M3 Wondercar
Written: Oct 15 '99
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Pros: Knife edge handling, Perfect Weight distribution
Cons: Not as purpose built as the first generation M3
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| rockhopper46038's Full Review: 1998 BMW 323 |
This is my favorite BMW (until I get to drive the M5...), embodying exactly what I think a BMW should. This car is a reasonable commuter car, with seats for 4 and a trunk, but doesn't make you give up world class performance and a huge "fun-to-drive" factor. Even though the U.S. version is a little tame compared to the European spec, the trade off of cost in this case was a good decision by BMW because the torque and power curves of the U.S. engine match better with expected American driving habits and road layouts. The new model is not revolutionary in styling; it's much more evolutionary in scale. The car looks pretty good, but I wish it was a little more overstated than the more sedate versions of the 3 series. Some of you might recall the E30 body style M3 which would never be mistaken for it's siblings. And that might be my only complaint with this car, which is more visceral than anything. You just see everybody driving this now. Most(maybe I should say "many") owners don't seem to even know what the Motorsports heritage is. I spoke gently with a woman (no sexism intended, it just happened to be a woman) the other day at a gas station who said she liked her car, but didn't know why they had got a "junky 3 something instead of a 528" Now, she didn't mean "junky" as in badly put together. She meant it as in "the neighbors think we can't afford a 5 series". I cringed.
So, if you understand what this car is about ( and for God's sake, try it out on a racetrack through BMW CCA) you will be thoroughly impressed (and start dreaming about the Lightweight version), but don't buy this car just because it's the dealer tells you it's the "most exclusive 3 series". You'd be causing us enthusiasts more heartburn.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): as low as 36000, Euro delivery
Condition: New
Model Year: 98
Model and Options: M3
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Epinions.com ID:
rockhopper46038
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Member: Erik Saur
Reviews written: 44
Trusted by: 23 members
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