Perhaps 328 is more appropriate (more) (archive)

I don't mean to start an argument, but it sounds like a 328 or the new 330 are a better match for you. The M series are designed for sport, thus you will get a stiffer, harder ride. If you're looking for a softer ride and more of a daily driver, the 328 is a much better choice. This analogy may be a bit exaggerated but it's like saying I want a Ferrari that is soft and luxurious and has durable tires and is inexpensive to maintain. The M3 is BMW's Ferrari. As soon as you start compromising comfort for performance, you lose the entire meaning of what an M3 should be. If you want a "multi-dimensional" car the 328/330 would be a perfect choice.

: I, personally, shy away from cars that have very stiff/low suspensions and very wide, ultra-low-profile tires (for example, 265 mm width and 35 aspect ratio). Such cars tend to have a very harsh, or even punishing, ride (a ride that might be outstanding on the track, but would be very unpleasant day in and day out). Also, such tires tend to be very expensive and have poor tread life (feel like spending $900 for tires every year?), and provide poor protection for the wheels (feel like replacing bent rims whenever you hit a pothole?). And you absolutely MUST use snow tires on such a car. Finally, the manufacturer might well use very low gearing (in order to optimize acceleration), entailing more frequent gear shifts in everyday driving and (especially when combined with a high-output engine) compromising fuel economy.

: Now, BMW tends NOT to produce such one-dimensional cars, since even the majority of "M" buyers aren't racers or enthusiasts. So I'm hoping the new M3 will be designed more toward my end of the spectrum. I don't need, require, or want a car that can keep the body square and all four wheels flat to the ground when screaming around an off-ramp at 80 mph, because if the car gives me that, it'll take away a lot in other areas (as I've indicated).

: I don't have a problem with those who want to race (or who just want to drive really, really hard [or who, regardless of their actual driving habits, just can't stand not having the "best", even if only for one model year]), but that's not why I buy a car.

: (The hissing you hear is from all the other posters on this message board.)

: : yesterday you mentioned that you wanted some assurance before buying that the new m3 was not going to be too skewed toward racing. could you explain what you mean, what you will be looking for to base your decision.? (just the basics please, I am not a mechanic or an engineer) thanks

Follow Ups:

Conversely, by the supposed new M3 standards--> Makalu 20:19 1/23/2000 (0)
Re: Perhaps 328 is more appropriate (more) Bill 14:14 1/23/2000 (2)
- Re: Thoughts from a 328Ci Owner Gregor 21:49 1/23/2000 (0)
- Too much to ask for? I can find almost no--> Makalu 20:21 1/23/2000 (0)
Agree. I wrote in an earlier post that I'd opt for 330 if M3 is too racey - Billy 10:44 1/23/2000 (0)

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