[300hp]

Full List:

http://www.roadandtrack.com/features...models#slide-8


TOP 3:

[tony20009]

Yes, BMW made the E30 and the E36 back in the day when they didn't have to make the 3 series be "every man's" car, and when there were fewer government regulations. I don't think there's really anything wrong with the later iterations of the 3er, but there's no denying they aren't as focused as the E30 M3. And focused or not, the later M3s certainly are better overall at what the E30 M3 is lauded for -- getting rapidly around a race track -- and they are without a doubt more comfortable off the track. However, the seminal, ground breaking themes embodied in the E30 M3 rightfully make it the greatest of the bunch.

At some point years ahead, I suspect the current M3 will be the second greatest for it's likely to be the last ever V8 of the species. The noise of a V8 is just beautiful, bettered only (IMO) by that of a V12. Better even than your girlfriend's screams at that special moment, if for no other reason than whereas I don't mind hearing your V8 rumble, I have no interest in hearing her hollerin'. LOL

[300hp]

Originally Posted by tony20009

Yes, BMW made the E30 and the E36 back in the day when they didn't have to make the 3 series be "every man's" car, and when there were fewer government regulations. I don't think there's really anything wrong with the later iterations of the 3er, but there's no denying they aren't as focused as the E30 M3. And focused or not, the later M3s certainly are better overall at what the E30 M3 is lauded for -- getting rapidly around a race track -- and they are without a doubt more comfortable off the track. However, the seminal, ground breaking themes embodied in the E30 M3 rightfully make it the greatest of the bunch.

At some point years ahead, I suspect the current M3 will be the second greatest for it's likely to be the last ever V8 of the species. The noise of a V8 is just beautiful, bettered only (IMO) by that of a V12. Better even than your girlfriend's screams at that special moment, if for no other reason than whereas I don't mind hearing your V8 rumble, I have no interest in hearing her hollerin'. LOL

I think its possible the current M3 may get ahead of the E30 M3. I hear its tough to find a good E30 M3 which has not been modified. I am seriously considering putting one on my buy list.

[tony20009]

Originally Posted by 300hp

I think its possible the current M3 may get ahead of the E30 M3. ...

It's possible, but I doubt it'll happen. In folks' minds, the first of a breed always holds a special place, that's especially so with cars. (I'm sure there are exceptions -- and someone on the forum will likely unbidden cite at least one -- which is why I say it's possible.)

[doublevanosrc]

Can't believe the E46 330 ZHP wasn't listed, that list is BS.

[300hp]

I just did a search from 85-89 and came up with 3 hits in all of the US. $13-22k with a minimum of 120,000 miles. Hopefully in a year or two prices won't go up any higher than this

[Jamesons Viggen]

Originally Posted by 300hp

I just did a search from 85-89 and came up with 3 hits in all of the US. $13-22k with a minimum of 120,000 miles. Hopefully in a year or two prices won't go up any higher than this

I think the E30 was from '87 or 88-91.

There is a local E30 M3 convertible, one of maybe 5 in the country for sale for like $48k lol.

[drob23]

Originally Posted by doublevanosrc

Can't believe the E46 330 ZHP wasn't listed, that list is BS.

+1

[300hp]

Originally Posted by Jamesons Viggen

I think the E30 was from '87 or 88-91.

There is a local E30 M3 convertible, one of maybe 5 in the country for sale for like $48k lol.

48k!!


You know what, by the time we get to next year the ones I saw will be twice the price. With declarations like this flying all over the place this can only help current E30 M3 owners. It looks like anyone trying to buy is going to have to pay more in the future.

I just checked my results, since the E30 was the first, the first ones that came up were from 1988, nothing before that

[citrixscu]

Originally Posted by doublevanosrc

Can't believe the E46 330 ZHP wasn't listed, that list is BS.

This.

[Jamesons Viggen]

Originally Posted by 300hp

48k!!


You know what, by the time we get to next year the ones I saw will be twice the price. With declarations like this flying all over the place this can only help current E30 M3 owners. It looks like anyone trying to buy is going to have to pay more in the future.

I just checked my results, since the E30 was the first, the first ones that came up were from 1988, nothing before that

It's already begun with the M Roadster/Coupes, especially '01-02 M Coupes. One just sold for $59k with 4k miles, more than it did when new.

[300hp]

Originally Posted by Jamesons Viggen

It's already begun with the M Roadster/Coupes, especially '01-02 M Coupes. One just sold for $59k with 4k miles, more than it did when new.

You are one of the culprits who already has one of these

[nicknaz]

IMHO, my all time favorite M3 is the E36 with the european motor swapped in

Almost got one a while ago but the wiring when the motor was swapped was a total mess. money pit waiting to happen

Maybe one day

[SW19]

Who wrote this article?They put the E90 M3 in the number two position and they show an E92 M3 in the picture.The 2nd spot should have been the E46 M3,the E92 M3 is a great car but it weighs to much.The E46 M3 is more fun to drive.

[FotiosF90M5]

The best 3 series ever for my needs and desires is a loaded f30 with all the mperformance parts. I've had a bunch of different 3 series too. The car has grown with my needs PERFECTLY. Most dynamic 3 series ever IMHO. Don't care what anyone else thinks to be honest.

[JamesMA]

E46 M3. Just try to find a coupe with decent miles and a 6MT (at least in New England). Getting harder to find and that is no accident (SMG and convert. are plentiful for obvious reasons).

[bmwlogic]

thanks for sharing

[300hp]

I am surprised this wasn't featured

I will bribe the administrators with some wine, lol

[ToyotaBMW]

Originally Posted by 300hp

I think its possible the current M3 may get ahead of the E30 M3. I hear its tough to find a good E30 M3 which has not been modified. I am seriously considering putting one on my buy list.

The E30 M3 was built by BMW specifically for racing. It was light, agile and was fast for it's time. The current M3 is a pig compared to the first M3. Not to say the current M3 isn't good but if you have driven the original you would know what I am talking about. Later M3's was really made to be more a road car than racing car. The problem with the E30 M3 being made specifically for racing was that it was horribly unreliable. My best friend had one and let's just say he pored lots of money into keeping it on the road. We both drove it on the track and it was great fun and that car had really no competition in the sports sedan segment.

Originally Posted by tony20009

It's possible, but I doubt it'll happen. In folks' minds, the first of a breed always holds a special place, that's especially so with cars. (I'm sure there are exceptions -- and someone on the forum will likely unbidden cite at least one -- which is why I say it's possible.)

It's really isn't just because it was the first one. The main reason is because it really was made by BMW so it could race it. M3 after the E30 became much more consumer oriented. It didn't have the raw sports car about it. It really gave you a direct sports car connection to the road. Of course all the newer M3's are faster but none have the same feeling as the E30.
If you are looking at more well rounded cars than obviously the newer M3's have more luxury and ride nicer but not the same connection and fun factor.

[tony20009]

Originally Posted by doublevanosrc

Can't believe the E46 330 ZHP wasn't listed, that list is BS.

Well, what car would you remove from the list in order to include the E46 330 ZHP? If your answer is none, than it's reasonable to conclude that the E46 330 ZHP may have been the next car on the list, but the list maker just didn't want to publish a list that long. Would it make you feel better to see the list extended by one more car?

If I recall correctly, the only non-M cars on that list were clear classic 3ers -- the E21 and the E30 -- so it doesn't surprise me that the car you noted isn't there. I happen to think the E92 335is is a great BMW also, and I think the E46 330i ZHP is a great BMW, but it doesn't bother me that neither is on the list. Ditto a variety of specialty M-cars that didn't make the list. All that really says is that the list wasn't long enough because I have no reason to think any of those cars are a better choice for the number one position on the list.

Even though it is a list that was provided, the fact is that only one of those cars is "the best" 3 series ever, and the number one position is the only one that actually matters given the title of the list. Accordingly, if a given car isn't in the first place position, even if it is on the list, it still isn't the best 3 series ever. So, being on the list is no better or worse than not being on the list.

[300hp]

Originally Posted by tony20009

Well, what car would you remove from the list in order to include the E46 330 ZHP? If your answer is none, than it's reasonable to conclude that the E46 330 ZHP may have been the next car on the list, but the list maker just didn't want to publish a list that long. Would it make you feel better to see the list extended by one more car?

If I recall correctly, the only non-M cars on that list were clear classic 3ers -- the E21 and the E30 -- so it doesn't surprise me that the car you noted isn't there. I happen to think the E92 335is is a great BMW also, and I think the E46 330i ZHP is a great BMW, but it doesn't bother me that neither is on the list. Ditto a variety of specialty M-cars that didn't make the list. All that really says is that the list wasn't long enough because I have no reason to think any of those cars are a better choice for the number one position on the list.

Even though it is a list that was provided, the fact is that only one of those cars is "the best" 3 series ever, and the number one position is the only one that actually matters given the title of the list. Accordingly, if a given car isn't in the first place position, even if it is on the list, it still isn't the best 3 series ever. So, being on the list is no better or worse than not being on the list.

As Lebron James once said, if you are not first, you are last.

[BavarianFanatic]

... is in my driveway right now.