Looking for advice on new purchase, e36 M3 or Alpina b3 3.2?
Hi all,
I have just sold my pristine e34 M5 Touring. I am looking for a replacement. I am looking at an e36 M3 but would also consider a B3 3.2.
As far as I could gather info on the differences between the two contenders, the B3 is supposed to be more refined and a better all around package. I would use the car as a daily driver, I have a Porsche 968 CS M030 and an Aprilia RSV Factory for sporting purposes.
How is it with reliability? The M3 is pretty renowned for its bulletproof nature (except water pump issues).
I suppose B3's mpg is also better than the M3's, but certainly lightyears better than the e34 M5 .
Should I be concerned about high mileage (200 000 km) when full service history and invoices are at hand?
I don't know about the e36, but I can recommend the e46 B3 if it's in your price range.
They have occasional problems with door release mech's failing (a simple clip falls out), window regulators and Pcv valves clogging up (causing poor oil consumption after 50-60000 miles),and the alternator belt tensioner was seized solid on mine, but apart from that, the 3.3 seems a very reliable car.
Personally... I love mine
Would say that M3 and B3 quite different cars really even though they're both 6 cylinder E36's .
Obviously the engine is the main thing . One 'M' , the other a more highly developed mainstream
unit .
B3's available with 4 body types , manual and Switchtronic as well .
As far as water pumps go , then thats a general E36 trait and I would recommend changing every
100,000 kms as a precaution . Also the radiator .
Suspension bushes are also 'weak' and benefit from upgrading when changed .
Interior trim on E36's generally can be flimsy , with one or two rattles , but it's not too
difficult to sort out .
Rust can be a killer of course . Bottom of the doors , around the rear wheel arches , bottom
edge of boot lids , around the windscreen . Check the sills too because they can get filled
with road rubbish and rot from the inside .
Otherwise they're fairly much bulletproof too .
Buy the best one you can afford , rather than buy a cheaper one with the idea to fix the problems
yourself , as you can often find more wrong under the surface .
Driving wise , They're both obviously quick , the M3 is more 'sporting' where the B3 is more
'understated' . To get the M3 going you have to use more revs , where the B3 has better lowdown
torque .
Handling is similar , although the M3 is harder , but the B3 isn't too soft to be able to throw it
around .
Fuel consumption is better on B3 . You should get 9.5/11.5 l/100 from the B3 under 'normal'
use , the M3 11.5/13.5 l/100 , although both it's possible to get better (or worse !! haha)
I would have no hesitation buying a higher milage car as long as it is supported by a
completely documented history to make sure everything has beeen done properly .
That's an essential .
I've had 6 E36 6-cylinder cars , and all of them had well into 200,000 kms .
My last one was a Schnitzer S3 with 290,000 kms which I had owned from new , and
it ran sweetly all the way though it's life with no problems at all (appart the usual
wear and tear)
Hope some of this is useful and helpful .
Good hunting .
.
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