bad for what is effectivelly an old jalopy now, thats bearly worth £4k.
i meant m-diff as in the E46 was the only one to come with the m-diff.
one thing i wont be doing is fitting an aftermarket exhaust system,i hate the sound that virtually all of them make and as i set off for work at 5:30am i dont want to annoy my neighbours plus i dont want to bring attention to myself.i prefer a nice induction noise.
you say the calipers themselves smoke?maybe brake fluid boil?have the calipers changed colour?
one thing i wont be doing is fitting an aftermarket exhaust system,i hate the sound that virtually all of them make and as i set off for work at 5:30am i dont want to annoy my neighbours plus i dont want to bring attention to myself.i prefer a nice induction noise.
you say the calipers themselves smoke?maybe brake fluid boil?have the calipers changed colour?
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