Which way to go - buy an M3 or Mod a 318?

[Mark 42]

I have a 318i, and it's actually a lot of fun...
but part of me wants an M3 for the better performance.

But, what would be the advantages of just modifying a 318
(or other E30) rather than spending the money to get an M3?

I see plenty of E36 M3's for sale, but not so many E30's... why is that?

[reelizmpro]

Assuming you are talking about E30 M3 vs E30 318. Advantages would be lower cost to modify the 318i. Plenty of 2nd hand parts at lower cost and no exotic hard to find parts. Cheaper insurance? E30 M3's have become collector cars the last decade or so. Only 5K imported into the US to begin with. Many were tracked from day one, wrecked, totaled, dedicated race cars, etc. They made a lot more E36 M3's, in every flavor.

[Komzorz]

In terms of the e30 M3, it's just simple supply and demand. All things considered, there's an incredibly low supply of M3s (especially now) compared to the huge demand for such an iconic car.

A motor swap, suspension, and brakes will put you well into M3 performance levels in all but weight distribution, and can most likely be done for cheaper than what you'd spend on a good e30 M3. All you'd really be losing out on is the sweet M3 specific bodywork.

[Kershaw]

the better question is....

do you have $6000 to spend on a weekend car or $18000?

[Roysneon]

Imagine your car with 15-20 thousand dollars worth of modifications and then think of a stock M3 that runs well. Which do you prefer?

[Mark 42]

Imagine your car with 15-20 thousand dollars worth of modifications and then think of a stock M3 that runs well. Which do you prefer?

Which one is which?
If I bought a $6500 M3 how much would it cost to build a 325i or 318i that would give it a run for the money in autocross and/or a road course?

I saw a GRM article where they used a 325e, put a new head and some other mods on it, and said it was equal to or better than an M3 (had more low end grunt). Not sure what their budget would have worked out to. Maybe I can scan the article some time.

[Holland]

Which one is which?
If I bought a $6500 M3 how much would it cost to build a 325i or 318i that would give it a run for the money in autocross and/or a road course?

I saw a GRM article where they used a 325e, put a new head and some other mods on it, and said it was equal to or better than an M3 (had more low end grunt). Not sure what their budget would have worked out to. Maybe I can scan the article some time.

If you bought a 6500 dollar M3 you would be driving an E36.

E30 M's are nice but heavy. Now an S14 in a 318 is how life should be.

[ClausE30]

Now an S14 in a 318 is how life should be.

Now thats a dream of mine! :up:

[Holland]

Now thats a dream of mine! :up:

And mine ;)

[pandaboo911]

the e30 318 is great for daily driving, but will need mods to be enjoyable on the track.
the e36 m3 is also a decent daily, and requires little modification to be fun on a track.
318 will get better gas mileage, but it's slower.

just depends on what you're going to do with the car. Since you've expressed interest in autocross and/or track events, go with the e36 m3. More modern suspension, more power, more potential.

[flyboyx]

I know you are pretty new here, but this thread is one that deserves to have everyone stop posting on so it can die a slow death.

In the last 2 years, there are probably 50 similiar threads on this very topic. You should read them.

Simply put: everyone loves an e30 m3. Beauty in the body lines. Good on the track. Underwhelming as a dd. They cost a lot. Normally north of 20k for a good one. If you can afford one, buy it.

If you can't buy something you can. 318is. Mod it. Drive it. Live happily ever after.

[Ryann]

Now an S14 in a 318 is how life should be.

This. Pick up a clean 318is with drivetrain issues for $1500, then a complete s14 drivetrain for $4000 from some moron who decided it'd be a great idea to 24v swap his M3. Blam! The ultimate late model e30.

[cferb]

Which one is which?
If I bought a $6500 M3 how much would it cost to build a 325i or 318i that would give it a run for the money in autocross and/or a road course?

I saw a GRM article where they used a 325e, put a new head and some other mods on it, and said it was equal to or better than an M3 (had more low end grunt). Not sure what their budget would have worked out to. Maybe I can scan the article some time.

$6500

I have an old Road and Track comparing the m3 and 325is, they basically said the M3 was only marginally better for the majority of people. If you don't care about the widebody and just want performance, stick with the 318is and mod it, with the M3 you're paying for the collectibility in addition to the performance, so while you may be paying $15k more for one in equivalent condition, you won't be getting $15k in performance out of it, and this is coming from someone who just bought one.

If you bought a 6500 dollar M3 you would be driving an E36.

E30 M's are nice but heavy. Now an S14 in a 318 is how life should be.

Or you'd be parked in the garage making engine noises in your roller

[Wschnitz]

Sell me your 318 and buy an m3.

[lambo]

They cost a lot. Normally north of 20k for a good one.

Who would pay 20k for a 20 year old shitbox?