Test drove an M3 yesterday

[brodee]

There was a '91 M3 for sale on ebay here in Houston so I went and looked at it yesterday and took it out for a test drive. I wasn't very impressed. I really hope it was just issues with this car because it didn't drive very good. Acceleration felt like my eta. The car sounded good and wrapped up liek everything was fine, just felt like it was pulling a trailer behind it. I've been trying to decide between getting an M3 and keeping my car and putting an S50 in it. Based on this drive I'm keeping my car. I really need to get out and drive a couple more though. Price was right, guy said he'd let it go for $10,400, but there were a lot of cosmetic issues with the exterior.

Here's a pic. He has all the original parts including the wheels, and headlight.


And here's a link to the auction with more pics (ok to link to since the auction has ended ;) ).

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2487491390

[KenC]

It makes most of it's power between 5-7k rpms. The one I rode in (Joe's), was pretty damn quick.

[Jand3rson]

Is it just me, or does anyone else think that E30's look fucking awesome with roof racks?

I don't know why, they just do.

[Jon325i]

Ken is right. If you want to fully appreciate the mystique of the E30 M3, you can't drive it around without swinging the tach past 4K. I've had a chance to ride in a few E30 M3s and they really shine in the upper revs. Plus if its got hotter cams, header and exhaust the sound is just that much more incredible.

Jon

[Spencer]

Is it just me, or does anyone else think that E30's look fucking awesome with roof racks?

I don't know why, they just do.

It's not just you.

-Spencer

[Spoon e30]

i love that rack.

and the color.

too bad about the power being down...I vote S50 all the way

[e30Matt]

Car looks hawt. Ditch them wheels, though.

[brodee]

Well the dealer tossed me the keys and told me to go have fun so I can ssure you it was running above 4k most of the time It's kinda fun driving a car with the speedo in KM/H, makes you feel like you're really flying when you look down and you're doing 145!

Unfortunately the car was no where near as nice in person as the pictures would make you believe. The drivers front fender and front bumper have been repainted very poorly (5" run on the front fender) and bad color match. Windshield is cracked from top to bottom. Few other things, none of which are mentioned in the ad.

[Ryan Stewart]

When I drove Chris's it seemed that way on city streets but once you got out where you could stretch the legs it would shine. I doubt there is nothing wrong with the motor. The Eta feels fast because of its torque, the M3 doesnt have more torque so it wont FEEL much faster off the line and at low speeds.

The M3 wasnt built for that, it was built to CARRY speed. HP helps you carry speed more than torque once you start moving.

[brodee]

When I drove Chris's it seemed that way on city streets but once you got out where you could stretch the legs it would shine. I doubt there is nothing wrong with the motor. The Eta feels fast because of its torque, the M3 doesnt have more torque so it wont FEEL much faster off the line and at low speeds.

The M3 wasnt built for that, it was built to CARRY speed. HP helps you carry speed more than torque once you start moving.

I'm aware of this, I also have an "is" :D Also I drove the car up over 100mph on the highway (scary with flat-spotted tires). I guess I just expected that it would wrap out a little quicker. All-in-all I like driving my coupe better. Guess I'll start the s50 search.

[MattE30]

Motegi wheels? Yeah, those have to go, but the rack looks tight.

[EtaSport]

I felt the same way when i drove a 325is. I need to drive/ride in another one to make sure that I wasnt dreaming. It took forever to get to 3k to find a little bit of pull, but I have a feeling my eta would have waved goodbye from a standstill. Car did have lots a miles and a questionable past, so Im not doubting the m20b25, i just drove a bad one.

lets not forget that most of the eta cars (well mine anyway) went from 0-50 in 5.9 seconds, yet it takes nearly 9 or so to hit 60. But my car is slow.. i wouldnt mind driving an m3. I think that would be cool.

[RCWells]

Another friend of mine just bought Steve's M3, the one with the rebuilt s14 motor ($6K rebuild). I was beginning to think of replacing my wrecked 325is with an M3, but after driving his, I too was very unimpressed. Of course I had driven EGiles' M3, but never too hard. This time I actually drove Alec's car, and it just doesn't have the power delivery that my 325is does. My car is really quicker and much more fun to drive because the power curves are both more broad than in the M3.

So I have been considering my options. Perhaps a 951? :D

[Charlie]

That must be one ragged-ass M3.

The difference between an s14 and an m20, both properly tuned is very noticeable.

-Charlie

[GreekDriver]

I'm very impressed with the E30 M3. Do some 50-70 runs, and push it to redline alot, they you'll feel the power.