anyone had a proper BMW M3?

[GT-Steve]

Appreciating in value, beautifully balanced to drive, bit gutless by today's comparrisons but still stupidly capable of embarrasing many a modern car when the roads get interesting.

If you don't buy it, I will.

bare in mind they share almost zero components with a standard E30, and that running costs will be high, but other than that, a perfect excuse to spend more time driving in Europe.

 

[poweredbypies]

Beware the gearbox dog leg on 1st. Check before setting off dont want to reverse off the line at lights.

 

[saltyman]

I'm very tempted, he doesn't usually keep cars long but he loves this one, hence it got rebuilt and tuned to its former glory despite being over 20yrs old.

I get him to fettle with my own cars, and I'm getting hot flushes every time im at his garage!

I'm currently driving a 96 golf Gti so it will be one big leap going to this

 

[legrandefromage]

Changes from the standard 3-series
Body
The E30 M3 differed from the rest of the E30 line-up in many ways. The M3, although using the same basic unit-body shell as the standard E30, was equipped with 12 different and unique body panels for the purposes of improving aerodynamics, as well as "box flared" wheel-arches in the front and rear to accommodate a wider track with wider and taller wheels and tires. The only exterior body panels the standard model 3-series and the M3 shared were the hood, roof panel, and sunroof.
Suspension
The E30 M3 differs from the standard E30 by having a 5x120 wheel bolt patern. The E30 M3 had increased caster angle through major front suspension changes. The M3 had specific solid rubber offset control arm bushings. It used aluminum control arms and the front strut tubes where changed to a design similar (bolt on kingpins and swaybar mounted to strut tube) to the E28 5-series. This included carrying over the 5 series front wheel bearings and brake caliper bolt spacing. The rear suspension is a carry over from the E30.
Brakes
The E30 M3 had special front and rear brake calipers and rotors. It also has a special brake master cylinder.
Driveline
The E30 M3 had one of two Getrag 265 5 speed gearboxes. US models received an overdrive transmission while European models were outfitted with a "dogleg" version, with first gear being down and to the left, and fifth gear being a direct 1:1 ratio. Rear differentials installed included a 4.10:1 final-drive ratio for US models. European versions were equipped with a 3.15:1 final drive ratio. All versions were clutch-type limited-slip differentials with 25% lockup.

 

[Sparkzz]

They are fun fun fun, I've had 3 x E36 M3's, and an E46 M3 from brand new when they first come out,

Never had the pleasure of the E30, but they are truely fantastic motors,, frightfully fast and handle so well... I personally wouldnt take on a LHD, wouldnt feel comfortable, but i think that would be the only reason... worth a shot if you have a chance.

 

[NAILTRAIL96]

I found driving a leftie you have a tendency to drift over the white line (being as your used to sitting next to it) and when being a passenger in other peoples rightie you tend to pull the hand brake on as they drop you off.
It's also quite embarrassing getting in the passenger side and having to get back out and walk round the car until you get used to it :roll:
Drive thru no problem, just reverse round.

 

[legrandefromage]

Remember, it may be old but its light - modern, until very recently, is fat and heavy regardless of power, its a race bred homologation, not souped up family saloon.

The nearest I got to anything like this was my RS1600i, not a patch on this but would still embarrass 'modern' out and about.

 

[poweredbypies]

After giving my right ball for a pace would gladly give the left one for this

 

[saltyman]

:shock:

 

[biggs682]

lets put it like this i would swap the family citroen picasso for it .

so do it