The Best ///M/Barge/General Rant/Look at this/O/T (Vol XVII)
Discussion
The e90/2 M3 gets derided for a lack of low down torque... a criticism I never understood. Yes it lacks the low revs torque of a derv or a C63 AMG or whatever, but the fact that things get spicy only once you're up the rev range is part of what makes it an M3, and certainly not something that stops it being an M3.
I loved that V8. Yes, it doesn't feel quite as sharp (IMHO) as a well cared-for e46. And it definitely feels a bit lardier. But I still have the tingle for another.
But if straightline shove in an economical package is the priority, a mapped 335d is a formidable bit of kit. Still not all that fuel efficient in absolute terms, of course.
I loved that V8. Yes, it doesn't feel quite as sharp (IMHO) as a well cared-for e46. And it definitely feels a bit lardier. But I still have the tingle for another.
But if straightline shove in an economical package is the priority, a mapped 335d is a formidable bit of kit. Still not all that fuel efficient in absolute terms, of course.
Patrick Bateman said:
The M5 really is relentless. You think you can catch a breather then a brake bulb goes. Sorted. A week later a parking sensor goes.
Don't think I've ever gone longer than 3 months without something wanting attention. Are all old BMW's like this or do e39's just have a knack?
Just the E39; I have owned E24, E34, E38 for ages and only the E39 demands constant attention; just take small solace in the fact that your cooling system hasn't decided to play a long game of find-the-next-leak...... yet.Don't think I've ever gone longer than 3 months without something wanting attention. Are all old BMW's like this or do e39's just have a knack?
Edit: On reflection the E39 has been even more needy than the TVR Griffith 500 we owned.
Edited by E24man on Monday 29th February 17:19
Talking of 3'ers.....
black nostrils aside this is rather nice;
330i manual £4,795.00
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...
black nostrils aside this is rather nice;
330i manual £4,795.00
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...
olly22n said:
ferrisbueller said:
I think that's a sign of the times. I've always found the E9X M3 to be better than its contemporary rivals, unless you wanted a wagon - when the aforementioned RS4 becomes the default option.
I preferred my E46 CS to the E9X. However, I also preferred it to my E36 M3. Thus newest isn't always best, but sometimes it is better than what went before.
All of these cars were of their time and times change. Don't hate the player, hate the game.
As it stands, the M3 fulfils the requirements of four door practicality propelled by a phenomenal piece of ///M wizardry under the bonnet. The manual shift quality wasn't their best but at least it is a manual. The one constant throughout the ages is that these things can drop a crippling bill on you out of the blue, which is the main reason why I don't have one.
In terms of a small four door saloon, Olly has already gone to the dark side of forced induction. That makes the 335i a viable option. And IMO, the 330i is OK, too. By my reckoning that gives options at 255 (to 268), 306 and 414 bhp, with manual 'boxes.
It also gives the option of a (boosted) power figure around 400bhp in dog-carrier config.I preferred my E46 CS to the E9X. However, I also preferred it to my E36 M3. Thus newest isn't always best, but sometimes it is better than what went before.
All of these cars were of their time and times change. Don't hate the player, hate the game.
As it stands, the M3 fulfils the requirements of four door practicality propelled by a phenomenal piece of ///M wizardry under the bonnet. The manual shift quality wasn't their best but at least it is a manual. The one constant throughout the ages is that these things can drop a crippling bill on you out of the blue, which is the main reason why I don't have one.
In terms of a small four door saloon, Olly has already gone to the dark side of forced induction. That makes the 335i a viable option. And IMO, the 330i is OK, too. By my reckoning that gives options at 255 (to 268), 306 and 414 bhp, with manual 'boxes.
I think MattOz has one.
If he were selling his in say, Feb next year, I would find that a hard option to resist.
They appear to be holding their money quite well, too.
Strong, strong money for a 13 year old car with a limited history. 2 oil services in 6 years seems a little light. Primewell (?) tyres don't really inspire confidence.
But, it's a lovely colour and it's got a bling stereo.
ETA should have quoted - this is in reply to Loony's red E46 above.
But, it's a lovely colour and it's got a bling stereo.
ETA should have quoted - this is in reply to Loony's red E46 above.
olly22n said:
ferrisbueller said:
Say what?
Everyone I have spoken to who owns/owned one (albeit a very small selection) hasn't raved about them.I think because lack of grunt, combined with lack of economy and added with massive bill potential.
In response to the honourable P'tea, the M5 had grunt a plenty, and didn't need 6k on its tacho to even consider picking its skirt up.
I do get the whole'its what we want, a manual revvy atmo M-car, but with the poliferation of grunty diesels, the chance of being caught off guard with your pants down is very real.
Obviously I have never driven one.
L100NYY said:
Talking of 3'ers.....
black nostrils aside this is rather nice;
330i manual £4,795.00
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...
Are they going up in price?!black nostrils aside this is rather nice;
330i manual £4,795.00
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...
Incidentally, my dear old 330i is exactly like that implants red example, but with chromed kidneys. I'm wanting to move it on for less than that.
It's on 112k, recent refurbed wheels to orig. spec and new eagle f1s all round.
It has heated cloth seats, and comes with another set of wheels with winter tyres.
It's had new rad, thermostat, water pump, belts.
Runs like a top and I'm rather fond of it.
It's on 112k, recent refurbed wheels to orig. spec and new eagle f1s all round.
It has heated cloth seats, and comes with another set of wheels with winter tyres.
It's had new rad, thermostat, water pump, belts.
Runs like a top and I'm rather fond of it.
E24man said:
Just the E39; I have owned E24, E34, E38 for ages and only the E39 demands constant attention; just take small solace in the fact that your cooling system hasn't decided to play a long game of find-the-next-leak...... yet.
I thought the e38 may have been similar. True, although M5 cooling systems are known to be quite a bit sturdier for the most part. I'm still on the original radiator, expansion tank and hoses so that should narrow things down should it decide to throw a wobbly. Edited by Patrick Bateman on Monday 29th February 17:24
I find this talk of comparing bona-fide ///M cars to the 2nd best in the line up mildly depressing... particularly on this thread... 
I had an E61 M5 and I lost count the number of times I was told that a mapped late E61 535d would be equally good and that I was a fool for buying a car with horrific running costs and limited range for a daily driver.
Well, the running costs were horrific and the fuel consumption made the Shell man consider opening a crowdfunding account in my name
. Depreciation was the only normal thing about this car. But when the red tacho needle swept past 7000rpm and I got the familiar thump in the back from the SMG going up a gear, when the pull past 130mph never diminished, when trips from Beddgelert to Llangollen or Chislehurst to Cadwell turned into Vanishing Point 2 and 3
, it totally made sense.
In light of the above...
... you can have your E9x mapped, turboed, Ohlins-ed, whatever... A good ///M car is always more than the sum of its parts. And now, looking at the E9x M3s through the prism of time and current developments - they are excellent cars. Not great, like the E46 M3 or the E30, but certainly excellent and worth the thumbs up.
Mine would be in Dolphin Grey, on 18s, EDC and VR leather. 6-spd au naturel...
I had an E61 M5 and I lost count the number of times I was told that a mapped late E61 535d would be equally good and that I was a fool for buying a car with horrific running costs and limited range for a daily driver.
Well, the running costs were horrific and the fuel consumption made the Shell man consider opening a crowdfunding account in my name
. Depreciation was the only normal thing about this car. But when the red tacho needle swept past 7000rpm and I got the familiar thump in the back from the SMG going up a gear, when the pull past 130mph never diminished, when trips from Beddgelert to Llangollen or Chislehurst to Cadwell turned into Vanishing Point 2 and 3, it totally made sense. In light of the above...
... you can have your E9x mapped, turboed, Ohlins-ed, whatever...
A good ///M car is always more than the sum of its parts. And now, looking at the E9x M3s through the prism of time and current developments - they are excellent cars. Not great, like the E46 M3 or the E30, but certainly excellent and worth the thumbs up. Mine would be in Dolphin Grey, on 18s, EDC and VR leather. 6-spd au naturel...
Edited by Cheburator mk2 on Monday 29th February 16:46
Cheburator mk2 said:
I had an E61 M5 and I lost count the number of times I was told that a mapped late E61 535d would be equally good and that I was a fool for buying a car with horrific running costs and limited range for a daily driver.
This from the man who talked me out of a C63 wagon not 3 months ago... saying 99% of the time you will wish you are in a 350 diesel Edited by Cheburator mk2 on Monday 29th February 16:46
barchetta_boy said:
This from the man who talked me out of a C63 wagon not 3 months ago... saying 99% of the time you will wish you are in a 350 diesel
That's because I know you and your circumstances well enough 
To this day I still regret not buying the well cared for E61 M5 last year. £16k of your finest for a fully optioned M5 on 87k with the actuators and clutch just done. The 4.8iS is a worthy substitute, but the S85 is well and truly special. In my defense - the E61 cannot tow the 944/928 to race meetings...
By the way, I have reconsidered my opinion on cars since we had that conversation with you - I have come to realize that life is to short to drive s
t cars or drink cheap wine while I can still afford to drive/drink something reasonably good. So, if I can afford to run an M5, I will run an M5... Now, if only Panameras could tow more than 2tons 
olly22n said:
Also, I'm pretty sure it was setright himself who said the model just below the halp was the pick of the bunch!
Joel introduced his writing to me - I am a foreigner after all, and all we got in the 1980s was Skoda this, Lada that and Trabants are more rust proof than Golfs kind of road tests . I must say, I really liked Setright's prose and style. Not sure that I agree with everything he says though...Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff