Starting a new project and was wondering what this forum thought about using an E36 as a dedicated track car.

 

Good choice. The shop I worked at had several guys w/ E36 BMW track cars,a nd they were all fast, and only required maintenance was on the brakes. Get the upgraded bronze bushings put in your calipers to avoid melting rubber ones all the time.

 

My friend John has a supercharged E36(I think) M3. 360hp at the wheels. It sees regular track time and I don't think he has had many problems. I could put you in touch with him if you like.

 

One of my buddies had an E36 328i on d2 coils, and that was one of the most amazing handling cars I have ever driven.. It was almost eerie how I felt like I was doing 40 through the curves, then look down and see I'm doing better than 70mph... It was sooooo smooth, but at the same time stiff and responsive. The power delivery was pretty amazing as well, smooth and forceful at once.... I can't really describe how it felt to drive that thing, all I know is I plan on soon having one just like it! I would almost argue I could run a better lap time in that thing than my miata...

 

Thanks, but I've already been out talking with some local folks running them. I have a pretty good idea what all will be involved since I've had a couple of them in the past. This will just be a simple 92-95 car that's going to be completely gutted, full suspension, full cage, etc...

Mainly just looking for the perspective from some of the regular track guys on this forum. Nice to get an outside opinion before I turn my current Miata into my daily driver and start the new build.

 

2 guys locally have blown motors from money shifts 3-2....shifter bushings?

 

I think its a great plan, Jason. BMWs seem to make very reliable and awesome track cars.

 

A buddy went from a turbo Miata to an e36 four door for track events. He loves all the extra space, but hates it being more expensive and slower. Yep- the e36 eats tires and brakes - which usually rank as the highest expenses on track weekend. I'd build another Miata and buy trailer hitch and cheap trailer.

 

If its going to be as badass as your miata I'm subscribing to this thread

 

hmm. no good. please subtract 6 from the model number.

 

E30 with a swap would be far superior. I have a friend who tracks one of these with a cage and its brutally fast.

 

I know a couple guys with E30's with S50 swaps and they love them. From the little that I have driven theirs, they feel very light and responsive. An E30 M3 is my next car.

 

So are E30's easier on brakes and tires? I've got a friend who is an E30 fanatic (his e30 M3 is the one I backed into) who will be racing in the pro3 (spec e30) series next season when he finishes his race car. He really isn't keen on e36s.

 

E30 - 2800
e36 - 3250

 

E30 ftw

 

If you are looking to be fast and not just for looks because an e36 looks somewhat better, go for an e30. It would be better as a gutted racecar and they're much cheaper. I cant stress how much money you could save by building an e30 over a 36. If you're just building it mildly and not going all the way then the e36 will be just fine.

Its lighter so its almost automatically easier on brakes. That is assuming they are on the exact same brake setup.

 

I heart e36's and e30's




Good info....I thought at least when I was looking to buy a e36

 

I don't agree with p51 much...but +1

Although I did run into a guy in a newer V8 M3 at the parts store the other day. He had a nice exhaust on it and let me look over the car. It was nice. He promptly handed me my own *** once we hit the road.

 

come on where is the love

 

dead and rotting in a FS thread somewhere...