[s-cars] BMW M3 E36

[Paul D]

JR,

You and your brother have good taste in cars.  I currently have a 95 S6 
and my girl friend has the 98 BMW 328i.  She wanted the M3 but the price 
and insurance was too high, but I can tell you this is our 3rd 3 series 
and the reliability has been amazing.  First 2 each went from 50,000 
miles when we purchased them to over 150,000 miles and never once broke 
down on her.  She's only put 20,000 miles in the past 3 years on the 98 
but it's been great so far.  

Performance wise, the M3 will be quicker and handle better in stock form 
the the S6.  I've run against a friend's chipped 99 M3 and from a 
rolling start, I had him until about 124mph, then I guess he had enough 
and blew by me.  They are definitely smooth running cars with a great 
power band.

Comfort wise, the S6 wins hands down.  The M3 is almost a tin box feel - 
thin doors, tight seating especially shoulder area to door, seats don't 
even compare to the S6's.  Road noise is even louder.

As far as driving the BMW in the winter, we don't.  It goes into dry 
storage for 4 to 5 months every year and the 4WD vehicle is used daily. 
 The last time she drove the BMW in the winter, it met a bridge head-on 
at 50 (can't technically consider that a braek-down can I?)

I will be looking for a 98 M3 to replace her 328i but probably not until 
next summer - she loves those cars and feels they are the right size for 
her.  They are fun to drive, fun to wrench and mod, and safe cars.  Mods 
are pricey as they have the basics all done right from the factory. 
 They are also fun to track if you have the chance.

Paul D
95 S6 - mine
98 328I - hers
93 Trooper RS - the whipping boy - barn car, ski bitch, trailer whore



On Thu, 08 Jul 2004 16:13:22 -0500, JR <urs4 at magnaspeed.net> wrote:

>> My brother is looking at a 98 M3 for sale in the area. What does the
>
>> group think of this car in general? How does it compare to the URS4?
>
>>
>
>> Thanks,
>
>>
>
>> JR
>