Which would be a better E36 for the track?

I plan on building a race car but having a hard time (mainly due to cost)

It would either be a '93-'95 325i or a '95 M3.

Thanks!

I don't have much experience on the track, but for the price of an M3, you can get a 325 and put some very nice suspension in it, something that is more important for the track. It would be nice to start with the M3, but if money was a major factor, I would go with the 325.

Hey Jon,

That's still a lot of money for a track car if you're just starting out. Did you ever consider an E30? BMP has a budget E30 racer they built. Car was $500, then they added new motor, suspension, roll bar... It adds up, but you save the money on the initial investment on the E30 vs. the E36 donor car. E30's may not be the most stylish, but they do fit a budget. I believe BMP is now working on a E36 car, but I'm not sure of the details.

Or (I may get flamed for this), why not buy a car that someone else built and is now selling? They made the investment and will now take the hit on the car. Save you a lot of money there and if you know someone helpful, they can keep an eye out for you. The main thing is you have to know what you can afford to spend. BMW RacerITS (Bryan Watts) would be able to send you in the right direction.

hey guys, im jus' curious....

many of the track cars i see for the 3 series have been the 325. Is there a difference from the 325 to the 328 that you would prefer over a 328? Is it easier in some way to tune a 325 better on the track than the 328?

its jus' something i noticed. Hopefully someone can gimme a lil' insight on this. Thank you. :)

Richard,

The '93-'95 E36 325i has a M50TU engine, Bosch M3.3.1 DME control unit so its more easier to modify engine management wise, probably lighter in weight, larger intake manifold runners, and is a lot cheaper than 328i.

The '96-'99 328 has a M52 engine, Siemens MS41.1 DME control unit so its a bit harder to tune due to OBD2 engine management systems, this also equals to more cost in tuning and sometimes parts. The intake manifold is slightly smaller to lessen intake resonance noise and at the same time increases low end torque but the engine has a hard time breathing at the higher end. The exhaust manifold is more shapely designed as an aftermarket header whereas the manifold on the M50TU engine is cast iron and looks kinda restrictive.

Overall, I believe most people get the 325i mainly for cost reasons yet can be very fast and I'm sure they can keep up with a M3.

I believe the '95 325 was the last one you could get with an LSD, the later ones just had ASC+T. Not hard to swap out, but makes a difference for 'stock' racing classes, e.g. Solo2 GS.

Andy -- '97M3