Engine differences?

[faytmorgan]

Other than being 2.5 lt vs 3.0 lt what is the difference in the M50TUB25 engine vs the S50B30US engine in the m3? I used wiki but got VERY minimal info.

Thanx in advance

fayt-

[96_323]

In terms of performance or difference in parts?

[faytmorgan]

parts, I'm really trying to figure out why the more power in the 3.0 vs the 2.5 aside the displacement.

[96_323]

The M3 is the same layout as all 6cyclinder E36's and same 5series vintage but the similarity stops there.
BMW took the I6 3litre engine and only really kept the basics, almost every part was scrutinised by BMW to get more power out of it. Almost every part was remachined to fit they're specifications exactly, valves, cams, lifters, throttle body, intake manifold etc etc.

[faytmorgan]

So is it even worth getting the 325is over the m3 just for pure reasons of cost? I am looking into buying either a 95 325is or a 95 m3 coupe and i am weighing the costs, its going to be a modded daily, forced induction etc.

[96_323]

Theres a 100bhp difference in the two engines but the M3 also has a proper diff that can transfer the power. If you get your car up to the same power band as an M3 your going to find yourself needing to splash out on a new Diff as the old one will just eat up all your torque every time you put your foot down. Then your going to need a new gearbox as the new diff will cause problems with it.
My personal opinion as someone that has done the new bigger engine transplant, wasn't my e36 but its the same with all cars.
It will cause you alot of problems, maybe not straight away but certainly in the long run. Youl look back in a few years and wonder why you wasted so much money on it!
The 325 is a good fast car and unless you were used to cars as quick as an M3, the 325 will be still just as impressive.

[faytmorgan]

so buy the m3 - h'ok that's what i thought i just wanted to verify my thoughts thanx bud-

[96_323]

Personally i wouldn't go for the M3, but if you have your heart set on one then go for it.
They're both powerful cars just one is more powerful than the other.

[faytmorgan]

why not get the m3?

now i have a oo em1 and a 78 scarab z for cars to give you reference

[96_323]

I just think that unless your used to cars with the same power as an M3 its pointless buying one, the 2.5 litre engine is a strong puller in all gears. Ul be left with a huge fuel bill every week aswel. For me motor tax is a big issue aswel. My 323 is 910euro a year to tax and an M3 is 1700euro to tax. Big difference. Im not trying to put you off buying one, go out and test drive a few 2.5 and 2.8 before you make a decision, just dont turn around in 2 or 3 months time and decide you bought the wrong car.