So do i swap my P1 for a compromise? E36 M3 EVO (in estoril blue) more comfortable, slightly less fuel, much cheaper to buy, rear wheel drive (hmm fun!), less servicing....

Wot does anybody reck?

 

Keep the P1 without a doubt

 

The BMW is very tempting, they do look superb in that colour too........

However, if you think the servicing/parts cost on a Subaru is expensive.......wait to you see the price for bits on a BMW !

The double vanos I have heard can be a weak point, and is mega bucks to replace.

Sticking with the P1 would be my choice !

 

as an exp1 owner -keep the p1
martin

 

the M3 is pure Evil after 100.. 4th gear is mentle and urs will have 6 speed gearbox

 

Really??? that is interesting. I actually drove one with an SMG box and it felt quite slow. I know that sounds silly buts its true, it wasnt what i was expecting from 321 horses at all. However i didn't get to drive it above 60mph. Want to drive a manual one now though, hated the SMG found it very un-involving and boring. It also shocked me how easily the back broke away...it was sooo much fun!!!!

I think i have been spoilt by the shear pull of a forced induction engine and 4 wheel drive.

 

What is this vanos unit?? have heard about it before but am unsure as to what it is. why is it a weak point?

 

i think it is early variable valve via ecu-has been known to be unreliable on earlier cars and costs>£1,000 to fix
martin

 

Its BMW's version of variable cam timing,they have a small epicyclic hub on the end of the cams,the gears can wear and they become noisy(sound like a harsh tappet noise).
Can cost ££££ from BMW..
Dont let it put you off...M3 with manual box=

 

I'd keep the P1.

E36 M3's are starting to look a little bit dated now IHMO, also there are 100's of the things about or at least it seems that way.

Rgds
Neil

 

i love the P1 but believe me race an M3 wen u both hit over 100 and see how far the M3 gets.. im comparing to a 330BHP scooby here!!! cos thats wot i was driving wen i raced the M3 but then again, it does depend on the condition. etc etc.
4th onwards the power is great!! but no torque! BORING!!!! however the rear end fun!!
good luck. u will miss the P1 greatly i have to say.

 

As an ex e36 owner i would stay with the Sccob,(especially a p1) !!!

The Beemer just didn't give me any confidence on the twisty back lanes
and in the wet, well bloody scary mate!

As someone has said, you will miss that bloody great punch that the Turbo gives.

Rob

 

The M3 has a very weak engine and at £10000 a piece can be very pricy, the old man has always had M3's and in his time has managed to blow 3 engines so it's not uncommon for them to go, other than that he's had no other problems and they are still very fun cars to drive. If you can find one, take a look at one in Velvet Blue as I believe this to be a beautiful colour and you're not going to see many others on the road.