BMW 1999 M3 Convertible

[MIKEYMIKE]

I have never drove this car. How does it handle vs. the e90 330i?

In general, how is the speed handling and over all driving performance?

Thanks

[010101]

Handling is FAR better. The 330i isn't even close to it in this area.

[MIKEYMIKE]

Originally Posted by 010101

Handling is FAR better. The 330i isn't even close to it in this area.

Really? I'm talking about the body before the e46 m3.

I believe its the e36 body.

[010101]

Originally Posted by MIKEYMIKE

Really? I'm talking about the body before the e46 m3.

I believe its the e36 body.

I know. This is arguably the best handling car BMW has ever made. It out handles the e46 M3.

[ward]

Originally Posted by 010101

I know. This is arguably the best handling car BMW has ever made. It out handles the e46 M3.

that's a pretty strong statement

I might belive you for the hardtop, but the convertible..........



I used to have an E36 M3 and even if it was about the same speed as the 330, it certainly felt way faster

[Dammmittt]

Originally Posted by 010101

I know. This is arguably the best handling car BMW has ever made. It out handles the e46 M3.

Nurburgring.

[esbezee92]

Originally Posted by 010101

I know. This is arguably the best handling car BMW has ever made. It out handles the e46 M3.

i think that statement is somewhat misworded, i feel stupid saying this having never driven an e36 or e46 m3 , but from what ive read the e36 is the most natural car that they have built, its not as technologically intrusive so (supposedly) you feel very connected to the road making it one of the best feeling cars they have built

[010101]

Originally Posted by ward

that's a pretty strong statement

I might belive you for the hardtop, but the convertible..........



I used to have an E36 M3 and even if it was about the same speed as the 330, it certainly felt way faster

I wasn't just talking about the vert. I was talking about the e36 m3 in general. Obviously out of the 3 body styles it came in the vert would handle the worst.

[010101]

Originally Posted by Dammmittt

Nurburgring.

What does the track time of it have to do with my statement? I just said it was one of the best handling cars they ever made and that it *handles* better than an e46 which is the opinion of most people who have driven both. It is certainly not the quickest or most powerful car. The e46 easily wins when it comes to speed and power. This is sort of like how a base Cayman handles better than an old Camaro with a blown big block and drag radials. Would it beat the Cayman around some tracks? Sure it has 700hp compared to the Cayman's 245 (I forget the exact number although this might be it). It beats it, but it sure as hell does not handle better.

[010101]

Originally Posted by esbezee92

i think that statement is somewhat misworded, i feel stupid saying this having never driven an e36 or e46 m3 , but from what ive read the e36 is the most natural car that they have built, its not as technologically intrusive so (supposedly) you feel very connected to the road making it one of the best feeling cars they have built

I guess it all depends what your definition of handling is. That is basically what I was talking about. There are cars that are fast through the slalom and turn over a g on the skid pad, but are a handful to drive. I was talking about the feel of it. Not its all out performance potential. I thought that's what most people thought of when they used the term "handling." Having fairly high limits that are linear and easy to find and deal with. Anyway, the e36 M3 is one of the all time greats even if it doesn't match the numbers of the newer cars. IMO it's one of the most fun to drive.

[MIKEYMIKE]

Another question...

Is this car going to be a maintenance nightmare?

[ward]

I only had my M3 from about 60K to 110K miles, and I had a dead fuel pump as my only mechanical problem

I replaced front brakes too, but other than that it was solid

[MIKEYMIKE]

Thats a pretty long time without anything going wrong.

I wonder if you were lucky or if this is the norm.

[010101]

Never owned an e36 M3, but I did own an e36. It was pretty solid up until about 150,000 when I started having plastic cooling system pieces break. That was about all though. Little minor things would happen like the clips holding the upholstery to the door would break, but that is to be expected with a car with so many miles. If you buy a 100k+ mile car make sure you get it for a good price.

[FotiosF90M5]

I think the e36 m3 was one of the all time best handling cars Ive ever driven.Much more balanced than my 335i.As a matter a fact I think my e46 with the performance package handled better than my current car.

[010101]

Originally Posted by fotios330i

I think the e36 m3 was one of the all time best handling cars Ive ever driven.Much more balanced than my 335i.As a matter a fact I think my e46 with the performance package handled better than my current car.

Well done, you are one of the few 335i owners who is honest and realistic about thier car. The 335i is a great car with a lot of power, but it handles like a luxury tuned run flat car, not a sport tuned M3. I think a lot of people who think the 335i is the best in every single area have just never driven anything but their automatic 335i and some other luxury cars, so they have no point of reference.

[FotiosF90M5]

I love the way my car handles I just need it to be a little sharper and less roll.Something that 19" wheels and nice tires just wont fix.Good enough for me right now though.Absolutely love the power though.