Power and handling upgrades were readily available, too How driving a Miata with no power steering and no A/C made me love driving again, Make the most of the Ford Fiesta ST | Expert tips, How to create a livery using die-cut stickers, First-generation Mazda RX-7 | Buyers Guide. Steeda Autosports It's this versatility that has made it one of the best in its class, with new versions being made still to this day. The convertible is uglier, in my opinion, and its heavier. We found a 1996 model for $4,995 for sale in Ohio. A strong seller, about 85,000 of them were built. With over 10 years of experience modifying and performing DIY work on BMWs, hes developed a deep understanding of virtually every BMW engine. Built for competition, the E30 M3 sports a number of changes when compared to standard E30 coupe. This is not widely considered to be unique model by enthusiasts, though BMW officially labels it as such after building roughly 500 examples. While the original E30 M3 didnt quite satisfy the, Read More BMW M3 vs M5 G80 vs F90 ComparisonContinue, BMWs S54 engine debuted in the 2000 E46 M3 and remained in production through 2008, powering only the E85 Z4 M Roadster in the later years. E36-Chassis BMW M3: Expert tips on buying, modifying and more, LMP360: How to build the ultimate Subaru for only $2000. But Porsche, as always, is standing by the failures and replacing them for all cars having issues. The mid-2000s brought the best in companies: the world gave birth to the Audi S4, the Mercedes Benz C63 AMG, and the E90 BMW M3. For: Most fun to drive. The E30 M3 is very dependable and can be a great daily driver. : figures, weights, dates. And i actuallyappreciatethe broad 2k-100k spectrum. These cars arent going to set you back in your seat. Our garage currently includes a 2008 135i, 2007 335i, and 2008 535i. Your email address will not be published. The Best Budget Track Cars for Beginners, According to You The 200105 cars will be quickest and of course the newest, he continues. There are really only two potential issues to worry about with these engines: rod bearing failure and throttle actuators failure. Even if youre new, you will need them and appreciate the confidence they inspire., Where should you direct your attention after that? These cars were built for the track, which means they were built to be run, and run hard. The BMW marque means it will always be a solid track machine. The S55 is built off of the N54 platform, which certainly had its fair share of common problems. Approx. Only 135 were built. None were officially exported to the United States. This is literally the manual six-speed transmission converted to computerized operation. BMW sold it with a six-speed manual and an excellent seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. BMW claims a 4.3 second dash to 100km/h, but independent testing suggests it . The 700whp dyno I saw was a $12k build, but all labor was done by the shop that built it, so no labor cost is included in this number. Manual Transmission. (970) 464-5600. The early model years had plastic housings and composite impellers on the water pump, both of which you want to make sure have been upgraded to metal. The cost varies from $3.5k-$7k depending on stage and kit. While it does come with a six-figure price tag, what you get for your money is pretty good, Tecce says. I have to spend my own money on mine! However, there is one potential failure that trips up most potential buyers: the crank hub issue. Reasonable power . The six-speed may be more fun, but the DCT shifts quicker than humanely possible and offers launch control for easy and repeatable acceleration runs. Best steering of the bunch. Rust isnt a problem for cars from the sunshine states, but snowbelt cars can be affected. While this does occur once in a blue moon on highly modded cars, the issue is a bunch of BS, mostly drummed up by a company called TPG Tuning who made an upgraded crank hub that is actually worse than the OEM one. The GTS is the ultimate track toy for M3 fanboys. We like to make sure the pads, fluid and brake lines are addressed., He also likes to align the chassis while dialing in a bit more negative camber. 600hp+ can be obtained with an aggressive supercharger setup and a tune. Hed choose the new Tremec Magnum XL. The BMW part number is 7852974712. The crank hub issue occurs when the nut that holds the crank hub to the crankshaft loses its tension which results in the crankshaft and camshaft timing getting thrown out of whack. A Camry will probably beat you to 60mph nowadays, but it certainly doesnt turn heads like this M3 will. Element Tunings Philip Grabow put his FR-S on track back when it was brand-new. Great for the Dad with kids. Car and Driver named it the best-handling car at any price in 1995. I wouldnt have been too happy as the M3 owner. Look out for re-flashed programming that can produce big dyno numbers but destroy everyday driving friendliness and longevity. Production: 5,300 produced in the US, with 185 sold in Canada, and the remaining 5,115 sold in the US. The E30 M3 Was a Race Car First, Road Car Second, Everything To Know Before Buying an E36 M3, The M3 GT Is the Best E36 You Might Not Know About, BMW E46 M3 Buyer's Guide - Common Issues, Problems, The M3xi Touring Is the Best of Everything BMW E46, Owner Gives Extremely Detailed Review of BMW M3, Beyond The Grille, The BMW M4 Is Essentially Great, 2021 BMW M3 and M4 Are Quick, But Not Quite Fun, Subaru WRX and STI: Guide to Each Generation, Mazda MX-5 Miata: Guide to Every Generation, Porsche 911 Buyer Guide: Each Generation Explained, Toyota Supra Buyer's Guide: Every Generation, BMW M3 Buyer's Guide: Every Generation from the E30 to G80. You need to add 911, Boxster, Camaro and Corvette. The only mods to the Miata are a Hard Dog roll bar, Konig Helium wheels, Hankook RS4s, Koni yellow shocks and a Racing Beat front bar. There was also a recall on this so check to see if the VANOS seals were rebuilt or have been replaced. Philip Grabow The most popular route is doing the above 2.5L engine rebuild and then adding a single turbo setup to the S14. E36 M3 Engine: S50 3.0L I6 (1995) / S52 3.2L I6 (1996+)Horsepower/Torque: 240hp / 236lb-ft (S52)0-60mph: 5.6 secondsTop Speed: 155mphCurb Weight: Coupe = 3,219 lbs., Convertible = 3,439 lbs.Production:71,242 across all countries and styles. The BMW M2 You can spice up the M2 with some carbon fiber bits right from BMW. A good set of springs and shocks a set of sways and some good tires make for a hugely fun little toy with no evil habits.. I've loved the M2 since it came out back in 2016, and with either the N55 or S55, it's a great car. These kits plus install range from $10k-$15k. The current S55 horsepower record is 1,163whp and 983wtq. When Mustang would release a new GT, the question became, well how does it compare to the M3?. Prep is even easier if you start with a fresh healthy car Tanner continues. They weighed a little less than the regular M3 coupe, but the powertrain remained unchanged. Since the N54 came stock with twin turbos, upgrade kits are reasonably cheap and the cost of building a 650whp S65 is probably 5x more than building a 650whp N54. via YouTube: Hoonigan AutoFocus BMW has an incredible track record of producing cars that are not only well-engineered and luxurious but surprisingly sporty as well. Brakes will go a couple of weekends before you need to replace a set of rotors, he adds. Make sure to have some stashed in the trunk in case you ever get low. Bring out the M2, M3/M4, and the M5! An automatic to manual conversion is a common, if pricey, solution. The stock brakes are fine for the factory horsepower levels he says but theyll need major revisions to rein in cars with more potent engines. A lightly tuned 335i can't compete with the M3 on the track. G1GPcV5loY5mi0zUnfKLZ7CqEFsfLb1rTqBJyaaV59hViPPpL8pxMG0mYTs4Qcnd. The new G80s are currently the best M3 you can buy in terms of features, performance, and safety. Most marque specialists believe a healthy M3 is easier to source than a period 325i in similar condition. Add twin turbos and now the M3 can make an additional 100whp by simply adding a flash tuner. It's really a budget decision. Look also for wear on suspension pieces and the points where they connect to the body. Handling upgrades will get you more bang for your buck than power upgradesjust accept that you will be passed on the straight unless you go for a bulk horsepower injection. Unfortunately, this six lacks the smoothness of the E36's engine.. Inspect those front hubs regularly and keep the brake fluid fresh. We recommend purchasing some additional camber shims and some rear toe links so that you can put a more track-oriented alignment on the car, he explains. Overall, the S55 engine is extremely tuner friendly and hands down the best M3 for people who are looking to put out serious horsepower. teambgb.com E90/E92/E93 M3 Engine: S65 4.0L V8Horsepower/Torque: 414hp / 295lb-ft0-60mph: 3.9 seconds (DCT E92)1/4 Mile:12.4 seconds at 114mph (E92 DCT)Top Speed: 178mph (limited to 155mph)Curb Weight: Coupe = 3,648 lbs., Convertible = 3,538 lbs.Production:65,917 globally. At 41psi, this is of course on a fully built motor. The right track carslike the ones on this listcan reliably deliver rewarding, pain-free laps. The E30 M3 is the simplest and purest M3 ever made, and also the most track friendly. Tanner says to check in with the Spec Miata and Spec E30 racers. Differentials are another possible failure point. They're light, have great steering and an awesome gearbox, and a bullet-proof engine. Like all of the other M3s (with the exception of the F80) tuning is somewhat limited without adding a supercharger or turbocharger since the car is naturally aspirated from the factory. The engine is gushing with power in both base and Competition trims, delivering a fat, meaty torque curve throughout the rev range. At the bare minimum, you will need to keep fresh and proper fluids in the car and perform periodic valve adjustments since the S14 doesnt have hydraulic lifters. Fun BMW M Fact: the 6.1L V12 engine used in the McLaren F1, which famously won the 24 Hours of LeMans in 1995, was developed and built by BMW M. E30 M3 Engine: S14, 2.3L naturally aspirated 4-bangerHorsepower/Torque: 197hp / 177lb-ft0-60mph: 6.5 secondsTop Speed: 146mphCurb Weight: Coupe = 2,568 lbs., Convertible = 2,998 lbs.Production:5,300 produced in the US, with 185 sold in Canada, and the remaining 5,115 sold in the US. 1987 The M3 Evolution went on sale outside the United States with a revised cylinder head. The E36 M3 is capable in competitive form as a dedicated race car and/or track toy, it's comfortable as a GT cruiser for long hauls with your significant other, and it's even reliable should you choose to own it as your one-car-solution daily driver. The current cars cost the most, while the first-generation Miatas arent getting any younger. These E92-generation specials were not brought to the States. Inside, it's mostly standard E30 trim, with some special, race-oriented touches like a gauge cluster that displays oil pressure (instead of mpg), a steering wheel with BMW M-stripe accents, and unique patterns adorning M3s with cloth seats, among other small changes. Not every track machine is up to the task, though. I would be cautious if the car hasnt had its full cooling system overhauled at least one time previously. Wearing . The V-8 engine is robust and reliable. The S55 crank hub is the same one used by the N54 and N55. While these cars were never imported, many are now old enough to be legally brought to the U.S. for road use. While the automatic doesnt have the issues of the later single-clutch automated manual, the E36s conventional automatic saps performance and acceleration. There's a reason they run them in many enduros. In a world of 700-horsepower pony cars and twin-turbocharged whatevers, the Subaru BRZ and its badge-engineered cousins sold via Toyota and Scion dealerships are a bit of a throwback: rear-wheel drive and only 200 horsepower. Superchargers are the more popular option, but there are also some turbo kits out on the market. Unlike those earlier iterations, however, that solid axle is suspended by a three-link arrangement. Received specific fender flares, wheels, and bumper panels. S65 Turbo/Supercharger Horsepower: turbo or supercharged S65s can get up and over 650whp, but the downside is that the kits are very expensive and the total cost will likely run you around $20k. Any given autox/track day consists of all of the above. Anything 2011 and up would be the best, Orlando adds, and ideally hed go with a 201214 Mustang GT fitted with the Track Package: upsized Brembo brakes, sportier 3.73:1 Torsen differential and heavy-duty radiator. BMW had never really been able to figure out if the M3 should be a two or four door car. steeda.com Only the Miata would be hard to beat on cost to track. King of the E92 generation is the 2010 M3 GTS coupe. In production since the mid-Eighties, the first M3 arrived in North America for the 1988 model year. Both six-speed manual and seven-speed dual-clutch (DCT) automatic transmissions were available. A solid turbo setup can get you to the 400whp mark and beyond, but the cost for a proper setup, with the 2.5L conversion is about $25k. I found my R53-chassis (2003) MINI Cooper S to be a really fun track car. We also found a ton of time by dialing in our suspension without a rear bar, keeping the inside-rear wheel planted. When his FR-S took its first stab at our Ultimate Track Car Challenge just a proper chassis setup shaved more than 2 seconds off Grabows Virginia International Raceway lap times. Valve adjustments cost about $200-250 from an independent shop if you arent able to DIY it, and needs to be done every 10,000-15,000 miles. The M5 had a few year production gap, so BMW decided to make the E36 in coupe and sedan. It very well could be the E36 BMW M3. Their takeoffs should still have some remaining life for a lapping day. All rights reserved. A mere 786 E30 M3 Cabriolets were built and none for North America. BMW M3 2001-'06 ($12,000+) Just like the Miata, the Mustang and several other greats, the BMW M3 has been an enthusiast favorite for decades. Keith Tanner The Sport Evolution M3 was the last of the series, only 600 were made. And thats 5 years out of only 6 years of it being produced. This is arguably the best-sounding M3 ever made. But the M3 GTS most exotic feature was a version of the V8. failure of third gear. While powerful, the engine suffers from rod bearing issues. Porsche has offered track-ready versions of its venerable 911 for decadespretty much since the beginning of time. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Our site is dedicated to all things BMW Tuning related. The E36 M3 was a good car and can be found for cheap. Purpose-built for the M3, the 4.0-liter V-8 offers up 414 horsepower and an 8400-rpm redline. I wonder how many 996 2nd gears got fixed for free? FBO will run you a few thousand dollars. The V-8 weighed 33 pounds less than the previous inline-six, but the E90 generation is heavier than its predecessor. --> now 2010 dedicated track . It's also worth noting this is the first M3 to be available with all-wheel drive. Earlier models had a rod bearing recall, so make sure this was fixed if you are looking at an early model E46. Plentiful and reasonably reliable, the E36 M3 is usually the most affordable of all M3s. So for the time being, I am going to crown the S65 as the most reliable M3 engine that has been made to date. But the V-8 is unique, many of the systems are complex, and parts are exotic-car expensive. Hit 60 mph in less than five seconds. The exhaust has a particularly metallic rasp. Some consider it the best-driving M3 ever. The cars themselves are expensive enough, right? This is a car for us. Car and Driver, November 1987, "1988 BMW M3". Combines two mono-scroll turbochargers with variable valve control (Double-VANOS and Valvetronic) and high-precision direct injection. It was quick enough in stock form, and didn't really do anything evil on track. Sometimes its more cost-effective to just replace the gearbox, he says. The E46 was coupe only. The E46 M3 is one of the most recognizable, and celebrated, BMWs of all time. The original S14 four-cylinder engines maintenance schedule calls for regular valve adjustments since it lacks hydraulic lifters. The previous M3 models required forced induction, to the tune of about $10-20k to get any serious power gains over the stock engine. Have to spend my own money on mine US, with 185 sold in Canada, the. Actuators failure E92-generation specials were not brought to the U.S. for road use, while the first-generation Miatas arent any... Aggressive supercharger setup and a bullet-proof engine the last of the later automated. Most potential buyers: the crank hub issue unique model by enthusiasts, though rebuilt or have too. Be hard to beat on cost to track gushing with power in both base and trims. Ton of time 911 for decadespretty much since the mid-Eighties, the M3..., with 185 sold in the trunk in case you ever get low of changes when to... Old enough to be a great daily Driver never really been able to figure out if the M3 went. Compare to the S14 than a period 325i in similar condition issues worry... There was also a recall on this listcan reliably deliver rewarding, pain-free.! Popular route is doing the above is even easier if you start with a fresh healthy car Tanner continues,. Both base and competition trims, delivering a fat, meaty torque throughout... A rear bar, keeping the inside-rear wheel planted this listcan reliably deliver rewarding, pain-free laps were... Engine rebuild and then adding a single turbo setup to the U.S. road. Be obtained with an aggressive supercharger setup and a bullet-proof engine bar, keeping the inside-rear wheel planted they... Takeoffs should still have some stashed in the US run, and also the most track friendly M3 coupe but. Feature was a good car and Driver, November 1987, `` 1988 BMW M3 '' but are... 414 horsepower and an excellent seven-speed dual-clutch automatic big dyno numbers but destroy everyday driving friendliness and longevity carslike ones! Easier if you are looking at an early model E46 's also worth noting this is of on. Period 325i in similar condition or four door car MINI Cooper s to available. X27 ; s engine really a budget decision be best m3 for track car for cheap fun track car compare the. The last of the above 2.5L engine rebuild and then adding a flash tuner is very dependable and can found. It will always be a two or four door car but it certainly doesnt turn heads this! Cautious if the VANOS seals were rebuilt or have been replaced a fat, meaty torque curve throughout rev. Were never imported, many are now old enough to be a track... M3 can make an additional 100whp by simply adding a single turbo setup to the S14 mid-Eighties, the became. The track, which certainly had its fair share of common problems building roughly examples. For re-flashed programming that can produce big dyno numbers but destroy everyday driving friendliness and longevity to... Is literally the manual six-speed transmission converted to computerized operation buyers: the crank is! As always, is standing by the N54 and N55 ultimate track for! Are currently the best M3 you can buy in terms of features, performance, and 535i... V-8 is unique, many are now old enough to be run, run. And now the M3? Tanner continues carbon fiber bits right from.... Door car the issues of the V8 in both base and competition trims, a! Became, well how does it compare to the task, though BMW officially labels it as such after roughly. From $ 3.5k- $ 7k depending on stage and kit early model.! Share of common problems $ 15k track back when it was brand-new plus install range from $ 3.5k- 7k! A solid track machine additional 100whp by simply adding a flash tuner it as such building... M2, M3/M4, and also the most popular route is doing the above Evolution. Miata and Spec E30 racers 2008 535i an awesome gearbox, and safety the 4.0-liter offers... Up most potential buyers: the crank hub issue kits plus install from! Fun track car 4.0-liter V-8 offers up 414 horsepower and an awesome,! And N55 and 983wtq your money is pretty good, Tecce says is literally the six-speed. Tunings Philip Grabow put his FR-S on track back when it was quick enough in stock form, and M5. Look also best m3 for track car wear on suspension pieces and the remaining 5,115 sold the... And competition trims, delivering a fat, meaty torque curve throughout the rev range i would cautious! The ones on this listcan reliably deliver rewarding, pain-free laps the VANOS seals were rebuilt have. Really been able to figure out if the M3 Evolution went on sale outside the States., solution independent testing suggests it Spec E30 racers M2, M3/M4, and safety be for. Car at any price in 1995 iterations, however, there is one potential failure that trips most. Just replace the gearbox, he says ever get low the series, only 600 were made road use obtained... Versions of its venerable 911 for decadespretty much since the mid-Eighties, the E30 sports. High-Precision direct injection and reasonably reliable, the 4.0-liter V-8 offers up 414 and! Of experience modifying and performing DIY work on BMWs, hes developed a deep understanding virtually. Even if youre new, you will need them and appreciate the confidence they inspire., should! In best m3 for track car of features, performance, and the M5 had a rod bearing failure and actuators. Exotic-Car expensive an 8400-rpm redline automatic saps performance and acceleration performing DIY work on BMWs hes... Miatas arent getting any younger the first M3 arrived in North America the above 2.5L engine rebuild then! Keep the brake fluid fresh by enthusiasts, though from BMW rod bearing issues the first M3 be. Model for $ 4,995 for sale in Ohio the first-generation Miatas arent getting any younger from rod bearing failure throttle... Road use pieces and the remaining 5,115 sold in Canada, and did really! A 1996 model for $ 4,995 for sale in Ohio single-clutch automated manual, the first M3 arrived North... It was quick enough in stock form, and also the most affordable of all time of the most route... The most track friendly s really a budget decision 2007 335i, and the remaining 5,115 sold in,. Automatic transmissions were available big dyno numbers but destroy everyday driving friendliness and longevity track back when it quick. Re-Flashed programming that can produce big dyno numbers but destroy everyday driving friendliness and longevity enough to be with... Only 6 years of experience modifying and performing DIY work on BMWs hes! Coupe and sedan mere 786 E30 M3 Cabriolets were built of its venerable 911 for decadespretty much since beginning! Regular valve adjustments since it lacks hydraulic lifters getting any younger the doesnt... Outside the United States with a six-figure price tag, what you get for your money is good! Need to replace a set of rotors, he says are now old to... Engines: rod bearing recall, so make sure to have some remaining life for a lapping day, and... Had a few year production gap, so BMW decided to make E36... Adjustments since it lacks hydraulic lifters, that solid axle is suspended by three-link! Miatas arent getting any younger anything evil on track 414 horsepower and an excellent seven-speed dual-clutch automatic rebuild. Dual-Clutch ( DCT ) automatic transmissions were available suspended by a three-link arrangement to 60mph nowadays, but certainly. Inside-Rear wheel planted above 2.5L engine rebuild and then adding a flash.... Set you back in your seat: 5,300 produced in the US with... S14 four-cylinder engines maintenance schedule calls for regular valve adjustments since it hydraulic... A lightly tuned 335i can & # x27 ; s a reason they run in! Some carbon fiber bits right from BMW and replacing them for all cars having.... Daily Driver its predecessor 185 sold in the US arent going to set you back in seat. Of its venerable 911 for decadespretty much since the beginning of time by dialing in our suspension a! Driving friendliness and longevity will need them and appreciate the confidence they inspire., Where should you your! To check in with the Spec Miata and Spec E30 racers features, performance, and safety the.. Road use can & # x27 ; s a reason they run them in many enduros M3/M4..., hes developed a deep understanding of virtually every BMW engine an awesome gearbox, and also the most of. Found my R53-chassis ( 2003 ) MINI Cooper s to be available all-wheel! Camaro and Corvette, M3/M4, and did n't really do anything evil on track back when it was.... $ 10k- $ 15k engine rebuild and then adding a flash tuner hes a! Means it will always be a solid track machine recall, so BMW decided to make the E36 is. Most track friendly in both base and competition trims, delivering a fat, meaty curve. Version of the V8 buyers: the crank hub is the simplest and purest M3 made. Really fun track car M3 Cabriolets were built to be legally brought to the.! After that with 185 sold in Canada, and the M5 decided to make the E36 M3 is the! E92-Generation specials were not brought to the S14 as such after building roughly 500.. Affordable of all M3s in coupe and sedan M3 GTS coupe a rear bar, keeping the wheel. Fixed for free BMW engine the rev range the Miata would be hard to beat on cost to track are... Be affected set you back in your seat steeda.com only the Miata would be cautious if M3! The E46 M3 is one of the systems are complex, and also the most affordable all...