[RingMeister01]

Love mine. It's still in my hear THE M3.

[Artemis]

Originally Posted by Cope

The 1M was originally compared to the E30 M3 [...]
Modern cars are so different from their predecessors I always find these comparisons to be dubious.

When Dr. Kay Segler joined BMW M (M boss) he drove several M models. For the 1M development he was inspired by the E30 M3 EVO. He liked how the car felt (driving dynamics). The official explanation is that the 1M was an effort to create an E30 M3 soul successor.

[Cope]

Originally Posted by Artemis

When Dr. Kay Segler joined BMW M (M boss) he drove several M models. For the 1M development he was inspired by the E30 M3 EVO. He liked how the car felt (driving dynamics). The official explanation is that the 1M was an effort to create an E30 M3 soul successor.

That's part of the reason I really like the E30 M3, but inspired by doesn't necessarily mean they're all that similar. Reminds me of a Mitch Hedberg quote: Skip to 1:30.

Maybe I just need to try driving an E30 M3.

[W///]

Every new smallish coupe out from BMW is said to be a 2002Tii or E30 M3 reborn.

These cars have absolutely nothing in common.

[Artemis]

Originally Posted by Cope

That's part of the reason I really like the E30 M3, but inspired by doesn't necessarily mean they're all that similar. Reminds me of a Mitch Hedberg quote: Skip to 1:30.

Point taken about "inspired by" argument.

Now spot the difference.

E36 M3


1M


M235i

[UpNcOmINg!]

ITB's make my heart happy.

[crqflier]

The 2 is within an inch of every dimension of the e36. I'll be keeping my minty e36m until the M2 arrives. It really is an amazing all around car - DD, autox, track.

[ORIGIN M.]

Originally Posted by Cope

I wouldn't harp on the idea of the M2 as a legacy car for too long. The 1M was originally compared to the E30 M3, the M235i had that adorable commercial with the 2002...

Modern cars are so different from their predecessors I always find these comparisons to be dubious.

Now I'm just waiting for a new commercial for the F80 M3 to be called the new e34/9 M5. I don't think we've seen one of those yet lmao.

I agree.

It pisses me off BMW deluted the halo effect towards the 2002.

While I am sure you haven't forgotten nor have I, however I guess maybe BMW thinks we did't notice they already compared the 1er to the almighty 2002 of yesteryear.

[W///]

Originally Posted by crqflier

The 2 is within an inch of every dimension of the e36. I'll be keeping my minty e36m until the M2 arrives. It really is an amazing all around car - DD, autox, track.

Same here. My Techno Violet is my rolling down payment for the M2. I think the M2 should be equally as good as the E36 at doing everything. The only thing is that I hope it is even somewhat as reliable as the E36.

[nachob]

Everyone has different tastes so nothing wrong with E36 not being your "cup of tea." Despite some weight gain and added luxury, I agree that the E46 Competition Package ordered with no options and a manual transmission was the best overall M3. While many tout the CSL version as the best, they made one fatal mistake in going with the SMG gearbox or that would be the best IMHO. The e46 was and is stunning to this day and a very connected car. Car and Driver compared all four (e30-e90) of the on the 25th anniversary of the M3 and they also picked the E46 as does Chris Harris and myself. The E36 was the pinnacle 4 seat sedan/coupe at the time it came out but looking back, Car and Driver said it best. The said the e36 engine was a bit "ahead" of the suspension at that time and when the e46, the suspension caught up making the e46 better all around. Now this was not a blowout, just a win. All of the M3s have special traits that make them special in their own right.

The E30 was the real deal, basically a race version tuned for street duty.
The E36 more actual power and speed and available in 4 door too.
E46 the best all around harmonious version, though slightly heavier.
E90 the best engine sound (when warm)
F80 The most efficient and effective at hitting numbers (ie. acceleration, G forces, mileage)

The RX8 is a great driver's car. My good friend races one and it sounds amazing in anger and looks great too and a worthy comparison to any of the BMW models.

As far as the M2 goes, it has already given up points to the E36 because it will have the silly iPad screen in the line of site and depending on if they spend more time on the electric steering, the E36 steering feel and feedback might also be a sure win. We'll see.

[W///]

Originally Posted by nachob

Everyone has different tastes so nothing wrong with E36 not being your "cup of tea." Despite some weight gain and added luxury, I agree that the E46 Competition Package ordered with no options and a manual transmission was the best overall M3. While many tout the CSL version as the best, they made one fatal mistake in going with the SMG gearbox or that would be the best IMHO. The e46 was and is stunning to this day and a very connected car. Car and Driver compared all four (e30-e90) of the on the 25th anniversary of the M3 and they also picked the E46 as does Chris Harris and myself. The E36 was the pinnacle 4 seat sedan/coupe at the time it came out but looking back, Car and Driver said it best. The said the e36 engine was a bit "ahead" of the suspension at that time and when the e46, the suspension caught up making the e46 better all around. Now this was not a blowout, just a win. All of the M3s have special traits that make them special in their own right.

The E30 was the real deal, basically a race version tuned for street duty.
The E36 more actual power and speed and available in 4 door too.
E46 the best all around harmonious version, though slightly heavier.
E90 the best engine sound (when warm)
F80 The most efficient and effective at hitting numbers (ie. acceleration, G forces, mileage)

The RX8 is a great driver's car. My good friend races one and it sounds amazing in anger and looks great too and a worthy comparison to any of the BMW models.

As far as the M2 goes, it has already given up points to the E36 because it will have the silly iPad screen in the line of site and depending on if they spend more time on the electric steering, the E36 steering feel and feedback might also be a sure win. We'll see.

For me, when it comes down to bang for your buck, the E36 is absolutely unbeatable IMHO. For what I'm looking for as a daily driver more or less, the E36 fits the bill great. For $10k or so, I think you'd have a hard time finding a funner car that's also very reliable.

I will agree with you that the M2 has 0 chance in being as good with steering feedback as the E36. Where it lacks that, it'll make up for things like chassis stiffness, better brakes, better interior (although that's not hard to do when you compare to the E36).

Also, unless you are a short person, that iDrive system is not completely in your sight line at all IMHO. Not that I plan to get Nav (prefer going stripper route), but I like the iDrive system just fine.