Which e36 m3 the best if you look at performance and reliability?

[hoosain]

all bmw eventually have vanos issues
when you have issues get a seal kit and anti rattle kit from moranor and refub the vanos and all is well again

 

[4PipeR]

I like the look of the coupe but prefer the feel of the 4door ... pity we didn't the get 3.2 Coupe ...

 

[Theo D]

With a few tweaks the 4 door is damn rocket raise:

 

[///Shaun]

Go for the 2 door. The gearbox on the 3.2 is a time bomb

I would strongly disagree here but thats just my opinion

On my ex E36 3.2 4 door , that car was driven hardly daily , raced , driven to CT , DBN and the likes , came back and raced even more.

And not a single issue in regards to gearbox

:joy:

 

[B16A4]

i have the 3.2 in a Gspec coupe, and yes its much stronger than the 3.0. however is till reckon the 3.0 is much more bullet proof and engine spares not as expensive as 3.2 ones.
for power and luxury go for the 3.2 its different from a normal Dolphin and much more comfortable than 3.0. if you want looks then its the 3.0 coupe

 

[Prev]

The 3.0 2 door is definitely the better looker but irrelevant to the OP's question

 

[444YYY]

I think at this point in time, go for the one that has been looked after better.

That's gonna be the challenge - finding one.

At the end of the day, test drive it and if it tickles you in the right way.. Go for it!!

My personal choice is the 3.0 coupe.

In standard form, if either are maintained well, they are equally reliable. Some say the double vanos on the 3.2 may give issues over the single vanos of the 3.0.

But, keep money aside for rainy day emergencies. It is required for any oldish performance car.. This is the ownership philosophy..

Good luck with the search!! Keep us posted

Sent from my BlackBerry 9800 using Tapatalk

 

[S50B32turbo]

Go for the 2 door. The gearbox on the 3.2 is a time bomb

I would strongly disagree here but thats just my opinion

On my ex E36 3.2 4 door , that car was driven hardly daily , raced , driven to CT , DBN and the likes , came back and raced even more.

And not a single issue in regards to gearbox

:joy:

Wow that's some extensive research you've done:thumbs:

 

[Doomsdaya]

4 Door 3.2 gets my vote :thumb:

 

[Dhp507]

Luckily I went for 98 M3 Evo coupe.......

The search was strictly to go for a car we didn't get in SA .

Wondering what it would be worth when I return to SA with it

 

[Prev]

Luckily I went for 98 M3 Evo coupe.......

The search was strictly to go for a car we didn't get in SA .

Wondering what it would be worth when I return to SA with it

You are going to have a rare gem on your hands in these parts :bravo:raise:

 

[tyu333]

Any motor can be bulletproof if well looked after, go for a test drive and buy the one you like.

I like the 3.2 because it makes me go like this :rollsmile:

 

[Dhp507]

Any motor can be bulletproof if well looked after, go for a test drive and buy the one you like.

I like the 3.2 because it makes me go like this :rollsmile:

Well said....

 

[E30 Freak]

The 3.0 runs bearings much easier.

The vanos issue can be easily solved, but parts for the 3.2 is just harder to find (eg. try finding a crank for it) & hope & pray the box doesnt go coz then you in k@k

If you want reliability & practicality & power, more door is the obvious choice

If you want power & looks, then the 2 door is a must.

Both are still performance car bargains IF you find a relatively unmolested one