Re: "Harsh" ride--(E36) M3 impressions (archive)

The harsh ride is not on long trips...interstates are usually fairly smooth. It's around town where you encounter the potholes, etc. The harsh ride is mostly because of the sport "short sidewalls" tires. And too, it's usually the female passengers that do all the complaining. I like the ride of my '99M3 but the girl/lady next to me always complains. One day I was the passenger and I must say the ride is somewhat more "harsh" in the passenger sear than in the drivers seat.
I was thinking of getting one of the new 911's. They say the ride is better than in the past, but with your comments, I quess I better drive one first which is next to impossible because they never have one on the lots.

: I've been seeing all these posts about how M3's have a "harsh" ride, things like "can't take it on long trips", etc. This had me a bit concerned, so I went to a local BMW dealer and drove a used '98 M3. First: oh, what a *wonderful* handling car! I've driven other 3-series BMW's and not been that impressed, but this M3 was easily the best-handling car I've ever driven. Second: anybody who thinks these cars have a harsh ride has obviously never driven a Porsche. I've driven a couple of Porsches, and to my recollection they had a much harder-feeling ride than the M3, which I thought was very comfortable. No accounting for tastes, I guess. Now I know why M3 owners love their cars so, this one was truly a joy to drive. Now I *really* can't wait for the new one!

Follow Ups:

996's are only slightly harsher than E36M3 (e) PeteS 13:05 7/02/2000 (1)
- Unless you have M030 options.. OUCH! bimmer boy 21:09 7/02/2000 (0)

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