Originally Posted by Baby ///M3

I can.

I've been lurking around BMW message boards for about 10 years and could have majored in E36 when I was in college. j/k

1SICKLEX:
Yes. You are correct about the M3 Lightweight, which was only produced for the U.S. market for the 1995 model year. However, there were a few more limited edition variations made elsewhere in the world as well. The dark green M3 GT is a very good example.

The rain drop mirrors (as they were once referred to) did not come exclusively with the E36 M3s. For year 1994, a limited patch of Alpine White M Tech 325is were produced just prior to the release of the E36 M3 in the States. These 325s featured different interior seats, trims and used the M3 exterior bodywork (including sideskirt, front airdam, rear bumper/valence, door mouldings, and of course, the mirrors).

The E36 M3 sideskirts on the standard/sport model could be had for 323s and 328s produced in the late production runs (1998-1999). The more subtle sideskirts, as you've pointed out, came only with the E36 M3s featuring the Luxury package and 1996+ 3 series. Pre 1996 models had no sideskirts (rocker panels) on them.

OLT:
The bigger door mouldings found on the E36 M3s were also used on the E36 325 M Tech in 1994 and various late E36s featuring the M appearance package. The emblem on the mouldings found on these non M cars, was obviously something other than "M3".

Koma:
I have heard numerous complaints (including the worst ones from BMW owners) bashing on regular 3 series owners dressing up their cars as a M3. In my humble opinion, I believe people should have the freedom to do what they want to their regular 3 series, for which the U.S. version of E36 M3, if I may say, is not a real M3 marketed in Europe from 1993-1999 anyway. The U.S. version never came with the 3.0 (286hp) or 3.2 litre (321hp) motors that were found on the Euro M3/M3 Evolution.

If all else fails, remember there is one thing that can never be converted to E36 M3 spec. no matter how much money you spent. That would be the VIN number. All M3s have the VIN # starting with the letter S. Not so with other E36 3 series.

For your reference, I made a post on a BMW board two years ago pointing out various differences BMW's made to the E36 M3 throughout the years. I've copied and pasted what I wrote. Even though this information is not directly related to your questions, I hope this is of some help when it comes to identifying real M3s from the non real ones.

The URL is:
http://www.dtmpower.net/forum/showth...difference+M3s

********************************************************************************************************

Actually,

The bigger sidemarkers were used on BOTH 1995 and 1996 cars.

Only the 1995 M3s came with the analog air condition controlls.

Only the 1995 M3s had 235 tires all around.

Only the 1995 M3s came with Avus Blue color. It's still available in latter year M3s but you would have to special order one.

Only the 1995 M3s came with Daytona Purple color.

Only the 1995 M3s came with the silver Vanos unit. 1996 and latter cars had the vanos unit painted in black.

Only the 1995 M3s came with the OBDI, 3.0 liter engine. 1996 and latter cars had the OBDII, 3.2 liter engine.

Only the 1995 M3s came with plastic water pumps.

Only the 1995 M3s were available with a LWT version.

Only the 1995 M3s came with Dakar Yellow I. 1996 and latter cars had the Dakar Yellow II color. (I am not sure about the year cut off on this one).

Some 1995 M3s also had shiny exhaust tips. The difference between 1995 and 1996+ M3s' exhaust is NOT only in the tips. Their pipings are slightly different as well. That's why only 1995 M3 exhausts are the true bolt on exhausts for 325s.

The ten spoke wheels on 1995 cars look slightly different on 1996+ cars.

1996 M3s had a slightly revised front chrome grills (NOT the thicker ones on 1997+ ones, but the ones that has an extra chrome strip in it).

1996+ M3s had 225s up front and 245s in the rear.

1996+ M3s had a 20mm rear sway bar instead of 1995's 19mm one.

1996+ M3s came with Estroil Blue color instead of Avus Blue.

1996+ M3s came with Techno Violet color instead of Daytona Purple.

1997+ M3s came with Fren Green instead of Boston Green.

1997+ M3s had thick front chrome grills and smaller sidemarkers.

1997+ M3s had traction control as a standard equipment.

1997+ M3s had lighted foot rest area when the doors are open.

1997+ M3s had rear reading lights.

1998 M3s had side airbags and rear headrests.

1998.5 (Built after March, 1998) had the newer, three spoke steering wheel.

1998.5+ M3s had optional powered vader seats.

1998.5+ M3s had Titanium Silver instead of Artic Silver.

Only 1997 and 1998 did BMW make M3 sedans for the US market.

Only 1998-1999 did BMW make M3 convertibles for the US market.

Only 1995-1997 M3s were available with the Luxury Package, which features plushier powered leather seats, more subtle sideskirts, slatted front bumper instead of mesh grills, chrome interior door handles, leather padded door panels, wood trim, OBC, HK stereo, etc.

Only 1997 M3 sedans came with that unique, bronze color.

1995 M3s came with automatic transmission as an option. 1997 and 1998 M3 sedans had automatic transmission as an option. 1998-1999 M3 convertibles had automatic transmission as an option. The other M3s were not available with automatic transmission.

There were also some variations between the wings for different years of M3s. But I don't really remember what the differences were.

These are all the visual differences I can think of now. Hope this clarifies some confusions. Also, the differentials between the 1995 and 1996+ M3s are different but it's not really a visual difference.

Jon

*******************************************************************************************************

Jon

Originally Posted by 1SICKLEX

Jon, that was incredible Thanks a million.