Change my 75 911 with a 95 M3?

[MMBRAZIL]

I have the opportunity to change my 75 911 with a 95 M3. Never drove a M3, can anybody tell me if its a good trade?

[k9handler]

if you do expect to be called a trader! Ha Ha...just kidding, it's all up to you.

[wbs356]

I did the same thing one time. I had a 73 911S that I sold and bought a 95 M3. Its not a 911. Needles to say I'm back. The M3 is a wonderful car, comfy and quick. I guess it was such a huge change from my early S that I felt too comfortable. It seemed like I was too detached from the road or something. My car was all stock. I guess if you stiffen up the suspension and make a few easy modifications it would be an even better ride. Just my opinion.

[Rot 911]

do a search on here regarding M3's. I know there are a couple of threads regarding how people like/dislike driving them.

[Stuttgart951]

Almost did a similar trade on an E36 M3 about a year ago. If you feel the M3 is the right car for you, go for it. If not, stick with the 911. Whichever option you choose, however, recognize that you will be driving a 911 in six months either way.

Very comfortable, semi-quick, great daily driver. "Disconnected" from the road and very heavy (compared to a 75 911, at least). I felt that I wouldnt be happy trading for an E36 M3 because the car seemed so uninspired to me - its one big compromise - half sports car, half sedan - and for that reason I decieded against it.

[Rich911E]

Ditto to the previous comments. M3 is great grand tourer - comfy, fast and easy to drive --- and kind of dull. If you need a dual purpose car that can carry some passengers or some, the M3 is it. The 911 is a different car entirely. My $0.02

Rich

[75'930cab]

Get both! I had a E36 M3 and loved it but needed more room and to get around in the snow better, so I bought Lexus LX470. I still have my 911. I will always have a 911 of some sort!!!!

[NYSCAR]

I'd have to disagree on the M3 being dull thing people are saying. I drove a 97 M3 for 3 years before I got my 73 911S. They're definitely apples and oranges - M3 is a bit more powerful, handles amazingly well, seats 5, has a trunk for the luggage, good A/C and heat, comfy, quiet, reliable, a real all-star. The 73 is a bit slower, handles and feels like a go kart, all top end, loud, seats 2 adults, maybe 3 if one of you is into yoga, tiny trunk, terrible A/C, slightly smelly heat, sorta comfy, not as reliable as the M3. If I could chose a comfy and affordable 2nd car (I live in NYC, so having *1* car is really a luxury) the E36 M3 would definitely be high on the list, I loved mine!

All that being said, don't ask us, do drive one

Brad

[RANDY P]

Only if it's a straight across trade...

[MMBRAZIL]

So, I will probably drive the car next week. My second son has just arrived, so I need more room. Saying that, I am towards getting a half sports, half sedan. And probably I will have some U$ back, old porsches are rare here in Brazil.
So decided that I will trade, another question. Are the M3 reliable, can I use it with no concern?

And, tks for the repleis, guys.

[thrown_hammer]

Just for fun...post this on the BMW board.

[Stuttgart951]

Yes they are reliable. The S50 engine in the 95 M3's has a pretty good reputation for long life (responds well to mods too). There are a few E36 problem areas that you will want to have looked at - but the car will cost considerably less than an early 911 to maintain.

The 95's had a plastic impeller in the water pump that needs to be changedout with a metal one. Usually, buy this age, most owners have already done this. Also, the radiator neck has a tendency to crack. Thats about it. The rear suspension setup has been known to give people problems, but overall I would say the cars are extremely reliable and maintenance free.

EDIT: Just thought of this - You are in Brazil? I would assume the M3 would be Euro spec as opposed to US spec - in that case, I would jump on it - WAY more power (240HP/286HP I think). Hell, if you dont like it, you could turn around and sell it in the US for twice what its worth. Euro M3's are extremely desireable here among the BMW crowd.

Try this site for more info: www.bimmerforums.com

[DavidPorter]

stuttgart951 is right, the American market E36 M3s were really just hot-rod E36 coupes compared to the ROW version of the M3, which had an entirely different intake system among other things and at least an extra 40hp. The current M3 is the same everywhere. If you really want something more comparable to a 911, try an E30 M3 ('87-91).

[axl911]

I have a 141K miles on my 95 M3. Engine is still strong and tight. Never have to do anything except change the oil.

It's much more reiliable than my C2.

---
anthony

[MMBRAZIL]

Yes, its european. The guy says it has 31k on it.....wish me good luck i will see the car next week.

tks for all info.

[NYSCAR]

Oooooh the european version is even more fun (fast) and revvy...suspension is stiffer and lower than the U.S. version too. I'm gonna bet you'll be fairly pleased with the car

Brad

[Two Oh]

Originally posted by Stuttgart951
Yes they are reliable. The S50 engine in the 95 M3's has a pretty good reputation for long life (responds well to mods too). There are a few E36 problem areas that you will want to have looked at - but the car will cost considerably less than an early 911 to maintain.

The 95's had a plastic impeller in the water pump that needs to be changedout with a metal one. Usually, buy this age, most owners have already done this. Also, the radiator neck has a tendency to crack. Thats about it. The rear suspension setup has been known to give people problems, but overall I would say the cars are extremely reliable and maintenance free.

EDIT: Just thought of this - You are in Brazil? I would assume the M3 would be Euro spec as opposed to US spec - in that case, I would jump on it - WAY more power (240HP/286HP I think). Hell, if you dont like it, you could turn around and sell it in the US for twice what its worth. Euro M3's are extremely desireable here among the BMW crowd.

Try this site for more info: www.bimmerforums.com

as David said the Euro version has a different intake. It also has a different head. These two items are worth 50 plus hp.

Stuttgart, I didn't think that Euro M3's were allowed in the US?

[Stuttgart951]

Originally posted by Two Oh


Stuttgart, I didn't think that Euro M3's were allowed in the US?

Sure they are - they just have to be "federalized" like say... an 80-85 911 Turbo.

Imported, few minor (but costly) emissions alterations and youre good to go.

Never driven one, but I hear the Euro-spec E36 M3's, as compared to US-spec, are night and day.

[Two Oh]

Night and day, to say the least.
Thanks Stuttgart