Re: As regards softer, etc. issue... (archive)

Point well taken. Although insecurity was certainly not the motivation behind my post. I will definitely be getting rid of my 98 M3 as soon as my E46 M3 is delivered so I'm not exactly defensive about my E36.

I was really looking for others' opinions on the Automobile Mag review, as well as the reviews in some other mags. For whatever reasons (advertising $$$, etc.) many car mags are reluctant to say anything negative about a car - especially a new model - but sometimes imply certain shortcomings without coming right out and stating them explicitly.

I own an E36 M3 and an E46328i sport. What I notice whenever a new model is introduced, be it the new 996 or the new M3 or whatever, it is claimed to not be the purists car especially by those who have the older one. Now I admit I dont really like the new 996 but with the aero pack it looks quite good though I much prefer the looks and edginess of the 993, performance wise, I think the 996 is really very very good and is as true to Porsche traditions as the 993 is - 959 is part water cooled I think btw. However with the aero pack and the LSD ABD etc. the 996 is what I will take. The same story was told by the 964 crowd when the 993 came out and so on.
similarly the E30 M3 guys claimed the E36 M3 was a luxury car. and now the same is being claimed for the E46 M3

WHILE I AGREE THAT THERE IS A SPOT OF TRUTH IN ALL THIS AND MAYBE EVEN a bit MORE than a spot, I ALSO FEEL THAT SOME PEOPLE BY POSTING SUCH STUFF ARE TRYING TO CONVINCE THEMSELVES (maybe helps them feel secure) that their older car has not lost its lustre. Really, I dont think their older car is bad. Indeed I have an E36 M3 which is not going to be sold. In fact if I do sell it will be the E46 328i sport for the E46 M3. but notwithstanding a seemingly pro-E36 decision to not sell, i would have the E46 M3 albeit the higher price. i think it is more value for money too. Anyway just an opinion.

Cheers and hope everyone enjoys their cars fully instead of worrying about what is coming out.

Ran
99 E46 328i sport
and 98 E36 M3

I just read the Automobile Mag article on the M3. Overall, it was a very positive review. However, it seemed as if they were trying to subtly imply that the car, particularly the suspension, is too soft:

"The chassis of the new M3 displays such smoothness and compliance that some customers might feel the need for a no-nonsense sport suspension like the Nurburgring kit..."

"The more supple spring and damper settings take some getting used to..."

"Although it is very easy to travel in this car at an unlawful pace, the new M3 does not feel exceptionally fast. And it does not feel exceptionally challenging, either..."

"Quieter, softer and more benign than the model it replaces..."

In contrast, the initial reviews of the M5 were unqualified raves. I guess we'll really see when the car mags get to do actual road tests.

Follow Ups:

[ Follow Ups ] [ E46 M3 Message Board ] [ Msg. Board FAQ ]

Questions, comments, or problems, please visit the Roadfly help desk.