"Jonathan Harper" (jbh) 12/14/2015 at 15:31 • Filed to: None

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You wanna talk about how this car “doesn’t live up to the hype” and “isn’t the amazing car you think it is”? Fight me. It’s the best.

Brian Silvestro > Jonathan Harper 12/14/2015 at 15:33

3

which would you rather e30 or aircooled 911

like a good aircooled 911

pjhusa > Jonathan Harper 12/14/2015 at 15:34

1

You're a member of CCC Manhattan?

For Sweden > Brian Silvestro 12/14/2015 at 15:36

12

aircooled 911

good

pick two

TheHondaBro > Jonathan Harper 12/14/2015 at 15:36

3

Jonathan Harper > Brian Silvestro 12/14/2015 at 15:37

0

o fuk that’s hard Brian

CalzoneGolem > For Sweden 12/14/2015 at 15:37

2

I think you accidentally one.

Jonathan Harper > pjhusa 12/14/2015 at 15:37

2

Yes.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Jonathan Harper 12/14/2015 at 15:38

2

Ever read this? http://www.m3post.com/goodiesforyou/…

Brian Silvestro > Jonathan Harper 12/14/2015 at 15:38

8

we only throw hardballs here at oppositelock

Brian Silvestro > For Sweden 12/14/2015 at 15:39

10

ok

1. aircooled 911

2. good

KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs > Jonathan Harper 12/14/2015 at 15:39

10

Oh dear, someone doesn’t like the E30? Get the torches and pitchforks...

*sigh*

Where are the guys who would rather have an E28 over an E60 or F10?

TheHondaBro > For Sweden 12/14/2015 at 15:40

4

Pick two and good.

GhostZ > For Sweden 12/14/2015 at 15:40

6

Aircooled 911

Good

Doesn’t require selling a liver

Pick 2

JR1 > Brian Silvestro 12/14/2015 at 15:46

0

Air cooled 911. It is a Porsche 911. The M3 is many things but it will never be a 911.

Mr. Ontop, No Strokes, No Smokes...Goes Fast. > Jonathan Harper 12/14/2015 at 15:48

7

Oh, yes. Back when BMW still made interesting cars. I agree.

Sam > Jonathan Harper 12/14/2015 at 15:49

2

People who say it’s the best car ever are wrong.

Simply because there is no one best car.

Hoccy > Jonathan Harper 12/14/2015 at 15:50

2

The problem isn’t the car, but the hype and expectations. Just like Back To The Future being an awesome movie, but you don’t expect it have amazing life-like GCI like some modern movies.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs 12/14/2015 at 15:50

15

Where are the guys who want to put a 572, a solid front axle, a four-link with Ford 9”, and nitrous into an E30 to make a gasser? Where, I say?

BoxerFanatic, troublesome iconoclast. > Jonathan Harper 12/14/2015 at 15:58

1

My only question about it, is why does it, and all M3s and most BMWs since, have to look like a shipping crate, or an over-styled characterization of a car?

I get that it is a hotted-up version of a 2-door sedan body style, but I would much rather have something as cool looking as an E9 or E24 that would be as sharp as E30 is reported to be.

Same reason why I would much rather that the new 2-series coupe be a junior-6 with a fastback profile, and a hatch. If X6 and X4 can have hatches... there should be a BMW COUPE, (an ACTUAL COUPE, not a partially decapitated CUV) with a fastback hatch.

Really, is that so hard... build the Z4 Zagato coupe.

atmospheric I6 or turbo-I4 power options, manual or dual-clutch gearbox choice, rear drive with limited slip and torque vectoring, clean and well appointed, but not overly-busy interior. Designer aesthetics, modest weight, GO.

Jonathan Harper > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 12/14/2015 at 16:00

0

Great read. Epic test.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Jonathan Harper 12/14/2015 at 16:15

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One of my favorites. Wish there was a video to go along with it! Their Analogue Supercars comparison is one of the all-time greats.

Jonathan Harper > Sam 12/14/2015 at 16:17

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I can agree with this statement. But, in the case of the E30 M3, it is the best at what it set out to do; which is be a very good handling rwd sport-coupe.

Jonathan Harper > Hoccy 12/14/2015 at 16:19

4

100% agree. This is not a world-beating supercar, or a 50 mpg eco-thing. It’s just a sports car that does sports car very well, in an age of decreasingly “sports car” sports cars. Feel me?

Jonathan Harper > BoxerFanatic, troublesome iconoclast. 12/14/2015 at 16:21

0

In terms of the E30, that was what was popular in the late-80s. Look at the MB 190E or the Lancia Delta, boxy was cool back then.

Jonathan Harper > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 12/14/2015 at 16:22

0

I’ve made plenty of videos with this car, figured I’d just enjoy driving it this time.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Jonathan Harper 12/14/2015 at 16:27

1

So, what are the odds of you (with the help of CCC perhaps) and your new crew putting together an epic ///M supercomparison including the following: M2, 1M, E46 & E92 M3, and F82 M4?

I’ve mentioned this to Patrick, and threw it out there on Twitter for Harris, Okulski and Alex Goy, too. I honestly don’t care who does it, I just want to see it done!

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Jonathan Harper 12/14/2015 at 16:31

1

Jealous. Love the rasp of the old M engines.

Jonathan Harper > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 12/14/2015 at 16:32

1

Hmmm, this might need to happen.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Jonathan Harper 12/14/2015 at 16:34

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Yesyesyesyesyesyesyes. Think of the children! Think of the pageviews!

KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht 12/14/2015 at 16:36

2

They are still wondering why they didn’t just get a Ford 8.8, or an AAM 11.5.

RallyWrench > KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs 12/14/2015 at 16:42

0

*raises hand

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Jonathan Harper 12/14/2015 at 16:44

1

Your photos just hit Bimmerpost news. Your watermark is on them, but no link to your page yet in the thread. I’d get on and remedy that!

http://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthr…

edit - I threw a couple links in there for you.

Verdog ~ manual Bro, Bro - HellHawk Equipped > Jonathan Harper 12/14/2015 at 16:47

0

Needs new bulb

Hoccy > Jonathan Harper 12/14/2015 at 16:49

2

I’d look upon it as a performance version of the regular E30, not even a sports car as such. I’ve only driven a bad E36 318is coupe, so not really experienced when it comes to the 3-series. I’d expect it to have a high level of driver involvement, while feeling compact and lightweight. Wouldn’t be surprised if the engine wants high revs either. Anything else would be just silly to expect.

BoxerFanatic, troublesome iconoclast. > Jonathan Harper 12/14/2015 at 16:54

1

Those are all examples, (and there are more, like Lotus Carlton, M5, etc, newer like WRX STI) that are modified versions of ‘normal’ cars.

E30 is a whole LINE of cars, not just the M3, any 3-series of that vintage is an E30 engineering platform car, all the way to a base 318 sedan.

M-B 190E was their E-class platform, which has since moved mid/full-sized, and supplanted by the C-class.

Lancia Delta Integrale was like Mazda 323 GTX or renault R5 Turbo, and others since such as EVO or WRX STI, that are boxy economy cars that have been factory tuned.

I get that people like the concept, but now, on the used, classic scene, I am not sure what the big advantages are of them over cars like FC-3S RX7, A60 and A70 Supra, S130 and Z31 Nissan Z-cars, AW11 and SW21 MR2s, Porsche 944, 951, 928, or 968, or even a nice Merc SL I-6 manual gearbox car (or more recently, an SLK), Miata, or other purpose-designed 2+2 sports coupe or 2-seat sports car. Maybe even a pristine or well-updated C4 Corvette.

The money is no longer a huge differentiator between a tuned sedan or hot hatch, compared to a sport coupe or sports car. If they are classic, and mostly depending on condition, they are all a bit of money for a weekend toy, and not really slogging-through-the-crud daily drivers anymore.

For a weekend toy, I would want one that is a looker, and almost all of those sport coupes and sports cars listed are better from-the-drawing-board coupes with sleeker profiles, and performance-wise are either comparable, better, or differently advantaged (much more powerful with a V8 engine, and equipped for long-distance grand-touring for instance) than E30 M3.

If it is your favorite, that is fine, it is a fine car.

The best... first of all is a subjective set of qualifications and criteria, and there is a LOT of various competition from that era.

Jonathan Harper > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 12/14/2015 at 16:57

1

I know, I saw them there. There is a link back to my imgur album in the thread, but I tried to make an account to comment but I’m stuck in some non-commenting ability purgatory :( Thanks for the heads-up.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Jonathan Harper 12/14/2015 at 17:05

0

Sure thing. I saw the imgur link but thought more credit was appropriate. Purgatory? That sucks.

I know this is your personal work, but there’s no reason not to take any opportunity to mention who you’re working for now. The more traffic, the betterer...

By the way, you did a great job tricking the viewer (me) that you somehow actually had use of both of these cars for your photoshoot. It didn’t cross my mind until reading the comments that the M2 never moved the whole time!

pjhusa > Jonathan Harper 12/14/2015 at 17:09

1

coooooool

Tripper > Jonathan Harper 12/14/2015 at 17:37

1

Agreed!

monovich > For Sweden 12/14/2015 at 18:16

1

There is either a really clever insult here or a really clever compliment and I’m not sure whuch it is because I’m not that clever.

GoodbyeKinja > Jonathan Harper 12/14/2015 at 18:17

2

Lol, how about the car that made BMW enter this car to the market, where’s the 190e Cosworth love?

Raphael Orlove > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht 12/14/2015 at 18:18

15

YOU RANG

Bloody Han Solo > Jonathan Harper 12/14/2015 at 18:18

1

If I win said fight...can I keep your M3?

Haze > Jonathan Harper 12/14/2015 at 18:19

1

I don’t much like them. I wouldn’t want one, but it is a really good car. E30 M3s were fun with a capital F. F stood for fast too.

Oscar L. > Jonathan Harper 12/14/2015 at 18:20

1

My cousin just bought his first car #318is #goodstart #brotherscustom

Craig > Jonathan Harper 12/14/2015 at 18:21

1

Growing up working in the family body shop, I remember back to 1988, and my brother’s buddy went a bought a new red M3. He brought it by the shop and we all drooled over it. Unbelievable how we were all so enthralled by those blue/purple/red M badges like they were made of unobtainium or something.

armandthegreat > Jonathan Harper 12/14/2015 at 18:23

1

e34 > e30 Come at me bro

Foo2rama > KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs 12/14/2015 at 18:29

0

Not many want an e28 over those... e39>all

Trick187 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 12/14/2015 at 18:33

1

AHEM Z3 M Coupe

Anthony Miller > Jonathan Harper 12/14/2015 at 18:33

0

Ehhhh I’d still take an e36.

8Ringer (irrational hater of Subaru) > KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs 12/14/2015 at 18:39

1

e28 or e24 all day over almost any other bmw, aside from maybe an e9 or 2002.

RyanFrew > KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs 12/14/2015 at 18:40

1

What?? The F10 is new and therefore the hive mind of Oppo hates it. I had to reread your sentence because I thought that it had to be asking where the people were who prefer the F10.

DoYouEvenShift > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht 12/14/2015 at 18:40

2

Those guys are gone.

However the guys that want to LS everything(me) have taken over.

Also the guys that want to stance everything(not me) are coming.

So hide your BMWs

Houndz > Mr. Ontop, No Strokes, No Smokes...Goes Fast. 12/14/2015 at 18:41

2

I have a E60 and it’s interesting when it runs.

thedarks > KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs 12/14/2015 at 18:42

0

Gimme an f10 535i with a 6mt any daaaay of the week sir.

Saazbaru > GhostZ 12/14/2015 at 18:42

0

did you mean kidney?

Rusty Shackleford > Jonathan Harper 12/14/2015 at 18:45

1

I would like to fight you for ownership of the car.

Harrycarry250 > Jonathan Harper 12/14/2015 at 18:47

2

I’m sorry Harper

*obligatory E30 M3 vs W201 2.5-16v post*

In reality, this car does not live up to the hype.

-Cooper

TheJWT > Jonathan Harper 12/14/2015 at 18:51

3

Looks just like mine...

the_grouch > Jonathan Harper 12/14/2015 at 18:56

1

You are doing it wrong. The proper way to start the fight is to say that today’s Camry/Hyundai/Malibu/Fusion/etc... will outperform an E30. Then let hilarity ensue.

NYankee1927 > KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs 12/14/2015 at 19:02

2

To be honest, I’d take a 2002tii over all those any day of the week. Those things are tons of fun and the blocks are damn near bulletproof.

Chatham Harrison dba SPANFELLER DELENDUS EST > GhostZ 12/14/2015 at 19:15

1

Deal. Livers grow back.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Trick187 12/14/2015 at 19:20

0

Love the ‘Shoe, but the Z3/4 Ms aren’t really comparable to any of these. Low, 2-seat sports cars vs sedan-based 2-doors.

Bullitt Ride > Jonathan Harper 12/14/2015 at 19:36

1

I reckon a regular old E30 with an I-6 lump and a few bits and bobs added on is the better option for the average Joe.

It’ll give you the same experience of the M3 at a much more economical price point... and pretty well be able to keep up or beat the average M3... or at least I think that mine might be able to ;)

JGrabowMSt > Jonathan Harper 12/14/2015 at 19:42

0

But a 6 pot swapped one is even better.

Dont even get me started on a V10 swap.

designzio > Anthony Miller 12/14/2015 at 19:58

1

You need to do your research. The E30 platform is probably the best ever. The E36 was great but was never as solid as this series.

The Finker > Jonathan Harper 12/14/2015 at 20:02

1

Hmm... I think you’ll need to give me the keys for a few hundred miles. Then I’ll know if it lives up to the hype or not. If I don’t think the hype is real, I’ll take you up on that fight :)

Bunty Brown > Jonathan Harper 12/14/2015 at 20:03

1

Wasn't this on Bimmerpost today in a photo shoot with the M2?

designzio > Brian Silvestro 12/14/2015 at 20:04

0

Buy the air cooled 911 if you don’t mind putting the shop owner’s kids through college. Buy the E30 if you want a reliable, fun and inexpensive car.

designzio > TheJWT 12/14/2015 at 20:09

0

Love it, keep it stock.

Anthony Miller > designzio 12/14/2015 at 20:10

1

I’ve done my research. I don’t really get the hero-worship here. I’ve always thought the e30 was great, I just like the 36 a little more.

SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman > Jonathan Harper 12/14/2015 at 20:33

1

I’ll fight you because it’s not the best

DrJohannVegas > Jonathan Harper 12/14/2015 at 20:35

1

I’ll take post-hoc rationalization for $400, Alex.

gmctavish needs more space > KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs 12/14/2015 at 20:35

0

I prefer E28s to many things

NJAnon > Jonathan Harper 12/14/2015 at 20:56

1

We don’t want to fight you jbh. Violence doesn’t solve anything.

The car is amazingly moderately cool for a BMW. :P

LodestarRunner > DoYouEvenShift 12/14/2015 at 21:02

1

You’re too late!

Me.

But this is also me.

Jonathan Harper > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 12/14/2015 at 21:04

1

Just saw your post, many, many thanks dude. Very cheers.

Jonathan Harper > Verdog ~ manual Bro, Bro - HellHawk Equipped 12/14/2015 at 21:04

0

Always needs something. It’s perfect how it’s not perfect.

Jonathan Harper > Hoccy 12/14/2015 at 21:06

0

I mean, you’re not wrong...but the E30 was a sport sedan/coupe to begin with. So a sportier version of an already somewhat sporty car would give you...what? I think a sports car it makes.

FrederickLawOlmsteez > Jonathan Harper 12/14/2015 at 21:08

1

Is this custo-plate mounting point to counteract the weight of the cross member of the cage near the driver’s seat?

IncognitoM > Jonathan Harper 12/14/2015 at 21:09

1

Holla back shorty

Jonathan Harper > BoxerFanatic, troublesome iconoclast. 12/14/2015 at 21:11

0

In that moment, it was the best car.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Jonathan Harper 12/14/2015 at 21:13

1

My pleasure.

Jonathan Harper > GoodbyeKinja 12/14/2015 at 21:17

0

I got lots of that too, but this car, let me tell you. It’s just right.

Jonathan Harper > Bloody Han Solo 12/14/2015 at 21:17

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It ain’t mine. Borrowed from CCC Manhattan.

Jonathan Harper > Haze 12/14/2015 at 21:18

0

Wouldn’t want one.............not even for Sunday? Not even in the morning?

Jonathan Harper > Oscar L. 12/14/2015 at 21:19

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Real good start! Congratulate him! Then ask him if you can drive it.

Jonathan Harper > Craig 12/14/2015 at 21:19

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Because now they kinda really are unobtainium.

Jonathan Harper > armandthegreat 12/14/2015 at 21:20

0

Jonathan Harper > Anthony Miller 12/14/2015 at 21:21

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For reals?

Jonathan Harper > Anthony Miller 12/14/2015 at 21:21

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What about the E36 do you like more?

Haze > Jonathan Harper 12/14/2015 at 21:22

1

I would not want one with a Fox, and I would not want one in a Box, I would not want one on a Boat, and I would not want one with a Goat. I do NOT like E30s Sam I Am.

Jonathan Harper > Rusty Shackleford 12/14/2015 at 21:25

0

Not sure how that would work since I don’t own it.

Jonathan Harper > Harrycarry250 12/14/2015 at 21:25

1

You’re right, the Benz does not live up to the hype. That E30 though...oooh yes. Glad you agree.

DoYouEvenShift > LodestarRunner 12/14/2015 at 21:26

0

Whats going on there?

Jonathan Harper > TheJWT 12/14/2015 at 21:26

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YOU HAVE ONE TOO!?!?

Jonathan Harper > Bullitt Ride 12/14/2015 at 21:27

0

For sure, I would own a swapped E30 in a heartbeat.

Jonathan Harper > JGrabowMSt 12/14/2015 at 21:28

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But there’s something pure about having it with the engine it was built with.

Jonathan Harper > The Finker 12/14/2015 at 21:28

1

It’s funny because the odometer doesn’t work so if I gave you the keys I’d have no idea whether you drove 1 or 100 miles...

Jonathan Harper > Bunty Brown 12/14/2015 at 21:29

0

Yeap I shot those about an hour before I took this.