I have a '95 and I agree with everything you said.
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>From: "Chris Teague" <cteague@home.com>
>To: "Burns, James B." <James.Burns@jhuapl.edu>, "autox" <autox@autox.team.net>
>Subject: Re: BMW M3 Questions
>Date: Wed, Nov 24, 1999, 8:09 PM
>
>> > 1. What year is best for autox? The later cars ('97+, correct?) have a
>> > bigger engine with more torque, but I've heard that the earlier,
>non-OBDII
>> > cars gain more from a cat-back exhaust which helps equalize things.
>This
>> > is probably a moot point for me since I can't afford a newer one, but
>I'm
>> > curious.
>
>The 95 Version has the 3.0L. The 96 on have the 3.2L. Both are 240Hp,
>the 3.2L has 10 or 11 lbs-ft more torque. Suspension geometry is slightly
>different from 96 on. 96 on cars have 7.5" front and 8.5" inch rear wheels.
>
>> >
>> > 2. Also regarding model years, what's the deal on authorized wheel
>> > widths? Can a '95 run 8.5" rear wheels? I think I heard that they were
>> > an option in '95.
>
>The 8.5" wheels came on the lightweight (LTW), which is not allowed in
>stock.
>I don't know if the 8.5" wheels were an option in 95 or not, however, I
>think that is
>a moot point. Front camber is not adjustable. They are tuned from
>the factory to understeer. The bigger rear wheels cause more understeer.
>I have a 97 with 8.5" wheels, and I don't think that is an advantage over
>4 7.5" wheels, IMHO. In SP, you should run 9.0" all the way around. I have
>8.0" on all 4 for my street tires. I like the same size wheels for the M3
>better.
>Now if we could just put the 8.5' in front, and the 7.5" in back that MIGHT
>be better... but not legal I guess.
>
>> >
>> > 3. How about the traction control? What year did that become
>available?
>> > Can you switch it off?
>
>Not Sure. My 97 has it, and you can turn it off. Even in the rain, it is
>faster OFF in an AutoX. With it on, the car is very stable, but slow.
>Very nice for the street.
>
>> >
>> > 4. How much does it cost to prep one to the limit for stock class? I
>> > know that wheels, tires, shocks, exhaust, etc. are dang expensive for
>> > these cars, but exactly how much?
>
>I use stock wheels. For street, I have 4 17x8" TSW, probably $1100 worth
>or so, but I won them at a BMW Club meeting. I run Kumho 245/45's which
>are $140 each or so. I have stock exhaust, and don't think aftermarket
>would help
>my 97 much. I run Koni sports which are $550-$600 or so, but the double
>adjustables a probably a little better, but currently have to be custom made
>in the $2400 range. I am thinking about a dinan adjustable front bar, and
>they are about $135 each.
>
>The M3 is a VERY fun street and AutoX car. I highly recommend one.
>I think a 95 is still very comparable to a later year M3.
>
>Chris Teague
>97 M3 4 Door.
>
>> >
>> > Thanks,
>> > Brad Burns
>
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