This pertains to the Vorshlag kit that is coming out soon.
Having never owned a BMW and fairly new to this forum, hopefully some of you guys can help me out.

First off I understand that this kit is for the 95' E36 cars since they are OBD1 and the their electrical harness is less complex. With that said, I am finding there are newer E36 M3's out there for about the same price or less than some 95's I'm seeing. Can someone with knowledge fill me in on the differences between the 95's and then 96-99's. I understand the newer cars have electronic hvac system. What else? For any of you that have already done an LS1 swap could you fill me in on some of the details (or point me to a link) info on the electrical integration? I've read the whole thread on the swap and emailed Vorshlag about this. I'm sure they are swamped with emails so there answer wasn't very detailed, just that the HVAC systems were different.

Also, what else should I look for in searching for a used M3? other than the obvious stuff when buying a used car. I am trying to find one that's in pretty good shape so I can focus on doing the swap an not repairing a bunch of stuff not related to the motor swap.

I am looking to spend about @$12k (or less) on an M3 for this project. Car will be street and track driven. Want to have heat/AC functional after the swap.

Bascially don't want to guy a 96' -99 M and then find out it's going to be a PITA and require a bunch of special (expensive) parts to get everything working properly.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Soon is a relative term :lol

"integrating" the electrical will be essentially the same no mater what year E36 you get. The test laws are different in some states depending on what year the car is so if that is important make sure you know what you will have to deal with. I bought a 95 M3 with no engine or transmission and it cost a lot less than your budget. There are merits for starting with an M3 and for starting with another model but you will have to decide that for yourself.

The HVAC controls won't matter unless they break :)

I hate to sound like a jack ass but to all of the people contemplating this swap I will tell you what someone told me years ago - this is all basic hot rodding. These cars are not unique and do not have special requirements. An engine swap is an engine swap; there will never be a totally plug and play option because it would be way too expensive and isn't really necessary.

All the "hard parts" will be the same, mounts, etc. The main issues are the ABS wiring and plumbing is different and the harness pin outs will be different. Body computer stuff is all the same so it probably isn't a huge difference there.

Major issue is OBDII. If you live in an area that doesn't sniff, you will have a harder time getting it inspected. Hence why we said '95 and older.

None of it is a huge difference at all; but it is enough to make something truly plug and play pretty expensive for the vendor.

None of it is a huge difference at all; but it is enough to make something truly plug and play pretty expensive for the vendor.

....and in turn the customer. :)

Yep :)

Thanks for the info. I've found a 97' and 95' model that are close to me.
Hope to check them out this weekend. 97' appears to be in a lot better shape, private owner, fewer miles and is price only $900 more than the 95'.

can i have your engine that comes out of the m3?