M3

[Jamie Schnell <jamies@rkmi.com>]

>That being said, should a cheap first generation M3 come along....

After driving numerous VAG products (Mk1 GTI, GT Coupe, 4KQ, Mk2 GTI 2.0
16v, G60 Corrado) I bought an E30 M3 and have been amazed with its
reliability and quality.  Not sure who wrote about BMW's alleged "fit and
finish" problem, but that couldn't be farther from the truth in my
experience.  Of course BMW has built some sh*tboxes, but being a member of
the BMWCCA and E30 M3 Special Interest Group, from what I have seen from
other owners (of all BMW models) and experienced myself, BMW has a fraction
of the reliability problems that VW/Audi has.  Additionally, I was
pleasantly surprised at the parts prices for the M3 (E30), by and large
cheaper than what I paid for VW 16v and G60 parts.  
As far as handling in inclement weather, it has a LSD, coupled with Yoko
Guardex tires (which are only mediocre) I drive in Denver and on I- 70 in
the winter with little trouble.  Of course the rear end can be coaxed out
with excessive throttle, but I would take this RWD set-up anyday over the
Corrado and GTI FWD setup I was using (with Blizzaks).

I think that Audi design is excellent, but their execution has been suspect
(ex Ur Quattro) in the past, now they seem to be excelling at both.
That said, nothing performs like a turbo- charged Audi in Colorado.

Jamie
87 5KTQW
88 M3