04-09-2004, 10:39 AM
oh, it's definatly a cool car, no doubt. And good point, "none of that can even begin to be replicated by a Japanese car", BUT, it can be replicated, sans fender flares, by another E30. A 325i or is with a few things removed is just as light, has more power, is cheaper to buy and maintain, parts are much easier to find, and there's nothing magical about the M suspension, it's the same as any E30 with offset front bushings that are easy to replace. Has slightly better brakes, but with the right pads on a 325, the brakes are just fine. Yes, out of the box, 15 years ago, an E30M3 was certianly faster in every way than any other E30. But that's just not relevant today. ALL of them need work, all of them need parts, and the E30M3 is just as tired, if not more so (because it's probably been driven harder, and the motor isn't as reliable to start with anyway) than a 325 or 318. The magic is gone. :|
With, let's say, 7 grand, you could choose between keeping an E30M3 in good running shape and trackable, or you could have a full on E30 (non M) racecar. Cage, seats, brakes, safety equipment, fresh engine, exhaust, all maintenance, bushings, bearings, shocks and springs (or coilovers). See you in hell E30M3. :wink:
With, let's say, 7 grand, you could choose between keeping an E30M3 in good running shape and trackable, or you could have a full on E30 (non M) racecar. Cage, seats, brakes, safety equipment, fresh engine, exhaust, all maintenance, bushings, bearings, shocks and springs (or coilovers). See you in hell E30M3. :wink: