What would you have changed differently? I'm in the process of researching buying an M3 (1996-1998) and would like to know pros and cons about these cars. Also, has anyone here (if there is anybody!) put a turbo on their M3? If so, how is it? TIA



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David

Hi thanks for visiting M3Forum.com!

I would not change a thing with the E36 M3 or the service from the dealership.

Just make sure the car is fitted with the Michelin Pilots...and dont forget to check the full size spare. Pilots are the optimal tires for the M3 based on my experience.

Few things you should be aware if not already...

1) Tires are relatively expensive...approx. $1400 for full replacement and install/balance.
2) Automatics are fairly slow...I would stick with the manual.
3) Service is excellent but a full service tune up can run up to $500.
4) The MSport wheels(rims) are known to bend easily.

Regardless of these little things, it's the most incredible car at any price!

Thanks,
Frank

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1995 Arctic White M3
WITHOUT the Luxury Pkg!
E46 M3 on order...hoping for spring 2000!

I would not hesitate to buy an M3 again-in fact I have an E46 M3 on order to replace my 97 E36 M3.The wheels do bend easily and take as long to clean as the rest of the car.I would get 5 spoke ,or similar wheels,if I had it to do over again.Also,I have the manual transmission-the automatic is slower.97's with the automatic sell for $4000-$5000 less than the manual here in central Florida.Aftermarket turbos are available,but I would avoid them-I had enough problems with the 2 twin turbo RX-7's I had before getting the M3-and they were factory.

What is wrong with the turbo on the E36? I think that I will be in the market soon (within the mid of the new year) to purchase one, and then look for a turbo to add some extra oomph. I know I won't get the huge increase in torque, but i will feel something, no?

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David

Adding a turbo to an M3 could very well ruin the engine in the long run. The engine was not made with the intent of adding a supercharger. The higher pressure from the turbo will damage the engine over time. Plus, a supercharger may add power but it has a delayed time from when you actually start to when it actually turns on, arond 2000 RPM.

Don't forget that turbochargers and superchargers aren't the same thing. Not understanding the topic fully myself, I'm not going to venture to try and define them nor distinguish between them and possibly get something wrong.

Also, AFAIK, a good stage-2 turbo/supercharger will also upgrade various parts of the engine to make it more able to take the added pressure. Don't know if any stage-1 kits do the same...


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-Corwyn
'97 M3 coupe, estoril blue
http://corwyn.miyagishima.com/gallery/bmw

The only difference that I remember from a supercharger and a turbocharger is that a supercharger is on all the time. i.e. always suckin the gas down. where as the turbocharger has to 'spool' up wich happens at high rpms. I was also told that superchargers are a little harder on the engine than the turbo. However, if your using a turbo you should also give it a cooling time after before you completely turn off the engine. I believe they sell timers for that sort of thing. I forget how they work so you may want to check that out as well.

Being an automotive engineer I can add the following.

The M3 engine had (at the time it was released) the highest specific output of any production engine. I.e. the most bhp per litre. This is hence a highly tuned engine, and adding a turbo or any compressor on the engine would certainly reduce its reliability and life. I don't have one myself, but these are basic principles of engineering.

I agree with James. The engine is already pretty well maxed out on the E46 such that significant horsepower gains will be pricey.

Holy MTF wake Batman!!!

in b4 the :locked: