Ok, I've looked into getting the m3 and came to the conclusion that they are heavy expensive pigs. So, the lightest of the the e46 cars is the 323ci manual and guess what? The 3.0L engine(from the 330) fits right in and with some mods, high 13's is attainable. If I add a supercharger, it will blow the doors off a stock m3. Although, I could afford an M3, I think the 323ci is the better platform to start a nice project car(less electronics and training wheels). The e46 m3 has too many luxuries and useless stuff. Apparently, the 323ci is the closest in driving experience to the e36 cars. So it's the best of both worlds. e36 handling with e46 looks. Now, I need to find one with high miles and zero paint work. I will be keeping my 8 for now, might check out the new camry once I find my project car.

Anyone have any insight on this?

 

don't go bashin' the e36's looks!!! it'll kick an e46 in a beauty pageant any day of the week!!!

:P

 

Either way you go--its going to be a very expensive project. I think that you may have something on your hands--but the thing is is that the M3s suspension is stellar--you'll be able to build a car thats faster than the M3 (for a lot of money) but you are going to spend even more money making it handle like one. I'm no super BMW expert but thats my view--I could be wrong.

 

yeah, the M3's sport suspnsion is one of the best out there, upgrading a 323ci's suspension to M3's level of handling is likely going to cost quite a bit of money. Then theres the differnce in wheels and tires. 323ci being lighter dosnt mean it handles better than the M3.

 

I am going to side with DarkMaz8 on this one. What makes the 3 series handle well is not some secret suspension they put on the M3. It is the initial engineering design of the platform itself, which translates to all the 3 series.

It is a very sound theory that has already been proven.

http://www.eurotuner.com/featuredveh...charged_318is/

 

3 series sedans have higher chassis rigidity than the coupes. If you're bent on building a performance 3 series, I'd start there.

 

Infact, what Id probably do is buy a BMW motorsports chasis, and a salvaged 3 series. Swap the salvaged cars interior into the motorsports chassis, and kick some ***.

 

E46 - best looking 4 seater ever.

 

E36 M3 Ftw.

 

it'd cost a lot of money- i'd say just get the new 335 twin turbo thats due out in a few months

 

OMGWTF why oh why....................................

 

do you even know what's involved with swapping motors?? especially if you swap over a used motor?? BMW's aren't the easiest of swapping motors. i could write a whole page on this, but i'm too lazy.

 

I've heard that swapping the 2.5L for the 3L is a direct swap. You'll have to flash the computer and it will work with the 5spd. The 6 spd would be nice too and would also be a direct swap.

swapping for the M3 motor would be tonz of money on the other hand.

 

Actually I take the 323ci your are eying and stick a V-8 in it from another BMW. It does fit.

 

You have to consider the M3 has a better drivetrain and rear diff, brakes, and was engineered to work with the suspension as a cohesive unit