Researching E36 for tracking

[muso]

Hi all,

I've never owned a BMW before but have a track habit and need a new car for tracking but also to keep road legal. Whatever I buy I will take out the interior and sound-proofing, put in a cage, racing seats and harnesses and replace springs and dampers.

What would be the best E36 to do this with? Obviously the M3 appeals and the interior should be worth something to sell to somebody. I've seen some around £3-3.5k. The 328 might be very good though as well. Horses aren't everything but at £2k, the ones I've seen are not much cheaper than an M3.

I'm keen to research this properly but am not having much luck on the web so far. Are there any good research sites? Are their any experts I should be talking to?

Many thanks in advance!

[Cavey]

Hi Muso

There've been a few threads on this sort of subject so do a search and you'll find something.

Received wisdom seems to favour the non-Evo E36 M3 for what you're after because 1. they're cheaper than Evos (usually) and 2. the engine doesn't have the Vanos problems associated with the Evo that can cost a fortune. You should be able to get an early M3 for around the £5k mark.

If you're really into track days do remember that even a stripped out M3 will be a relatively heavy car, so you'll need a decent budget for brakes & tyres. You'll probably want to budget for a complete brake upgrade as well, as these are the weak link on E36's - three quick laps will find the limits of the standard system.

Really well balanced cars though, and cracking engine!

Good luck

[taffyracer]

if you can get an EVO then do so, vanos have been known to go but if it's for track then if it does simply remove it, the evo engine is torquier. The brakes are not great but a decent set of pads, fluid and hoses will make all the difference and will be sufficient to get you going. They are great cars with great balance if built properly and equally as good if not better than the E46 on track, certainly lighter

[MrBreidsheid]

The 3.0 didn't have a dual oil pickup - which the 3.2 Evo (& the 3.0 GT should have too) - which is fairly important if you plan track-use. However this can be retrofitted to a 3.0.

On a 3.2 the vanos unit can be binned entirely so not quite the concern that is commonly raised. The biggest issue on a 3.2 is the gearbox as it's a fairly rare unit & can be problematic where replacement rather than repair is required. However the 3.0 uses a fairly common unit from the 328 amongst others in the range.

[muso]

Reliability and reasonable cost of parts is quite important. Sounds like a 3.0 give me that? Are there any well known places that will help prepare an M3 for the track?

[MrBreidsheid]

This might be of interest - an E30 but...
www.pistonheads.com/sales/116456.htm

[muso]

Interesting. How does the 4 cylinder engine hold up against the 6?

[taffyracer]

3.2 evo is the best option running the 3.0 5 speed box as mentioned, easy swap and are more plentiful and better ratios for track use.

[Pistolvip]

You should have a word with Kevin bird at Birds UK Ltd. He has an E36 M3 3 Ltr. It is a track ready road car with all the mods you spoke about and them some.

He was saying to me only yesterday that he would sell any of his cars if the price was right.

[ngr]

muso said:

Reliability and reasonable cost of parts is quite important. Sounds like a 3.0 give me that? Are there any well known places that will help prepare an M3 for the track?

Hi Muso

We can help you with track prep if required.

Have a preview of my new web site at www.bmw-racing.co.uk a few pics of taffyracer's car on there!!

Thanks

Neil

Edited by ngr on Sunday 3rd December 22:36

[muso]

Pistolvip, do you have a wesbite or other contact for Birds? I googled it but got nothing useful.

Neil, I would like to talk to you. Office hours is tricky but I'll give it a shot this week.