I want to buy an e36 BMW, and fix it up. Are there any inherent differences between the base i6 model 3-series' and the M3 that would make it impossible to upgrade the base model to or past the M3?

If I were to go through the car part by part, and replace everything over time, would it be possible to build as good of a car as if I had started with the M3 as the platform for my build?

Ultimately, I would want to swap to the M3s engine, or build up the 2.5 and Turbo it.

I just don't want to hit a wall in performance because I started with a lesser model as the platform.

quote Originally posted by 87FieroGTx: I want to buy an e36 BMW, and fix it up. Are there any inherent differences between the base i6 model 3-series' and the M3 that would make it impossible to upgrade the base model to or past the M3? If I were to go through the car part by part, and replace everything over time, would it be possible to build as good of a car as if I had started with the M3 as the platform for my build? Ultimately, I would want to swap to the M3s engine, or build up the 2.5 and Turbo it. I just don't want to hit a wall in performance because I started with a lesser model as the platform.

You can get a e36 m3 for as little as 8 grand. heck I saw one that had a dent in just the door, for 4 grand on ebay. I almost won the auction

an m3 would be the ideal best if you could start with it. if not. try and get atleast a 328i or 328is since it basicly has the m3 motor in it already. just some stuff changed like the cam, maybe the heads. I don't remember. but bmwguru on this forum can tell you.

It all depends on what you want your final outcome to be. A M3 is a nice start and can be made to run faster, but mods are twice the price. The interior and exterior are nicer on the M3. There are guys on bimmerforums with E36 cars running low 10's. I've done turbo and s/c setups on the 328is, 325i, and M52 swaps into 318ti cars.
If you are to look for a specific year E36, I'd go with a 1998 328is with a 5 speed. That car is amazingly fast from the factory. You may just want to put upgraded software and a cold air intake on it and call it a day. Feel free to pm me with any questions and I'll try to help as best I can
Dave

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450hp 1987 Fiero GT, 1986 Fiero SE, certified master technician/shop owner
www.njautobahn.com