Which do you prefer to have and why? E30 M3 or E36 M3

[gearhead]

Let's say you are looking at each of the two to buy. The newer M3s are just pricey and these are what are in your price range. It would be a plaything for weekends and color coding. Which of the two would you choose?

How can you tell if it is a fake or not? It seems there may be some. Is there a way of authentication through a VIN or visually?

[SiViTeC]

Let's say you are looking at each of the two to buy. The newer M3s are just pricey and these are what are in your price range. It would be a plaything for weekends and color coding. Which of the two would you choose?

How can you tell if it is a fake or not? It seems there may be some. Is there a way of authentication through a VIN or visually?

e36 for me... newer technology..

you can check if it is the real thing through http://www.realoem.com

Enter the last the last 7 digits of the VIN and you'll find some of the car's details.

[empy]

E30 M3 for me, without a doubt. i've driven both.

the E36 M3 is a phenomenal performance luxury coupe, especially in its day. the E30 M3 is a full fledged race car that BMW certified for the street

[work]

I'd pick the E36 M3. Driven one and it's fast but the clutch is a PITA.

[niky]

E30... a little more visceral, I would say.

But then, get whichever one is in better condition... both are pretty good cars.

[emanzano]

hope i dont come across as a dick...

i've owned both an e30M3 and an e36M3. if i were to buy again, i'd get the e36 M3 (and it should be the eurospec). it's more livable on a daily basis, the parts are relatively easier to come by, and it is MUCH more reliable than the e30.

the 286hp of that thing is more than enough for our philippines roads. i honestly cant imagine wanting more power.


i sold the e30 cuz it really wasnt for me. it's not as fast, and despite its heritage, it is a 20+ yr old car. its glory days are long gone. AT BRC, the mini-cooper S's were handing my ass to me on a plate.

the e36, now that's something i see myself driving in again in the future. i totalled my old one, unfortunately...

[redorange]

E30, it's the original M3 and will be more valuable in the future. Some collectors already consider it a classic.

[emanzano]

E30, it's the original M3 and will be more valuable in the future. Some collectors already consider it a classic.

, the e30M3 is indeed a classic. if you have enough cars and you're looking for one to collect, then you should get the e30M3. But if you're looking for a car to drive often, on both highway and stop-and-go traffic, get the e36.

[cablespy]

e36 maspogi!

[Ben E55]

I like the E30 M3.

[jpn]

hmmm. Hard choice, I have alway liked both and had both, as they are more affordable than the newer M3s...but now I do have the E30M3 already. Here is my 02cents.....

With regards to the price (world market price/not Philippinemarket price) The 1st gen E36M3 is cheaaper than the E30M3 assuming they are in similar condition...
Performance: The E36m3 beats the E30m3 with regards to power
Pogi points : The E30 m3 wins with the wide flares and racing look
Value : The E30m3 still wins hand down....the prices are actually increasing every year as it is getting harder to find one and more BMW enthusiast are wanting one to have and keep!
Reliability : E36m3 is better, its newer, more advanced technolgy

If you just want to drive around town in an ///M car, then get the E36m3!!!
But if you have budget (a lot) and time...get an e30m3, put the necessary upgrades for suspension and engine....you will have gokart like handling and 4cyl ///M that will hang on to the 6cyl ///m cars with out a problem..