The package was primarily a cosmetic package that included 19-inch BBS wheels, larger brake rotors and calipers, stiffer suspension, and various interior trims. The mid-engined Cayman hasnt been so thoroughly blessed: Porsche just recently gave consumers a track variant, the one-year-only Cayman GT4. Aftermarket chips and other components may make the E30 M3 better on a track, but stock vehicles are often more desirable to collectors. The ZCP package, in the US, uses the same S54 as the base models, so there were no power benefits. The 2008-2013 M3 with the S65 combined more modern features than the M3 it was replacing, yet BMW wanted to retain the brute, Read More The 5 Most Common BMW S65 Engine ProblemsContinue, The BMW M Division is known for creating some of the best-performance sedans in history. A five-speed automatic also debuted in 1996, but the automatic adds over a second to the zero-to-60 time. Attractive in coupe and convertible form with flared fenders and unique bodywork, the sedan version sat out the E46 generation. Add twin turbos and now the M3 can make an additional 100whp by simply adding a flash tuner. The Miata really is a great track day car thanks to its reliability, its characterful, rev-happy engine, and a well-sorted chassis that ensures you have plenty of fun as you tackle the corners of the race track that you're on. I straight embarrassed people with that car and I knew it would make for an amazing race car., An oil cooler is a must, Grabow says. Subtlety? Probably about the best car available that is a good track car and a comfortable and practical daily driver. The ZCP package in Europe was known as the M3 CSL and had a revised intake, camshafts, and a lightweight exhaust manifold, resulting in increased power to the tune of 355hp and 273tq. In 1996, BMW bumped displacement to 3.2 liters to increase torque, but the 240-hp number remained unchanged. The original S14 four-cylinder engines maintenance schedule calls for regular valve adjustments since it lacks hydraulic lifters. The S54 engine was built off of the M54, but is more so an evolution of the S50 engine used in the Euro-spec E36 M3s. However, it wasnt until 1986 that BMW realized the demand for high performance street cars and launched its first high-production, street legal performance car: the BMW E30 M3. Most marque specialists believe a healthy M3 is easier to source than a period 325i in similar condition. While it does come with a six-figure price tag, what you get for your money is pretty good, Tecce says. Based on the 3-series, M3s receive unique and more-powerful engines, different suspension parts, larger brakes, and subtly re-skinned bodies. 80% of parts are different from the normal E90 to the M3 E90. Failure on these cars seems to be random, with reports of failure on some at 20,000 while others are at 200k miles and havent had any issues. What will this cost you? G1GPcV5loY5mi0zUnfKLZ7CqEFsfLb1rTqBJyaaV59hViPPpL8pxMG0mYTs4Qcnd. There is something about the M3 Coupe which screams take me to the track, but before that, it just needs a few additions. They also come with the largest brakes, but you can still run the ideal 15-inch tire. European models with the close-ratio five-speed gearbox have a dog leg shifter with first gear located down and to the left. Just over 19,000 E30 M3s. Unlike those earlier iterations, however, that solid axle is suspended by a three-link arrangement. His experience as an enthusiast, combined with his technical knowledge, makes him an essential resource for anyone looking to improve the performance of their BMW. What are the best track day cars? If you want the extra 50whp on this car without breaking the bank on a turbo setup, you can get a Turner Stage 4 Package for a little less than $4k. The stout inline-6 S54 managed an impressive 102.5hp per liter in the 333hp US models. Unfortunately, at the same time BMW was manufacturing the S65 and putting it in the M3, they also built the N54 which is probably the most tuneable engine ever (along with the 2JZ). One must-have option are the M carbon bucket seats. There was also a recall on this so check to see if the VANOS seals were rebuilt or have been replaced. 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. And while we're glad BMW offers a manual gearbox, the one in our M4 tester had an unsettlingly light clutch pedal and a rubbery shifter that was tough to shift quickly. 1990 The "Sport Evolution II" model was produced featuring thinner window glass, adjustable spoilers, bigger wheels and tires, and lightweight body work. Added to FeedBurner as well, Your email address will not be published. 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. We'll update this article when we hear from owners about their experiences. Exhaust Now that you're becoming familiar with your car, you can start upgrading power. Both six-speed manual and seven-speed dual-clutch (DCT) automatic transmissions were available. What we don't like is the car's overall heft. Its odd advice coming from a performance parts retailer, but keep the engine stockand with fresh rod bearings, he explains. The E46 M3 notoriously finicky and unsmooth single-clutch (SMG) automatic is complex and expensive to fix. failure of third gear. Zach is a BMW enthusiast with a passion for performance. Despite that, many consider the E46 the best-driving M3 ever made, with impeccable balance and a splendid interior layout. You need to add 911, Boxster, Camaro and Corvette. These semi-exotic M3s were built in small numbers, have more power, sport exotic features, and were more expensive when new. Today, BMW claims the E30-based M3 is the winningest touring car in history. The M3 is BMWs most extreme compact sports coupe and sedan. In 1995 a mere 85 E36 M3 Lightweight coupes were built for the United States market and another 31 for the rest of the world. However, there is one potential failure that trips up most potential buyers: the crank hub issue. While powerful, the engine suffers from rod bearing issues. The 335i indeed has more low-end torque with its turbo inline 6 but the high-revving V8 of the M3 can be better at the track. Their takeoffs should still have some remaining life for a lapping day. This thread is awesome, read it for info on every possible E36 M3 mod: http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=308718, E46 M3 Engine: S54 3.2L I6Horsepower/Torque: 333hp / 262lb-ft0-60mph: 4.8 seconds1/4 Mile:13.0 seconds at 104mphTop Speed: 170mph (limited to 155mph)Curb Weight: Coupe = 3,399 lbs., Convertible = 3,797 lbs.Production: 56,133 coupes and 29,633 convertibles, globally. 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. Do your research, and maybe drive the cars before you write about them. At 41psi, this is of course on a fully built motor. The E30 is not only the rarest of the M3s, its also the only one powered by a four-cylinder engine. The factory rod bearings are extremely tight which doesnt allow for enough lubrication and ultimately results in the bearings breaking. We found a 1996 model for $4,995 for sale in Ohio. and get all the new deets right in your inbox, 2023 | Privacy Policy | Terms | Built by Honeycomb Media, The #1 resource for BMW performance modifications, Please enable JavaScript in your browser to submit the form, The 5 Most Common BMW S65 Engine Problems, The 3 Most Common BMW S54 Engine Problems, BMW S55 vs S58: Performance, Reliability & Tuning. Were an engine company and can assure you that is not the case.. The one rumored problem with the S55 engine is that the crank hubs (the parts that hold the crank in place) fail over time. It inherited the larger, 2.5-liter engine from the "Sport Evolution" model, but the Evo 2 further pushed its output to 238 horsepower. The S50 is a popular swap, will land you around 320whp, and cost approx. Some are wicked fast but a bit fragile. Even the M3's rear-window angle was altered (compared to your standard E30) to help manage airflow. This will get you approx. I could barely drive it on those tires, therefore I had my guys toss on a set of 1810-inch wheels with 285 Hoosier slicks. Built as a homologation special with bespoke fender flares. Its 2.3-liter inline-four was derived from the M1 supercar. Now a full-fledged appreciating collector's item. The M4 and M3 are very similar in terms of feel. The S55 crank hub is the same one used by the N54 and N55. A catless exhaust system will add near 40hp and 32lb-ft of torque. 2003 Europe got the exotic, lightweight. All in all, the E30 M3 is an extremely reliable engine and is built to be run hard, but maintenance and upkeep gets expensive given the cars are 30+ years old. And since theyre all sedans, the more-exotic variations on the M3 themes are now M4s. There are plenty of S52s running strong past 200k+ miles, but lets cover some common things to look for on these high mileage cars: Suspension items on old cars in general can wear down very easily. Stage 1 will get you to 350-370hp and stage 2 is 400-420hp. In 2004, BMW released the M3 CS, known is the US as the ZCP package. Sounds great. Our garage currently includes a 2008 135i, 2007 335i, and 2008 535i. The V-8 weighed 33 pounds less than the previous inline-six, but the E90 generation is heavier than its predecessor. For being a V8, the S65 had a massive lack of torque. Manual Transmission. . These cars arent going to set you back in your seat. Actually, and certainly for anyone shopping on a budget, the best M3 is the one on the middle, the E46, made from 2000-2006. Check the rear shock mounts to make sure there are no cracks in the towers. The M3xi Touring Is the Best of Everything BMW E46 The engine boasts an 8000-rpm redline and pulls hard throughout the rev range. The engine remained the same size as the E36, at 3.2L and kept the I6, which has been dubbed the pinnacle of BMW performance. This is the first production M3 with a turbocharged engine. The MX-5 NC and ND are also modifiable and reliable, but played more into the performance side . There are a lot of rebuild kits out there for this but you will need a CNC machinist to expand the size of the engine, with the total cost of this running about $14k. BimmerWorlds James Clay recommends the E46-chassis cars. A thorough inspection of the subframe requires it to be removed. Tuned 335i vs. M3 for the track. Damn. 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. Most of the failures came from 2014 and 2015 models who were running 550whp or more. 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. Current: 2016 M3 Individual Grigio Telesto Pearl, Sakhir Orange/Black Full Leather w/ CF trim, 6MT, ZCP, CCB, Executive, Lighting, Alex@Alpine coded, 20/15mm BMS spacers, MRG titanium studs, KW Clubsport, Vorsteiner GTS Diffuser, MSR Intake, BBS FI-R, MPE, etc. So which BMW would be the best to create a track car out of while on a tight budget? Lightened and refocused for the track, the Lightweight is the rarest and most desirable of the U.S. E36-generation M3. Combines two mono-scroll turbochargers with variable valve control (Double-VANOS and Valvetronic) and high-precision direct injection. Several of R&T's younger editors picked the F82 out as the best-looking M3. I would be cautious if the car hasnt had its full cooling system overhauled at least one time previously. 2010 What is perhaps the meanest of all M3s appeared this year in the form of the M3 GTS. not going to be sold in the United States. We included options for a wide range of budgets, too. Now that there are four generations, how did we choose one? Why not consider a S2000? 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. Grabow prefers a relatively track-oriented setup for his own FR-S. I run Fortune Auto custom-valved three-way coil-overs and there are huge performance gains there, he reveals. 300-320hp at the crank. An M-tuned xDrive option will become available in summer 2021 for Competition models, set to perform similarly to the trick system found in the current M5 and M8. The engine uses a specific 10W-60 oil. Reinforcement kits are available. As before it was offered as a two-door coupe, two-door convertible, or four-door sedan. Hey, time will tell. If you also need to replace your cylinder head, you are looking at $10-15k. A huge misconception is that there are some insanely tight clearances requiring 0w20. Its power was extremely toned back, it was built to be more luxurious and featured softer suspension. Given the car is naturally aspirated, common bolt-on modifications such as an intake, exhaust, etc. Car and Driver named it the best-handling car at any price in 1995. Driver mod can still shave you more time than what a 5-10 hp increase an exhaust can get you. Element Tunings Philip Grabow put his FR-S on track back when it was brand-new. It makes everything too distant to be fun. Whether you go for the Competition model or not, it's easy to option the M3 or M4 to nearly $100,000. 2011 BMW E90 M3 [10.00] 2013 BMW 328i [10.00] E9X >>>>> E46. Production: 5,300 produced in the US, with 185 sold in Canada, and the remaining 5,115 sold in the US. They commonly fail every 80k miles or so. Americans had to wait until the 1995 model year for the E36 M3, and when it arrived, it had a less exotic engine than the rest of the world enjoyed. While the E36 M3 still looks contemporary, the youngest ones are now a quarter century old. Outside of those issues, the S54 is a great engine and relatively problem free. With over 10 years of experience modifying and performing DIY work on BMWs, hes developed a deep understanding of virtually every BMW engine. The 2003 E46 M3 CSL was fitted with carbon fiber parts including the roof and trunk lid. The E30 M3 is the simplest and purest M3 ever made, and also the most track friendly. The M3 has better suspension, cooling, an LSD, big brakes, and the S65 is nothing to scoff at. Questionable front end design. Dont get me wrong, crank hub failure is an issue, but it certainly isnt a common one. The GT came with lightweight door skins and a swath of green leather in the center of its microsuede seats. People are seeing 280-plus-Fahrenheit oil temps naturally aspirated. Best thing you could do though is give a call over to Alex Roy at Olsen Motorsports in IL. If you do experience crank hub failure, the total cost with parts and labor to fix it is only about $2k. Way more fun than stuff with twice the HP. It's also worth noting this is the first M3 to be available with all-wheel drive. We also love the car's front-end grip and balance. (386) 265-1979, For this retired Olympic ski racer, buying a Miata became a gateway to autocross addiction, Insider guide: Make the most of your 2002-'07 Subaru Impreza WRX, How to make a Porsche Boxster into a street-legal kart, Experts reveal how to make a first-gen BRZ faster. If you want to take it a step further, there's always the dedicated Miata Racing Cup as well. The 200105 cars will be quickest and of course the newest, he continues. The E36-chassis M3 was released in Europe in 1992. So, the M3 will now forever be a 4-door sedan. The stock plastic radiators get brittle and can crack on track, which can ruin the day of more than one person if it dumps. Built primarily for the street, rather than a homologation special, the second-gen (E36) M3 sold in much higher numbers than its predecessor. The E30 was coupe only. Manual M3s command a premium over the five-speed automatic. With it, the M3 is lowered by millimeters, and changes to the stability control system facilitate more aggressive cornering before the system intervenes. The M3 and M4, BMW's newest entries into the M car legacy, certainly seem up to the task, with tons of chassis improvements and a 503-hp twin-turbo straight-six under the hood. I've loved the M2 since it came out back in 2016, and with either the N55 or S55, it's a great car. The cost varies from $3.5k-$7k depending on stage and kit. Make sure to have some stashed in the trunk in case you ever get low. With bolt-on mods and upgrades, the S14 engine can get to 240-250hp at the crank. 5-speed manual transmission is extremely smooth with great steering, Easy to handle due to lighter weight and smaller size compared to later model M3s, Limited slip differential from the factory makes for great traction and good handling, Made more for luxury and less for the track softer suspension, Vanos, shock mounts, and water pump usually have problems over 100k miles, Tons of forum information for DIYs and performance upgrades, Inexpensive nowadays, looks great, and provides ample performance for a 15-year-old car, Great daily driver if you are looking for decent reliability and a fun amount of power, SMG transmission had issues and was less reliable than manual versions, Valve adjustments are ocassionally necessary, similar to the E30, V8 with one of the best sounding factory exhausts, ever, Dual clutch transmission is extremely smooth and fast shifting, 400whp is easy with a few simple bolt-ons, Extremely practical drives like a luxury car at normal speeds but really opens up under throttle. But Porsche, as always, is standing by the failures and replacing them for all cars having issues. All in all, 700whp+ on the S55 is extremely attainable. While E30 models are known to be robust, the M3s solid lifters demand periodic valve adjustments. Three separate E30 M3 Evolution series were issued and are as rare as they are coveted. It is, however, one of the most direct and accurate racks put into an M car in recent memory. Theres a reason that the 25 Hours of Thunderhill looks like a Miata-only race about 18 hours in. 600hp+ can be obtained with an aggressive supercharger setup and a tune. The new gearbox is more smooth than the old DCT, one could argue it lacks the aggression of the old box. When it initially debuted, BMW had no plans of making a US model after E30 sales had only reached 5,000 cars in the US. Expect to replace most of the cooling system at about 60,000 miles. 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. In the U.S., a naturally-aspirated 2.3-liter, DOHC, 16-valve four-cylinder engine with 192 horsepower powered all of them and theyre all manuals. Clay says suspension upgrades are the best bang for your buck on these cars, specifically shocks and springs. The M3 and M4 are the first M cars to use the company's new massive vertical grille design, which debuted on the 2021 4-Series. bimmerworld.com I track a Panoz GTS-WC, a Spec E36, a track-built 944 with a 968 engine swap, a 2016 Cayman S and, occasionally, my brothers 2022 C8 Z51. We look at all the BMW M3 models and choose the best M3 . You can drive the car with the stock alignmentits just better with a more aggressive alignment., Tecce notes one downside of the Cayman GT4: failure of third gear. So the E36 M3 got a dialed down S50 engine that was less expensive and ultimately had 76hp less than the Euro-spec models. There are tons of kits out there, with the starting price around $6k and running up past $10k for the highest horsepower setups. Tanner says to check in with the Spec Miata and Spec E30 racers. Usually we can get two or three weekends out of the rotors. And dont overlook the fluids: Make sure that you have the whole powertrain on synthetic lubricants., Dario Orlando 750whp and 675wtq. It will burn oil. Like its predecessors, the S197-chassis Mustang uses a durable live axle in back. A total of 17,970 first-gen M3s were built17,184 two door coupes and 786 cabriolet convertibles. 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. Even the hood bulges. As with any car, the first track mod should be proper brake pads. Today, all M models are tested and tuned by BMWs private facility at the Nurburgring racing circuit in Germany. While even BMWs low-end engines are going to turbocharger setups for efficiency purposes, we dont think its a surprise that the S55 has turned out to be as much of a monster as it is. Regardless, we are going to cover the pros and cons, reliability, and tuning potential for every M3 model ever manufactured. 16,000 were produced including European models. Overall, the S55 engine is extremely tuner friendly and hands down the best M3 for people who are looking to put out serious horsepower. Ill lay out a few popular options that many people on forums have done: Option 1: rebuilding the 2.3L engine and expanding it to 2.5L. U.S. market cars use a wide-ratio box with a conventional shifter pattern. Probably closer to the $20k mark if you include labor. Turbochargers:A turbo kit is the easiest route to 400whp+ on an S52 engine. Rust isnt a major problem in cars from warm-weather areas. Hit 60 mph in less than five seconds. The exhaust has a particularly metallic rasp. Some consider it the best-driving M3 ever. I have to spend my own money on mine! Hes also the proud owner of a 600whp N54 with upgraded twin turbos and an E30 325i drift car and has a particular affinity for the S58 engine. A stock Coyote-powered Mustang GT makes a little more than 400 horsepower. Road & Track participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Eventually the transmissions synchros will go, too, he says. Due to the introduction in 1999 (production year 2000) of the E39 M5, the E46 M3 was only produced in coupe and convertible models. $10k+ for a new engine. How great is a Miata? In case you ever get low or M4 to nearly $ 100,000 seals were rebuilt have... 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When it was offered as a two-door coupe, two-door convertible, or four-door sedan of course newest! Odd advice coming from a performance parts retailer, but the E90 generation is heavier than predecessor... A swath of green leather in the U.S. E36-generation M3, different parts... Same one used by the failures and replacing them for all cars having issues for being a V8 the... Marque specialists believe a healthy M3 is BMWs most extreme compact sports coupe and....: 5,300 produced in the bearings breaking made, and subtly re-skinned bodies go the... Cracks in the US, uses the same one used by the failures replacing! There & # x27 ; re becoming familiar with your car, the S197-chassis uses!