E36 328I VS E36 M3

[BAD 328 GP]

I was faced with the same choices, I opted for the 328i purely due to cost. Sure my plan was to boost the power and add some track goodies to it and go and play on weekends and not use it as an everyday car.

An M car will always be an M car, and to keep it in top shape like you should when you own an M car will cost you money!

 

[Bmw.wp]

I was faced with the same choices, I opted for the 328i purely due to cost. Sure my plan was to boost the power and add some track goodies to it and go and play on weekends and not use it as an everyday car.

An M car will always be an M car, and to keep it in top shape like you should when you own an M car will cost you money!

Jip thats true u can't take short cuts even with the 328i too.:mmm:

 

[IL MONSTRO]

Go for the M3, it's bulletproof, the 328i is far more fragile as it is equipped with an alloy block.
Of the 2XE36M3's offered the single vanos 3L(2-Door) is the one to have as the double vanos 3.2L 94-Door) has been known to fail.
I had a 3L M3 with headwork,cams,exhaust,software carried out by CHIPLOGIC & we made 204kW ATW, revver like a bike up to it's new 8100rpm rev limit, did 54000km, mainly drag racing with it, no hassles.
I've had the 3.2L but turboed by Savspeed & it wasn't that hard on the pocket to run if you have the right components fitted (internals etc) had that at 375kW at 1.2bar boost, drove it like an everyday car, so go for it.

 

[Guetzer]

Go for the M3, it's bulletproof, the 328i is far more fragile as it is equipped with an alloy block.

Hey IL MONSTRO!

Only the 1996 328i's came with an alloy block, all others are cast iron. I have a 1997 328i and i love it! never had a single problem with the engine! I service her myself and it only costs me +- R700 per year for the parts. :thumbsup:

 

[320 ice]

:bawling: damn that must have hurt alot to see your pride and joy after the crash like that.

Alpina B3 - what i mean't was i would like to crawl before i walk according the get myself the E36 328i before advanced to the e36 M3. the thing on the other side is, i maybe can buy myself the M3 but it could be tempting knowing the amount of power of the legend and the constant nagging of others for a dice. lol it could be hard to resist.

But alas i know i am going for the M3 and going to send the devil to hell, imp: lol, i think the best would be to take part then in advanced driving schools as a hobby.

If you want to crawl before you walk, I suggest you get yourself an E30 325i with a limited slip diff. A much cheaper car and cheaper to maintain, but you will get the general feel of driving a powerful enough car and get used to that slipping tail end.

The 328i is a nice strong car and quite powerful but the overall design on the car is that it is meant to be an everyday day ride, so without quite a bit of modifications don't race them.

As far as the M3 vs 328i conversation is concerned, the 2 are like chalk and cheese. There is no comparison. Although the 328 is the car just below the M3 the 2 is was and never ever will be in the same league.

Do yourself a favour and go ask a buddy to take you for a spin in a stock standard ///M. You'll see for yourself. Enjoy the ride!!

 

[Bumfluff]

Hey Guys, I own a stock '98 e36 328i Individual and let me tell you something - it doesn't compare to the M3 even the slightest, only the looks! I took mine out to Kyalami last year (even street Yokis) and was only beating the kitted out MX5 :nono: Some guys claim they'll clock the 3L M3 by doing ecu, throttles, air filters & exhaust on the 328 +-180kw atw but it ain't that simple - M has different internals (cams etc) that assist in power increases and delivery. You going to spend a bit to get the 328 handling like/better than the M3 and it isn't just suspension - you need a lsd. For lsd on 328 its cheaper to get the M3 6 speed box as well... I don't go out and play on the streets anymore as mine being stock is probably the slowest on the road:cursin: If you've never driven a rwd vehicle before, buy something that's cheaper to run cause these babies (especially Beemers) will bite you in the a$$ in wild cornering before you've even thought about turning ASC back on:mmm: