[E36] Differences between M3 3.0 and Evo?

[sccbishop]

Can anyone tell me that main differences between the E36 M3 and M3 Evo (apart from the extra 200 cc!).

Also, I've heard a few scare stories about the VANOS going on high-milers. Is this true for the 3.0L and the Evo?

Is an Evo worth the extra money - I've got about 13k to spend.

Thanks,
SB

[sohlman]

In real life everyday performance terms there is not a great deal of difference unless you are making full use of the red line. The Evo has a 6 speed gearbox which equates to better fuel consumption, but only just, but it is not as strong. Both cars are fantastic, and it is best to buy the best car you can afford. FSH, let me repeat FSH is the most important thing, and then I would then look at the owner. If the owner cleans his car with a tooth brush and tells you about evrything on the car you are onto a winner. Go to the bmwccgb.org website for the best cars. Also phone up Total BMW and or BMW car magasine as I know one of them about a year ago did a test between the two versions and this should help you make up your mind. Alternativlely look at going to an independant garage that has both and test drive them. A rare one to look out for is the GT available in British Racing Green only. This is a non evo, but with a little more power around 300bhp. Expect to pay around 10-12 for this one. Anyway good luck, with a little research you will be buying a great car.

[douglasr]

Floating (M5) disks
3.2 litre double vanos engine (yes the vanos can be a problem - check with dealer to see if the bolt upgrade has been carried out - you will hear a rattle from the front of the engine at idle)
Aluminium door panels
different alloys
6 speed box (or SMG1)
Different LSD
Quicker steering rack.

Other minor changes that I cant remember.

[pdavison]

The VANOS problem can effect any Evo at any mileage, I have heard of units going at as little as 30-40k ! Go for a car that has been looked after with a full service history (either BMW or specialist).

As said, the difference in everyday performance is hardly noticable. I drove both before buying my Evo and I went for it over the normal M3 due to the 6 speed box.

[v8 mark]

I have to say i would go for the Evo (and did just that)Although on the road, similar speeds, the 321bhp just sounds better in your mind!!!Plus the six speed box!!!I have had 4-5 months happy motoring thus far, and coming from a Griff 500 it is a relief to have a turnkey car that is not too far off the pace, and does not cook you in the process!!!(Dont shoot me,still love the griff!!!)And main dealer servicing is very reasonable for older cars now......Go for it....

[hughjayteens]

As stated above, in the real world very very little in it performance wise, and the Evo engines have had a LOT more reliability problems that the non evo lump ( a survey on www.bm3w.co.uk found that over half the guys on there with Evos had changed the Vanos unit at least once, often many times) so I would never buy on Evo unless it was from a BMW dealer with extendable warranty (Vanos is £1500+).

The Evos were generally slightly higher spec too, with AC or Climate on most models, whereas quiet a few 3.0s didn't have either.

I would choose the car solely on condition and history, rather than Evo or non EVo.

I went for the GT in the end (only 50 RHD ones ever made and only 27 still alive I am told) as it is very slightly more hardcore than the standard models with upper and lower strut braces, dual oil pumps, baffled sump, adjustable splitter and larger rear wing.

I also prefer the sound of the single Vanos 3.0 lump as the double vanos units sound very 'valvey' to my ears.

As an ex TVR owner too, I can't think of a better alround car than an E36 M3, especially at the price they go for now.

I tracked my recently and was amazed at just how bloody fast it could go.

>> Edited by hughjayteens on Friday 8th August 09:48

[danielson]

IIRC either BMW Car or Total BMW preferred the earlier non evo version as they reckoned it had better real world torque delivery??

[M3EVO]

Go EVO Go EVO!!
Still too many wheels.
Hey PDavison, howz the beemer goin??
Got to catch up soon.

[pdavison]

M3EVO,

Beemers going great - Evo's are the way forward. Did I pick a good time to buy the convertible or what ! Only problem is that I'm still lusting after my first Ferrari and I'm getting more and more tempted.

Still miss the bike, you'll have to pop over on the 748 if it's not too hot in your leathers.

[M3EVO]

What fezza you after me old mate? My chum at werk has a 308GTS QV. Not as quick as the EVO but bloody turns heads regardless of situation as it is very red! This is something even a group N Evo couldnt do. Depends what flicks your switch. I, have a similar effect on the Duke, purely because of the Termi pipes and the noise.

Yes I will pop round when I am not decorating (still!!!)

[chris_n]

Reading this thread has made me miss my old E36 Evo. I can still hear the glorious sound of it accelerating hard in third gear. Just when it sounded like it should be about to run out of puff it would suddenly go even harder as if someone had hit a Fast Forward button - must have been the clever VANOS trickery doing its stuff.

However, I did have trouble with the VANOS multiple times, fortunately fixed at BMW's expense so didn't spoil my enjoyment.

Also, It was always nice telling people how it had only the second volume production engine to produce the magic 100bhp/litre after the Ferrari F355 (think that was right - it's what I told people anyway!)

These days most new hot hatches are producing 200+ bhp, whereas 300+ is still the realm of pretty exotic machinery in general.

An Evo has got to be the way to go!

[raceboy]

Left feild suggestion.........
What about an Alpina B3, quicker than an M3, none of that 155 limiter stuff and a whole lot rarer