Video Comparison: BMW E46 M3 vs Focus ST

"RightFootDown" (rightfootdown)
07/30/2014 at 14:51 • Filed to: bmw e46 m3, focus st, rightfootdown

You have $25,000 to buy a car but you want something fun with a little bit of room and it needs to be fairly reliable. If that isn't you, it was likely you at one point, or you have a friend with this same question. If you've spent much time online, you'll know the Ford's new Focus ST and BMW's E46 M3 are two of the go-to recommendations for people with the $25K question.

Read the full article here. It's okay, the link opens in a new window.

William Byrd, or " thedriver " as you Opponauts may know him, is an automotive writer and Editor-in-Chief of Right Foot Down. Based in Maryland, he has had a long history of founding failed automotive sites and spending way too much time on car forums. He has owned "too many Mustangs" according to Josh and has a fetish for RWD V8s. He spent most of his 20s on tracks in the mid-atlantic and killing cones in parking lots and has even taught at a teen performance driving school.

//Follow on Twitter: @WilliamByrdUSA

DISCUSSION (100)

HiredDriver > RightFootDown
07/30/2014 at 15:04

That was refreshing. You guys need to do more. A lot more!

William Byrd > RightFootDown
07/30/2014 at 15:13

I'm officially on the internet. Scary. Let us know what you think Oppo. It's not perfect, we don't have a lot of fancy cameras or audio equipment, but we think the content is pretty solid. You may have seen The Smoking Tire's E45 vs. Fiesta ST video, its good, but we think this is a better comparison. The Focus is closer in size and "status" (if you will) to a used M3. Apologies in advance to Matt Farah for the Freudian slip.

E92M3 > RightFootDown
07/30/2014 at 15:49

So he's pretty much copied "The Smoking Tire"? They already did a video comparison just like this.

William Byrd > E92M3
07/30/2014 at 15:54

Wrong car. The idea was to do a comparison with a ST model that made more sense. When I bought my Focus ST, I did consider the E46 M3 but not the Fiesta since it was a lot smaller.

RightFootDown > E92M3
07/30/2014 at 17:02

TST reviewed the Fiesta ST.

N51fanatic > RightFootDown
07/30/2014 at 17:44

I stopped at 2 min mark when he says the SMG is a "real manual". Who buys an E46 with an SMG??

William Byrd > N51fanatic
07/30/2014 at 18:00

Well, "he" is "I" and I'm guessing the answer to your question is "thousands of people". Regardless, as a fellow Opponaut, I'd love it if you'd listen to the rest of my thoughts on the SMG and then how it compares to the ST. Thanks.

N51fanatic > William Byrd
07/30/2014 at 18:40

Ok, i will watch the rest this evening. Believe it or not I cross shopped both these vehicles last summer.

William Byrd > N51fanatic
07/30/2014 at 18:46

Thanks! I did as well, interested to hear your thoughts.

N51fanatic > William Byrd
07/30/2014 at 19:52

Ok first off, the video. This is constructive criticism. Keep having at this, you'll get better. I am spoiled by vids like drive, evo, auto uk, top gear etc. Their production values are much higher (duh). Its hard to watch something not at that level. Also, the vid is too long. 10 minutes is too long. Needs to be shorter. Be short, concise. Less is more.

As for the cars. I was looking to spend 25k last summer for a new car. I was shopping an E46 M3, Focus ST and 1series BMW. I almost immediately nixed the M3 because 25k got me a 10 year old car with more miles that i was comfortable with. I test drove a tuxedo black ST with ST2. I agreed with everything you said in the vid. But for some reason, when it came time to sign on the line, I couldnt do it. I am not an image guy, i am a car guy, i just couldnt get excited about spending 25k+ tax on a Focus. I just couldnt.

I looked high and low for a 135i, i couldnt find one with low mileage, alas I comprimised with a NA 128i 6sp with MSport package. 3000 lbs, 50/50 weight distribution, NA straight 6, hydraulic steering, 5.5 sec 60. Its basically a modern E36 M3.

Keep the vids coming, I am a car nut and will watch.

William Byrd > N51fanatic
07/30/2014 at 20:34

Thanks. This is version 1.0 for sure. Sort of a proof of concept. There are more cars and more ideas in the hopper. Production value will increase over time, after the days/hours spent on this, I'm just happy to get it out.

I had similar issues buying a 10 year old car and obviously went new. My only issue with the 1-series is weight. At least in the first generation or two, I was amazed at how close in weight they were to a 3-series. I couldn't justify the size and space difference for the price. Glad you found something that met your needs though!

If you have ideas for comparisons or reviews, let us know. This was what we had access to, we are already getting some new and different stuff to test (S5 cabriolet, 997 Turbo, etc.).

N51fanatic > William Byrd
07/30/2014 at 21:10

Just an idea, but how about pursuing the vintage angle? You'll find a lot of oppo's are not rockafellas. You'll see a lot of posts with modern quirky classics. 944's, mid 90's Taurus SHO's, mid 90's preludes, e30 bmw's (not m cars) datsun Z's, mk1 rx7's etc. Think Petrolicious meets Dailyturismo

His Stigness > William Byrd
07/30/2014 at 22:07

Have you ever even driven an SMG?? Actually, it doesn't matter, because if you go into an SMG test drive with that attitude you will hate it, no matter good it is.

Full disclosure: I prefer the SMG compared to the manual. In fact, I actually hate the manual and would never buy one, not unless it was cheaper and with lower miles than an SMG model.

William Byrd > His Stigness
07/31/2014 at 06:44

Dude I'm IN the video driving an SMG talking about how I like it. Or did you mean to reply to the other guy. Haha

Party-vi > RightFootDown
07/31/2014 at 08:37

I hate MD front plate laws.

sefeing, actually bought an E46 > William Byrd
07/31/2014 at 08:43

immediately favorited because I'm a fellow FoST owner. Love love love the car. And this was totally a dilemma I had in purchasing. Except with a manual clutched E46

William Byrd > sefeing, actually bought an E46
07/31/2014 at 09:07

Thanks! This was my purchase dilemma and chose the FoST as well. Make sure you tune in for the final recommendation in part 2 though!

sefeing, actually bought an E46 > William Byrd
07/31/2014 at 09:09

also, I should mention that I enjoyed the video. I've been wanting to do videos like this for a long time, but unfortunately most of my buddies aren't really car guys, or don't have their own car, so it's a bit tough. #NYCproblems... But yeah. Keep at it, and I look forward to seeing more of the ST!

sefeing, actually bought an E46 > William Byrd
07/31/2014 at 09:10

Sure will. Already subbed your YouTube channel waiting haha.

William Byrd > Party-vi
07/31/2014 at 09:42

You and me both. Every time I visit PA I lament that fact. Although their roads suck. haha

William Byrd > sefeing, actually bought an E46
07/31/2014 at 10:27

Thanks! As I said, its a proof of concept. We hope to keep doing bigger and better things. Now that /Drive is subscription based there should be some room for newbies! :)

heeltoehero > N51fanatic
07/31/2014 at 10:36

I'm just here for AMGFAN's meltdown.

Way-too-much-time > RightFootDown
07/31/2014 at 10:38

2:03...stop filming and get that bird doo off. Where are your priorities!!!

Hart88 > RightFootDown
07/31/2014 at 10:38

I love BMWs, but $25K is just the cover charge for an E46 M3. They're at least ten years old, and the S54 can be a VERY expensive mistress.

Ed Dersch > N51fanatic
07/31/2014 at 10:38

If you would have continued listening you would have noticed he said "from the bell housing back".

T off the New > His Stigness
07/31/2014 at 10:38

"Have you ever even driven an SMG??"

...hes the guy in the video...

William Byrd > Hart88
07/31/2014 at 10:40

Shh, you're spoiling part 2! haha

Yep, very true. Total cost of ownership is very important with regard to this decision.

gerhardtracing > RightFootDown
07/31/2014 at 10:40

I'm deciding between an ST or a 13 Regal GS

Kinja'd!!!

NeedSSpeed > RightFootDown
07/31/2014 at 10:42

Other than them being the same price when the Focus ST is new and E46 BMW M3 is used, I don't understand why they would even be compared.

bk335 > N51fanatic
07/31/2014 at 10:43

0-60 in 5.5 in a 128i 6mt is VERY optimistic. Magazines were testing around 5.8 and don't forget that is in perfect conditions with perfect shifts and a perfect launch. In the real world the 328i take a solid 6.5 seconds to 60, so I can only assume the 128i would be in the low 6's.

William Byrd > NeedSSpeed
07/31/2014 at 10:44

Just do a search of Oppo. I've seen them both suggested for $25K and under on here dozens of times.

William Byrd > gerhardtracing
07/31/2014 at 10:44

The Regal is a pretty cool car, and I haven't said that about many Buicks. I assume it's bigger, any idea by how much?

Hart88 > Party-vi
07/31/2014 at 10:45

I just go without and pay the $70, happens maybe once a year.

HiredDriver > gerhardtracing
07/31/2014 at 10:47

And isn't that a $25k vs $45k comparison?

BeaterGT > RightFootDown
07/31/2014 at 10:47

Aka The Jalopnik Showdown

Humpty-D > N51fanatic
07/31/2014 at 10:48

I bought one a while back and actually enjoyed it a lot. Its not nearly as bad as the internet says it is.

Harry Spotter > N51fanatic
07/31/2014 at 10:49

You really couldn't find a decent 135i? There weren't very many used when I was buying a few years ago but now that I'm thinking about selling I see them all over Autotrader. Too many issues with the 135i, you don't want it. Trust me.

NeedSSpeed > William Byrd
07/31/2014 at 10:50

Yeah I realize they're both highly acclaimed cars and rightly so. I just don't see the point in comparing a new FWD sport sub-compact to a 10yr used RWD sports car. At the same price point there's a lot of other comparable used and new cars. And everyone has their own preferences which there's nothing wrong with at all. Just seems like such an odd comparison that it doesn't make sense to me personally.

bk335 > N51fanatic
07/31/2014 at 10:51

Although I agree with you, the SMG, technically speaking, is a real manual. However, the clutch is hydraulically actuated. Thus, why people call it an auto since it'll shift by itself without the driver using a clutch. I would never buy an E46 with an SMG but most people do, looking on autotrader most of them are SMG's and the worst part is all of them are listed as manuals.

William Byrd > NeedSSpeed
07/31/2014 at 10:52

Should be a *compact right? Wouldn't the Fiesta be the subcompact? Just curious, I actually don't know.

Did you watch the video, maybe it'll help explain the point of the comparison.

N51fanatic > bk335
07/31/2014 at 10:53

Car and Driver Track Numbers

C/D TEST RESULTS:

Zero to 60 mph: 5.8 sec

Edmunds tested 5.7 seconds...

A 128i with manual seats, no moonroof weighs in at less than 3100 lbs. That is a substantial savings over the 3 variant.

I was being general, how about we agree on "high 5" sec 0-60

pfftballer > RightFootDown
07/31/2014 at 10:54

$25k? Toyobaru or GTFO!

Soloburrito > Hart88
07/31/2014 at 10:55

E46 M3's have become substantially cheaper in the last couple of years. They're easily had for under $20k now. Everything you said still applies but the cost of entry has come down some.

bk335 > N51fanatic
07/31/2014 at 10:55

Okay, I'll agree on high 5s with a perfect launch and a perfect shift. :)

veteran011 > William Byrd
07/31/2014 at 10:55

So does this SMG have a clutch pedal? I know setups vary between manufacturers.

N51fanatic > Harry Spotter
07/31/2014 at 10:56

i wanted one under $30k with under 40k miles. All of the 20-30k mile examples WITH CPO were $33k plus. I didnt want the HPFP and carbon buildup issues with the N54/N55. I compromised. No regrets, the 128 variant is fantastic. Perfect for daily use.

RightFootDown > pfftballer
07/31/2014 at 10:57

Subscribe and see it soon.

William Byrd > pfftballer
07/31/2014 at 10:58

We almost included the '86, but the rear seat room wasn't comparable. The M3 has a surprising amount of rear seat room and the ST is obviously a 4 door and has quite a bit.

delongedoug > RightFootDown
07/31/2014 at 11:00

Me: Evo 8 track car with Focus ST daily

My neighbor: E46 M3 with GTI daily

Neither of us is unhappy, although we're both looking to sell our fun cars. We live in New England, so YMMV.

gla2yyz > RightFootDown
07/31/2014 at 11:02

I think he and Aubrey Plaza would really get along. He knows what he's talking about but he needs more enthusiasm. I started tuning out after a while.

Kinja'd!!!

sgoldste02 > RightFootDown
07/31/2014 at 11:03

I'll watch the video later (firewall blocks it at work). But did you also cross-shop the 2015 WRX? It's close in price too, offers AWD, etc.

Thunder > His Stigness
07/31/2014 at 11:04

I did a countryside driving experience in a slew of supercars. E90 M3, C63 AMG, Aston Martin Vantage, 996 911 Turbo, GT-R, and Gallardo.

The Aston and Lambo had single-clutch automated manual transmissions, which I believe are analogous to the E46's SMG. Like you said, you roll back when off the brake. What got me, though, was that if you accelerated normally, it felt like nothing... nothing... nothing... uh, oh, I better go forward before I hit the guy behind me... little more gas... WHAM as it hits you in the back, finally in gear, now at much too high RPM to be smooth.

They may have been fun when driven in anger, but when trying to be normal, law-abiding citizens, not so much.

I went into that experience without bias, and came out HATING the single-clutch automated manuals. Dual-clutch in the GT-R was fine, but not the single-clutch ones.

AWD_OWNZ_U > N51fanatic
07/31/2014 at 11:05

I stopped there too. If your car will automatically shift for you it's an automatic.

William Byrd > gla2yyz
07/31/2014 at 11:07

Good feedback. We've talked about that a bit internally, I'm taking classes. :) At least I wasn't lacking enthusiasm AND knowledge! haha

jfrid710 > RightFootDown
07/31/2014 at 11:07

I just made a similar decision but compared the Focus ST to a E90 335xi (I wanted AWD and a little more reliability and modern tech than the E46 offered), both for around $25 k at CarMax (thanks Doug!). I went with the bimmer because at this money the car's gotta last 10 years, and I don't want to drive a bright yellow Ford Focus for the next 10 years of my life. It also didn't hurt that the 335 I found was low mileage, pre I-drive, and had a manual and the sport package...

William Byrd > sgoldste02
07/31/2014 at 11:07

We did! Hoping to get a new WRX in our garage to compare soon! We're hearing good things via other reviews.

William Byrd > jfrid710
07/31/2014 at 11:11

I really liked the 335 as well and considered it as well. In the end, I wanted something a little newer for the money. The CarMax warranty (thanks Doug! haha) is a good point though. How do you like it?

N51fanatic > AWD_OWNZ_U
07/31/2014 at 11:16

I wasn't trying to be rude or dismissive in any way. I guess my point is the Focus ST ONLY comes in manual. I cannot see any situation where someone shopping a FoST is going to cross shop it was an SMG, tiptronic, DCT whatever you want to call your non 3rd pedal clutch engaged manual transmission type vehicle.

jfrid710 > William Byrd
07/31/2014 at 11:18

I totally understand the sentiment, I just decided the E90 was new enough for me. My last car was an 02 Focus ZX3 so I'm feeling totally spoiled

Henrik Eriksson > RightFootDown
07/31/2014 at 11:19

No question, you buy the e46. No matter how much make up you put on a pig it's still a pig and thus a FWD will always be FWD.... And no, "as fast" does not equal "as much fun" - rwd will rule and a beemer is a beemer!

HappyHourzZz > RightFootDown
07/31/2014 at 11:20

FFS this guy needs to stop crossing the double yellow line in turns. He needs a serious driving lesson as he almost hits oncoming traffic @4:40 because he cannot keep it in the lane.

Bragging about 60mph through a 25mph turn? That is fine if you are in control of your vehicle. This fool is clearly not.

Awful driving.

gla2yyz > William Byrd
07/31/2014 at 11:21

Hey, it ain't easy! I tried reviewing my rental once while on vacation - it was God awful! Stick with it. I bet Clarkson, Harris, Farah, et. al. needed plenty of practice to get to their level too.

Ultrakill > RightFootDown
07/31/2014 at 11:22

Dat Focus exhaust -_-

William Byrd > Ed Dersch
07/31/2014 at 11:22

Woo hoo! Love it when people pay attention! :) Thanks Ed!

Personally after spending a LOT of time in this SMG equipped car, I can say it gets a bad reputation. I loved the idea of snapping off mechanical sounding shifts that were very aggressive (or not depending on the setting) and then tossing it back into "D" to drive to work.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > William Byrd
07/31/2014 at 11:23

The Toyobaru back seat will fit a couple large suitcases, pretty much any sized kids, and the 5'5" cute chick in my office. There's plenty of room back there! lol

William Byrd > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow
07/31/2014 at 11:23

Careful, having the last one back there for too long may end up requiring you to haul around the 2nd one! lol

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > William Byrd
07/31/2014 at 11:25

lol! Too true. Fortunately, or rather unfortunately, this one has the ultimate form of contraception (at least in relation to me), a wedding ring. haha

DMCVegas > N51fanatic
07/31/2014 at 11:28

"I am not an image guy, i am a car guy, i just couldnt get excited about spending 25k+ tax on a Focus. I just couldn't."

But if it was rebadged as a Mazda or a Volvo, which these cars are, would you still do it?

citizennick > RightFootDown
07/31/2014 at 11:30

this is weird, but I once owned a Jet Black M3 with the cinnamon leather and SMG... and now I drive a silver Focus ST... THIS MAN IS ME IN SOME ALTERNATE UNIVERSE!

Randoman5 > bk335
07/31/2014 at 11:31

A manual transmission is a transmission you have to manually move yourself, by actually interacting with the mechanical parts with your muscles. An automatic transmission is a transmission that is capable of shifting by itself. Whether it uses a torque converter and planetary gearsets or automated mechanicals of a manual transmission. Saying that an SMG is a manual transmission is factually inaccurate.

citizennick > N51fanatic
07/31/2014 at 11:35

I had one exactly like that (black on cinnamon) with an SMG, wasn't horrible, idk what the fuss is about, I liked it. Would never buy a used one with an SMG though. Incidentally I drive a silver Focus ST now. I'm kind of creeped out, this dude is impersonating my life.

titsinmymitts > N51fanatic
07/31/2014 at 11:35

You made a good choice.

My Focus ST has major steering issues. I regret buying it.

So much for new car reliability.

Battery Tender Unnecessary > N51fanatic
07/31/2014 at 11:37

The only way that statement works is if you get into REALLY technical minutia about the SMG, like how the actually transmission itself was physically the same as the manual, they just added three hydraulic actuators (one for x-axis of the shifter, one for y-axis, and one for the clutch). I owned a SMG E46 M3 for a decade and even I will admit the manual is the way to go.

gerhardtracing > HiredDriver
07/31/2014 at 11:39

You can get a used Regal GS for about 25k.

gerhardtracing > William Byrd
07/31/2014 at 11:42

20" longer and heavier by about 500lbs

TimothyinBoston > pfftballer
07/31/2014 at 11:49

FoST owner and I have to disagree with your comment. Several car nut friends have Toyobaru and they all, without exception. lament the cars lack of forward momentum. They were SO close... and then saddled it will 200hp when 252 was what was called for.

TimothyinBoston > Party-vi
07/31/2014 at 11:50

Got them in MA as well, but you know what's not on the front of my ST? A plate. It goes on once a year, inspection time.

BoatRunner > N51fanatic
07/31/2014 at 11:51

I did; with a mk6 VW GTI. I went with the VW because of its DSG 'box's ease in heavy traffic (a lot of that in and around Denver these days).

Ry-bones, FiST pilot > RightFootDown
07/31/2014 at 11:52

William and Josh look like alike. When Josh rolled up I thought it was some sort of Parent Trap edit trick.

I guess papa was a rollin stone.

Mosqvich > RightFootDown
07/31/2014 at 11:54

As an E46 family (I have a 323i and my sister has an M3) I would say a younger person with limited income has to weigh this decision way beyond carefully. When my sister's E46 M3 first went off warranty, she had $6500 in repairs to do. I have spent around $4k on my lowly 323i. For us it was worth it, both cars are exceptional and are truly better cars than most new cars, BUT we have the financial means to keep them running. An example problem is the window regulators: I had 2 of them go. I have fixed them myself, only to have them break pretty quickly afterwards (say within 3 months or so). I have ended up having the dealer do the work (it comes with a 2 year warranty, my work gets to be repeated over and over again). The cost of 2 regulator repairs just last week was $748. And trust me, this is important, you cannot go around without windows being able to be reliably put up and down. This past Saturday I spent 8 hours changing out some parts that wear. I had fun, but I also have access to a garage with a lift and every tool imaginable.

The bottom line : any E46 is probably better than any Focus, but a new or relatively new Focus ST is going to be much, much, much more affordable in the short and long run. If you're a real adult with real money, than buy the M3, otherwise, I'd go the safe route and get a Focus ST.

RightFootDown > Ry-bones, FiST pilot
07/31/2014 at 11:58

LOL'd.

Evan, Pope Of Jalopnik by Self-Appointment > RightFootDown
07/31/2014 at 12:03

M3 all day.

Blair > N51fanatic
07/31/2014 at 12:10

I like paddle shifters, Dual Clutch, single plate manual mantic and all that stuff. Believe it or not I found it to be a different type of exciting driving. Shit I even had fun in an automatic BRZ, using the paddle shifters and that's not even a very good semi automatic transmission.

But if givin the choice when buying a car I will always buy a manual. Because as good and fun as paddle shifters are they just don't give me the thrill that a manual gives me. At least not as much

William Byrd > citizennick
07/31/2014 at 12:18

Damn, where are you located? I feel like maybe we shouldn't meet. Just in case. For the Universe and all. :)

bk335 > Randoman5
07/31/2014 at 12:18

I know what a manual is, I consider the SMG an auto. HOWEVER, the actual transmission IS a manual box with a proper clutch, BUT, it's hydraulically actuated by the computer. Like I said I consider it an auto, but the guy in the video says it's an actually manual box, it feels like a manual when shifting, eg. the computer lets off the throttle and then dumps the clutch when driving hard.

William Byrd > Ry-bones, FiST pilot
07/31/2014 at 12:20

LOL. An automotive version of the Parent Trap. I love it! I'll see of Haley Mills is available.

newton > N51fanatic
07/31/2014 at 12:20

That is not true. The ST can be optioned with an automatic.

The man in the iron mask > Mosqvich
07/31/2014 at 12:25

just get a mustang, problem solved.

Nuggolips > Henrik Eriksson
07/31/2014 at 12:28

Have you driven one? They are quite a hoot to toss around.

newton > Hart88
07/31/2014 at 12:32

If you have $25k to spend on an M3, you spend $20k on a good M3 and you're set.

N51fanatic > newton
07/31/2014 at 12:42

is that new for this year? Becuase I am almost positive that you could only get a stick when I was looking last year.

newton > N51fanatic
07/31/2014 at 12:43

Not sure. I don't think there's any new mass produced car that can be only had in manual anymore.

Phlegminglib > N51fanatic
07/31/2014 at 12:47

You might have been able to find a stick Porsche Cayman base model for that price...

I'd take the Cayman any day, even the 5-speed.

Garrett Davis > NeedSSpeed
07/31/2014 at 12:49

It's not about them being directly similar, it's because these are the cars people are cross shopping. Before I bought my Focus ST, I went and checked out E46 M3s and 135is before settling on a warranty. Sure, the cars have different drive layouts, but they are still enthusiast cars that enthusiasts would contemplate. It's not like he compared the Focus to a Wrangler or something.

N51fanatic > newton
07/31/2014 at 12:51

The 2013 could only be had with a manual tranny, confirmed here

http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2…

N51fanatic > Phlegminglib
07/31/2014 at 12:52

i was scared by the maintenance upkeep of a 10 yr old bimmer, so you think an 8-10 year old porsche would be better? Besides, I needed a back seat.

newton > N51fanatic
07/31/2014 at 12:52

Ah pretty cool. Then Ford quickly realized they're missing out on a market lol.

MegaBoss268 > RightFootDown
07/31/2014 at 12:56

....didn't The Smoking Tire already do this?

Garrett Davis > Henrik Eriksson
07/31/2014 at 12:56

If you can get passed the mental block of "zomg FWD is the worst evarr," and try the car out, you'll see that it's actually a ton of fun to drive. It's a great daily driver, just as practical as a regular Focus, but has the added bonus of being just a little bit crazy when you want to have some fun.

Matt Farah said it best, it's just the right amount of "too much."

Phlegminglib > N51fanatic
07/31/2014 at 12:59

I owned an '06 987 for a few years and it was surprisingly reliable - only spent $ on a set of rear tires. I spent more money fixing my '08 335xi (never again will I get a BMW).