M3 Vs M3 EVO E36

[couger]

Have read a lot of indifferent articles on this, you guys drive these cars.. what makes the Evo better, or is it really that much better.

[outnumbered]

I think the general consensus is that there's not a lot in it. But bear in mind that any non-EVO you buy will now be pushing on 10 years old, so finding a nice one is going to be much harder.

I would say buy the best M3 you can find at your price point, whether it's an EVO or not.

[JRSE]

I have only ever driven the Evo.

M3 Evo is 6 speed with dual vanos and 321bhp
M3 is 5 speed with vanos and something like 286bhp?

I am not fond of the gearbox on the Evo. I find it notchy and far too much gear stick travel! It's quick but I'd like a bit more torque from it but for a normally aspirated engine overall it's not bad. I adjusted from a 200bhp+ forced induction car to this one within a week. Somehow I expected it to be much quicker.

It's the Evo's that had vanos problems.

Having been without my car for so long I have started to appreciate how much I like it tho! Jumping from a courtesy car (E46 320 diesel) to the m3 Evo I noticed a few things. My M3 Evo seems to have a huge steering wheel! My left leg gets a better workout from the clutch. The car requires more effort to drive. I need to visit the petrol station on a more frequent basis! However saying all that my first drive in a while left me grinning. A shame I only had the car back for a couple of days!

As mentioned I would buy the best example you can find. An earlier M3 or an Evo one. I believe the earlier one is easier to tune if that's what you want to do. I'd go and test drive one to see for yourself.

[couger]

Thanks guys
I was pretty much set on an EVO, but circumstances have changed and Im looking at an M reg 95 M3 70,000 miles FBMWSH, still has got the orange indicators on it 2 owners, immaculate cond, I was a bit dissapointed with the power, but saying that Ive just come from an Esprit turbo so maybe I will never get that sort of performance from an M3, I could buy a high mileage EVO for the money im spending but this seems the better option, your thoughts as always much app.

Ian

[JRSE]

couger said:

Thanks guys I was pretty much set on an EVO, but circumstances have changed and Im looking at an M reg 95 M3 70,000 miles FBMWSH, still has got the orange indicators on it 2 owners, immaculate cond, I was a bit dissapointed with the power, but saying that Ive just come from an Esprit turbo so maybe I will never get that sort of performance from an M3, I could buy a high mileage EVO for the money im spending but this seems the better option, your thoughts as always much app. Ian

It was either the M3, 911 or an Esprit S4 for me. I couldn't find a decent S4 at the time. Decided against the 911...

That one you describe sounds the best option.

[couger]

Thanks
Have test drove an EVO today.. WOW what a car!!, unbeleivable difference from the standard M3, deposit is paid, subject to my mate giving it the once over and OKing it, its mine

Ian

[JRSE]

couger said:

Thanks Have test drove an EVO today.. WOW what a car!!, unbeleivable difference from the standard M3, deposit is paid, subject to my mate giving it the once over and OKing it, its mine Ian

Hope it all goes well mate! I hope to have my Evo back soon!

[couger]

Thanks JRSE, done all the checks and pointers you guys gave me..been a great help, Vanos changed in 2003, FBMWSH checks out with head office, HPI clear, has a few more thousand miles on.. but well looked after, maybe see you in cars in the park.

Ian

[JRSE]

couger said:

Thanks JRSE, done all the checks and pointers you guys gave me..been a great help, Vanos changed in 2003, FBMWSH checks out with head office, HPI clear, has a few more thousand miles on.. but well looked after, maybe see you in cars in the park. Ian

I might just have my car back before then!

What colour did you end up with?

[couger]

Yeah funny one that one, was absoloutley dead set on Estoril blue.. till I saw the black one....

[JRSE]

Nice choice tho. I like the Estoril but was prepared to own any colour! Even the dakar yellow which I'm not keen on! Almost ended up with Boston Green but got a Techno Violet.

Enjoy!

[andygtt]

I loved the estorial blue as well, but I sprayed my last car that colour years ago so didn't really want to seek it out. I think mine is techno violet as well.

Black is definatelly a very good colour for a BMW, well done.

[couger]

Thanks, Im very happy with it, its an awesome all rounder