Track Comparision: E36 vs E46 vs E92 vs F80

Alex@Redline360 · 08-30-2016, 12:26 AM

Our customers who are just getting into M3s, and even though who already have them, routinely ask which chassis is the best for the track. As you can imagine, it's a loaded question and there's no right answer as it really depends on your budget, needs and desires.

We tried to put together a comparison chart and added some commentary based on our experiences.

You can find it here: https://www.redline360.com/garage/bm...ate-comparison

We're asking for your feedback and input so we can make it an informative and comprehensive list. If you find any data to be inaccurate, think we left something out, or think something is misrepresented, please let us know and we will look into it and try to make this a well rounded, unbiased and helpful post.

Thanks for your feedback!

burnrbr · 08-30-2016, 04:53 AM

Nice write up. It would be great to have a comparison chart showing supercharged and forced induction power numbers with weight reduction for the maximum power to weight numbers.

davesaddiction · 08-30-2016, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex@Redline360

Thanks for your feedback!

Under 7 seconds on the 'Ring?! Impressive...

Nice write-up!

MMMCOOKIES55 · 08-30-2016, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davesaddiction

Under 7 seconds on the 'Ring?! Impressive...

Nice write-up!

lol saw that too...

ec_E92 · 08-30-2016, 09:03 AM

Great write up!

For the E36 issues to address, I'd add the oil pump nut (weld, safety wire, or go with Achilles Motorsports oil pump).

Peertwelve · 08-30-2016, 10:19 AM

In the engine costs section, did you transpose the replacement cost of the E92 6MT and DCT transmissions? I expected the DCT to cost more, not less than the 6MT

E90Dave · 08-30-2016, 11:46 AM

It doesn't really give any new info...

dparm · 08-30-2016, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peertwelve

In the engine costs section, did you transpose the replacement cost of the E92 6MT and DCT transmissions? I expected the DCT to cost more, not less than the 6MT

Agreed, unless they're talking about a used M-DCT (probably rare) that figure is way off.

oolas3 · 08-30-2016, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davesaddiction

Under 7 seconds on the 'Ring?! Impressive...

Nice write-up!

To get that car under 7 it had 30k+ worth of custom suspension parts. Still impressive considering that's 918 territory.

Alex@Redline360 · 08-30-2016, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dparm

Agreed, unless they're talking about a used M-DCT (probably rare) that figure is way off.

Based on used prices, this is what we've found. Could be that there are just more DCT transmissions out there, but unless if you guys see otherwise, DCTs tend to be less expensive than 6MT (even right now on eBay).

E36Racer · 08-30-2016, 04:35 PM

From my experience with the E36 chassis, replacing the headgasket is a must. I see it is listed as a recommendation; however, for some reason if you take a S50/52 that has only been driven on the street and then use it as a track only car the headgasket will fail. But, if you change it before 'track only' duty, it will last forever. I've always done ARP studs at the same time. So far, 5 years and approx. 20k track miles and no issues. Motor had 42k miles when put into the car and can do a 15 hour endurance race and not even burn a drop of oil. Also, one key trick to an S52 is to install an S54 oil pump and pan and you can forget about any oil starvation issues. Plus it all bolts right on...

G80indy · 08-30-2016, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m3m3mr

Quote:

Originally Posted by davesaddiction

Under 7 seconds on the 'Ring?! Impressive...

Nice write-up!

To get that car under 7 it had 30k+ worth of custom suspension parts. Still impressive considering that's 918 territory.

Impressive driving nonetheless

Alex@Redline360 · 08-30-2016, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E36Racer

From my experience with the E36 chassis, replacing the headgasket is a must. I see it is listed as a recommendation; however, for some reason if you take a S50/52 that has only been driven on the street and then use it as a track only car the headgasket will fail. But, if you change it before 'track only' duty, it will last forever. I've always done ARP studs at the same time. So far, 5 years and approx. 20k track miles and no issues. Motor had 42k miles when put into the car and can do a 15 hour endurance race and not even burn a drop of oil. Also, one key trick to an S52 is to install an S54 oil pump and pan and you can forget about any oil starvation issues. Plus it all bolts right on...

Thank you! Added your comment to the post

Alex@Redline360 · 08-30-2016, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ec_E92

Great write up!

For the E36 issues to address, I'd add the oil pump nut (weld, safety wire, or go with Achilles Motorsports oil pump).

Thank you! added this to the post as well

shimmy23 · 08-30-2016, 06:59 PM

excellent read Alex! thanks for sharing!

Alex@Redline360 · 08-31-2016, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shimmy23

excellent read Alex! thanks for sharing!

Thanks!

If anyone has anything else we can add, please just let us know, thanks!

Alex

admranger · 08-31-2016, 11:17 PM

The big change in suspension bits, especially in the rear, of the E9xM3's on makes a substantial difference in my opinion. I raced an E36M3, have driven a ton of track miles in an E46M3 (including multiple days on the 'ring), and now have enough experience in the E90M3 to know the E90M3 is more fun and easier to drive fast even though it's heavier. Haven't driven an F80 on track but have sat in the right seat while TC Kline took me around Laguna. F80 is stupid fast. Ridiculous really.

Killerfish2012 · 08-31-2016, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex@Redline360

Our customers who are just getting into M3s, and even though who already have them, routinely ask which chassis is the best for the track. As you can imagine, it's a loaded question and there's no right answer as it really depends on your budget, needs and desires.

We tried to put together a comparison chart and added some commentary based on our experiences.

You can find it here: https://www.redline360.com/garage/bm...ate-comparison

We're asking for your feedback and input so we can make it an informative and comprehensive list. If you find any data to be inaccurate, think we left something out, or think something is misrepresented, please let us know and we will look into it and try to make this a well rounded, unbiased and helpful post.

Thanks for your feedback!

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1296679

cherry-m3 · 09-02-2016, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by admranger

The big change in suspension bits, especially in the rear, of the E9xM3's on makes a substantial difference in my opinion. I raced an E36M3, have driven a ton of track miles in an E46M3 (including multiple days on the 'ring), and now have enough experience in the E90M3 to know the E90M3 is more fun and easier to drive fast even though it's heavier. Haven't driven an F80 on track but have sat in the right seat while TC Kline took me around Laguna. F80 is stupid fast. Ridiculous really.

Summed it up perfectly. The e9x has a superior suspension to the e46 and 36, allowing it to feel like it carries its weight better. The confidence it gives you going into a turn is incredible. On the ring I'm sure the the e9x really shines, compared to slower more technical tracks where you definitely feel the weight. Nonetheless its the most capable out of all the generations (save for the f80 as I have no track experience in one just yet).

davesaddiction · 09-02-2016, 01:27 PM

Capable + noise + "feels" + looks =

08-30-2016, 12:26 AM	#1
Alex@Redline360 Lieutenant 60 Rep 572 Posts Drives: 2012 M3 E92 ZCP DCT Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: California iTrader: (0)	Track Comparision: E36 vs E46 vs E92 vs F80 Our customers who are just getting into M3s, and even though who already have them, routinely ask which chassis is the best for the track. As you can imagine, it's a loaded question and there's no right answer as it really depends on your budget, needs and desires. We tried to put together a comparison chart and added some commentary based on our experiences. You can find it here: https://www.redline360.com/garage/bm...ate-comparison We're asking for your feedback and input so we can make it an informative and comprehensive list. If you find any data to be inaccurate, think we left something out, or think something is misrepresented, please let us know and we will look into it and try to make this a well rounded, unbiased and helpful post. Thanks for your feedback!
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08-30-2016, 04:53 AM	#2
burnrbr First Lieutenant 90 Rep 315 Posts Drives: 2022 M3 Comp xDrive Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Jacksonville, FL iTrader: (2)	Nice write up. It would be great to have a comparison chart showing supercharged and forced induction power numbers with weight reduction for the maximum power to weight numbers.
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08-30-2016, 09:03 AM	#5
ec_E92 Enginerd 128 Rep 546 Posts Drives: E92M3,E36M3,957GTS,E39M5S2 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: cbus, oh iTrader: (1)	Great write up! For the E36 issues to address, I'd add the oil pump nut (weld, safety wire, or go with Achilles Motorsports oil pump). __________________ 2008 E92 AW 6MT /// 120k orig rod bearings
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08-30-2016, 10:19 AM	#6
Peertwelve Captain 752 Rep 915 Posts Drives: Silverstone E92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Seattle iTrader: (2) Garage List 2008 BMW M3 [3.00]	In the engine costs section, did you transpose the replacement cost of the E92 6MT and DCT transmissions? I expected the DCT to cost more, not less than the 6MT __________________ 2008 SSII E92 M3 \| LCI CIC, Apps, Tails\| MPE \| BBS Ch-R 1990 325i Sold- 2011 335i Sedan \| 6MT \| Wavetrac \| Eibach Pro \| CDV delete \| Cobb \| BSW Sudden death - 1970 BMW 2002
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08-30-2016, 11:46 AM	#7
E90Dave Daily Dose of Reality 70 Rep 157 Posts Drives: 2008 loaded DCT M3 MINT Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: NY iTrader: (1)	It doesn't really give any new info...
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08-30-2016, 04:35 PM	#11
E36Racer Haters gonna hate 15 Rep 84 Posts Drives: 2008 M3, 1998 M3, 2011 328xi Join Date: May 2015 Location: Miami iTrader: (0)	From my experience with the E36 chassis, replacing the headgasket is a must. I see it is listed as a recommendation; however, for some reason if you take a S50/52 that has only been driven on the street and then use it as a track only car the headgasket will fail. But, if you change it before 'track only' duty, it will last forever. I've always done ARP studs at the same time. So far, 5 years and approx. 20k track miles and no issues. Motor had 42k miles when put into the car and can do a 15 hour endurance race and not even burn a drop of oil. Also, one key trick to an S52 is to install an S54 oil pump and pan and you can forget about any oil starvation issues. Plus it all bolts right on...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-30-2016, 06:59 PM	#15
shimmy23 F15 daddymobile 2529 Rep 3,640 Posts Drives: GS X5 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: WA iTrader: (3)	excellent read Alex! thanks for sharing!
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08-31-2016, 11:17 PM	#17
admranger Retired Curmudgeon 4092 Rep 5,178 Posts Drives: ‘19 X3M40i Join Date: May 2011 Location: Las Vegas, NV iTrader: (1)	The big change in suspension bits, especially in the rear, of the E9xM3's on makes a substantial difference in my opinion. I raced an E36M3, have driven a ton of track miles in an E46M3 (including multiple days on the 'ring), and now have enough experience in the E90M3 to know the E90M3 is more fun and easier to drive fast even though it's heavier. Haven't driven an F80 on track but have sat in the right seat while TC Kline took me around Laguna. F80 is stupid fast. Ridiculous really. __________________ '19 X3 M40 Carbon Black/Oyster, '21 X7 40i AW/Black, Past BMWs: '18 M550i, '18 330 GT, '16 X5 40e, '11 E90M3, '06 X5 4.4, '03 330i ZHP, '02 M3, '97 Z3 2.8, '96 Z3 2.8, '95 M3 (2x), '94 530i (manual), '92 525i (manual), '88 M3, '87 325iS
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09-02-2016, 01:27 PM	#20
davesaddiction is fast cars 399 Rep 2,131 Posts Drives: '08 E90 M3 6MT SSII BPM Stg II Join Date: May 2012 Location: Oklahoma iTrader: (0)	Capable + noise + "feels" + looks = __________________ Daddy's Rocket Sled! Clarkson: "It is... pretty much perfect... Why don't I have one of these cars?" Harris: "The saloon is definitely the M3 of choice."
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