E30 M3 or E34 M5??

[NH004]

I`m looking for some second opinions on this.
I have my eye on a couple of cars, and am looking
to get some input for both.
I`m trying to decide if I should buy an E30 M3 (1988),
or an E34 M5 (1993). I really like both cars alot, but
can`t decide.
I have been into volkswagens for the better part
of my driving days, so aside from looks, I`m not
to sure about bimmers.
Are there any advantages/disadavantages
to either? Since this a 5 series forum, I`m sure opinions
will vary ;) I appreciate any feedback.

[winfred]

after i drove one for a while i came away from the e30 m3 underwhelmed by it's power, it handles real nice and the aerodynamic changes make it feel better at over 100 then a normal e30, but the lack of torque after coming out of my 325is kinda sucks, you may not notice it. i 've not had the oportunity to drive a e34 m5 and can't really coment on it besides the fact my 535 hauls ass and a extra 60-70 hp has got to be cool to go with the slightly better suspension

[Ted K]

Are you looking for room for two or four? I would go a little bigger and go for the M5. I agree with Winfred because my 535im is sweet and more power would be awesome.

[Brian C.]

....be able to smoke Vettes and Supras at a stop light with three passengers and six bags of groceries??? ;)

Go for the M5.

Brian C.
:D

[bahnstormer]

if i were in your situation i'd get the m3
because of the weight difference - i'm
young and don't have need for hauling
family/ikea stuff so i'd get a light car and
make it very very fast.

be careful though, coming from a vw background
u may not be familiar with a rwd handling car =]
don't over cook it =]

[granit_silber]

I`m looking for some second opinions on this.
I have my eye on a couple of cars, and am looking
to get some input for both.
I`m trying to decide if I should buy an E30 M3 (1988),
or an E34 M5 (1993). I really like both cars alot, but
can`t decide.
I have been into volkswagens for the better part
of my driving days, so aside from looks, I`m not
to sure about bimmers.
Are there any advantages/disadavantages
to either? Since this a 5 series forum, I`m sure opinions
will vary ;) I appreciate any feedback.

Man, go with the M5!

Why?
-There are fewer of them around = residual value
-The M5 is a more capable car (i.e. move more people, bags, etc...)
-The M5 will be a more comfortable ride.
-The torque will rock your spleen (I have an 525ia M50 and it rocks off the line)
-6 cyclinders vs. 4
-Sleeper value (most people know the M3 and it's power, most stoplight drag-heads will think your car is an outdated hunk o' junk daddy mobile; that is until you leave them choking on your tire smoke.)

Yeah, it's heavier and bigger and inherently more thirsty, but hey you gotta pay to play. :)

I'm not a racer, but I have yet to meet an e30 that I didn't surprise (especially after they tick me off with the "revving my engine because I'm cool and I have a big doober" thing). They always beat me in the end (because I WON'T do 50+mph through a neighborhood) but not before they bow to the mighty stock 525i with bottle-caps. :) Wow, now I'm pontificating.
-ashley

[bahnstormer]

so u beat a 325i with your automatic 525? i find that hard to believe....

[Jose]

Without any doubt, the M3 gives you much more emotion when driving it to the limit.
The M5 is a very heavy car with a lot of power but unfortunately, it wheighs about 400 kgs more then the M3. The M5 is a VERY comfortable car but a s for driving emotions stays far behind the M3.
I have to agree with Winfred, the four is too weak and lacks tourque, that's why I've replaced the S14 engine with an M30 engine which should be ready within three weeks after the turbo kit arrives. It will be a whole other ballgame then. This car will slay an M5 easily with this upgrade. It's up to you.

[kick7ca]

I'd go with the E30 M3.

I haven't driven either, but from what I've read about e30 M3s, they are the real deal in terms of being an actual streat legal competition race car.
Lighter, more nimble and responsive, I think I'd be the better drive.

I read an article recently where 3 editors tested all 3 generations of M3s around a competition course. The E30 was everyone's favorite. No ****. They said because it was so light and direct, and had a killer exhaust note. Not the fastest, but the most fun.

M5's are incredible no doubt, but I don't think you can beat flinging a solid, yet very light race car around your favorite twisties.

I want either an e30 M3 or an e28 M5.

[Jr ///M5]

The M5's are hand built, if that means anything. There were only about 1400 of them shipped to the States. Parts for either car are about 30% more than their lesser siblings, except for the engine. The engine alone can cost $8-12k for a rebuild if you happen to end up with a turd. Maintenance costs can eat you alive if you can't turn the wrenches. On the other hand.....

There's nothing like stomping the pedal in second doing 45 mph and seeing the tach swing up to redline about as fast as you can blink your eye, by the time you've hammered into 3rd and another blink of the eye, you're shifting into 4th at 100mph...and then... she really comes alive!!!

Although the E30 M3 is a classic, not to mention the king of the track in it's day, the E34 M5 has to be one of the best kept secrets around.

You can't go wrong with either choice, but it's like comparing apples to oranges and as the others have pointed out, it depends on how you want to use it.

Good luck,
Jr

[WarrenBrown]

Get both, they are very different cars. You'll never look back!

Warren
91 318is
95 525iT

[Paul in NZ]

M5 for the same reason I got a 5 instead of a 3 in the first place.Of course in an ideal world youd have the M5 to take you to your house by the track or twisties and have the M3 there waiting just for you!

[granit_silber]

so u beat a 325i with your automatic 525? i find that hard to believe....


Believe what you will. Remember I said I surprised them. I back off the throttle once I'm 10-15mph over the limit, that's when they pass me.
Like I said in my post, they underestimate my car, that's the edge. If you look at the numbers an e30 will always be faster than an e34 with the comparable engine, BUT that doesn't factor in the inexperience of the car's driver or any presuppostions he/she may have.

I'm older and street raced in a former life. I understand the sweet spots of my powerband and use them effectively. I also understand the handling properties of my car, they don't. The e30's I'm talking about are driven by little boys and not so bright college guys who think a loud muffler and a cold air system makes them invincible.

I'm no pro and I always back off.

I admit that even the limited street action I've seen in the 5 is too much. Everytime the bonehead in me comes out, I pray that I don't cause these other drivers to do something really stupid.
-ashley

[granit_silber]

I've replaced the S14 engine with an M30 engine which should be ready within three weeks after the turbo kit arrives. It will be a whole other ballgame then. This car will slay an M5 easily with this upgrade. It's up to you.

If you replace the heart of an M car is it still an M?

I read an article in a tuner mag last year about a guy who put a twin turbo Nissan Skyline engine (SR20DET?) into an e28! Is it still a bimmer?

I'm not being a jerk here, but aside from suspension components, the main diffence between an "M" and "E" is the mill.

I also have never driven or even ridden in an M car. But I have a lot of experience with 4 cylinder engines and if an S14's powerband is similar to B17a (honda) then the power comes on in the high rpms. In fact, one of the biggest challenges in racing a B17 is keeping the revs in the narrow powerband of 4700-6500 rpms. Conversely, the m30 has strong torque in the low end and pulls like a freight train to the line.

I think that tuning a car is about balance. Can I throw a 600hp turbo diesel from a semi truck under (well not totally under :) ) the hood of an e34? Theoretically yes. But if I can't harness the power of that plant then it does me no good.
I also think that most people shouldn't mod their vehicle (motorcycle, car, sea-doo, etc...) until their driving ability surpasses the performance level of the car. Again, no offense. I say this because I'm a Youth Pastor and I've seen too many kids die because they didn't have the chops to handle a 160hp Honda Civic.

Jose after the conversion is finished, could you post a write-up about the results. I really would like to hear how the car performs and possibly see pics pf the engine bay.
Thanks,
ashley

[winfred]

pat p turboed the **** outta a m30 and put in a e30 m3, i think it had north of 500hp, he painted it up like the warsteiner beer racer or close to it if i remember right



Jose after the conversion is finished, could you post a write-up about the results. I really would like to hear how the car performs and possibly see pics pf the engine bay.
Thanks,
ashley

[granit_silber]

pat p turboed the **** outta a m30 and put in a e30 m3, i think it had north of 500hp, he painted it up like the warsteiner beer racer or close to it if i remember right
OUCH!

[winfred]

i think he got almost 500 outta a completely stock couple hundred k mile m30 long block with just bolt on's in his 535 "red devil" last i saw of it he was seriously playing with a m5 motor looking to go well over 600hp we had video around here somewear on the board of a e34 m5 that dynoed a tad over 1000hp, something like 1023hp just frying em all over some small road coarse, it'd smoke the whole what looked like a 1/2 mile straight


OUCH!

[NH004]

Thanks for all the input fellas.
I think I`ll go with the M5.
I`m willing to sacrifice some handling for power and comfort.
The M3 is a beutifull car, but I don`t see it as a regular driver
for myself.
Thanks again.

[jplacson]

Aren't all M-cars hand built by the M-tech team?

[Jr ///M5]

Here's the signature of the team leader for my '91 M5. I found it under the rear bumper strip. Birthday...3/21/91.

Looks like the guys name was Freddy or Teddy....https://home.insightbb.com/~england31/Dscn1207.jpg

[granit_silber]

Here's the signature of the team leader for my '91 M5. I found it under the rear bumper strip. Birthday...3/21/91.

Looks like the guys name was Freddy or Teddy....]

That the side shot of your car that you posted last week is my wallpaper at work :D that's an awesome machine you've got!!!
-ashley

[MarkD]

I`m looking for some second opinions on this.
I have my eye on a couple of cars, and am looking
to get some input for both.
I`m trying to decide if I should buy an E30 M3 (1988),
or an E34 M5 (1993). I really like both cars alot, but
can`t decide.
I have been into volkswagens for the better part
of my driving days, so aside from looks, I`m not
to sure about bimmers.
Are there any advantages/disadavantages
to either? Since this a 5 series forum, I`m sure opinions
will vary ;) I appreciate any feedback.


I have a 1993 M5 and it's a sleeper. 0 to 60 in under 6 seconds. I'm using an EAT M5 chip. :D

Here are a few good articles on the E34 M5:

http://www.bimmerclassics.net/media/album18

http://www.bimmerclassics.net/media/album19


MarkD

[Jr ///M5]

That the side shot of your car that you posted last week is my wallpaper at work :D that's an awesome machine you've got!!!
-ashley

I'm glad you enjoy it!!!

Jr