Bad E36 Info (archive)

The e36 M3 was not disliked by some purist due to a lack of power. The car is WAY faster than an e30. The "problem" was the car's weight, handling and steering feel. The e36 just is not as responsive, involving and hard-edged as an e30. The e30 was more of a true race car for the street, and is a better car for the true enthusiast. Interestingly, european car mags have bashed the e36 M3, including the 321bhp version, BECAUSE of its handling. Here in the US, with "only" 240 hp the car was much better received. BTW, the US car is quicker to 60 than the euro 286hp car due to lower gearing, and more torque/hp down low.

Been wondering why there is so much bad feeling re the E36 and why it appears so many people don't believe the E36 is a worthy successor to the E30.

I found out why...

The US didn't get the Euro 286 bhp version, or the later 'evo' 321 bhp version.

No wonder you guys hate it so much !

What I have heard is that loads did feel that the 286 bhp was a bit overweight compared to the E30. Also heard that most people who felt that way loved the 321 hp version as much if not more than the E30.

By the way found the information in this book - 'BMW M-Series' By Chris Rees, it's good book if you want incredibly biased info on the M cars (biased in that BMW could do no wrong). It doesn't cover the E46, but I'm sure a later edition will.

E30 is still cooler tho, 'cos it's no where near as common.

Radar

88 M3 ... in London

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Only the M3 Lightweight was faster than the euro. Radar 13:57 5/15/2001 (0)

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