I'm checking in with you guys on this dilemma I'm having because I need an unbiased opinion...: ) I'm looking to pick up a daily driver and I'm torn between a 951 and an e36 M3. Is a 951 comfortable and reliable enough to use everyday? Will a 951 keep up it's appearance without much care like the M3? I see a lot of tattered looking 944's on the road.

I do all my own work, and I've noticed the cost of parts is a bit higher for the 951. It also seems that for most projects I'll need to pull the intake manifold, turbo, etc. I don't mind the extra work, unless it gets to be much too often.

I've driven a few 951's and love the power and stable handling. Seems to be a great road car. I've never driven an e36 M3, but my favorite car in the world is an e30 M3. The reason I'm looking for another car is so I can put my e30 in the garage and put the wear and tear on a more common beast. Any input you could give me I'd really appreciate.


Thanks.

Mike

 

Daily? No question, M3. But, the 951 is more fun

 

M3

 

This is becoming a really popular topic these days...

 

M3 deffinitly for a DD.

 

M3.... for sure.

 

I've driven a '99 E36 M3, very very fun car. M3 is a better DD, the 951 is a good weekend/track toy

 

Oh yeah, I think some years the E36 3 series use a plastic impeller for the waterpump that melts and does not spin if you get the engine too hot. I think all E36 3 series have problems with the plastic radiator end tanks and and hose necks are prone to cracking. I've worked on a lot of E30 and E36 bimmers, but the 951 will truly test your patience when you have to work on it. I do love the power of the 951, boost is addicting. The M3 with a good exhaust and intake sounds awesome. I hope this link works www.brazeauracing.com I have autoxed against this guy for years, there are some good write ups with videos and photos for the M3. Get the M3 for reliability or get the 951 for the fun and the occassional maintenance.

 

After driving my buddys auto 95 m3 it is a sweeet car but a little lacking in the accel. that being said my next car is a e36 328 or m3 and maybe some boost... but thats in the future

 

i think a 944 NA would make a better DD than a 951

 

Interesting. I know my friend's 97 m3 has been having a lot of overheating issues recently, wonder if he knows about the plastic pump thing.

 

I've spent quite a bit of time driving both e30 and e36 m3s. I bought a 951.

 

Most SHOULD have had that impeller replaced by now.

I daily drive an E36 M3 now, and used to daily my 951. The M3 is a much better double duty car and is much more comfortable on the street than the 951. Before buying the E36, the E30s I was looking at appeared to be off the road as much as they were on it. Nice cars none the less.

 

And you expect to get that here?
951s are getting more rare every day. I don't know what production numbers are compared to the various M3s but good 951s are getting scarce.

The 951 is reliable enough for everyday use but if you don't get a well cared for one upfront you will need to spend some time making it reliable. The e36 might be more practical but I imagine the same goes for how well the PO maintained it. You'll get more looks in the 951 IMO. M3s are good for more stealthy adventures.

If I were getting a DD I'd probably go the M3 route. Not saying the 951 isn't up to the task but the e36 is newer and age doesn't usually help maintenance/reliability issues.

 

Both!

I daily drove my 951 on/off for a few years and I now daily drive the M3. My 951 is modified and the garage queen - its interior is perfect and the paint is in great shape. I cant bear to put lots of miles on it or leave it out in the elements anymore.

The M3 does everything well. Its quick enough for a daily driver and the handling is awesome (konis/sways/springs/braces), plus mine has been dead reliable (maint. is way easier as well.)

Honestly with a nice suspension, some bigger brakes and add a turbo ~400rwhp it would be hard to ever get out of the car as its that good. Lookswise its kind of a sleeper - I mean heck it looks like every other box 3-series on the road - perfect for zippy commutes.