`97 E36 M3 3.2 vs late `98 E36 M3 3.2

[B16A4]

Excuse me guys if this may seem a dumb question. i have a lot of stories from people saying the engines in this cars are not entirely the same in that the early `97 got the 221kw motor while the late `98 got the 236kw like the euro engine. is this true or just a myth based on street races and the fact that no two cars run same? besides the engine output what else was knock down with the SA spec? all input welcome?

 

[ClassicB]

Never heard this, as far as i know all 4door E36 M3's had the same motors.

 

[328ii]

for info - goto

http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=15#2

search for

CD98: South African-spec S50 B32 sedan (RHD), 11/96 through 10/98

and

How does the South African-spec S50 B32 engine differ from that of the European-spec version?

8?>

EDIT : Different pistons to lower compression and maybe different[detuned] ecu code (no info/confirmation found yet)

 

[boost3d]

All 3.2Litre M3's were the 238kw motor but due to our crappy octane, it had to be detuned down to lower kw rating.

 

[Yuvan]

:nonono::nonono:

 

[Ga-3M]

All 3.2 E36 M3's had the same motor with a quoted flywheel output of 228kw.:thumbs::thumbs:

 

[Xack]

228kw like GA said, they are all the same, the main difference comes down to maintenance and usually the biggest difference when it comes to street races, The Drivers:=):

 

[Kobus328i]

All 3.2 E36 M3's had the same motor with a quoted flywheel output of 228kw.:thumbs::thumbs:

+1

 

[S50B32turbo]

the european model had a higher compression piston and due to our poor fuel we got a lower compression. Early 97 models were produced in semi knock down kits, and later models were complete knock down kits from germany which could give this rumour some truth

 

[B16A4]

the european model had a higher compression piston and due to our poor fuel we got a lower compression. Early 97 models were produced in semi knock down kits, and later models were complete knock down kits from germany which could give this rumour some truth

iam also confused by this knock down theory from bmwregistry coz i dont understand what was knocked down besides the power and that applies to all south african sedan M3`s. but then they say some are semi knock down and some are complete cars from 04/97 to 10/98. anybody know the difference coz they are identical in appearance

 

[calypso]

Knock down kit means they were build overseas but assembled here. There came in varying level ie knock down, semi knock down. E36 M3's (SA Spec) had the engines fitted locally, I think the glass too. I also believe that tires were also supposed to be local spec, which is strange because mine has a Michelin original spare.

I have a feeling classicman will know alot more about this that what I do.

 

[B16A4]

thanks a lot Calypso, lets hope Classicman will chip in with new revelations! always good to have facts about your car:thumbs:

 

[Peejay]

Mine also has the Michelin spare tyre.

Also I think that the power rating isn't true. Production of the M3 stopped in 1997. Even if 98 or if you lucky a 99 it was still built in 97 but only registered in 98/99. Go check www.realoem.com and put your chassis number in to check what year is yours.

 

[calypso]

The SA spec 310hp engines are very true. But knock down kits of nothing new, been used to get around importing regulations for a long time. Its a grey area as to what constitutes as "building" a car. But yeah would love to know exactly how much for the M3's was assembled here.

 

[B16A4]

Mine also has the Michelin spare tyre.

Also I think that the power rating isn't true. Production of the M3 stopped in 1997. Even if 98 or if you lucky a 99 it was still built in 97 but only registered in 98/99. Go check www.realoem.com and put your chassis number in to check what year is yours.

just did that and it was produced early 1997.

 

[S50B32turbo]

Mine also has the Michelin spare tyre.

Also I think that the power rating isn't true. Production of the M3 stopped in 1997. Even if 98 or if you lucky a 99 it was still built in 97 but only registered in 98/99. Go check www.realoem.com and put your chassis number in to check what year is yours.

just did that and it was produced early 1997.

But what model is your car registered as?

I think we need some one with a 99 model to real oem their car...

 

[Chavoos]

I think the 98 model has a dual oil pickup versus a single in the 97 model.

 

[S50B32turbo]

I think the 98 model has a dual oil pickup versus a single in the 97 model.

Wow these revelations would make the later model 4dr more desirable

 

[Peejay]

I think the 98 model has a dual oil pickup versus a single in the 97 model.

All 3.2s have two oil pick ups.

 

[davejones]

All 3.2Litre M3's were the 238kw motor but due to our crappy octane, it had to be detuned down to lower kw rating.

This is echoed by the likes of TuneTech