Help me choose my next project

I haven’t technically sold my e36 coupe, but I’ve already been searching for its replacement. For better or for worse, I keep coming back to e36 m3 sedans.  I can’t help it, I love these cars. 

My criteria are:

The car will mostly be a road trip/summer driver/fun car. It might see a very rare autocross as long as my work schedule and budget permits, but probably no track time. I’d like it to be close-ish to stock (no racing seats or gutted interiors). AC and heat are also must haves.

 I’d like to spend no more than $8500, but I’d be willing to pay more for the right car. The closer the car is to central Ohio, the better, but I’m willing to travel or do a fly and drive within reason. 

So far I’ve found a few possible candidates. Let me know what you think, or help me find an alternative! 

Thanks guys!

Option 1: The lowest price, but needs the most work. On the plus side, the cooling system has just been refreshed! 

https://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/d/1998-bmw-m3/6712899087.html

Option 2: High mileage, but in seemingly great shape. The Red interior is kinda cool, but the wheels are definitely an acquired taste to say the least. At least the DS2’s are included

https://dayton.craigslist.org/cto/d/1997-bmw-m3/6725680152.html

Option 3: My front runner so far I think. Lowest mileage of the bunch, and it seems like it’s in good shape. I’m not the biggest fan of the wood trim in the Lux pack, and I like DS2’s much more than Contours, but my wife likes the interior in this one the best. 

https://indianapolis.craigslist.org/cto/d/1997-bmw-e36-m3-sedan/6726123672.html

In reply to Turbine :

I am about to list mine for sale.  Text me at 904-465-0458 and we can discuss.

Maintinace is up to date.  New RSTB's, Mishimoto radiator,  New clutch, flywheel, new brakes, 5 new tires, 5 new wheels, turner sway bars, konis, new headliner.  Car is originally from North Carolina, no rust.  153k miles.

For that money you can have my 2008 V36 Skyline (G35s) 6-speed manual. Way faster. 

They actually are pretty much the same in the quarter.  Previous owner said he took this one to the track once and ran a 13.9 with it. 

The only e36 m3 I ever personally took to Gainesville ran a 14.0 at 100.  It was a 1995 model though.

Car and driver got a 13.9 with a g35.

E36 M3s have far more support as a track car, and their values are increasing. 

I'll post up local listings, but that's the most I can offer!

127k, $7.5k. "I took care of all of the common issues that come with the e36 including the cooling system (replaced radiator with an aluminum one) and I also rebuilt the vanos system. The car is on bilsten struts with eibach lowering springs. I also replaced the bushings in the rear subframe (btw it's rust free)"

https://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/d/1997-bmw-m3-e36/6726143869.html

...and that's actually it, from what I can see. Wow. This was a let down. There's one with an auto if that's cool?

Interested in a hatch/318ti?

For your budget, you could probably S52 swap it and still be under budget.. M-Tech interior (door panels need work to get them attached right), and DS2's with new Michelin pilot sport A/S 3+. 

https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/open-classifieds/1995-bmw-318ti/141861/page1/

Road trip/summer driver/fun car?

How about some classic american muscle? Seriously, $8500 should buy you a really nice 'unloved' muscle car (unloved meaning a 4 door or a model people don't fawn over like corvair) or muscle truck.

Won't drive like an e36 m3, but if you're not really tracking/autoxing...

like, for example:

https://chicago.craigslist.org/sox/cto/d/1966-mustang/6710221384.html

In reply to Robbie :

Dude posts 3 different M3 pics, and you suggest Corvair??

You are a sick man!! 

big block t-bird:

https://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/cto/d/1961-ford-thunderbird-390-v8/6724399681.html

SVreX said:

In reply to Robbie :

Dude posts 3 different M3 pics, and you suggest Corvair??

You are a sick man!! 

Jeremy's corvair at the challenge has really imprinted on me...

Robbie said:

SVreX said:

In reply to Robbie :

Dude posts 3 different M3 pics, and you suggest Corvair??

You are a sick man!! 

Jeremy's corvair at the challenge has really imprinted on me...

Only on GRM can a e36 m3 be cross shopped with a corvair, after seeing a corvair with m3 wheels.

In reply to pimpm3 :

Whoa. That’s pretty much exactly what I’m looking for 

In reply to Robbie :

I’ve thought about it, but I’m not sure that I feel comfortable enough road tripping in something like a Corvair with my wife and kids in the car. If it was just me, I’d be all over something like that though. 

I’m also kind of a sucker for late 80s and early 90s cars. Some kids grew up drooling over Chevelles and Mustangs, and while those are nice, I was always more into Celica GT-Fours and RS2’s. 

They actually are pretty much the same in the quarter.  Previous owner said he took this one to the track once and ran a 13.9 with it. 

Be that as it may, i would recommend the next  owner not place any money on a race between a stock e36 m3 and a later G35 6spd, unless it's from a complete stop and you're basically betting on who does better in 1st gear.   

But i think OP can find a really nice m3/4/5 for $8500 and be happy with it, so who cares. 

In reply to Vigo :

I’ve owned a g35 (v35 chassis) 6 speed sedan, and it definitely felt faster than my 95 m3, even with bolt-ons and a chip tune. 

The g35 was a nice car, but it never really clicked for me. I love the vq35, but I preferred my e36 in just about every other way.