CJF

Good choice! I owned a '97 Estoril Blue M3. It is an absolutely fantastic ride. The E36 is my favourite BMW body style (E30 is right behind). My car didn't have a sunroof, but who cares when you have so much torque and fingertip steering. *deep sigh*

--Jody

jsonnen

Well my buddy had a S4 and all he did was add MTM chip-MTM exhaust and he went from 250hp to 320hp and it was a fast car, he ended up having issues with his first gear, you should do a search in the Audiworld forum and check out some of the post's, he said quite a few other S4's were having similiar first gear issues. Still the S4 is a sweet car......congrats!

slowazzporsche

you traded a 944 for a european taxi?

F18Rep

This is getting wierd... I have an E36 too.

In my past life I was always happy with the Japanese cars, but there's just no going back. Bruce

83na944

esanmiguel wrote:

slowazzporsche wrote:
sloazzporsche, he has a 3 year old. Have you ever tried to put a car seat in the back of a 944?

Dilberto

You wont be missed, because you'll be back-and we wont remember you ever leaving, after this posting. Just-playing....The e36 is the last great 3-series car built- before BMW decided to make cars more expensive, yet have new interior/exterior dimensions smaller....for what- LITTLE GERMANS?? I went the Porsche route three years ago, simply because the BMW was too pricey, and almost Japanese-influenced lately. The BMW message boards were also chock full of testosterone oozing, monitor-staring, wanna-be wrench head youngsters who flame, superficially post BS, simply becasue they need a real life, and need thread attention, as a substiute. The market demographers are right though;

" Porsche owners are the most sophisticated, educated, and well-earned of all car owners, globally."

Enjoy The Ride,
Zach

joseph mitro

hey esanmiguel, i'm guessing that's a 96 325i. nice ride, and are those original OEM lightweight wheels? if so, they are valuable and to be desired.

my M3 is a very nice car and quite different from my previous 951 (or my current S, for that matter). the M3 is bigger, torquier (?), more practical, has more eye-appeal (subjectively), and is all-around an outstanding car. my only real complaint is the doors feel like big, heavy, american doors - they just don't shut right. and the interior has a lot of cheap plastic.

my 944 cars have all been true driver's cars, though - tossable, quick, with good feedback and they just feel like they need to be driven. my M3 is an awesome grand tourer, but with some stiffer springs and better tires, this car would rock on the track (it already surpasses my limited ability)

marc - the S4 is a badass car. too bad its only outward clue is the S4 badge and wheels. do you like stealth? i saw a blue S4 several weeks ago (rare here in oklahoma) - a sweet ride for sure. and very easily modded as you stated. too bad my M3 isn't as easily modified as the S4. congrats on the new purchase

FSAEracer03

NOOOOO! Luis is posting pics of the drop-top.... must... shield... eyes...

one day...

Hey Luis, that reminds me of a question I wanted to ask you. I've noticed that in every photo you take of the Cab, you have the windows up... why is that?

FSAEracer03

Jody,

Since this is an almost-off-topic thread, I won't feel bad about bringing this up. Which motor did you get for your GLI? A recent VW ad caught my eye showing a new 2005 GLI with a sports package including supportive Recaro seats, stiffer suspension and even a sporty looking lower stance (ride height and side skirts and such) with improved rolling stock. I'm thinking in about 2 or 3 years I'll look for a pre-owned one with low mileage. I've already contacted VW to get more info and have talked to a dealer about meeting up for more info and a test drive.

Ahhh, German cars for the weekend, German cars for the weekdays... gotta love it (I can't wait)

Luis de Prat

Well, primarily because it keeps the wind down, but also because it keeps the cabin somewhat more "intimate," like not allowing as much of my stereo to blast into the next car's "space" at lights.

esanmiguel

This is a 95 325is.

FSAEracer03

lol, i see... well if you get the chance, snap a shot or two with the windows down for me, Luis. My collection of "Luis' 951 Drop-Top" photos would greatly appreciate it

951 Cab

Marc Gelefsky

Joe,
Thanks! I actually do like a little stealth for a change, after driving a red 951 for 8 years I dont mind the state troopers not seeing me coming
The front bumper is also a clue it's an S4 and not the A.
Plus there is always my 911 if I feel the need to stand out.
Cant wait to start modding the car! My wrench tells me I will be very pleased with what I can do and retain drivability.

Fishey

I know this is kinda-OT but I figured it help your question about handling between the E36M3 vs 944

I have drove three diffrent E36M3's.
However most of my seat time is in my friends 95 E36 M3 with a few mods.

Benfer CAI, JC Chip, UUC Catback Exhaust, AA Track Pipe, H&R Sport Springs, Turner Motorsports F/R Swaybars, OEM X-Brace, and Strut tower brace

I think it handles good but not as good as my 944. It seems like the rear end keeps you guessing and the steering is to light for my likeing. However it is quite faster then my car...

83na944

Well, I was pretty close. Sport package, too. It'll be a great car. Only thing I've negative about 3er is they tend to lose water pumps and radiators early. But it's no worse than the 944.

Here's a couple of links for you:

http://forums.bimmerforums.com

http://www.bmw-forums.com

http://bmwcentral.com

Good Luck.