The e36 is a main stream north american sales pitch. If you ever watch the speedvision series about the bmw M's the previous director of NA stated that "the early M cars were made for a special niche of ppl". He then followed by stating that the e36 M was a car that would be accesable by more ppl and would be the first true North american M car. Stating that as he did told me that the car was more a sales pitch, and by adding a M badge they would be able to sell more e36's. This is why just about all american e36m owners want parts from the euro version, rotors, motor, ect.. I personaly like the car, but as others think I to do not consider it anything special as I see about 5 or so a day. I know of 6 e30 m3's in my city, and 10 e34'm5 and 2 e28 m5's. I assume there about 5k or so e36's here.. not so sure but if I go to the grocery store, I can always count 5 or so in the lot..