Bimmer mag: The “is” mystique

[ssaylor]

More Pics

Zach finally sent me the pics from the Photoshoot. They look much better than my iPhone pics. :o

And, yes. I confirmed with Larry, he sold the 318is. I sold my car once - and got it back - so I guess I got that out of my system.

See you in Monterey for Legends and Octoberfest. I entered both concourse events so we'll see how the old girl does.

Scott

[F34R]

Picture of the S14 in it^ ;)

[ssaylor]

Picture of the S14 in it^ ;)

oops, wrong car... but here's your engine porn! :p

[F34R]

oops,

I was talking about the M badge on a non M car ;)

[leegf]

I was talking about the M badge on a non M car ;)

I never understood the fuss about this. I mean c'mon -- the car is exceptionally clean, tasteful, and not even remotely trying to misrepresent itself in any way. That is apparent to even the most casual observer. I mean if it was an M3 badge then sure, I could see how that would be objectionable. The M by itself I see more as a tribute -- little different from a CCA badge, or a German flag badge.

To wit, should someone also be taken to task for having the ZHP shift knob with the 'M' on it? I mean really.

[word is bond]

Did you guys get to swap cars during the shoot? Obviously both of your opinions may be a bit biased when it comes to comparing the two, but I'd love to hear your thoughts.

[ssaylor]

I never understood the fuss about this. I mean c'mon -- the car is exceptionally clean, tasteful, and not even remotely trying to misrepresent itself in any way. That is apparent to even the most casual observer. I mean if it was an M3 badge then sure, I could see how that would be objectionable. The M by itself I see more as a tribute -- little different from a CCA badge, or a German flag badge.

To wit, should someone also be taken to task for having the ZHP shift knob with the 'M' on it? I mean really.

Exactly. It is an M Badge, not a M3 badge. There are numerous M Tech items on the "is" models. Steering wheel, a sport suspension developed by BMW Motorsport group and a few other things like LSD, etc.

You purists out there will be happy to know I am removing the M grill badge and the M license plate frame for the Legends Concours and the Octoberfest Concours. It will have the original CA plate as well as the original Peter Pan BMW license plate frame (where we purchased the car in 1999). They can beat be up for the H&R/Bilstein Sports but that's it.

Seriously folks, I had my 90 M3 with 16" Style 5s and the 325is for about a year. The M3 was a little lighter but the 325 is almost as quick and handles better with the same suspension setup. The 325 with that M20 is a much better, smoother, all around car and I take it places I would never have considered taking the M3.

Cheers!

[ssaylor]

Did you guys get to swap cars during the shoot? Obviously both of your opinions may be a bit biased when it comes to comparing the two, but I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Did not, but Zach did. I drove a 318is when the first came out and missed the power of the 6. Larry and I did play cat and mouse on Mulholland with my wife and Zach following in the Carrera Cab. Neither car had a clear edge on the other. The 318is was a cheaper model with vinyl seats, computer, and a few other cost saving items, no disrespect intended.

ADDENDUM: I need to say here that the stock S14 in the E30 M3 was simply a starting point for these cars. A built S14 E30 with a suspension will kick but on it's lowly brothers and this is why the E30 M3 was BMW's most winning car ever. The record still stands. It hasn't been beat!

[ssaylor]

Bimmer mag: The “is” mystique

Was anyone at Legends of the Autobahn Friday? My E30 won 1st in the clean car category. All three winners in CC from AZ!



More pics.

https://www.dropbox.com/sc/d1k634gvv3528t2/Oc0EP8qq9I

[korky]

very clean indeed. new paintjob recently?

[ssaylor]

very clean indeed. new paintjob recently?

The hood, left front QP & front valance have been resprayed to get rid of rock chips & a few dings. All VIN tags present, the rest is original paint. The car has always been garaged, which is mostly responsible for it's current condition.

[RUFFLZ]

<3 this thread
I need a 325is in my life.
Also, congrats on 1st! I'm assuming it's original paint right? Looks fantastic.

[ssaylor]

Thanks, the competition was tough. I thought, maybe 3d? Never expected 1st. I think the E30 plays the emotional card, almost everyone used to have one.

Tomorrow should be good. I'll post up pics of the Octoberfest concours.

[leegf]

ssaylor, I just visited your "Things I've flown and driven" site which you linked to from your sig; what an enviable vehicle history. happy to see the humble e30 continuing to capture your imagination even after all those cars. your example is as nice as they come. kudos.

[ssaylor]

Thanks, man. As you say, most are collective memories now but the E30 has endured.