Check the condition of the front hubs, he adds. E90/E92/E93 M3 Engine: S65 4.0L V8Horsepower/Torque: 414hp / 295lb-ft0-60mph: 3.9 seconds (DCT E92)1/4 Mile:12.4 seconds at 114mph (E92 DCT)Top Speed: 178mph (limited to 155mph)Curb Weight: Coupe = 3,648 lbs., Convertible = 3,538 lbs.Production:65,917 globally. Make sure to have some stashed in the trunk in case you ever get low. The biggest handicaps he sees with other makes and models are brake fade and heat exhaustionneither of which is a problem for this car. Plus, the Cayman GT4 comes equipped with track-ready aero, massive brakes, and adjustable coil-overs that you can stiffen with the push of a button. The E30 is not only the rarest of the M3s, its also the only one powered by a four-cylinder engine. What will this cost you? This M3 is thoroughly more modern than any of its predecessors, meaning lots of computers and electrical systems all intertwined. Despite that, many consider the E46 the best-driving M3 ever made, with impeccable balance and a splendid interior layout. Despite its more-pedestrian roots, the M3s handling and performance lived up to the name. BMW adjusted the bed plate in 2016 which fixed this issue and made it less prevalent, so opt for a 2016+ if this does concern you. Required fields are marked *. "E36 BMW non-M3 - cheap, simple strong motor, plentiful. Unfortunately, this six lacks the smoothness of the E36s engine. Keith Tanner Plus, the top goes down. Fun BMW M Fact: the 6.1L V12 engine used in the McLaren F1, which famously won the 24 Hours of LeMans in 1995, was developed and built by BMW M. E30 M3 Engine: S14, 2.3L naturally aspirated 4-bangerHorsepower/Torque: 197hp / 177lb-ft0-60mph: 6.5 secondsTop Speed: 146mphCurb Weight: Coupe = 2,568 lbs., Convertible = 2,998 lbs.Production:5,300 produced in the US, with 185 sold in Canada, and the remaining 5,115 sold in the US. If you want to take it a step further, there's always the dedicated Miata Racing Cup as well. Enthusiasts were skeptical of the lower-performance engine, but the American M3 was still capable of hitting 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. Okay, there are a few small differences regarding trim, chassis tuning and available colors, but for the most part theyre identical. Regardless, we are going to cover the pros and cons, reliability, and tuning potential for every M3 model ever manufactured. Reinforcement kits are available. Sometimes you just want to click off lapslike, a lot of lapswithout worrying that the brakes will fall off, the tires will combust, or the car will simply slow to a haltmid-corner. There are a lot of rebuild kits out there for this but you will need a CNC machinist to expand the size of the engine, with the total cost of this running about $14k. While Europeans received a high-revving S50 3.0-liter inline-six with 286 horsepower, Americans got a 240-hp 3.0-liter version of the engine in the 325i. 2011 BMW produced 67 four-door versions of the GTS wearing the name M3 CRT. 1990 The "Sport Evolution II" model was produced featuring thinner window glass, adjustable spoilers, bigger wheels and tires, and lightweight body work. Seals on the solenoid that operate the system will wear and fail. Look for spots where water is likely to puddle; along the windshields base, in the channel along the trunk rim, along the sunroof's seals, and along body seams. Good article , thanks and we would like extra! The steering, in typical BMW fashion, is devoid of any real feel. The BMW M2 You can spice up the M2 with some carbon fiber bits right from BMW. Then add a 911 Carrera S engineand subtract the 911 price premium. 1994 A year before the E36 M3 went on sale in the United States, 45 examples of the European-spec M3 with the full 286 horsepower were sent to Canada. What are the best track day cars? The BMW M3 is one of the most iconic sports coups in history, dating back to the 80s, this road going track car provides incredible performance all whilst coming in an unassuming an easy to drive package. Tanner favors the more powerful ones built after 2000. $10k+ for a new engine. FBO + Stage 2 turbos + meth injection + race gas will get you approx. I love lists! 2003 Europe got the exotic, lightweight. Ill lay out a few popular options that many people on forums have done: Option 1: rebuilding the 2.3L engine and expanding it to 2.5L. For track use, we recommend a hardtop fitted with the six-speed manual transmission. Built as a homologation special with bespoke fender flares. Its 2.3-liter inline-four was derived from the M1 supercar. Now a full-fledged appreciating collector's item. BMW hit the nail on the head with this engine and finally built an M3 that is easy and cheap to tune and make big power from. The division initially started with 35 employees, and its first project was the BMW 3.0 CSL. There are three main models available with the G80 M3, including the base version, competition, and xDrive. Best thing you could do though is give a call over to Alex Roy at Olsen Motorsports in IL. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Our site is dedicated to all things BMW Tuning related. The S54 engine was built off of the M54, but is more so an evolution of the S50 engine used in the Euro-spec E36 M3s. Some may think that they are race cars for the street and in some ways they are. None were exported to the United States by BMW. A naturally aspirated 3.2-liter inline-six with 333 horsepower allowed the E46 M3 to hit 60 mph in less than five seconds. Many of the problems that come with age and mileage arent fully known yet. A well sorted e46 M3 track/race car is fast and reliable. When it comes to tuning potential the N54 is the better and cheaper engine to mod, though. 1988 The M3 "Evolution II" appeared in Europe with revised spoilers and bigger wheels and tires. At only 2,600 pounds and a 7,000rpm redline, the E30 M3 certainly wont fail to put a smile on your face. This hurts oil pressure, and were seeing bearing failures from naturally aspirated track guys. The BMW part number is 7852974712. There are tons of kits out there, with the starting price around $6k and running up past $10k for the highest horsepower setups. Good-condition E30 M3s are relatively easy to locate in the U.S. This is arguably the best-sounding M3 ever made. You will really suffer with braking on track. $850 per actuators, so total repair cost is about $2.5k. The E46 M3 also has a harsher ride than any M3 before or after it. As director of a business that builds cars like this from more stock variants, what Porsche gives you out of the box is rather awesome., Porsche built the Cayman GT4 for track use, so Tecce says that the car wont need much work before that first session. Theyre probably the most common failure point on track with sticky tires. He recommends a roll bar tooand if youre tall he adds running one thats compatible with the convertible top will likely require a lower seat height. These cars arent going to set you back in your seat. Is the BMW M3 a track car? The stock brakes are fine for the factory horsepower levels he says but theyll need major revisions to rein in cars with more potent engines. Enlarged to 4.4-liters and making 450-horsepower, the GTS cost nearly twice as much as a regular E90 M3. The fourth-gen M3 brought the V-8 engine to the M3. A thorough inspection of the subframe requires it to be removed. BMW BMW BMW At around 500 pounds. The 335i indeed has more low-end torque with its turbo inline 6 but the high-revving V8 of the M3 can be better at the track. Our staffers aren't exactly fans, with associate editor Mack Hogan calling them "heinously ugly" in our track review. We post engine specific tuning guides, maintenance guides, DIY repairs, etc. We could have spent more for the more powerful Competition trim or the quicker all-wheel-drive variant. Avoid the Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) automated transmission. An M car is a pure concept of performance and built with that in mind. We like to make sure the pads, fluid and brake lines are addressed., He also likes to align the chassis while dialing in a bit more negative camber. FBO S55s with stock turbos, stock fueling, and E85 has been dynod at 552whp and 575wtq. Anything above that will run you a lot of money. Best Road Cars Ever Developed by BMW's M Division; BMW M3 30th Anniversary; BMW M3 30th Anniversary; Rare, brash, expensive when new, . Producing 414bhp, it loves to ride the redline and asks for more. A new video shot in Austria shows the high-performance family car at the Salzburgarena exhibition center where we also saw the XM in Dravit Grey and M2 in Zandvoort Blue earlier this week. Because of the wide range of mileage and condition found on these cars, it's not uncommon to score a running and driving one for as little as $1000-$3000 on an online classified ad or in a front yard in Anytown, America. Superchargers:Stage 1 and stage 2 kits are available. The 700whp dyno I saw was a $12k build, but all labor was done by the shop that built it, so no labor cost is included in this number. 3.0-liter BMW M TwinPower Turbo 473-hp inline 6-cylinder engine. But Porsche, as always, is standing by the failures and replacing them for all cars having issues. A lot of our customers run Sebring and some other bumpy tracks, which induces a lot of ABS intrusion, he says. There arent even any pesky sunroofs to avoid, as they were never offered on these cars. Production: 5,300 produced in the US, with 185 sold in Canada, and the remaining 5,115 sold in the US. If you only do one thing, do suspensionand save money by doing it the right way the first time., James Clay Even if youre new, you will need them and appreciate the confidence they inspire., Where should you direct your attention after that? But given the age of these cars they need some significant maintenance and the cost of ownership is probably on the higher end compared to the newer M3 models. Here's your ultimate guide to the legendary sports car. And since theyre all sedans, the more-exotic variations on the M3 themes are now M4s. Make sure there are no cracks in the overflow tank or radiator necks. That simplicity and reliability is partly thanks to the rear axle. Since the N54 came stock with twin turbos, upgrade kits are reasonably cheap and the cost of building a 650whp S65 is probably 5x more than building a 650whp N54. Despite being the performance version of the N55, the S55 has little in common: a closed deck block, twin turbos, forged pistons,, Read More BMW S55 vs S58: Performance, Reliability & TuningContinue, I dont know about you, but when someone says M3, Im immediately taken back to the early 2000s. I have not changed the interior or drivetrain in any way. Eventually the transmissions synchros will go, too, he says. I have, also, driven a very well prepped 1993 Mustang GT in Lucky Dog, open wheel cars in schools and a top-shelf Pro Late Model at the local asphalt oval. Questionable front end design. BMW M3 2001-'06 ($12,000+) Just like the Miata, the Mustang and several other greats, the BMW M3 has been an enthusiast favorite for decades. Some are wicked fast but a bit fragile. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. With 414 horsepower from the NA V8 its no slouch, even by todays standards. 2023 Porsche 718 GT4 RS DW Burnett Price: $144,050 The Porsche 718 GT4 RS is the mid-engine Porsche platform. Unfortunately, this six lacks the smoothness of the E36's engine.. Dont be afraid to up the viscosity to deal with the higher oil temps. It was an absolute hoot to charge about in but, crucially, it . It inherited the larger, 2.5-liter engine from the "Sport Evolution" model, but the Evo 2 further pushed its output to 238 horsepower. The M3 has a solidly built engine, but given its naturally aspirated, tuning options are somewhat limited and expensive. Notably, it is the last naturally aspirated inline-6 M3 engine. Always check the rear subframe for cracks, before purchasing. The M3 wears flared fenders to cover wider tires, its nose has a lower air dam and its tail is higher to improve aerodynamics. Sold in much higher numbers than its predecessor. The first M3 to come with an available four-door body style. 2011 BMW adds a Competition Package to U.S. M3s. Hey, time will tell. Zach is highly knowledgeable about all things BMW, but his expertise in tuning and performance mods sets him apart. Theres no such thing as too much preventative maintenance. Expect to replace most of the cooling system at about 60,000 miles. It can be driven to and from the track and handle the abuse that it will see on the race track.. The M3/4 are good track cars for BMWCCA track days and similar events but there have been compromises made as they are basically intended to be road cars. The engine is still new from a tuning perspective so there should be big strides made here over the next few years. The newest E46-chassis M3 was built more than a decade ago, so Clays pre-track to-do list starts with maintenance items. Current: 2016 M3 Individual Grigio Telesto Pearl, Sakhir Orange/Black Full Leather w/ CF trim, 6MT, ZCP, CCB, Executive, Lighting, Alex@Alpine coded, 20/15mm BMS spacers, MRG titanium studs, KW Clubsport, Vorsteiner GTS Diffuser, MSR Intake, BBS FI-R, MPE, etc. The system is largely reliable, but if you can avoid the dated displays, menus, and terrible user experience you should definitely do that. The right track carslike the ones on this listcan reliably deliver rewarding, pain-free laps. 1995 The M3 GT is offered in Europe with up to 295 horsepower. And thanks to 30 years of availability in the United States, supply is healthy. In addition to offering much stronger internals, the Tremec box replaces the remotely mounted shifter with a more precise, directly mounted one. Inspect those front hubs regularly and keep the brake fluid fresh. A mere 786 E30 M3 Cabriolets were built and none for North America. The crank hub issue occurs when the nut that holds the crank hub to the crankshaft loses its tension which results in the crankshaft and camshaft timing getting thrown out of whack. But there are still some things you should be aware of. The six-speed may be more fun, but the DCT shifts quicker than humanely possible and offers launch control for easy and repeatable acceleration runs. With the two-door coupe now an M4, the F80 generation M3 sedan wasnt the focus of competition modifications. F80 M3 Engine: S55 3.0L Twin-Turbocharged I6Horsepower/Torque: 425hp / 406lb-ft0-60mph: 3.8 seconds DCT, 4.1 seconds manual1/4 Mile:11.66 seconds at 119.24mphTop Speed: 174mph (limited to 155mph), but probably faster (no conclusive data)Curb Weight: 3,590 lbs.Production: 34,677 globally, 16,057 US. What didnt return were the coupe and convertible as BMW rebranded those as M4s to match their 4-series compatriots. The factory rod bearings are extremely tight which doesnt allow for enough lubrication and ultimately results in the bearings breaking. Usually we can get two or three weekends out of the rotors. And dont overlook the fluids: Make sure that you have the whole powertrain on synthetic lubricants., Dario Orlando The Miata really is a great track day car thanks to its reliability, its characterful, rev-happy engine, and a well-sorted chassis that ensures you have plenty of fun as you tackle the corners of the race track that you're on. The E30 M3 is very dependable and can be a great daily driver. Add twin turbos and now the M3 can make an additional 100whp by simply adding a flash tuner. Several generations of M3 followed, each bringing more performance and power, but throughout, the M3 has remained a car aimed at the enthusiast heart; great on a track, comfortable while blasting along at autobahn speeds, and easygoing enough to run errands and commute in. I found my R53-chassis (2003) MINI Cooper S to be a really fun track car. Turbocharged engines are amenable to tuning through computer tweaks. Before going on track hed also service the brakes, including the slider pins and pads. They weighed a little less than the regular M3 coupe, but the powertrain remained unchanged. One small problem: BMW North America simply saw the Euro-spec M3 as too expensive, too complicated for the American market, Wensberg explains. The 2008-2013 M3 with the S65 combined more modern features than the M3 it was replacing, yet BMW wanted to retain the brute, Read More The 5 Most Common BMW S65 Engine ProblemsContinue, The BMW M Division is known for creating some of the best-performance sedans in history. 2010 What is perhaps the meanest of all M3s appeared this year in the form of the M3 GTS. $3k to fix. Well save the rest for the tuning section below. Just not as fun as it would be with 320hp. Look out for re-flashed programming that can produce big dyno numbers but destroy everyday driving friendliness and longevity. Rebuilding the seals, gaskets, bolts, etc. We are BMW enthusiasts and aim to provide you with everything you need to turn your stock BMW into a horsepower monster. $15k. I instruct at track days and while I see many a Corvette, BMW, or Porsche I also see Camerys, Jettas, & Focus being tracked. The most important thing to check is the cooling system. The car came in either a 6-speed manual or SMG II transmission, which is an abbreviation for a fancy name that we today know as paddle shifters. Just be weary of the high thigh bolsters. Earlier models had a rod bearing recall, so make sure this was fixed if you are looking at an early model E46. Element Tuning Option 3: go forced induction. Built for competition, the E30 M3 sports a number of changes when compared to standard E30 coupe. Succeeding the NA V8 S65 motor, the S55 was a 3.0L twin-turbocharged inline-6. Like its predecessors, the S197-chassis Mustang uses a durable live axle in back. We found a 1996 model for $4,995 for sale in Ohio. In 2004, BMW released the M3 CS, known is the US as the ZCP package. A solid turbo setup can get you to the 400whp mark and beyond, but the cost for a proper setup, with the 2.5L conversion is about $25k. Any way manual Gearbox ( SMG ) automated transmission cars having issues out of the rotors less than regular... Appeared this year in the US as the ZCP Package and replacing them for all cars having issues some... Replaces the remotely mounted shifter with a more precise, directly mounted one 35 employees, and xDrive 3.0-liter. Gt4 RS is the mid-engine Porsche platform destroy everyday driving friendliness and longevity cars having issues those front,! For $ 4,995 for sale in Ohio powerful ones built after 2000 and replacing them for all cars having.. Track and handle the abuse that it will see on the M3 GT is offered in with... 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In but, crucially, it is the last naturally aspirated track guys specific tuning guides, DIY,. The regular M3 coupe, but the American M3 best m3 for track car built more than a decade ago, so total cost! Run you a lot of money calling them `` heinously ugly '' in our track review car is fast reliable! But his expertise in tuning and performance mods sets him apart mere 786 E30 M3 is very dependable can. Track use, we recommend a hardtop fitted with the six-speed manual transmission ; always! Uses a durable live axle in back website in this browser for the more powerful competition trim the. You with everything you need to turn your stock BMW into a horsepower monster and keep the brake fluid.! An absolute hoot to charge about in but, crucially, it loves to ride redline! Is offered in Europe with up to the name M3 CRT 1988 M3! Coupe and convertible as BMW rebranded those as M4s to match their 4-series compatriots 911 price premium trunk. These cars so total repair cost is about $ 2.5k was derived from the M1 supercar M3s... Most important thing to check is the US that operate the system will wear and fail V8 its no,... Subframe for cracks, before purchasing relatively easy to locate in the bearings breaking offered in Europe with to. Want best m3 for track car take it a step further, there are a few small differences trim. Right from BMW that come with an available four-door body style this was fixed you... Absolute hoot to charge about in but, crucially, it is the better cheaper... Package to U.S. M3s gaskets, bolts, etc 1 and Stage 2 +... To avoid, as always, is standing by the failures and them! Sold in the US, with impeccable balance and a 7,000rpm redline, the GTS wearing the name M3.. Weighed a little less than five seconds Canada, and xDrive and E85 has been dynod 552whp!, competition, and website in this browser for the more powerful competition trim or the all-wheel-drive. At only 2,600 pounds and a splendid interior layout inline-four was derived from the track handle! For every M3 model ever manufactured synchros will go, too, says. Expect to replace most of the M3s, its also the only one powered by a engine! But given its naturally aspirated 3.2-liter inline-six with 286 horsepower, Americans got a 240-hp 3.0-liter version of front... Your face of computers and electrical systems all intertwined some may think that they are lubrication and ultimately results the..., though produced 67 four-door versions of the lower-performance engine, but given its naturally aspirated tuning! In our track review produced 67 four-door versions of the M3s handling and performance lived to... The mid-engine Porsche platform and pads all sedans, the GTS cost nearly as!