Who has looked at or owns a newer BMW?

[CBi]

interesting that your using a GC kit on an e39. is that the e39 m5 coilover kit? what are your thoughts on it and why did you decide to go GC vs PSS9s or KW?

Yes, GC E39 M5 coilover kit.

It's typical GC quality...well-made spring adjusters, Eibach springs, Koni SA struts/shocks, and shitty engineering allowing coil bind upon full compression.

The rear springs that come with the kit are too short. I had to swap them out with longer ones, so the ride height was correct and the springs had a place to go when the shock bottomed out on the bump stops.

Bought the kit lightly used. I was going to build my own setup and I ran across a great deal on the GC kit.

PSS9s are nice, I might have considered them if I knew what I know now about the GC kit. I think my springs are stiffer than the PSS9 though, I'd have to check.

As far as handling....WOW what a difference. It made the car seem lighter and more nimble. The ride is just on the point of being too stiff for the street.

Next up is 275's up front on stock rear 9.5" wheels. Then I can rotate those f'in expensive 18" tires for better wear.


FYI - There's an entire racing series in Italy that races E39 M5s, along with V8 Audis and Jaguars. E39 Race weight is around 2850 lbs (!!!!!!!). The thing that makes E39s heavy isn't the size of the car (they're actually only 0.5" longer than the current Ford Mustang) it's all the shit that's packed in them.

[Jonathan M3]

I like my '05 M3, it works fine for a street car. I really don't have much interest in modding it though, other than what I've already done to it. Its more like an appliance performance car to me.

I really miss the fun of driving an E30 so I'm looking for a 325i/s to play with.

[e30e]

I prefer my e36 m3/4 to my e30 for DD, but nothing I've driven (e36 325is with tons of suspension work, e36 m3 coupe, e46 323i sedan, e46 m3, mini cooper) have the road connection. Of them all, I thought the mini drove the most like an e30. I think a lot of it had to do with the cabin dimensions and weight.

[m3_eater]

Having driven and/or owned all 3-series chassis but the E90, I have to agree with what's been said here so far. However, I'd just like to add that if you want an E46, don't waste your $$ stepping into a ZHP when you can get a 330i 6-speed with only 10 less HP for thousands less. You're going to warm over the suspension and engine software/intake/etc anyway!

Oh, and BTW, hands-down the worst BMW I ever owned was the E36 - and mine was a 1998 328is with low miles, so by then BMW had no excuse for making such a POS!

[CBi]

Having driven and/or owned all 3-series chassis but the E90, I have to agree with what's been said here so far. However, I'd just like to add that if you want an E46, don't waste your $$ stepping into a ZHP when you can get a 330i 6-speed with only 10 less HP for thousands less. You're going to warm over the suspension and engine software/intake/etc anyway!

Oh, and BTW, hands-down the worst BMW I ever owned was the E36 - and mine was a 1998 328is with low miles, so by then BMW had no excuse for making such a POS!

Yes, yes and yes.

PS - Nice 4-door!

[kishg]

true, e36 sucks. glad i sold mine..

[graphikg]

I never know why I never liked the E46. The E36 is okay but very reserved. My friend has a 335i TwinT in a 6 speed which is extremely fast and fun to drive. But even when he gets in my e30, it seems like he enjoys it more to drive. So much rawer, unrestricted, and simple. Just thinking of doing things like steering rack swap or polyurethane CA bushing install on a 335i or a new type BMW boggles me.

[Rocco335i]

i got a 2007 e92 335i twin turbo and man we just love this car it is way more than we ever expected you cant find a better car for the money than this car so heres a pic let me know what you think

[Edev]

i like it a lot! interior pics? :D

[einstein57]

I've driven everything but an e46. The e90's were cool but the back ends felt a little too firm compared to the front. I like my fiance's e60. It's great to get in and just drive and it handles great. But i would prefer my e30 on a twisty road any day.

[m3_eater]

I have a friend who just sold his 335i. He complained that it overheats on the track every time, regardless of weather (yes, his had the oil cooler). He said the 135i does the same thing. He couldn't stand it so he bought a *gasp* Evo X and left the BMW family :(

Oddly, he also said that the 328i handles fine and that the 335i suspension was too rough for the street. This from a serious track nut, no less!

[///m3]

I've owned one of every 3 Series made so far. I can tell you that the quality of the E46 went way down compared to the E36/E30 from my experience. However it was very comfortable.

I don't really like the e90, but as daily driver it is great. I can still say that I appreciate almost everything about the E30 a lot, and that is why I am always going to have one.

[mikeedler]

wow, thats really odd!! I drive an e36 daily, and the wife has an e46-- and I feel the exact opposite but X100000000000000000000000000

my e36 is the worst quality falling apart interior car I have ever owned-- even worse than all of the american rattle traps I have ever owned put together.

wow?

QUOTE=///m3;1433999]I've owned one of every 3 Series made so far. I can tell you that the quality of the E46 went way down compared to the E36/E30 from my experience. However it was very comfortable.

I don't really like the e90, but as daily driver it is great. I can still say that I appreciate almost everything about the E30 a lot, and that is why I am always going to have one.[/QUOTE]

[menusk]

Build quality is much better than an E36, and the chassis feels like its carved out of granite (both in weight and rigidity).[/quote]


agreed. i had and e36 m3 and now and e46 m3. and the e36 felt solid as fawk. could just be the way it feels but i do like going fast in the e46. love my 325e though ahhah gas mileage is awesome.

[napabavarian]

An e30 with worn suspension feels like crap, replace suspension as I did and you get granite. Chassis is equal or better, interior went downhill, e46 improved both, e90 (I think)has an american feeling interior, but quality as far as I can tell, I'd love to have a 335i cabriolet