E36 M3 outdated or classic?

[m3f_nickanas]

There are similar threads in every Bimmer Forum. Maybe there was one in this one and missed it. Because I feel this is by far the best M3 forum and because most of the people hear are very perseptive I need to ask:



Do you feel our cars have become outdated?

or do you believe we are driving a car destined to become a classic muscle car, worth hanging on to like '69 Camaros, '70 Mustang Bosses, 442 Olds, Pontiac GTOs, Chevelles etc etc.



The thing that bothers me is that every once in a while I come across an E46 M3 and feel completely inadequate. I mean how do you compete with this...(see pics) (I'll be gone for the weekend but anxious to get your perspectives)



http://users.hol.gr/~nickanas/loaded4.jpg

http://users.hol.gr/~nickanas/loaded1.jpg

[m3f_Sirius_880bd69485]

No way. I love my car. Its deff a classic.



I see and drive E46 M3s every day, no way am I jealous.



The E36 is part of BMW's history, thats for sure, and I am happy to own one peice of that.

[m3f_park828_94ead836d3]

eh.. when i put my cam kit in... i'll be fine.. my engine also sounds better then the e46's.. i have never NEVER been with a e46 that could even keep up with me on highway 9 in saratoga.. mountain twisty mountain road.. btw I like the e46 m3s.. and would buy the CSL NOW if it was avail but I LOVE my e36.. thats the difference i guess... our cars are one of the most balanced cars in the world! :thumbsup:

[m3f_ndehlinger_2176e6913e]

I have similar feelings about maybe driving an outdated car, but maybe it's just because my pain is starting to look crappy and other signs of wear are showing. In the next few years I'll have to decide if I want the next gen M3 (I'll never buy any other kind of sports car) or if I want to dump a lot of money into my E36 M to make it a super pimp "classic". It's always sweet to see a really nice looking older classic, and I think our Ms could be those cars in a few years.

[m3f_astan100_7ef66fbe89]

I think we might start feeling super outdated when the new 3 hits, but for now...it doesn't bother me too much.



The only thing outdated is our interior.

[m3f_roc64]

Its a Classic to me! The 2 M's are really different cars. Lots of engine in the new one which of course is a plus. But... there are definate plus's to our E36 that make me realize I may keep my M forever!!! We're LUCKY to have them!!! :thumbsup:

[m3f_Dakhar_517a2ad3bd]

IT is hard to obtain an unbiased opinion on this topic, but if you look at the history and uniqness (sp) of the E36 I feel it does have the potential for classic status...



For example, the 95 first yr for the car, last and only year for the 3.0 in the M

[m3f_salty_80d4b8491b]

In a couple of years, our M's will be old hat. No need to worry because in 5 they will be classics. Cars are getting overstyled. Our's looks like a tailored suit. I am getting nauxious when I sit in an overstyled interior with a bunch of cheap plastic switches and assorted doodads. Our cars are about balance and striking an incredibly sharp compromise between sport and luxury. I think the car is a high water mark for BMW other than the RSM's and water pump impeller.



Other BMW classics: 3.0 CSI, 528I, 535IS, original M5, Original M3, Bavaria, E39 M5. Anything post Bangle (E39 was the last before him) will not be a classic.(Ok Z8 is cool)

Good to know all the parts are now recyclable. I sat in all the BMW's last week while I was at the dealer. I could not believe how hideous the new 5 is inside. Gimme a leisure suit! The Z4, while ugly on the outside at least makes you feel that it would be fun to drive while you are inside looking out. The E46 is OK...but feels more corporate to me. I will admit that the E46 m3 is nice.

[m3f_M Drei_5afef164e7]

I do think regular E36's seem dated, but the M's are still so damn good looking. Muscular, subtle and simple. I actually think the M's look better than some of the early E46's. Definitely a timeless design

[m3f_Ebb Viciou_a1dff00fa8]

i feel inadequate compared to a 911 GT3 or GT2, but that's about it.

[m3f_entranceive]

The e36 is without a doubt, a true 90's classic. A 1992 e36 M3 still looks 'hip' in my opinion. It has that oldschool look, and a modern look at the same time. Its less curvy than the e36, its more straight to the point.

[m3f_bmw4life13_0098c1d2b1]

The e36 is without a doubt, a true 90's classic. A 1992 e36 M3 still looks 'hip' in my opinion. It has that oldschool look, and a modern look at the same time. Its less curvy than the e36, its more straight to the point.

I believe you hit it right on the nail...definitely a 90's classic. :clap:

[m3f_Kerplunk_810182779a]

I think it is a definite classic. Although at the last m3 meet filled with E46 i did feel a bit out dated, but thats because of all the mods on their cars. Plus my paint is showing its age with some scratches.



If i had perfect paint and front lip, then i wouldn't feel left out at all. The E36 m3 is beautiful. Of course mods wouldn't hurt at all.

[m3f_M Drei_5afef164e7]

I think it is a definite classic. Although at the last m3 meet filled with E46 i did feel a bit out dated, but thats because of all the mods on their cars. Plus my paint is showing its age with some scratches.



If i had perfect paint and front lip, then i wouldn't feel left out at all. The E36 m3 is beautiful. Of course mods wouldn't hurt at all.



Hey do you have a higher res. one of the pic in your sig? TIA. Sorry for hijacking...

[m3f_entranceive]

Yeah how can such a classic be considered outdated..pshhh not the e36, e36 is just too sexy.