BMW'S OWN M3 CLONES
BMW is quite aware about
the sort of enthusiastic following M3
enjoys and when it was time for the marketing tricks to keep the E36
body style desirable the choice was rather obvious. Through out the lifespan
of M3 (E36)
BMW released a variety of 'not-quite-M3' models neatly clothed in M3
bodypieces. There was a M318is
released in 1994 on the German Market so that the 318i
in German Touring car could use the M-Technik aerodynamic enhancements.
The car was clad in M3
bumpers and skirts and also sported a front airdam splitter and adjustable
(with spacers) rear wing... Those items were also featured on M3
Lightweight in North America which
was build same as M318is
for racing homologation. Then the turn came for the 318ti
Compact. First in North America and
later in Germany and other markets various 'M3-lookalike' Compacts saw
the light. Finally the premiere of E46
3-series sedan begun the latest of
'M3 Look' fever. This time German E36
cars were made available in three different packages: Comfort,
Exclusiv
and Sport.
The Sport
features M aerodynamics kit, M steering wheel, clear turn signal kit and
wheels ranging from the radial styling (multispoke ala the Touring Car
wheels) through M Contour and M Double Spoke II set up with M-suspension.
The best way this agressive 'M3 Look' can be backed up in a Compact is 323ti's 2.5 liter inline six, while the closest the Touring wagon's owners will apreach the M3 levels is through either optioning for a 323i or 328i with the Sport Edition. This leaves a BMW enthusiast craving for M3 performance with need/desire for utilitarian bodystyle with the following options:
Just incase you're wondering how do the three body styles stack up against each other I advise you to check out the images below...
Don't even think about publishing these images without prior reading of my Disclaimer and obtaining a prior permission from me.
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| From Top to Bottom:
BMW 323i Touring Sport Edition on optional M Double Spoke II Wheels, BMW M3 Sports Wagon Luxury Edition on M contour wheels (based on '95 M3 Luxury) and BMW 323ti Compact Sport Edition. |
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BMW M3 Sport Wagon (E36) |
Created on June 29th,1998
