ZHP vs E36 M3

[ElNiko]

Howdy all, question that I am curious about. Have any of you driven an E36 M3? There is one with an auto trans that just came up on C&B that I am debating on bidding. I love my auto ZHP sedan and am curious on differences/similarities in driving experiences between it and the E36 M3. The posting is below.

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/rx11Bdgq/1997-bmw-m3-sedan

This is my ZHP that I bought back in October of 2020.

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/3pA8zPje/2005-bmw-330i-zhp-sedan

[TrKy3]

Do not have experience with driving an e36 m3, but that is a one owner in a rarer color. That car will touch $12-15K easy.

[cakM3]

I have heard that performance between the E36 M3 and E46 ZHP are close. The interiors of the E36 is not nearly as good quality as the E46. Something to think about. There are comments referring to poor quality door cards in the E36. It depends on what you're wanting... I have been told the E36 is more a raw feeling car as compared to the E46. Personally, I have never driven an E36 M3 but I have ridden in an E36 M3 Coupe. With a solid suspension, they feel like you're riding in a go-kart.

[ZHPizza]

^ That's pretty much it. Performance wise they're about the same. The e36 is much raw-er. I'd like to have one for stripped out funsies, but the e46 is significantly better as a daily driver.

[BMWCurves]

Here is a Roundel article on the matter from a few years ago:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vsDQBJ3fISal3_HUVf22Mx7IXK85jxmR/view?usp=sharing

[fredo]

Link requires login.

[BMWCurves]

Link requires login.

Should work now

[fredo]

Should work now

Yes, sir. Thanks.

[cakM3]

Should work now

Good article, thanks for sharing! :thumbsup

[ElNiko]

Great article, thanks for sharing!

[TrKy3]

Well, looks like you'll possibly be able to snag the M3 at a discount.
It's currently only at $8400.

[Galapolis]

I would run away from that car, I mean 15 year old tires? Clearly the owner had no interest in maintaining the car. Surprised it's even gotten to $8400.

[cakM3]

Howdy all, question that I am curious about. Have any of you driven an E36 M3? There is one with an auto trans that just came up on C&B that I am debating on bidding. I love my auto ZHP sedan and am curious on differences/similarities in driving experiences between it and the E36 M3. The posting is below.

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/rx11Bdgq/1997-bmw-m3-sedan


I would run away from that car, I mean 15 year old tires? Clearly the owner had no interest in maintaining the car. Surprised it's even gotten to $8400.

If you're going to snag this car then you should be looking to change out tires and looking into all maintenance that has been performed on this car... car looks good though... just be aware of what you're getting into. Good luck :thumbsup

[TrKy3]

I'd rather have to do maintenance than body work any day. I am cognizant of tires, as are many others, but there are many people who don't want to change them if there is still tread present. I just read through the comment section, it is a bit annoying that he did not post any undercarriage pics and literally no record of any semi major maintenance; VCG, OFHG, Spark Plugs, etc. I guess I am biased because I love green.

These are relatively cheap to maintain, but yes I would budget at least 2-3K on deferred maintenance.
E36 M3s will continue to appreciate, so at 12K it is not a bad purchase if you plan to hold onto it for a while.

[fredo]

Sold for $10,800.

[YoitsTmac]

Seems like a really good price for a great combo

[BH93]

Would have been a good candidate for a S54 swap..!!!

[wellcraft]

I used to owned an e36 m3 and I like the zhp a lot better in every way.