Any ex e36 M3 owner now owns an EVO? What do you think about your decision of switch?
Thinking of getting a MR……
Thank!

97M3

 

I had a '99 M3 coupe with Jim Conforti software, intake, AA flywheel and AA short shift kit. The car was quick, but in a different way. The torque was definitely delivered in a much more smooth way but the feeling you get with the turbo at full boost is intense. The steering seems to be quite similar, which is quite an accomplishment since the steering in the E36 was so good. The M3 gives a feeling of confidence to drive hard and the Evo is the same way to the point where it requires effort to make mistakes. Launching the M3 gave quite a bit of wheelspin, the Evo eats clutches with a lot of launches but accellerates much harder from a stop. At the top end, the E36 and Evo pull about the same in my opinion. I miss the luxury of the M3 every now and then but the driving experience is every bit as good. Sorry for the rambling, I didn't think my answer out that well. I'll be happy to answer more questions if you need it.

 

I own a 4 door M3 (E36) and a 05 EVO. You will love the EVO alot more then the E36 =). The power and handling is so much better =)...

 

I had a 97 M3 up until a few months ago. I love the E36 M3. Its still a brilliant performance machine. Very easy to drive and neutral. The engine is wonderfully smooth.

However, the Evo has better performance across the board. The evo isn't as smooth as the I6 3.2L, but it pulls harder. And the stock steering, brakes, and suspension are far better on the Evo. Its also perfectly neutral and easy to drive despite the front weight bias.

Basically, we sold the E36M3 as we weren't driving it much once we got the Evo. I liked the Evo so much we now have two of them ;-) His and hers....

-Dave
'05 Lotus Elise
'05 Evolution VIII (his)
'03 Evolution VIII (hers)
'00 Porsche 996C2 aero (for sale)

 

I test-drove an EVO a while ago and to me they both are fantastic machine. Both have strong brake, powerful engine. EVO seems to have a sharper handling in lower speed, which makes it more fun to drive and I like the driving position better then M3. Suspension-wise they are both great. EVO’s turbo also has great potential on the engine tuning.

G_Rock, so you do miss the luxury.. that’s somehow my concern. I don’t really care about having leather seat, cruise/climate control, heat seat ,onboard computer etc. as I had not use them much. However what I like about BMW is the solid build chassis and strong metal, paint job as well as the timeless design.

Mrprotocols, what make you keep your M3 since you enjoy EVO more?

Deliott00, good point I was thinking of owning both but what’s the point if I only drive one.

 

Funny this thread should come up. I sold my 2003 Evo (see sig) for a 95 Dinan supercharged M3 making 324whp. I like the evo because of the rawness but like the M3 more for daily driving.

 

I had 98 e36 m3 (latest e36 m3 they made I think) and now I have 03 e46 m3 with SMG...
Evo is much better handler on the corner but you are gonna miss those quick response straight 6 n/a engine...

 

i had a 95 m3... with aa turbo clutch, flywheel, ecis intake, aa full exhaust, test pipe, giac custom software, shrick cams .. and a couple other things.. the car was not bad. made like 270whp which is alot for those things.. (pretty weak for an evo tho). the car was awesome to drive.. the problem was the sloppy shifter, terrible steering (with the gigantic steering wheel and all) and lack of power potential unless forced induction which cost ove r5k for a supercharger kit that only made like 350 hp. or a turbo that cost 10k. boht of which would not even make it an 11 sec car. I had teh luxury package and teh seats were horrificly unsupportive as well.
but there are the pros.. the amazing engine note.. the great powerband that would come to life as vanos kicked in.,.. the wonderful balance of the chassis.. while entering a turn hot.. you can feel the perfect weight bias keeping the car stable through the apex as opposed to sheer technology from the evo. I had a set of 255 a032r's on it and on teh backroads this car was king.. its only hinderance its 3100lb weight. The brakes bit well, and the engine took alot and with mods reved to 7400.. not bad for a 95.

all in all the m3 was agreat car in its time.. but it simply cant compare nor can a e46 m3 to a slightly modified evo, not on the strip or track. This wa made evident at the supercar shootout.. where the supercharged aa e46m3 got smashed by the vishnu evo.

 

I completely agree with you that the evo is a better TRACK car. The evo is the ultimate point A to B assasin. But which is better for a daily driver??? I mean we are talking driving 2/10's not 8/10 or 9/10. I would definatly get another evo but only for the weekend.

 

I think if I have Euro e36 M3(333hp) I will keep it. Or if BMW makes E46 4 doors and lighter I will consider it before EVO. Not that I don’t like E46 M3 but I like coupe to be smaller and nimble.
Vishnu_evo8 you are right on the engine note of M3, to me it sounds even better then Porsche!
Hoopite157, why is M3 better for daily especially yours is mod? I was thinking EVO should be a better daily since steering feels a little easier also the 4WD is great for different weather condition and from my experience the Turbo lag is not that bad.

 

someone say M3s I have had a few in my time.

Evo if you like the ture nature of a M3. Keep the M3 if you like the image.

 

Had a 99 E-36 M3 before the evo. Would NEVER go back to an M3.


Percy

 

I guess at my tune the car was like a light switch and the gas milage sucked. As for AWD I think everyone it taking it way too far. I like it and all but in NJ when it snows the roads are only covered for like one day then its all good AND thats only twice a year.

I guess I'm just enjoying alittle low end torque right now. But I would say a N/A M3 vs an Evo is no question EVO BUT since mine is S/C its a totally different animal (hell its faster than E46 m3's right now)

 

Yup, went from a 96M3 to 03 evo and not the MR.

If your looking for the drive the evo is the answer. Bimmers are better for every day cars that does well but not excellent in everything

 

Bro,

Your wife is awesome for letting you have so many toys. 2 EVO's AND, AND an elise! I hope the woman I marry is as cool as your wife. Haha, have a good one.

~fred