How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love a Bigger, Heavier, Softer M3

"meatatarian" (ncnorm3) 04/29/2014 at 13:54 • Filed to: None

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The BMW M3. It's a car that we as enthusiasts all know and love. Most of us have coveted one at some point, in one of its many flavors; many, myself included, have been lucky enough to own. In every format, it's a gem of a car and each brings something unique to the table.

One thing that remains the same: you cannot go wrong.

It's also an intriguing look at how cars change over time. Every generation, every variation is still uniquely and inarguably an M3 due to things besides its badging. While retaining its original character in some manner, the car has changed drastically in its various E30 through E9x incarnations. It's been a two-door, a four-door, and a convertible, both hard- and soft-top. It's had a four-cylinder, a couple sixes, and a thundering V8. I'll leave the upcoming F8x M3/M4 out of this since no one has driven one yet, but there can be little doubt that those twins will be another study in how much a car can change while remaining somehow characteristically the same.

"No guys, it's totally cool, I said 'platonic'."

Not Play-Doh

To frame my argument, I'm going to talk about a guy called Plato. Plato was, by all accounts, a pretty smart guy with some bright ideas. My particular institution of higher learning had a thing for the Greek philosophers similar to how the Greek philosophers had one for athletic young men (Hint- "Platonic love" really seems like a bit of a euphemism in that context).

Anyways, one of the central tenets of his philosophy was the theory of the Realm of Forms: Simplified, the concept that all things have an ideal form that is defining of their nature. There is not solid form of anything as we know it; these forms do not exist in the real world, they are however comparable to their real world counterparts.

I think that this is a good philosophical lens through which to examine the development of the M3, or any such iconic, long-lasting car. What is the form of an M3? When you reduce an M3 to its most basic, conceptual level, what is it that defines a BMW M3, beyond all other characteristics and in comparison to all other cars? I think that we can pick up bits and pieces of that through examining each successive generation of the Bavarians' greatest hit, and draw a pretty cohesive picture of what the M3 is, was, and ought to be. M3: The Anthology, if you will.

Granddad

Like fine red wine, it seems the E30 M3 only improves with age. The box flares, the absurd wing, mesh BBSs, and a thoroughbred S14 screaming to over 7k RPM have guaranteed that this homologation special is a true classic. It was a remarkable car at the time of its 1985 introduction, and still is. (Disclosure time: This is the only generation of M3 I've never driven, so I cannot fully address it as I'd like to. If anyone in the VA/DC/MD area has one and likes showing it off, I'd happily trade seat time in the p-car!) Regardless, this is in many regards the most extreme M3 hitherto made. The styling, racecar engine, and massive differences from the standard E30 made it as great as it is, but at great cost- an issue BMW would address with their next generation of car.

The main takeaways here: Aggressive, race-inspired styling; high-revving, NA motor; handling prioritized over straightline speed. Basis in the standard 3-series, but radically different in aims and outcomes.

The Unloved Bastard Son

Euro-spec M3GT

With the E36, BMW made a much more conservative M3. It shared nearly all of its bodywork with the standard E36. It was also the first sedan model, and the first convertible to make it over to the states. As M3-people (M-threople?) will know, we did not receive the full-bore S50B30 (282-291hp) and later S50B32 (316hp) motors here in the US: In order to reduce costs, we got the 240hp S50B30US and S52B32. The European-spec motors were high-rev screamers, while we received motors based off of the standard 325/328 M50 and M52 motors. Which isn't as bad as it sounds for us, because this country almost didn't get the E36 M3 at all.

Having owned an E36 M3, I will be the first to say that while a great motor, the S52 does not feel special in the way other M-motors do. It delivers power in much the same way as any BMW straight-six. The Europeans, meanwhile, also had better brakes and slightly more aggressive suspension tuning. The E36 does, however, have fantastic handling in a lightweight, exceptionally well-balanced package. A true driver's car in every sense.

Key Points? It brought the M3 in a more luxurious and comfortable direction, the natural progression most modern cars seem to take. While we were denied the Euro-spec motor, the E36 M3 is still a fantastic car to drive- its handling is superb, and with wheels and tires in sizes at home on modern sports cars, it added a ton of grip to the party as well. I feel the E36 is a criminally underrated car, and as such they are by far the cheapest to buy. They are also very easy to work on yourself.

The Overachieving Asshole

The E46 could be the pinnacle of the M3. It is gorgeous, we finally got the proper motor those smug cheese-eating bastards in Europe had been getting all along, and it's as good a handler as any. The S54 is a real peach of a motor; it's an evolution of the European E36 motor, and as such revs joyously to 8,000RPM, making 333hp along the way. It gained 200lbs on the E36, and over 500 on its grandfather, but given the newer cars BMW is making is now looked upon as being small and light. It is a fantastic driver's car; the engine dares you to redline each gear, and while its metallic rasp can be a love/hate affair, there is no denying that it is distinctive.

What to know: More electronics, like traction control (US E36s from 96-0n had TCS, but it was garbage and often deleted), M-mode, stability control, satnav; electronic throttle; many more luxury features and a more opulent interior; phenomenal powerplant; superb handling; optional SMG gearbox; once again, those goddamn Europeans got the last laugh with the CSL version.

The Son That Studied Abroad in America

With the E90/92/93 M3, BMW shoved in a 4.0 V8, a shitton of luxury features, such as- no joke- seatbelt presenters , and almost didn't make it in manual. The take-rate of the M-DCT gearbox beat out the 6-speed, and satnav was standard on later models. Curb weight was around 3700lbs. I will admit, I didn't really want to like this car. The M3 has grown with the base 3-series into a vehicle 181.8in long: For reference, that's only 6 inches shorter than an E39 5-series; the E30 M3 was over 10 inches shorter at 171in. It's less involving and more isolating than the earlier cars in every way, and lacks the "conversation" that the steering in older BMWs has with the driver.

I, guilty of being an automotive hipster at times, tend to disparage cars that become more complex while sacrificing driving purity on the altar of luxury and comfort. And that is what I thought of the E90 until I actually went and drove one. On paper, I do not like a lot of the developments. In practice, well... have you ever revved a V8 to 8,400RPM? It was astounding to drive the E90 because all of my concerns, aspersions, and preconceived notions faded away very quickly. I even have to confess to having liked the DCT in the example that I drove. The M3 may have grown heavier and more luxurious, but it is also a more capable car than its predecessors in every way, and every bit as enjoyable to drive when you start to push it. It just has a more exaggerated Clark Kent personality when you don't.

So, Which is It?

The fact is, when you think about it, people buy M3s over other sporty cars for rather practical reasons. It is first and foremost an imminently livable daily driver. While the E30 was a racecar, the M3 has never really been a pure full-on sports car. It is, inherently, a sports sedan. Even in two-door format, it shares literally every dimension with the sedan, save for chassis stiffness- where the sedans are actually stiffer and in theory handle better. The M3 isn't made to take on purpose built sports cars: It's about adding the performance of a sports car to a preexisting, highly practical platform that happens to be well-suited for the application. It's specialty is not being specialized. It can be all things to all people.

I truly have come to think that a softer, more livable, Clark Kent M3 is where this car is actually at its best. For those that want a pure, hardcore experience and have the luxury of not needing rear seats or some degree of practicality, there always have been and will be better options. With the advent of the M235i and the impending M2, BMW itself offers things for people in the market for a smaller, nimbler M- or M-lite car. For those that need a Swiss Army Knife, there is really only one option of this caliber. The E90 M3 nailed it on that front. Let's hope the F80 can live up.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > meatatarian 04/30/2014 at 19:02

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The E36 M3 will always be my favorite. It's the most attractive of all of them if you ask me. Even if we didn't get the more powerful version, 240HP is more than plenty for a car of it's size and weight. Plus the car needs some love from somewhere.

BKRM3 > meatatarian 04/30/2014 at 19:49

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Daily driven and I love every single minute. Long live the king.

PS9 > meatatarian 04/30/2014 at 19:50

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[s65] was discontinued, but the soul still burns!

SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) > meatatarian 04/30/2014 at 20:01

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Gentlemen, you can't fight in here! This is the War Room.

That being said, Grandad or the son that studied abroad take my vote.

alexotics > meatatarian 04/30/2014 at 20:13

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Later E9x models came with Satnav as standard? Are you sure about that?

Either way, great read. Thank you for taking the time to walk us through the evolution from E30 to E9x. I've had the great pleasure of driving a stripped E92 M3 on the track for a few laps (Bedford, England) and one time an M3 Competition on the road and really got to push it. All other M3s, with the exception of the E30 M3, I've only driven casually, but I can honestly say that the E9x generation is very, very exciting and an absolute handful. Hot-rod type feel almost. But with loads of precision. Just don't overstep it.

meatatarian > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 04/30/2014 at 20:38

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I loved mine, it was my first RWD car and I learned a lot with it. Everyone should get the chance to drive one hard at some point. Also came in some of BMW's best ever colors... technoviolet, dakar yellow, estoril...

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > BKRM3 04/30/2014 at 22:16

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Nailed it!

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > meatatarian 04/30/2014 at 22:21

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I love my E90... It's a car I want to keep long enough to let my grandkids drive it one day.

This guy has driven the F8x: http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/first-f80-m3-d…

Related: http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/what-is-the-be…

meatatarian > SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) 04/30/2014 at 22:48

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fisticuffs shall ensue!

meatatarian > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 04/30/2014 at 22:53

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No contest in that poll... My recent E90 drive had me laughing my ass off when I pinned the throttle to red line. It's one of the most beautiful noises I've ever been in control of.

Andd yep, that guy in Dubai is a lucky bastard and the F80 looks pretty sweet. I think the m3 is much better looking than the 4.. and as I said above I'd want the sedan anyways, given identical dimensions (maybe like 20lbs heavier?) but added usefulness. I think all the work they did to keep it light will be the big payoff for this gen. Not sold on torquey FI over revvy NA, but that's preference and probably fits with the character of a daily car better for most drivers.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > meatatarian 05/01/2014 at 00:21

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They can have my S65 when they pry it from my cold, dead hands...

The noises a car makes are just such an important element to a driver's car - the turboed S55 just can't come close to its forebears in that respect.

Daywalker > meatatarian 05/02/2014 at 15:13

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Fantastic piece. This is the first article I've seen to actually give each generation credit on its own account. To appreciate the similarities and, yes, differences too. To respect the evolution rather than disparage it.

I too wanted to dislike the E90, or maybe "dislike" is too strong and I just mean that I was prepared to assign a feeling of mediocrity to it. Then I drove it. It blew my preconceptions away and left me with an enormous smile. I even liked it better than the C4S that I drove back to back with it.

In short, the M3 is different, and spectacular, in every generation.

meatatarian > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 05/02/2014 at 16:02

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Very much agreed. Rev-happy NA motors just feel special in a way that's difficult to describe. BMW's past M stuff, honda S2000, and Porsche's flat 6s are definitely my favorites. The S65 is an all-time great

DrScientist > meatatarian 05/02/2014 at 23:50

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thought you were going to mention that the e46 m3, and really all e46's marked the beginning of the "asshole bmw driver" phenomenon.

Battery Tender Unnecessary > meatatarian 05/04/2014 at 17:03

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If anyone in the VA/DC/MD area has one and likes showing it off, I'd happily trade seat time in the p-car!)

Shoot me an email at imolasls@gmail.com and the next time I'm up there with the E30 I'll let you know. I visit family in Harrisonburg and friends in Great Falls whenever I can.

Joshua "Dr. Science" Gilbert > meatatarian 05/04/2014 at 17:07

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I see you mentioned VA/DC! I live in Tyson's. Know of any other Jalop readers who live around here? Love to hit up K's C&C with y'all one saturday and talk car stuff. I know there's at least three E30s around my neighborhood (5 mile radius lol)

-Joshua

College student, photographer, gearhead

Jim Drivas > meatatarian 05/04/2014 at 17:28

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I've owned every generation of M3 except the E30. The E30 turned me off with its lack of torque down low. I wanted more of a kick for daily driving in the city. I skipped over the E30 M3 (regretting it now, but that's life). I owned a 4 door 1997 M3 which I thought was the overall best handling car on the track. It was very neutral in corners...not a lot of understeer and not enough power to cause a lot of oversteer. Then I moved into a 2002 E46 M3 with SMG and my reaction was "wow!...this thing is incredible on the track. Unfortunately SMG never really caught on even though I loved it. I loved it so much I bought a 2003 E46 M3 and then an E39 M5 which was an awful track car (brake fade and too sloppy in corners). So I bought a new 2004 M3 SMG (3 times SMG...3 times loser?). Since it was always my track car, I loved the transmission...until DCT was rumored in the E90/E92/E93 M3. So I bought a 2009 E92 M3 DCT with every option, including a powered rear sunshade (why?...who knows?). This car on the track was so incredible even though it was heavy. You could steer the car with the throttle. This was also the first track that scared me for the speeds I could obtain on the track. Where my E36 M3 would hit 120 mph, I could hit 145 mph. The brakes would stop the car but it became costly with rotors and brake pads (about $1500 for the full set). I still have the 2009 M3 with only 6,000 miles after almost 6 years of ownership (yea, I need to get out more).

So for track work and the most fun and cheapest to run: E36 first, E46 second, E92 third.

E30Joe drives a Subaru > meatatarian 05/04/2014 at 17:47

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The M3 we never got but all wanted.

djmt1 > meatatarian 05/04/2014 at 17:48

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It annoys me greatly, the shit thrown BMW's way just because they made the E9X bigger. I doubt most people have driven it, let alone ridden in it and having ridden in it I can confirm it is a brilliant piece of kit and when being driven on a track at great speed, bloody terrifying but in a good way.

That said I think I know why people are so bitter about the E9X. The first 3 M3s were not just class leading but benchmarks that many failed to get in range of let alone match, but the E9X not so much thanks to car I have driven that being the C63 AMG. Now I don't have the authority to say which is better but there are a lot of things that car does a lot better then the M3, things that include interior, sound and straight line speed.

It seems people or lets call them "enthusiasts" couldn't handle the fact that the almighty M3 had an equal, but it that really BMW's fault or should AMG be praised for finally reaching the benchmark.

gearboxtrouble > meatatarian 05/04/2014 at 17:54

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I daily drive a 2009 E92 with the DCT. I also used to own the E46 M3 prior to it and I have to say, I've come a complete 180 on the big V8 version. I've gone from "meh this is too soft" to "this is probably the best all round car in the world" in the past 5 years. It can do no hassle, comfortable daily driving with absolutely zero shits given and then you press a few buttons on the idrive and hit the m button on the steering wheel and it becomes a completely different car. The engine is fabulous - imho BMW's best ever. It sounds and feels like something that should belong in a true exotic and despite this somehow manages to be nearly bulletproof in terms of reliability (especially compared to the newer turboed up engines).

I just ordered a new M4 (Sep 2014 European Delivery) and will be parting with my e92 after 5 years. It has enormous shoes to fill.

SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman > meatatarian 05/04/2014 at 17:55

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Yes, the E36 is easy to work on...

just this afternoon, I very leisurely did my valve cover gasket, spark plugs and fixed a minor engine timing issue

Michael J Posner > meatatarian 05/04/2014 at 18:35

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I have owned E36 (albeit not an M), two E46s M3s, vert and coupe, both 6 speeds, and two E93 Dcts (08 and 11). I am now on the precipice of a warranty expiring so don't know what direction I will go...sell ( www.mjposner.com/bmwm3) or keep and get extended warranty for 5 plus bills. Drove an M235i, was very sweet. Decisions Decisions.

Howie > meatatarian 05/04/2014 at 19:08

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As I understand it, European manufacturers embracing turbocharged technology has more to do with gaming their mileage and environmental standards during test cycles as those tests favor turbocharged engines allowing them to offer powerful engines while saying "see we can pass those tests!" when real world driving practices yield different results.

TheCraigy > meatatarian 05/04/2014 at 19:30

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It doesn't get much better than the V8. Add in the fantastic DCT and it's truly a chariot of the gods.

John > meatatarian 05/04/2014 at 20:33

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Love every minute behind the wheel. Summer can't come soon enough! Will try to fill up the garage and get every version of the M3 within the next 10 years ;)

AJ_Lethal > meatatarian 05/04/2014 at 20:41

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You know, the M3 is that sort of car that grew from being a jock to a succesful businessman that still can pull off homeruns when he feels like to.

E92AP1991.2JK > meatatarian 05/04/2014 at 20:43

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Agreed and I had the good fortune to own an AP1 and AP2 S2000 and currently an E92 M3 which is the best sounding do all of them.

9brghtn4 > meatatarian 05/04/2014 at 20:50

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I have to have an E30 one day. Even if, by then, low mileages are going for 120 grand. Not like that's far away, they're at like 80 now.

OutOfHere > meatatarian 05/04/2014 at 21:04

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I had one of the first E36 M3s to come off the boat. Loved that car. It wasn't a rocket, but fast enough. The handling is where it really shined. Cornered like it was on rails. Lots of fun on the track.

cglass > meatatarian 05/04/2014 at 21:15

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I would love to see an M4 gran coupe.

Mcryder > meatatarian 05/04/2014 at 21:44

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Love my 2002 E46 M3, plan to keep it until I go to room temperature. I'm north of 50 now so I'm hoping for at least another 25 years or so.....

Masterofgoingfaster > meatatarian 05/04/2014 at 22:23

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I have to point out that the E9X came out manual only for the first model year and the DCT was Added the next year, so even though te DCT was decided from the start, te manual was not an "afterthought" like on the E60 M5

tifosi > meatatarian 05/05/2014 at 02:51

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I realize that any opinion expressed in the "which M3 is the greatest EVER???" debate is controversial and abhorrent to the majority of people, irrespective of what that opinion actually is. But having driven every generation of M3 from the start, the best car unfailingly has been the current generation. They only get better and better. Which is not to say that the previous gen cars aren't great, but if you have driven an e9x m3 it's really hard to say with a straight face that one of the older cars is truly better as a whole.

Jim Drivas > djmt1 05/05/2014 at 03:24

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I agree with you...the C63 is a match for the M3. I test drove the C63 about a year ago and loved the power and "muscle" car sound. The only thing I could criticize the C63 was the automatic transmission. Even in sport manual mode the shifts were so slow compared to my DCT. Had Mercedes offered a true dual clutch transmission for the C63, I probably would have bought one. The C63 certainly made a nicer sound than my M3, even though I have added the M performance exhaust to my car.

DasWauto > Joshua "Dr. Science" Gilbert 05/05/2014 at 10:01

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There are quite a few Jalops from the area. If you search Oppo for Katie's or Great Falls you'll find several regulars.

335Msport > BKRM3 05/05/2014 at 10:32

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Ha, looking good! I installed those Dinan springs last night, this is how the car should have come from the factory.

voltron88x > meatatarian 05/05/2014 at 13:35

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Welcome to take mine for a spin if you're ever around Reston. Mostly stock.

ZeeeeCar > SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) 05/05/2014 at 14:02

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He'll see the Big Board!

Joshua "Dr. Science" Gilbert > DasWauto 05/05/2014 at 14:56

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Thanks!

Foo2rama > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 05/05/2014 at 15:21

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Bah the s52b32 is the best engine ever, and the last of the inline 6's from BMW...

Foo2rama > meatatarian 05/05/2014 at 15:24

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And start the E46 vs E9x wars... The E30 is special and its own beast. The 46 vs 9x... More rawness, and a special engine vs luxury and a not as special but more powerful engine... What was the other version again?

DasWauto > Joshua "Dr. Science" Gilbert 05/05/2014 at 15:25

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I noticed you made a post on your personal blog so I make you an author on Oppo. You should be able to post there now.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Foo2rama 05/05/2014 at 16:32

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They're still making inline 6s (just not NA).

SmoresTM Has No Chill (O==[][]==O) > ZeeeeCar 05/05/2014 at 17:06

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That is precisely the idea, general. That is precisely the idea.

PardonMyFlemish16 > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 05/05/2014 at 18:36

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Yea its way faster than its specs indicate. Low 14s all day. Faster than my Z with almost 50 less HP

Kylemaro > meatatarian 05/05/2014 at 19:43

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the more i see these the more i want one

seanjohntx > BKRM3 05/05/2014 at 23:19

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Looks great. Whenever the E39 M5 wears out I want to get one of these.

meatatarian > voltron88x 05/06/2014 at 00:44

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I would love to! Name a time and place!

meatatarian > Joshua "Dr. Science" Gilbert 05/06/2014 at 00:52

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I'd absolutely be up to meet at C&C either Saturday or Sunday (smaller one in the fair lakes area. Know a good bunch of guys in the area with some really cool stuff, classics to crazy nodded. What you driving so I can keep an eye out? I'm just down the road in Arlington

meatatarian > Joshua "Dr. Science" Gilbert 05/06/2014 at 00:53

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Oh and we might be able to get Patrick from here to meet up as well, he's local

meatatarian > John 05/06/2014 at 00:56

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owning one of each at various points is definitely a personal goal as well.

Joshua "Dr. Science" Gilbert > meatatarian 05/06/2014 at 00:57

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I'm carless at the moment. But I mainly push around my mom's '12 MDX or my dad's '11 QX56. I usually show up around 845. I have Adult MYS soccer league in McLean till about 830. Unless I don't decide to play that week, and I wanna get some photos. Check out @igautos on Instagram. :)

meatatarian > Joshua "Dr. Science" Gilbert 05/06/2014 at 01:29

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nice, I'm @ncnorm3 on there. Actually been looking for a soccer league lately, the roommates and I are all worse off missing college sports...

Joshua "Dr. Science" Gilbert > meatatarian 05/06/2014 at 01:38

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Oh, please do. Everyone currently here are 45+ and I'm "the boy" so more peers (and a team composed of more players/less coaches) would be appreciated. Hahah

http://www.mcleansoccer.org/page/show/1938…

People get to play based on weekly email response once your registered. It's at Lewinsville Park.

PardonMyFlemish16 > meatatarian 05/06/2014 at 10:48

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I feel like the E36 strikes the perfect balance. It's soft and friendly like the E90, but has a lighter, smaller, more responsive chassis than the E46. The 240HP isn't that big of a deal... it's faster than a lot of cars with similar weight and more power

voltron88x > voltron88x 05/06/2014 at 11:03

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TulsaMtnBiker (OkieRising) > meatatarian 05/06/2014 at 14:45

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I'm highly confident that the F82 will live up and exceed the previous generations. Only caveat may be engine note compared to the e92. We'll find out on Thursday when the press embargo lifts!!

Although, the launch colors were better for the e92. I miss Melbourne Red, but think that I'll be happy with Sakhir Orange.

The Stig's Rustbelt Cousin > meatatarian 05/06/2014 at 16:12

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I've been fortunate enough to get some wheel time in every M3, save the original. The first M3 I drove was also the first BMW that anyone ever let me drive, a 1998 E36 coupe. After I drove that car, I got back into my car, and everything that used to seem great now felt broken. The steering wasn't right, the shifter seemed awkward, the throttle response was rubbish... I wanted more M3.

I liked the E46, aside from the extra-raspy exhaust, which is curable if that's your thing. It did feel heavier and a bit less connected than the E36, even though it's a better car in every measurable way. It felt like an off-the-rack suit compared to the E36's bespoke tailoring; that E36 remains the only car I've ever driven where it felt like the entire car was designed with me in mind, as if my input had been given and followed during every step of the design process. That said, power corrupts, and if I were shopping for a used M3 right now, I'd probably be looking for an E46 foremost. Dat Engine...

Interestingly, you call the E36 the "unloved bastard," which to us it was, but do keep in mind that the engine we didn't get would have driven the price up into the high $40k/low $50k area, which would have made it a hard sell in US, when it looked almost identical to your neighbor's 328i. As it was, the $32k starting price in 1995 was right in the sweet spot for someone looking for sports car performance in a semi-practical shell. If we'd gotten the real McCoy euro-spec engine, there might not have been an E46 for US consumers. The sales of the E36 kept the M Division going in this country, when there were no other M-badged cars to be had.

Also, that unloved bastard was, by my count, the most well-represented vehicle at my local BMW CCA HPDE weekend a few years ago. The E46 came in 2nd.

M > djmt1 05/06/2014 at 16:52

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We've had a few e36, one e46 and now an e92. The e92 is definitely too big for me, but most car manufacturers go that direction with their cars and it's fine because now we have the 2 series to take up the slack.

The e92 is too big for me, as are the f3x so my next BMW will be a 2 series. I still have to take one for a proper test drive, but unless it has an isolating, disconnected drive, it's the only car I can think of on the market for me today.

djmt1 > M 05/06/2014 at 17:44

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I not even a BMW Fan (AMG is more my cup of tea) but I'm green with envy that is quite the car collection. Also I guessing from what you said you like lightness and RWD, so in that case have you ever thought of a track toy like an Ariel Atom. I just drove one recently and I came out a changed man or are you more a one car person.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > BKRM3 05/06/2014 at 17:53

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Here's a taste of this past weekend for you (that's me setting the pace in front of the 700 rwhp C6 - ha!). And I can assure you that my lane discipline on these trips is much, much better than what's displayed by my friends' here...

Brian Silvestro > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 05/06/2014 at 18:03

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THE NOISE

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Brian Silvestro 05/06/2014 at 18:05

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That C6 is loud as hell! Thankfully he cut the music around the 5:00 minute mark.

Brian Silvestro > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 05/06/2014 at 18:06

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Yeah, music makes every car video worse.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Brian Silvestro 05/06/2014 at 18:07

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Pretty much.

M3Collector > meatatarian 05/06/2014 at 18:12

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A pretty decent runthrough about the lineage. Having the first 3 (the only 3 that matter IMO) I would agree with most of it. Also not having driven the E9x, nor liking the looks of them at all, I can only go on others' reports on how good/bad they really are. Maybe I'm short-sighted about it, but I'm glad I stopped with the E46.

meatatarian > M3Collector 05/06/2014 at 18:38

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As I said, I, in theory, agree. BUT drove one at the insistence and urging of my friends and must admit I loved it. I don't like bigger, heavier, comfortable-er cars- but it just works. For every facet of the older cars the new one lost, it gained something else great back in return. And it is still very much an M3, differences aside. If nothing else, it's worth a drive out of intellectual curiosity, right? It's easy to be dismissive of a car because it goes against some personal feelings of what a car ought to be- we are all guilty of this at times- but ultimately every car is unique and will elicit different responses from different people. There are plenty of beloved cars I rather dislike, and plenty that probably, to most, aren't that great that I love.

Manuél Ferrari > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 05/06/2014 at 19:48

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Very cool

How far is this road from your house?

Manuél Ferrari > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 05/06/2014 at 19:49

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Thanks for the tip. I fast forwarded from around 3:00 to 5:00 to avoid the music

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Manuél Ferrari 05/06/2014 at 21:29

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Not close enough! It's 150 miles to the town we stay in (Eureka Springs), and most of the roads we drive are south and east of there.

Manuél Ferrari > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 05/06/2014 at 21:32

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ARGGHHH

Why are the good roads always so far away!

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Manuél Ferrari 05/06/2014 at 21:37

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Seriously. There is a loop I take near my place that's got some good sweepers and a couple decent curves along the way, but it's nothing like what they've got in northwest Arkansas.

Manuél Ferrari > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 05/06/2014 at 21:42

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The only decent road that's near me is only 25 min away. But it's very short. Only one good section really that's very twisty. So when I go there I have to keep turning around and doing the same section over again.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Manuél Ferrari 05/06/2014 at 21:48

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No bueno. There are some decent roads between here and there, but the roads over there are so awesome and there are so many, it's just worth dedicating a weekend to them at least twice a year.

Manuél Ferrari > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 05/06/2014 at 21:51

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There is one good road that's an hour from me. But most the time there is a lot of traffic on it.

There is supposed to be a really good road about 3 hours north. I still need to try it

colorfulyawn > meatatarian 05/06/2014 at 23:20

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I've only driven the E36 and E46 M3s, but the funny thing is that I vastly prefer the E36.

Don't get me wrong, the S54 is probably my favorite BMW mill. And on that front, the E46 unquestionably owns the E36. The E46 is also my aesthetic favorite among the 3ers, inside and out. But I find that the E36 drives better.

The E46 M3 disappointed the hell out of me. I don't know if the brilliance of the engine made the rest of the car look bad, or if it was something else, but to me, the E46 M3 felt almost like a slammed mini truck with a big motor. It felt narrow and long and ungainly, and it seemed less responsive and more prone to understeer than the E36 M3.

I guess what I'm saying is that I think the E36 M3 has been unjustly underrated.

meatatarian > colorfulyawn 05/06/2014 at 23:55

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The E36 started my continuing obsession with steering feel hahaha. In that regard it's among the best. It really does have a conversation with you- it's not just responding to input. you can feel every little thing the car is doing, and what it wants to do- not just bumps and uneven surfaces- I was comfortable throwing that car around and hooning the piss out of it because it was so controllable and its limits were so safe and defined the way I had it set up. Definitely a criminally underrated car, and currently obtainable very cheaply. I miss mine sometimes for sure

colorfulyawn > meatatarian 05/07/2014 at 00:21

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I hear you. For me, the NSX was my awakening. That car changed how I looked at everything.

M > djmt1 05/07/2014 at 00:51

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If I could afford a track day car, I would absolutely love one. But unfortunately, it's not coming in the near future. If I lived somewhere with nice weather and it was street legal, I'd possibly get an Atom as a DD. Once I get the 2, I may turn my current DD, Mini Cooper S, in to a track car

BKRM3 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 05/07/2014 at 06:29

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Wow those roads! Yes, now I see why you do this all the time. The last minute sans music is the best minute. Now where is the footage with the S65 soundtrack? =)

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Manuél Ferrari 05/07/2014 at 09:18

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Do it.

A 5:00 am wakeup should take care of the traffic problem on the one an hour away!

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > John 05/07/2014 at 09:19

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Looks great...

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > BKRM3 05/07/2014 at 09:24

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The roads are... epic. And there are miles and miles and miles of them. I'm just glad the Tail of the Dragon gets all the attention to keep ours from getting crowded.

https://maps.google.com/maps?t=m&ll=35…

I hate music messing with the pure sound of the cars and the road, too. I guess I'll have to break down and get a GoPro eventually...

BKRM3 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 05/07/2014 at 09:44

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That map is glorious! I don't really do very much street driving with my car...it just basically goes to work and back (and to the track of course). This weekend, however, I'm taking it 260 miles away to western Maryland. Our roads are in such awful shape that I'm almost dreading it. Going to take a track tire as a spare, god forbid I should need it (again).

You really do need to get a GoPro, because in addition to road trip footage you'll be able to do this:

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > BKRM3 05/07/2014 at 13:05

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Looks like you gave her a good workout! Love hearing the tires protesting.

Good call on taking along a spare. I've been wanting to do the DIY on the small spare that someone put together the part #s for. Would hate to be stuck in the boonies with a blowout...

BKRM3 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 05/07/2014 at 13:29

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When I had a pothole blowout on the way back from the racetrack (right after that video was filmed!) it was in one of the most dangerous areas in Philadelphia, of course. If I hadn't had the track tires with me I would've been stuck waiting for AAA. No thank you. Can't believe how lucky I was to be back on my way in about 5 minutes. If you're going somewhere sketchy or remote, always have a spare of some sort. Chances are that if you have a real tire problem that stupid bottle of slime in the trunk isn't going to fix it.

M3Collector > meatatarian 05/08/2014 at 00:14

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I'd had interest in driving one, but I know no one who has it. I'd planned on doing a test drive at the dealer last year, but never made the time to go do it, plus they never seemed to have any on the lot and the used department was of no real help. Someday maybe, but I'm in no hurry.

highmodulus > meatatarian 05/08/2014 at 18:07

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Having owned 2005 e46 m3 6 Speed, and a 2011 E90 DCT, the E90 was better in nearly every sense. I need another one, this time a E92

wisstig96 > meatatarian 05/25/2014 at 17:17

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But the seat-belt presenters are AWESOME!!!!!!! I have them in my '07 328i and they are great

wisstig96 > Battery Tender Unnecessary 05/25/2014 at 17:18

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When do you come to Orlando? You can drive either a E92 328i or maybe a panamera in exchange for driving the e30!!!

wisstig96 > Jim Drivas 05/25/2014 at 17:20

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Great color sir! I have the same color, look great every day!

meatatarian > wisstig96 05/26/2014 at 10:25

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haha they're ridiculous! Such a silly unnecessary feature

wisstig96 > meatatarian 05/26/2014 at 13:29

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But so awesome!!!!