E36 328i or M3

[chaosss]

I'm in the position where I now want to get another track car. This track car is used purely for recreational track days, I have no intention on racing etc. I just want to have fun.

I have about 3k to spend and upgrades with be done "when I can afford it" as opposed to spending 3/4k immediately.

I am in a bit of a dilemna. I can get a decent E36 328i with manifold, induction and throttle body upgrade (probably around 220bhp) for that (possibly with some suspension changes as well). Or a cheap M3 (standard).

I want the car to be fairly reliable and don't want to spend thousands just maintaining it. I used to have an E30 318is as a track car and it was brilliant (change oil every/every other track day) and it never ever let me down. I also tracked my MX5's and they were great but I do want more power.
I will also be driving it to the circuit, trailering is not an option.
Am I asking for trouble with a cheap E36 M3 but if I did buy a 328i would I always be hankering after the extra grunt?

Opinions please.

[sniff petrol]

I'd go for the 2.8, I suspect it'll prove more reliable and cheaper to fix. You could always drop an M3 lump in at a later date if you wish.

[Frik]

For 3k go for the 328 Sport. Mate at work is doing precisely this.

Buy an M3 at that price and you will be spending the thousands maintaining it.

Edited by Frik on Sunday 20th April 22:07

[rallycross]

its easy to answer;

you wont be buying any M3's for £3k.

but you will get a ropey 328 coupe for that.

then please buget for tyres, brakes and stiffer suspension.

So £4k? minimum?

at which point you stil cant buy an M3.

[sniff petrol]

You can get an M3 for less than £4k (I was offered one for £3.5k that had just had a grand's worth of brakes) by the time you strip it and sell the seats and a few other bits you wont need it'll owe you just under £3k potentialy.

[sniff petrol]

3.0 M3 for £2395 but needs a bit of cosmetic tidying:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/452137.htm

[Vixpy1]

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/468420.htm

[dan101smith]

You'll be able to pick up a 328i for £1.5k upwards, usually at this price it'll need a suspension and brake refresh - perfect if you're going to track it.

I'd steer clear of an M3 at that price, it'll be cheap for a reason.

But, as someone who took a 328i on the last trackday, and has since had to buy an M3, you might find it better to save some more pennies first...

[mattikake]

I say you'd be better off with a mint E30 325i for the track, like this: http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/464631.htm

[chaosss]

Cheers for the replies. I think an M3 is probably the way to go. It won't be a day to day car so if something fails it isn't the end of the world.

That's a lovely 325 you linked to. But that is far too good for the track. I don't need a minter bodywise, as long as the mechanicals are sound.

[jezrider]

I would def go for the M3, 3 - 4k DOES buy you a car, and okay so its probably done a few miles but it wont cost you the thousands in maintenance that other people have said.

I needed a cheap hack car last summer and spent £3.5k on a tatty avus blue coupe, it never let me down in 12 months of ownership and they make a great track car.

[Frik]

jezrider said:

I would def go for the M3, 3 - 4k DOES buy you a car, and okay so its probably done a few miles but it wont cost you the thousands in maintenance that other people have said.

I needed a cheap hack car last summer and spent £3.5k on a tatty avus blue coupe, it never let me down in 12 months of ownership and they make a great track car.

Out of interest, how much did it cost you to maintain over that time?

[jezrider]

well, when i first got it i had a friend do oil, filters and plugs, plus a quick visual inspection of everything, this cost about £150.
I hit a (already dead) badger at about 120 mph one night and this ripped all the undertrays off, so i replaced these and they were about another £100.
In general, i cant think of any other money i put into it, when i sold the car one of the rear shocks started leaking which is common , but i told the new owner and gave him £150 off the price.

All this talk of M3's has made me want another one as a track car !!

[Frik]

I would suggest you were a little on the lucky side then.

I don't think anyone should be under the illusion that these cars are cheap to run. They're worth it, mind.