Of all the cars in the world. WHat does my neighbor get?

[Emre]

Sooooo, it's either an old 5 series, or a slightly newer 3 series... ?

Would you consider an E28 or E36 a piece of shit? I wouldn't. Sure, they're not an E30; they're better than the E30 in some areas and worse in others. But they each have their charms.

I have a lot of respect for the US market 2.3-16v. It might not be as exciting as a genuine 2.5-16v Evo II and certainly wouldn't make a great track car in stock form. But, they're cool cars with a very interesting history.

[Gooch]

I have always loved them, and still want to own one. Evo II's are soo fucking sexy.

[Ray Smoodiver]

It would be more fair to compare it to an E28 or maybe E36.

Sooooo, it's either an old 5 series, or a slightly newer 3 series... ?

[Emre]

Um, they're a piece of shit.

Have any of you ever driven one?

I have driven a couple. Calling them a "piece of shit" is a bit silly. Sure, they're much heavier than an E30, so that 4-banger has a lot of work to do. And the steering isn't as direct (recirculating ball). But the chassis is FAR stiffer and the suspension is much more sophisticated. The car feels more like a well-sorted E36 than an E30 in the corners. Very little chassis flex. Much more stable in high speed corners, but still has a nicely pointy front end. The brakes are much stronger and more linear as well.

In the end, it's a very different car compared to an E30. It would be more fair to compare it to an E28 or maybe E36.

[Ray Smoodiver]

Um, they're a piece of shit.

Have any of you ever driven one?

Sure, the head flows better than an S14, but my god, they are a fucking pig.

I've driven an Evo II, and Jesus, what a car, a Sport Evo rival for sure, but the 2.3/16 is barely a match for a 325iS, let alone an M3.

[SamE30e]

Is he a terrorist or do they only drive the E320's?

That car is pretty sick, what model is it exactly though?

[Stu]

Was this car nicknamed the Hammer?

No, the Hammer is based on the W124 300E car.

[ACMF74]

Was this car nicknamed the Hammer?

[TexasTerp]

That's one hell of a car!! Definitely needs pics with your car!

[Holland]

If he doesn't know what he's got then that is sad.

[fiftytakedowns]

looks liek an m42

[Good & Tight]

Here's what's under the hood.

[Emre]

Is that full-fat cosworth version?

It's got the hot Cosworth head, 2.3 bottomend. The U.S. cars had lower c/r and were a bit down on power compared to the EU 2.3-16.

Stu's right. None of the US market 16v's were what you'd consider "full fat." We never got the 2.5L version. And even our 2.3L was down on power compared to the Euros.

Having said that, the parts and know-how are there to build your own 2.5-16v Evo II replica, complete with double-row timing chains and all. A basic build to Evo II specs using all OEM parts will net you a reliable 240hp at the crank. There are at least 3 such conversions that I know of in the D.C. metro area.

[Stu]

Is that full-fat cosworth version?

It's got the hot Cosworth head, 2.3 bottomend. The U.S. cars had lower c/r and were a bit down on power compared to the EU 2.3-16. They're not very fast in a straight line but they're a hoot to drive.

[TDE30]

That color is called smoked silver.

Yup, and smoke silver looks amazing in person.

Mariano, I think you're neighbor is inciting a vintage era DTM battle. :twisted: