My new ride (the ultimate Pro-Touring car?)

[streetk14]

Just thought I'd share what Santa brought me with everyone. Haha, if this was something I built then I might consider it the ultimate P-T car. Unfortunately I did not, but it is sitting in my driveway as I type this. And no, I don't have money growing on trees in the backyard, just lucky enough to work for a car company who makes great cars and is not afraid to give them away cheap to their hard working employees.

For those who don't follow German cars, it is a 2008 BMW M3 sedan. That's right; four doors, 4.0 V8/6 speed, 414 hp and an 8400 rpm redline. I'm trying to take it easy on the motor during the 1200 mile run-in period, which means no revs above 5500 or high rpm launches. It's killing me because these engines love to rev, but the sound of the engine/exhaust is enough to keep me smiling right now.

This car is in need of some track days in it's future, that's for sure. Check out the pic I found of the S65 V8 sitting on a stand. It is one impressive SOB.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/BMW_S65_Engine_ModelJPG-1.jpg


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/5568/andyspictures002ai5.jpg)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/5012/andyspictures004ff3.jpg)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/7521/andyspictures008zg4.jpg)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/715/andyspictures001ca2.jpg)

[derekf]

Looks like starter replacements on those would either be really easy or really hard - not much middle ground.

Congrats on your M5. Must be nice.

[Restomod]

VERY nice,two to many doors but if the $ was right I could live with that!! The intake most likely has to be removed to get the starter off,my Lexus is the same way......good thing it lasted for 180k miles!

[WILWAXU]

Sweat car!

[streetk14]

Looks like starter replacements on those would either be really easy or really hard - not much middle ground.

Congrats on your M5. Must be nice.


Have not had to mess with any starters on the new M3 V8 yet. I'm sure it involves removing the intake plunum, but looks pretty easy after that. Thankfully, they make the ///M motors very durable. Never had major issues with any of them, be it the I6, V8s or V10s.

BTW, it's an M3 :)

[streetk14]

VERY nice,two to many doors but if the $ was right I could live with that!! The intake most likely has to be removed to get the starter off,my Lexus is the same way......good thing it lasted for 180k miles!


I'm a huge fan of the current 3 series sedan and coupe. The coupe is very nice looking, but I went for the practicallity of the 4 door. Gives it a little sleeper factor, too. The only thing I really miss is the carbon fiber roof that comes on the M3 coupe. I think they should've offered the sedan with the CF roof as well. I'd take that over a moonroof any day.

[icebird84]

"the ultimate Pro-Touring car"

sorry but for me it is just a another Bimmer , but don't get me wrong it is VERY NICE new Bimmer

but the the ultimate Pro-Touring car for me is us build car from 1906 to 1985 (25 year old car and older) with drivetrain, steering and suspension from 1998 < years to come

but here in Iceland BMW are as common like Ford Escort in us , but BMW IS way higher class car than Ford Escort

but over all nice car

[class67]

"the ultimate Pro-Touring car"

sorry but for me it is just a another Bimmer , but don't get me wrong it is VERY NICE new Bimmer

but the the ultimate Pro-Touring car for me is us build car from 1906 to 1985 (25 year old car and older) with drivetrain, steering and suspension from 1998 < years to come

but here in Iceland BMW are as common like Ford Escort in us , but BMW IS way higher class car than Ford Escort

but over all nice car

I think that just saying "nice car" would suffice....after all, it is a nice car, right?. No need for negative comments!

Nice Car Andy, Congrats!

[6'9"Witha69]

"Beamer drivers have no friends"

This is because they are envied in some way.

Nice looking car.

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

too hot to trot.. now baby.. too hot to stop.. WOO!.. BABY!

[Damn True]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/2136703337_f303dd017e-1.jpg

rCn8PPl8Dj8



Just kidding.

Personally, I think I'd go the 335i for the lower cost and slightly greater comfort without much of a drop in performance. That said I'd reaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaally like to have an M3.

[shortrack]

"Ultimate Pro Touring Car?" a BMW???

I think you got the wrong site......I'll leave it at that

[shortrack]

I think that just saying "nice car" would suffice....after all, it is a nice car, right?. No need for negative comments!



Uh huh........Im quite sure if we started posting pics of our Camaro's, Chevelles and GTO's on a BMW hop up site Im sure they'd be all over it.....

[javablack]

like the color, my neighbor just bought a new m3 too, its a grey/blue color.

congrats

[dipren443]

Just kidding.

Personally, I think I'd go the 335i for the lower cost and slightly greater comfort without much of a drop in performance. That said I'd reaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaally like to have an M3.

Clarkson dressed as the typical M3 driver :jump:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/2136703349_d28b615675-1.jpg

[streetk14]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/2136703337_f303dd017e-1.jpg

rCn8PPl8Dj8



Just kidding.

Personally, I think I'd go the 335i for the lower cost and slightly greater comfort without much of a drop in performance. That said I'd reaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaally like to have an M3.



That Top Gear guy is a freak, haha. Yeah, I just upgraded from a 335i sedan to this. Drove that car for a few years and loved every minute of it. I do miss the torque of those turbos already, but that should go away when I can hit the 8000+ rpm redline :seizure:

FYI, I just drove the new 335d last week. Thought you'd be interested to hear that. It was a torque monster with good HP to back it up.

[streetk14]

"Ultimate Pro Touring Car?" a BMW???

I think you got the wrong site......I'll leave it at that


My exact words were: "Haha, if this was something I built then I might consider it the ultimate P-T car"


If you haven't seen my P-t garage or my posts here over the last 4 years, I do have a clue as to what makes a good P-T car. My camaros are fun, but do not come close to the way this car handles.

The Germans and BMW more precisely, have had the Sport-sedan formula nailed for a long time. I'd have to say this is the kind of result most of us would like to get out of our older cars. Anyone who has driven an ///M car would likely agree.

[streetk14]

"the ultimate Pro-Touring car"

sorry but for me it is just a another Bimmer , but don't get me wrong it is VERY NICE new Bimmer

but the the ultimate Pro-Touring car for me is us build car from 1906 to 1985 (25 year old car and older) with drivetrain, steering and suspension from 1998 < years to come

but here in Iceland BMW are as common like Ford Escort in us , but BMW IS way higher class car than Ford Escort

but over all nice car


This is my "real" pro-touring car. The bimmer is my daily transportation.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/)

[Lowend]

Seriously cool car

[1971CHEVELLE]

"the ultimate Pro-Touring car"

sorry but for me it is just a another Bimmer , but don't get me wrong it is VERY NICE new Bimmer

but the the ultimate Pro-Touring car for me is us build car from 1906 to 1985 (25 year old car and older) with drivetrain, steering and suspension from 1998 < years to come

but here in Iceland BMW are as common like Ford Escort in us , but BMW IS way higher class car than Ford Escort

but over all nice car
:grouphug: good looking :spank2:

[Damn True]

"Ultimate Pro Touring Car?" a BMW???

I think you got the wrong site......I'll leave it at that

Given that the idea of "pro-touring" was to emulate the performance and comfort of cars like BMW sport sedans, I don't think that it's the least bit inappropriate to refer to an M3 in that vein.

Leave it at that instead.

[Damn True]

Uh huh........Im quite sure if we started posting pics of our Camaro's, Chevelles and GTO's on a BMW hop up site Im sure they'd be all over it.....


Well if it was a bunch of wanna-be 20-something knuckleheads putting "mmodz" on their 318i you'd probably be right and their ire would hold as much weight as yours.

But, I and a number of other members here are also members of some rather hard-core race and auto-x message boards and the idea of an older musclecar modified for track, auto-x and race use is thought very highly of. Strange that such a group would show more acceptance of of old iron than people here seem to show for that (euro sport sedans) which they are attempting to emulate.

[cheapthrillz]

Man are you lucky. I would KILL to have an M3 to drive everyday! I'm lucky enough to have a good friend who took me with him to the Performance Driving School where we pounded on a 335i Sport Sedan this summer. After all of the "new" model sportscars that I have driven in the past few years, that 335i is the only one I would trust my life on! I don't think there is an American Produced car that can do an emergency lane change (within 15 ft) at 60 mph without losing control, but that little 335 would do it every single time..... and very comfortably I might add..... Beautiful car you have there.

And the people with the negative comments need to stop huffing Pam and be happy for someone that just wants to express how excited he is about his new car. Nuff said.

Congrats...

[shortrack]

But, I and a number of other members here are also members of some rather hard-core race and auto-x message boards and the idea of an older musclecar modified for track, auto-x and race use is thought very highly of. Strange that such a group would show more acceptance of of old iron than people here seem to show for that (euro sport sedans) which they are attempting to emulate.

I read here somewhere that "truely great cars are built, not bought......" certainly applies here......Im sorry but that car does'nt do a thing for me, no apologies......but hey your entitled to your opinion, as am I


and trust me I have never "attempted to emulate" a euro sport sedan in any of my builds, in my life.

[Damn True]

I read here somewhere that "truely great cars are built, not bought......" certainly applies here......Im sorry but that car does'nt do a thing for me, no apologies......but hey your entitled to your opinion, as am I


and trust me I have never "attempted to emulate" a euro sport sedan in any of my builds, in my life.


Whatever.

[streetk14]

Man are you lucky. I would KILL to have an M3 to drive everyday! I'm lucky enough to have a good friend who took me with him to the Performance Driving School where we pounded on a 335i Sport Sedan this summer. After all of the "new" model sportscars that I have driven in the past few years, that 335i is the only one I would trust my life on! I don't think there is an American Produced car that can do an emergency lane change (within 15 ft) at 60 mph without losing control, but that little 335 would do it every single time..... and very comfortably I might add..... Beautiful car you have there.

And the people with the negative comments need to stop huffing Pam and be happy for someone that just wants to express how excited he is about his new car. Nuff said.

Congrats...



Thanks, I appreciate the kind words. I loved my 335, it was just really a perfect car to me. So easy to get used to the power and handling. But I've always wanted an M3 or M5, and you only live once. I've been going easy on the powertrain, but giving the suspension a workout. I can already say that it handles and grips better than the 335i, which is not an easy feat as you know.

[6'9"Witha69]

I read here somewhere that "truely great cars are built, not bought......" certainly applies here......Im sorry but that car does'nt do a thing for me, no apologies......but hey your entitled to your opinion, as am I


and trust me I have never "attempted to emulate" a euro sport sedan in any of my builds, in my life.
Technically, they are all built, just depends on which side if the checkbook you are on. Neither matters to me, just that the result is cool and is used as intended.

[6'9"Witha69]

Whatever.Co-signed.

[streetk14]

I read here somewhere that "truely great cars are built, not bought......" certainly applies here......Im sorry but that car does'nt do a thing for me, no apologies......but hey your entitled to your opinion, as am I


and trust me I have never "attempted to emulate" a euro sport sedan in any of my builds, in my life.



I'm going to go out on a limb here, but here are a few things I'd like to point out:

1: I doubt this guy has ever driven anything similar to the M3 in question. And no, an IROC doesn't count.
2: This is a truely great car and it was built. By Bayerische Motoren Werke

[shortrack]

:

1: I doubt this guy has ever driven anything similar to the M3 in question. And no, an IROC doesn't count.
2: This is a truely great car and it was built. By Bayerische Motoren Werke

do you really want to go there.......????

[dipren443]

I'm going to go out on a limb here, but here are a few things I'd like to point out:

1: I doubt this guy has ever driven anything similar to the M3 in question. And no, an IROC doesn't count.
2: This is a truely great car and it was built. By Bayerische Motoren Werke

Andy,

Any chance you have also driven an E46 M3? I haven't had the pleasure of piloting an E92 M, but have a little wheel time in an SMG E46 M. I was wondering if you could make a direct comparison.

Nick

[dipren443]

do you really want to go there.......????

Seriously bro, give it up. The pro touring comment by the OP was a bit tongue in cheek. You can unwad the panties now...

[6'9"Witha69]

Seriously bro, give it up. The pro touring comment by the OP was a bit tongue in cheek. You can unwad the panties now...:rotfl:

[streetk14]

seriously bro, give it up. The pro touring comment by the op was a bit tongue in cheek. You can unwad the panties now...


lol!!!!!!

[shortrack]

Seriously bro, give it up. The pro touring comment by the OP was a bit tongue in cheek. You can unwad the panties now...

jeez.....dont really read too well do you.......I was ready to agree to disagree with my "your entitled to your opinion as am I" statement.....then the OP starts with the "bet he's never driven......" personal attack.......I think his panties are the ones in a wad

[dipren443]

jeez.....dont really read too well do you.......I was ready to agree to disagree with my "your entitled to your opinion as am I" statement.....then the OP starts with the "bet he's never driven......" personal attack.......I think his panties are the ones in a wad

What do you say, group hug time fellas???

[Flash68]

Uh huh........Im quite sure if we started posting pics of our Camaro's, Chevelles and GTO's on a BMW hop up site Im sure they'd be all over it.....

Not accurate.

I am a member of several forums, including one dominated by Porsches and Bimmers, and I have received tons of compliments and no negativity about my 68 Camaro I have posted updates for.

A little presumptuous are we?

[streetk14]

Andy,

Any chance you have also driven an E46 M3? I haven't had the pleasure of piloting an E92 M, but have a little wheel time in an SMG E46 M. I was wondering if you could make a direct comparison.

Nick


Hey Nick,
Yes, I've driven a LOT of E46 M3s with SMG and 6 speed manuals. I think the E46 M3 is a great car and a really fun chassis to throw around. Love the exhaust rasp and engine whine as well. Not a huge fan of the SMG II that was an option in that car. It always bugs the hell out of me to keep it in "auto" mode. If I use the paddles and shift it myself it's ok. If I were to buy one it would be a regular 6 speed manual.

As far as a comparison, what can I say? I'd start by saying the E9x version is a lot more tolerable as a daily driver, IMO. The V8 is less tempermental than the 6 cylinder and has a better torque curve. They both like to rev, that's for sure. The clutch in the E9x is lighter and smoother to drive (probably due to the twin-disc clutch system). The E9x cars as a whole are just a lot more solid feeling to me than E46 cars. Not that the E46 chassis is bad by any means, just that the E9x feels so good to me.

What else...... Oh, the M dynamic mode is a great new feature that was actually offered on E46 M3 Competition package models (and they did not make many). It's an elevated threshold setting for the DSC (stability control) that allows you to have a lot of fun while still being there to save your a$$. Just tap a button on the wheel and you are in "M" dynamic mode.

My car does not have it, but the new dual-clutch 7 speed trans is amazing. I drove one the other day, and all I could say was wow. Feels smooth like an automatic when cruising but shifts so quick and firm at WOT. It's like the SMG but so much smoother and faster. I was able to leave it in one of the automatic programs and it felt great; like an automatic. Definitely a cool piece of technology.

[OHCbird]

Andy- Congrats on a nice ride; that v8 is something else. I saw a supercharged version make 570hp & the sound was insane. On a side note- have you seen that BMW's strategy is shifting away from the high-winders? Let's hope they don't kill that engine too early.

IRT the E46: One thing I didn't like about the SMG was the pause at WOT; you figure they could get it to mesh a bit faster...mine was annoying to say the least (more so at part throttle). I had an 03 M3 for about 1yr; what an awesome chassis. The balance is phenominal & certainly a benchmark to shoot for.

[derekf]

BTW, it's an M3 :)Woops... could have sworn your post said M5, and the only pic I can see is the engine pic. Sorry about that.

[Restomod]

Well it IS a High performance Touring sedan and the FACT that it will OUT run,handle,brake,ride,comfort half of the cars on this site and be cheaper then a quarter of them it is Pro Touring .

[jv982]

Well it IS a High performance Touring sedan and the FACT that it will OUT run,handle,brake,ride,comfort half of the cars on this site and be cheaper then a quarter of them it is Pro Touring .

+1 Well written.

[icebird84]

This is my "real" pro-touring car. The bimmer is my daily transportation.


No need to quote a ton of pics.

NOW This is what I thought I would see wen open a link called the ultimate Pro-Touring car very Hot and very nice Camaro :1st:

[Gonzostyle]

Only had 4 cylinders (my old daily driver)....... Just kidding of course, congratulations on the new ride!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/dsc_074-1.jpg

[55chevyman]

I'm going to go out on a limb here, but here are a few things I'd like to point out:

1: I doubt this guy has ever driven anything similar to the M3 in question. And no, an IROC doesn't count.
2: This is a truely great car and it was built. By Bayerische Motoren Werke

Statement number 1 cracks me up!!!!! :lol:

[Josh69]

Very nice! I had a Dinan S1 M3, even without the supercharger it was an absolute thrill to drive. Dyno'd at 275hp, but the power output is only a small part of the equation with these cars...truly phenomenal machines. I wish my PT car could do half what that car could at 10/10th's.

[streetk14]

Well it IS a High performance Touring sedan and the FACT that it will OUT run,handle,brake,ride,comfort half of the cars on this site and be cheaper then a quarter of them it is Pro Touring .


Very well put. This is the way I see it and it is irrelevant whether a car is American, German or Japanese, new or old. An impressive car is an impressive car whether you like the brand or not. And in a heads up contest against my '67 Camaro, the M3 will tear it up in every catagory besides straight line acceleration. Sorry, but that's the truth.

[streetk14]

NOW This is what I thought I would see wen open a link called the ultimate Pro-Touring car very Hot and very nice Camaro :1st:


Thanks, but I gotta have fun during the daily grind too!

[streetk14]

Only had 4 cylinders (my old daily driver)....... Just kidding of course, congratulations on the new ride!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/dsc_074-1.jpg



Gotta love the originals, you rarely see these cars any more. Hope you still have it, it is a collector's item. I never really got to into the whole E30 scene myself, but I used to work with a guy who had the nicest E30 M3 ('88?) I have ever seen. It was simply a beautiful car, and very nicely done. Although, he had as much into it as I have into my Camaro. I'd take the Camaro in a heartbeat, but to each his own. Here's the only picture I could find of it:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/l_5054fa804357a886890207855defe949-1.jpg (http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=55475655&albumID=650176&imageID=13629537#a=650176&i=13629576)

[streetk14]

Statement number 1 cracks me up!!!!! :lol:


Mostly everyone here is trying to enjoy our car hobby and have a good time, and there's always one ignorant person who wants to piss in everyone else's cereal. I thought it was very funny myself, glad someone else did too, haha.

FWIW, anyone that I know who has had first hand experience with these Bimmers loves them. The people who love to hate them have usually never driven one.

[icebird84]

Thanks, but I gotta have fun during the daily grind too!

humm cant disagreed with you there, just try to keep it closc to speed limit :twothumbs

[dipren443]

Woops... could have sworn your post said M5, and the only pic I can see is the engine pic. Sorry about that.

Current M5 is a V10 ;)

[killer69]

"Ultimate Pro Touring Car?" a BMW???

I think you got the wrong site......I'll leave it at that


i don't know $ for $ other than the historic styling.............. i think i would take the M3 over a ls7 69 Camaro?????

but i guess if i could afford the M3 i could probably figure a way to have both............. there prolem solved!


:enguard: no correct answer

[tom_a]

Very nice car. Funny I just this evening watched a M3 test show on Speed Channel with Tommy K, Boris Said and some others. Awesome car for sure.

[ls1 nova]

Maybe its just me but that 4.0 looks like it would fit nicely in a first gen camaro or 3rd gen nova. The headers look like they are custom fit around the steering box. Hard to tell about the oil pan though. I would bet the tranny is smaller than a t56 or tko600. Anybody into this swap?

[streetk14]

Maybe its just me but that 4.0 looks like it would fit nicely in a first gen camaro or 3rd gen nova. The headers look like they are custom fit around the steering box. Hard to tell about the oil pan though. I would bet the tranny is smaller than a t56 or tko600. Anybody into this swap?



Would be a cool idea, but I can assume that S65 long block is like $20K. Maybe more, just for laughs I'll look up the retail price on the motor tomorrow. Could be fun to have a little, 8500 rpm V8 in a 1st gen Z28. Actually, I had thought about the idea of dropping the M5/M6 V10 into something. Doubt I'd ever try it, but it is fun to think about.

[ls1 nova]

That's what I'm saying, I do not have the cash to pull it off but somebody has to be looking for something nobody has done on these pages! I am currently doing the ls thing but somebody has to be looking for something different.

[Bruning Auto Design]

Got to take this new M3 convertible for a spin a couple months back.

"P-T" or not, I had a blast...

Congrats on the new ride!

https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=27267&d=1228890685

[srh3trinity]

BMW V10 with tranny on ebay for around 19k, V10 alone for around 13K. There are some older BMW v8's and 4.4L V8's on ebay for around 5k.

[Vegas69]

Sure the M3 is sweet and I am on my 2nd 5 series. 545 now 550i. I have beat the snot out of and M5 and M6 and driven a 335i. All great cars but I didn't build and they don't fit my eye like my Camaro parked side by side.

[streetk14]

Sure the M3 is sweet and I am on my 2nd 5 series. 545 now 550i. I have beat the snot out of and M5 and M6 and driven a 335i. All great cars but I didn't build and they don't fit my eye like my Camaro parked side by side.


I think I'd agree that in the looks department, my '67 takes the win. There's not a lot better looking in my opinion than a well done 1st gen. I always find myself staring at the Camaro as I walk away. Not that the M3 is a bad looking car itself. I'm sure glad that I don't have to choose between one of the cars to keep :)

[55chevyman]

Mostly everyone here is trying to enjoy our car hobby and have a good time, and there's always one ignorant person who wants to piss in everyone else's cereal. I thought it was very funny myself, glad someone else did too, haha.

FWIW, anyone that I know who has had first hand experience with these Bimmers loves them. The people who love to hate them have usually never driven one.

Haha, your car isnt a pro-touring camaro, but people shouldnt expect that. Your car wasnt built to be one!
I personally think BMW's are great looking cars. Never rode in one though.

[streetk14]

Haha, your car isnt a pro-touring camaro, but people shouldnt expect that. Your car wasnt built to be one!
I personally think BMW's are great looking cars. Never rode in one though.

Well, my other car is a pro-touring Camaro that I have put together myself. I'm just an all-around car guy and don't descriminate when it comes to brands, etc. Although, I'm not a fan of anything front wheel drive.

If you ever get a chance to drive or ride in a BMW, take it. Especially one of the ///M models. Even the base model 328i handles like a dream.

[Vegas69]

As some would say...different trips. I wouldn't want to drive the Camaro everyday. Ultimate driving machine is pretty much the end of the story and really fits. If I didn't need a four door that M3 is really an appealing daily driver.

[icebird84]

I hope you can forgive me for posting this photo

give me one BMW M6 ,one old volga , case of vodka and 4 Russian and than you would have BMW for me ,you can call it Volga M6 Cabrio https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/01/m6-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/01/volga-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/01/11-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/01/1-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/01/2-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/01/3-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/01/4-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/01/6-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/01/8-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/01/9-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/01/10-1.jpg

but getting back to you M3 any small plans , smoke windows , new wheels ?

[BMF Machine]

I was expecting to see a new VettE? Nice Camaro!

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

I read here somewhere that "truely great cars are built, not bought......" certainly applies here......




Wasnt that Motorhead mike that said that?

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

This ones for you Streetk14

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AAAHAHHAHAHAHH!!!!

[streetk14]

This ones for you Streetk14

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AAAHAHHAHAHAHH!!!!



Hey, at least my car isn't white!!!!

[streetk14]

As some would say...different trips. I wouldn't want to drive the Camaro everyday. Ultimate driving machine is pretty much the end of the story and really fits. If I didn't need a four door that M3 is really an appealing daily driver.



Take a closer look; it is a 4 door M3. They just started making them again in '08. They made them in the 90's in the E36 body and I loved those, too.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/5568/andyspictures002ai5.jpg)

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

...youre still gay.

[Vegas69]

Wow, it is a four door. Still need 5 series room for clients.

[55chevyman]

Well, my other car is a pro-touring Camaro that I have put together myself. I'm just an all-around car guy and don't descriminate when it comes to brands, etc. Although, I'm not a fan of anything front wheel drive.

If you ever get a chance to drive or ride in a BMW, take it. Especially one of the ///M models. Even the base model 328i handles like a dream.

Well i just turned 16 about 2 weeks ago and got my license last week, so i doubt i will be getting to drive a BMW anytime soon. lol

Your camaro is either a grey 67 or 68 convertible with a supercharged ls motor and a T56 isnt it???

[BMF Machine]

...youre still gay.


"IcE ColD BabY, IcE ColD".... quote from the steriod dude on the new grand theft auto?LMAO

[streetk14]

Well i just turned 16 about 2 weeks ago and got my license last week, so i doubt i will be getting to drive a BMW anytime soon. lol

Your camaro is either a grey 67 or 68 convertible with a supercharged ls motor and a T56 isnt it???


Oh, well you've got plenty of time. I busted my a$$ to get where I am today and to have the things I really want. If you really want something, you can make it happen. My Camaro is a silver '67 with a blown LS1/T56, but it is a hardtop, not a convertible.

[streetk14]

Wow, it is a four door. Still need 5 series room for clients.


5 series is a far better choice if you need the back seat on a regular basis. You have a 550i, right? Those are really nice cars, are super comfortable and fun to drive. Gotta love the ARS system (active sway bars) that keeps those cars dead-flat on even the hardest turns.

[Flash68]

After owning a 330, 540, e36 M3, and e46 M3, I miss my e46 the most. Best looking M ever made IMO.

I agree with your comment about most people who talk trash about Bimmers probably never have driven or rode in one. How could you not like the ride?

[Vegas69]

Yep...it has the ARS and I forgot all about it. It won't handle with my camaro but for a sled it gets it. So comfortable going fast. I couldn't believe the difference between the 04 545 and 08 550i when I picked it up in July of 07. Refined.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/02/IMG_0143-1.jpg

[Payton King]

I have not had the chance to drive the new M3. My wife drives an e46 M3 convert...come to think of it, I don't get to drive that one much either. It has the SMG and I love it...but not in auto mode.

Very fun and capable cars. I had an 850i for a while before I bought the M3. The v12 was silk smooth

[65BBODY]

Wow, your camaro is full on bad ass

[NOPANTS-68]

Only had 4 cylinders (my old daily driver)....... Just kidding of course, congratulations on the new ride!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/12/dsc_074-1.jpg

the best M ever IMHO.

[silver69camaro]

the best M ever IMHO.

Agreed.

Andy, that's an awesome car. I want one. I hate you. (kidding..)

Seriously, I always tell people, "If you want to know how your car should drive, test drive a Bimmer. Then you'll know".

Here's my wife's '03 330i last year at Pacific Raceways. Stock brakes, stock motor, stock suspension, stock tires (255s in the back). This is a luxo-comfy 4-door car blasting down the straights at 125mph in stock trim, and bought it used for under $20k - the brakes never did overheat or show any hint of fade. The build quality and engineering on these things is incredible, and very easy to work on.

Not to mention the sound of that inline-six at 6500RPM. Oh baby!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/01/6G1I1536vi-1.jpg

[streetk14]

Thanks, Matt! You couldn't be more right with that statement and as a suspension engineer for AME, you know more than most members here when it comes to how suspensions REALLY work. As a BMW tech for the last 6 years, I have been striving to make my Camaro ride and handle like an ///M car (or any BMW for that matter). When you drive these cars all day every day, it makes it that much harder to drive anything else. I think I have a problem :)

It's funny, though. I've been driving the M a bunch lately and the Camaro has been hiding in the garage for the most part. I took the Camaro out for a nice drive the other day right after parking the M, and the Camaro's handling and steering still felt good. I think that means that all my hard work and persistence in dialing in the suspension is paying off. When you can get out of an M3 and into a '67 Camaro without saying "this thing drives like sh$%", that's a good thing for the Camaro. I think maybe your C6 front subframe has something to do with it.

Oh, and those E46 330s are great cars as you already know. Those M54 engines run forever and are super easy to work on. If you have any questions or need help with it ever, let me know.

[silver69camaro]

When you can get out of an M3 and into a '67 Camaro without saying "this thing drives like sh$%", that's a good thing for the Camaro. I think maybe your C6 front subframe has something to do with it.



It's funny you mentioned that because M3's are my benchmark for performance, so I model the ride, roll and steering characteristics after those cars. There is some other tweaks you can do it make it better as well, email me if you're interested. Using our rear suspension, the two cars feel very, very similar...it's almost uncanny. If anything, the M3 might feel slightly heavier.

I've been looking for a E36 M3 as a daily driver. It's tough to find one for a reasonable price that hasn't been pimped-out or wrecked by some high school kid.

[gmorris]

Yep, my daily driver is an e36 M3 and it's perfect. Fast enough to be fun on the comute, comfortable, handles like a dream and pulls off great mileage at the same time. Hard to find all those qulaities in a 5 speed RWD, especially for the $14K I paid for it (mint condition 75,000miles). A set of H&R Sports with bilsteins and it is incredible what it can do.

[streetk14]

It's funny you mentioned that because M3's are my benchmark for performance, so I model the ride, roll and steering characteristics after those cars. There is some other tweaks you can do it make it better as well, email me if you're interested. Using our rear suspension, the two cars feel very, very similar...it's almost uncanny. If anything, the M3 might feel slightly heavier.

I've been looking for a E36 M3 as a daily driver. It's tough to find one for a reasonable price that hasn't been pimped-out or wrecked by some high school kid.


I'd be interested to know of anything I can do to improve that front end. I've been meaning to get those 650 lb. springs and back the shock settings off. I have the 550's in there right now with the dampers set to almost max stiffness. I might have to look into your new rear suspension as a future change to the car. It has a truckarm setup from HTH right now which was a huge step up from leaf springs in both ride quality and overall handling. I know the truckarm setup has it's limitations and might look to change it sometime.

Keep looking for those E36 m3s. The clean, low mileage ones are out there. You just need to find one that was owned by an older guy who maintained it and wasn't beating on it too much.

FYI, we just got an E46 M3 that was traded in by an older fellow on friday when he picked up his new M3. The car is super clean and has very nice interior and paint (silver/black). There were no leaks or anything else that seemed to need attention. It does have 90k miles on it, but I was told that they onlt gave the guy $13k for it. That means I could get it for close to that price. That's really cheap for an E46 M3 in good condition. If I had not just got my new car I'd be all over this. I think they are going to sell it at auction if no employees step up and buy it.

[silver69camaro]

I'd be interested to know of anything I can do to improve that front end. I've been meaning to get those 650 lb. springs and back the shock settings off. I have the 550's in there right now with the dampers set to almost max stiffness. I might have to look into your new rear suspension as a future change to the car. It has a truckarm setup from HTH right now which was a huge step up from leaf springs in both ride quality and overall handling. I know the truckarm setup has it's limitations and might look to change it sometime.

Keep looking for those E36 m3s. The clean, low mileage ones are out there. You just need to find one that was owned by an older guy who maintained it and wasn't beating on it too much.

FYI, we just got an E46 M3 that was traded in by an older fellow on friday when he picked up his new M3. The car is super clean and has very nice interior and paint (silver/black). There were no leaks or anything else that seemed to need attention. It does have 90k miles on it, but I was told that they onlt gave the guy $13k for it. That means I could get it for close to that price. That's really cheap for an E46 M3 in good condition. If I had not just got my new car I'd be all over this. I think they are going to sell it at auction if no employees step up and buy it.

A silver/black E46 M3 with 90K miles for 13K? That's cheap! Some clean E36s go for that much. Crazy.

The biggest change we can make is the power steering pump. PM me if you want details.

[streetk14]

A silver/black E46 M3 with 90K miles for 13K? That's cheap! Some clean E36s go for that much. Crazy.

The biggest change we can make is the power steering pump. PM me if you want details.


Yeah, let that be a lesson to never trade cars in to a dealer because they will bend you over. That car has to be worth at least $20k.

I'll send you a PM on the steering