possible R32 purchase

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Discussion

Andy70

Original Poster:

1,301 posts

166 months

Sunday 13th March 2022
quotequote all
I was looking to get an R32, they are really great looking cars I think and wanted one for a long time and want to get away from BMW, unfortunately they don't seem to have much power considering they pack a 3.2L engine, really disappointed on that front as BM can seem to easily squeeze over 339bhp from the old M3's and 272bhp from a mere 3.0 330i, so i was wondering to overcome this lack of grunt are there any turbo kits, high lift cams, 200 cell sports cats available for these cars? I was looking to get one around 2007-8ish any tuning tips would be helpful, thanks

Belle427

9,750 posts

240 months

Monday 14th March 2022
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Supercharger kits are available but quite expensive so it depends on how deep your pockets are really.
I’ve always fancied one but the running costs put me off, I run a Stage 1 Edition 30 and although it lacks some of the theatre of the R32 it’s a great fun car.
I do still turn my head though when I hear an R32 go past!
This is a good read.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Edited by Belle427 on Monday 14th March 07:19

Andy70

Original Poster:

1,301 posts

166 months

Monday 14th March 2022
quotequote all
That's the issue isn't it regarding deep pockets etc, that is why i loved my 335i as I got over 400bhp for not much out lay but there are so many expensive common issues with those I needed deeper pockets keeping the thing running unfortunately

si_xsi

1,230 posts

202 months

Monday 14th March 2022
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Without Supercharging or Turbo set ups which will set you back £5-£10K minimum, the VR6 cannot easily be tuned. A simple remap and less restrictive exhaust can yield about 10-15 bhp but that’s about it without doing engine work (cams etc) even then you’re only looking at about 25bhp more and many feel its not really worth it and focus more on suspension refresh etc.

The narrow angle VR6 block has been around since the early 90s when it was in the Mk 3 Golf and Corrado, so its getting on a bit now. It’s an offset transverse engine and so can get warm. In contrast, The M3 has a finely tuned longitudinal engine with vanos valve timing, this coupled with a healthy development budget by BMW’s ‘M’ division means its hardly surprising it produces more power.

I’m on my 3rd R32, they are expensive to run without doubt. They are not slow but also not the fastest by modern standards. Its has character, fun to drive, lovely low down torque, the noise, enough power for most UK roads. But if its big bhp numbers you are after in standard from, its probably not the car for you.

Kellerman

183 posts

32 months

Monday 14th March 2022
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I've had both the R32 and E46 & E92 M3.

The R32 wins on practicality, wet weather grip, brakes and has a better gearbox.

The BMW wins on everything else. Mainly speed, handling, "feel" of the car etc. The R32 is nowhere near in terms of driving enjoyment.

Andy70

Original Poster:

1,301 posts

166 months

Monday 14th March 2022
quotequote all
si_xsi said:
Without Supercharging or Turbo set ups which will set you back £5-£10K minimum, the VR6 cannot easily be tuned. A simple remap and less restrictive exhaust can yield about 10-15 bhp but that’s about it without doing engine work (cams etc) even then you’re only looking at about 25bhp more and many feel its not really worth it and focus more on suspension refresh etc.

The narrow angle VR6 block has been around since the early 90s when it was in the Mk 3 Golf and Corrado, so its getting on a bit now. It’s an offset transverse engine and so can get warm. In contrast, The M3 has a finely tuned longitudinal engine with vanos valve timing, this coupled with a healthy development budget by BMW’s ‘M’ division means its hardly surprising it produces more power.

I’m on my 3rd R32, they are expensive to run without doubt. They are not slow but also not the fastest by modern standards. Its has character, fun to drive, lovely low down torque, the noise, enough power for most UK roads. But if its big bhp numbers you are after in standard from, its probably not the car for you.
That means a lot to me is low end grunt, most BMs are high revving, I do prefer low end torque as you can give it a blip with no effort with my 335i I was far in exess of any speed limit before it really wound up properly. My v8 s4 was lovely low end