[enigmaticdream]

Originally Posted by jaym3smg

Agree 100% with Bill Caswell's thoughts on this car... I especially like his comments about the poser racer with the fire suit. LOL

-J

I've sadly seen a dude in an e46 M3 with a fire suit on at a track day. I just ignored him.

Anyways, back on topic. The M brand is not about motorsports anymore. Since requirements for homologation models have gone away (for the most part) there isn't a requirement for a car to be a race car first and a street car second (e30 M3). The only real thing M has that keeps in the motorsport spirit is the engine. They still use the S65 for racing, but the body is nothing like the street car. I'm sure racing would be a little different if homologation rules were a little more strict again.

People who want a high performance vehicle want a fast, well handling cars, and that's what M is delivering. People also want there creature comforts and safety which adds weight. So the increase in weight and disconnected feel can't completely be blamed on BMW (or M) for the increase in weight.

It is a natural progression to refine something and that's what's happen with BMW vehicles. You pick what is right for you. If you need a connected feel to the road, but a slower vehicle from the factory, then an older model is for you. If you want better handling, speed, comforts, etc, than a newer model is for you.

I've owned at least one of each generation save the e36 and f30. I enjoyed the e90 for its comfort and technology. I love(d) the e46 for its speed, handling, and out right machine like qualities (it is methodical). However, I feel the most connected with my e30s. They aren't the fastest, perfect, or technologically advanced, but that's what makes them great. It is you and the car. Nothing, save ABS, from saving my ass being stupid. That's what i want though. I want to be engaged and focused when driving, not wrist thugging and listening to the radio. I don't feel engaged driving my e46 and that's why I'm getting rid of it. BMW can't deliver the same experience as older cars because newer cars aren't meant to feel like old cars. Their faults are what give old cars that experience. That loud clunk, that buzzing sound, it is part of the experience that modern cars try to eliminate for better or worse.

[ksuri424]

one of these is coming in less than two miles away from my house.....

[Drew Stahlgrau]

Why can we not get more TRUE content in these "special edition" M3's? This M3 is not unlike last night's leftover meatloaf where a splash of a little extra tabasco or gravy attempt to make it more appetizing. In an age of durable, track-ready, 400+hp Brembo'd Boss Mustangs and Camaro SS 1LE's, BMW SHOULD be including the magnificent 4.6 stroker for it's comparatively overwhelming price premium. Remember the good ol' days when M3's spawned "evolutions" to stave off competition on the track and street? Think of the E30 M3 vs. 190e 16v! (2.3's begat 2.5's,etc.) These models added not JUST exclusivity, but also enthusiastically welcomed increases in TRUE performance. Simply put,for my money, gimme another slice of that meatloaf, hold the gravy!

[SYT_Shadow]

I thought this car was a BS special edition like other ones BMW has done so far.

Then I noticed: manual, cloth seats. 6MT. M Performance goodies. And then all was right with the world!