is the E36 M3 Chassis still King?!?

[m3f_addicted2speed]

I was reading up on the E36 (particulary the m3) and was surprise to find out that chassis/body has a drag coefficient lower than the E46 m3 and it also scores higher speeds on the slalom. You may remember the "Best Handling Car over 30k" article, it scored first place with a time of 74.2 mph!



what do you guys think about this? could the new m3 improve in power but not in aerodynamics?

[m3f_CMT_50ca834bd5]

Well, considering that the E46 chassis is something like 40% stiffer than the E36 chassis, resulting in a car that despite its increased weight still handles amazingly - albeit with more heft and a bit of stock wallow. It is also an insane platform on which to begin suspension modifications. I love my M3, I absolutely love it, but my friend Carmen's 04 M3 on its Ground Control Advanced Design suspension is among the best handling cars that I have ever driven, and is in a completely different world than my E36 on its H&R coilovers.



I suppose that it comes down to this - If the E36 chassis were still the true king, wouldn't race teams still be running it? Will Turner seems to love his E46s.

[m3f_Predator_7d824d33ea]

Still a very good chassis none the less ! ! !



However for handling and response the E30 Chassis is the clear champion, stock for stock for stock that is !

[m3f_Thull_41bf36a66e]

Sorry to say it but the E30 chassis is better than both!

[m3f_beebo100_19e373cd8a]

why is it better?any sources to backup your claims.

[m3f_chemicals_b2f60131b9]

The major problem with the E36 chassis is that there is too much inherant understeer, making the handilng safe but not exciting. This can be rectified by dialing in around 1.75 to 2deg -ve camber on the front end. (adjustable bearing plates allow this). Then the e36 chassis really comes alive.

[m3f_WWJDWITHCA_c5c48caf1f]

I suppose that it comes down to this - If the E36 chassis were still the true king, wouldn't race teams still be running it? Will Turner seems to love his E46s.



No, that's not a good measurement. There's a lot of politcal factors that make in unreasonable in most cases to race older cars, mostly that the manufacturer doesn't want that car promoted anymore.

[m3f_CMT_50ca834bd5]

No, that's not a good measurement. There's a lot of politcal factors that make in unreasonable in most cases to race older cars, mostly that the manufacturer doesn't want that car promoted anymore.



I honestly never considered that - It makes a lot of sense.

[m3f_astan100_7ef66fbe89]

The E30 chassis has long been touted as THE BEST M3 CHASSIS EVER. It's not really a matter of raw grip, speed, etc...it's more subjective (apparently). People all say that the car communicates so well with the driver and just lets you play with it's limits without worrying as much about stuffing the car into a wall.



The reason why it's better might be (if I remember correctly) the E30 M3 was sort of designed as a hardcore club racer. To be that, they had to create X number of them for production. They just said, F it, and gave us something pretty close to the racing version.



Someone will no doubt correct me if I'm wrong.

[m3f_Serious_eeb8859403]

e46 is a little stiffer.

[m3f_Supabimma_cc72c2aa80]

uh... of course is it, what a silly question . naw but seriously it is a very strong chassis, bmwna reported in one of their tech bulletins that the stock E36 chassis is capable of withstanding a constant 1.2G's in the corners which is remarkable for an "older" chassis. granted you need ALOT of mods to get it to those limits but still its nice to know that it can take quite a bit of abuse.



-2 cents

[m3f_Cyrus_192532641c]

I have yet to drive an E46, but I have to say as awesomely capable as the E36 is handling-wise, I think it could communicate more. The steering is precise, but is not as alive as it could be. It is better than 99% of the cars out there, but is not perfect.

[m3f_Stinky]

The reason why it's better might be (if I remember correctly) the E30 M3 was sort of designed as a hardcore club racer. To be that, they had to create X number of them for production. They just said, F it, and gave us something pretty close to the racing version.



Someone will no doubt correct me if I'm wrong.



The E30 M3 was built specifically to meet the homologation requirements for the touring car that totally dominated back in the day. So you basically get the street version of that racecar.

Kinda like how they had the adjustable front splitter and wing on the E36 M3GT so they can use it in racing.

I might not be exactly right but that's what I remember when reading about that stuff.

[m3f_Blackspeed]

The E30 M3 was built specifically to meet the homologation requirements for the touring car that totally dominated back in the day. So you basically get the street version of that racecar.

Kinda like how they had the adjustable front splitter and wing on the E36 M3GT so they can use it in racing.

I might not be exactly right but that's what I remember when reading about that stuff.

You seemd to be on spot.





The E36 ///M3 is a great car but so are all ///M's. Each one has their own handling characteristics when they came box stock from the factory. Each one was developed for a different purpose but to attain the same goal to bring high performance and ultimate driving satisfaction to its owner.

[m3f_nmaino_c8ba8e1c71]

let me just say; I own an E36 M3 and I owned an E30 M3. The E36 is by far the better daily driver, the E30 is the better driver (car).



Those of you who have never driven an E30 M3, you're really missing out!