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

[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.

[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.

[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.

[Holland]

Now thats a dream of mine! :up:

And mine ;)

[ClausE30]

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

Now thats a dream of mine! :up:

[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.

[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.

[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?

[Kershaw]

the better question is....

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

[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.

[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.

[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?