Summary:
Ignore those people who dislike BMWs thanks to a few bad drivers, the E36 shape BMW M3 is a fabulous performance machine.
Discover the differences between the Euro and US models, power outputs, how it drives and how much they cost. Then go out and buy one!

Details or Sample:
The trend of BMW driver-hating has never gone out of fashion, thanks to some owners´ gleeful disregard for even the most basic of road-going niceties. Why such individuals are attracted to poverty-spec BMW´s is one of the great unsolved mysteries, but their behavior does tend to make some drivers wary of owning a BMW, regardless of its specification.

Well, it´s time to ignore this reputation, as any keen driver at one point in their lives should own a 3-series BMW, preferably an M3, as they are actually a bit special. For a start, BMW are one of the few modern car manufacturers who produce cars driven by the rear-wheels, plus they take the time to ensure the handling of the car is almost perfect. If you love driving on challenging, twisty roads, a 3-series makes a fantastic companion.

Which 3-Series?

So which should you buy? The 3-series started back in 1982 with the introduction of the E30, a fine car with a wide choice of engines and performance levels, however today it is becoming difficult to find a decent one and the shape has dated considerably. If you are not financially-challenged then the E46 models make good choices, especially the attractive coupe and M3 models, perhaps even more so that the latest E90´s, which have looks that may take a while to love.

For those with more strict budgets, this leaves us with the E36 shape car, produced from 1991 to 1999. Although the lines look nowhere near as modern when sat next to an E46 or E90, the E36 remains a very good-looking car, with sharp lines, a high waistline and an aggressive stance, especially in coupe form. Best of all is that the range-topper, the M3, has become a very real ownership prospect for such a high performance machine.

The final decision to be made is what body shape you would like. Available in saloon, coupe or convertible styles; the more practical-minded could choose the 4-door saloon, the looks-orientated the stunning 2-door coupe while the wind-in-the-toupee brigade would be pleased with the convertible.

Euro or US M3?

Drivers have the choice of two different specifications of M3, which also vary depending on whether you are in Europe or the US. Europe first got a taste of the E36 M3 in 1992 with the 3.0 version, which generated 286bhp, powered to 60mph in 6 seconds and happily continued until an electronically limited 155mph. Looks were understated, with only larger alloys, a deep front valance, side skirts and an optional rear spoiler giving the game away. Closer inspection revealed the now famous wing mirror design and an M3-only aerodynamic rear bumper diffuser.

In 1996 the M3 was treated to a relatively comprehensive upgrade, most notably in the engine bay where the 3.0 straight-six engine was replaced by the new 3.2 straight-six mated to a six-speed gearbox. Various interior and exterior changes were also made, but nothing that affected the overall shape of the car, which became known as the M3 Evo. The new engine now pumped out 321bhp which cut the 0-60 charge by half a second; however top speed was still limited to 155mph.

Across the ocean, US customers had to wait until 1994 for the introduction of the E36 M3, thanks to poor sales of the E34 M5 and the previous generation M3. Thanks to stricter emission controls, the same 286bhp unit that powered Euro spec cars could not be used, so a unique US market engine was developed with an output of 240bhp. Acceleration was almost unchanged, but top speed suffered with a drop to 137mph.

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Written by: Andy Boxall
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