BMW M3 (E36) Non-Evo

[fishtek69]

I have a friend who is considering an early E36 M3 as his next car. He would be getting an L/M reg example with around 100k on the clock.

What does everyone think of these cars? Are they more/less reliable than the later (and more expensive) Evo models? Are they a lot slower than the Evo's? What problems should he look for specifically?

Any ideas or advice you can supply would be most appreciated.

[xm5er]

The consensus opinion I have gleaned from reading lots of stuff about these cars is that the non evo is more reliable due to the VANOS issue with evos. But that it isnt really noticably slower, however its a bit thirstier and a bit less torquey.

That said, the magazine reviews at the time of the evo's launch reckoned that it steered and handled better than its predecessor.

[trackdemon]

Great value, and one hell of a good drifting car

[jovi]

I've owned both and would sum up as:

Non-Evo:
Slightly less accomplished but therefore can be more fun on roundabouts and twisties! 5 speed box less fussy.

Evo:
Definitely quicker. Handles/Grips better, and is generally able to deal with all road/weather conditions better, making it a faster point to point car. If you work it hard enough you get a genuinely fast car, but also can be quietly pootled about town in refinement!

Both:
Performance can vary according to car so hunt around and get a well looked after one with a proper history. Depending on what performance you are used to, a proper Non Evo M3 can still deliver plenty of thrills!