ragpicker said:ColinC said:Nope - me too - owned E30, E36, E46 & E46 CSL which I traded in against an E92. Had ago in a M2 last year and didn't remind me of an E30 M3 at all - could just be my age!
I parked beside a 991 last year in the 993 and both owners were laughing at the differences in the two models - both for very different reasons I must add......
Hey Colin, I'm glad its not just me. I think you've saved me pursuing the M2 idea too :thumb:
Many people say the E30 was the 'greatest' M3, but in the 3-4 months I had it I just remember thinking that it didn't feel quick enough. The pick of the lineage for me is the E36evo. What a car that was, sublime chassis, not much in the way of driver aids, that engine.
The E46 had it for me in the looks department which is probably why I went back time and again to get another one. I actually preferred the SMG II box for track use, but round town it took a bit of getting used to.
The last E46 I had was silver with SMG. It ended up bent in half around a lamp post after I tried (and failed) to do a Chris Harris around a bend on a wet road, thinking I could modulate the throttle like I could in the dry... That was embarrassing
@Marty - No probs dude, just giving my opinion so you get a balanced view :thumb:
The balance of the E30 was a revelation for me coming from Fast Fords but your right it was under powered , especially compared to Cosworths and Impreza of the era.
I did over 60,000 miles in two years in the S50 engine - not a hint of trouble but in the end the high mileage became prohibitive.
For me the E46 CSL is the best variant, even with the SMG box - really came to life when pushing on. Only ran it for 10 months and will always regret selling....
Apologies Marty - good luck with the search. M5 E61 would be my choice.....