E36 ///m3 - dissapointment to ///Ms

Legacy

///Member
wikk3d88 said:
Fordkoppie said:
Sankekur said:
In fairness there has actually only been one true M3 after the e30 M3.

I concur. e46 CSL FTW!
I really liked the e36 M3, but it is way behind the e46 M3 in every thinkable aspect. Some might think it handles better than the e46, but in fact you are just under the illusion of feeling more alive when you are on the verge of dying. It really is a handfull close to the limit and the transition between "hey watch me now" and "oh F*ck" happens within a split second and without warning. It is not the greatest widowmaker of all time for no reason.
So yeah - it is likable, but not great.

The E46 had more technology packed into it, ofcourse that would make it handle better and easier to drive. If that same tech had been available for the E36, they would have used it. You can't honestly compare a newer model to older model, there are bound to be shortfalls. What they learned from the E36 went into the development of the E46.

You have just never seen Mr Ford drive na E46 M3 on the limit and beyond. Trust me when this happens all the "technologies" are turned off in any case.
 

ClassicB

///Member
No pissing contest, just trying to say that each car progresses on the last. There was definite progression from the 4 cylinder E30 M3, to the 6cylinder E36, to the E46 M3 and even the E90/92 M3.

I am in full agreement that the E46 M3 was a better car, only because it followed and improved from the previous M3 model, and so it will keep going, with increased research comes new technology and new possibilities!
 

Technician

Well-known member
The E36 M3 is the best car ever... boooooooooooooooooommmmmmmm....

CASE CLOSED.........







:rollsmile:


blades_of_glory.jpg




Whilst on the topic-
Chazz Michael Michaels IS figure skating! BOOM!
 

WyKiD

Active member
All the facts, fiction, opinions and whatever else you want to throw in, it comes down to the individual...IMO the E36 M3 is a legend and will always be "THE M3" that was the benchmark for every boyracer and pretender to the crown...
 

ClassicB

///Member
And to say that the E36 M3 was not a real M3 or a dissapointment is unfounded, because the americans had an underpowered version.

Our versions had a proper M powerplant, M braking system and M suspension, which all differs to the regular 3 series models.

In terms of styling that is where the E36 M came short, because the motorsport
kit was easy to replicate.

I would definitely buy the E46 version, but in the same breath would never sell my E36 to do so.
 

Fordkoppie

///Member
wikk3d88 said:
The E46 had more technology packed into it, ofcourse that would make it handle better and easier to drive. If that same tech had been available for the E36, they would have used it. You can't honestly compare a newer model to older model, there are bound to be shortfalls. What they learned from the E36 went into the development of the E46.

I didnt compare it to the CSL and just stated the obvious regarding the progress made by each successor and it is backed up by first hand experience. Not by what I read or what was said by my great uncle twice removed.
Yet there are some who believes otherwise
 

thireshan

New member
Legacy said:
wikk3d88 said:
Fordkoppie said:
Sankekur said:
In fairness there has actually only been one true M3 after the e30 M3.

I concur. e46 CSL FTW!
I really liked the e36 M3, but it is way behind the e46 M3 in every thinkable aspect. Some might think it handles better than the e46, but in fact you are just under the illusion of feeling more alive when you are on the verge of dying. It really is a handfull close to the limit and the transition between "hey watch me now" and "oh F*ck" happens within a split second and without warning. It is not the greatest widowmaker of all time for no reason.
So yeah - it is likable, but not great.

The E46 had more technology packed into it, ofcourse that would make it handle better and easier to drive. If that same tech had been available for the E36, they would have used it. You can't honestly compare a newer model to older model, there are bound to be shortfalls. What they learned from the E36 went into the development of the E46.

You have just never seen Mr Ford drive na E46 M3 on the limit and beyond. Trust me when this happens all the "technologies" are turned off in any case.

Technology implied is just not switching the traction off,there is alot of other technology that balances the car out far and beyond traction control
 
W

wikk3d88

Guest
Someone needs to knock on the doors of the ///M HQ and tell them off for all their old M cars being shyt






:rollsmile::biglol::rollsmile:
 
S

SP33DYV

Guest
My 2c.
When I completed the BMW Advanced High Performance driver course in September this year, I asked the instructors which ///M car was their favourite. Out of 3 instructors, 1 for the e92 M3, 1 for the f10 M5, and one for the 1 Series M Coupe, they all said the e36 M3 and a close second the 1M. Why? Purely because of driver involvement. They quickly said the e36 M3 was definitely not the best M car, that goes to the e46 M3 CSL, but they prefer to drive the e36 M3 and the 1M more than the others, even though the other cars are better. Keep in mind that these instructors are ex racing drivers.
So it depends greatly on personal preference.
 

calypso

///Member
Well I still think that the 36 drives better on the edge then the 46. Just when you go over the edge you die. But then again my 36 has had a bit of suspension work, where my 46 is stock.
 

Jerez

Well-known member
///Shaun@xcede said:
IMO as good as the E30 M3 looks , I feel the E36 M3 was a far better car in terms of design , handling and power delivery. I still remember when the E36 M3 first came into SA and how many people lost their lives in this monster.
E36M3 will always be a legend thats discussed at South African braai's etc. It marked a new beginning of what to expect from the benchmark.

:praise:

In terms of design - the only difference to the coupe were the bumpers and side skirts - EU models came with a boot wing unlike SA models.So there wasnt much thought put into it.Re the power and deaths caused - The only other powerful machine at that time sharing the same power output was the e28 M5.So guys were jumping out their 126kw iS and into a 210 kw monster.As a fan of all things BMW - I like its sharp looks....hell its an M3
 

Theo D

Active member
calypso said:
Well I still think that the 36 drives better on the edge then the 46. Just when you go over the edge you die. But then again my 36 has had a bit of suspension work, where my 46 is stock.

+1

I went over the edge in my E36 M3 and saw my arse properly :yikes:
Luckily I'm still around to tell the tale.
That car needs to be respected big time when you drive it :praise:

I preferred my E36 over the 46. Will buy another one soon enough :inlove:

http://www.bmwmregistry.com/detail.php?id=8785
 

George Smooth

///Member
In terms of market related performance the E36 M3 wins hands down. At the time 1994 for R189,000 you could buy a car that had the performance of a Porsche 911 and Ferrari 348 at a fraction of the cost. It was the biggest leap at one time that a manufacturer has ever taken.
When the marketing had started for the 3.0 ppl could not believe the performance figures and price hence it sold like hot cakes.
By the time the E46 M3 came out there where a few manufacturers offering cars that could challenge the big dogs.
 
W

wikk3d88

Guest
George Smooth said:
In terms of market related performance the E36 M3 wins hands down. At the time 1994 for R189,000 you could buy a car that had the performance of a Porsche 911 and Ferrari 348 at a fraction of the cost. It was the biggest leap at one time that a manufacturer has ever taken.
When the marketing had started for the 3.0 ppl could not believe the performance figures and price hence it sold like hot cakes.
By the time the E46 M3 came out there where a few manufacturers offering cars that could challenge the big dogs.

I can't really thing of any real competitors to the E46 M3 at that time besides the S4 Audi and the Alfa 156 GTA. Which others were there? The RS4 came much later I know.
 

Jerez

Well-known member
Technician said:
The E36 M3 is the best car ever... boooooooooooooooooommmmmmmm....

CASE CLOSED.........


That's an interesting view cos this is the second article I've read talking about the best m cars ever and the e36 was omitted




:rollsmile:


blades_of_glory.jpg




Whilst on the topic-
Chazz Michael Michaels IS figure skating! BOOM!


 

Ga-3M

Well-known member
Technician like myself, have an absolute love for the E36 M3 especially the 2 door, and whilst I might not say it's the best car ever, it's definately one of them!!!!!:praise::rollsmile:
 

ASH

New member
All M3s are from different eras, & the tech and engineering was designed at different times as well. It is clear that the E30 M3 did create/invent the compact performance sedan/coupe sports saloon, to which the other M3s follow. It is also clear that each model of its era is the benchmark to which other performance vehicles from other brands are measured to. The newer Ms are obviously much faster than older generation versions, BUT as the 3series became bigger the M3 lost a bit of the chuckable nature of the E30 M3, in favour of more power, space, features etc. Not saying that the newer ones are not sharp driving tools, but the original M3 is still revered by driving fans as having balance, as well as a winning racing heritage in Touring cars around the world.

The E36 had alot to live up too, with the high standard being set by the E30 M3, but BMW wanted to create the perfect sports saloon, a high quality product, practical and not some track toy to be driven on weekends. I can recall the smoothness of the engine, lack of traction control on the first 210kw 3.0L version meant it was a handfull in full cry and in the rain, but most of us would enjoy this as a thrill anyway. And the motor in straight six config. is a classic, exhaust tone was music to anyone who appreciates that straight six howl. The coupe E36 M3, shape is instantly recognisable as an M3, in fact if you where to ask most people, the E36 is the one that is instantly registers as an M3, as it was popular as it was exclusive at he same time, and made the M3 appealing to most people as far a asthetic and desirable appeal go. Even the rims are still revered as masterpieces of design and are highly sought after items.

The E46 really elevated the M3, into a new performance level, and was capable of punching over and above its weight in the performance car market at the time, its metallic rasp exhaust note, is unique to this particular M, and the high rev principal in power delivery was welcomed by most drivers. Most consider the E46 to be the most complete M3, as it had aggressive looks to match unique power and drive-train setups, it was an outrageous sight on the road when it was launched much like the reaction people get when they see the 1M Coupe for the 1st time, as the car was pumped up like a body builder.

The E92 M3, continued on the high rev principal of the E46 but applied to a lightweight V8 package. The cars appearance initially appeared a bit toned down to the E46, but the design touches to make this this car an M are now current M-Design standards and applied across the M-model range and are really stunningly aggressive, like e.g. the side mirrors which are fuse at two points on the side glass, makes the car look like it has horns!, the bull shark like front and rear bumpers etc. The car again can punch above its weight in the performance stakes again, as is regarded as the current benchmark in the performance car market.

I'll just round up to say that each M3 model is unique as there are time differences between when each was made, neither is better than each other, they all have their own appeal, & I'm sure if one where to jump into the old E30 M3, it would still make you smile compared to a new E92 M3. Best not to compare them to each other rather celebrate what the represent of that era and what everyone likes about M-Division vehicles.
:thumbs:
 
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