R32 better car than my E46 M3?
Discussion
Well i traded in my Mk IV R32 a few weeks agao for a nice E46 M3 and i do enjoy the M3, But.. if i could turn back the clock i believe i would now keep the R32.
For me, it was a far more complete and rounded car, easier to drive ten/tenths, whereas until i master heel and toe, i fear i will never be able to throw the M3 around the Royal Deeside B roads like before.
The only real disapointment with the R32 is that it does run out of steam, but there's really not much in it on the back roads, although i did get my arse slapped in such a big way from a EVO VII FQ i felt i had to get something that would keep accelerating in the same manner beyond 60mph, but how often does that happen?
The M3 gearbox is notchy, the seats surprisingly poor and the engine very thrashy making the extra costs over an R32 diffifcult to justify. Yes the BMW is more prestigous, but the build quality is not that much better and other drivers used to let me out of juntions!
Maybe someone can highlite some M3 virtues so i don't spiral into a world of self-pity and mourning...
For me, it was a far more complete and rounded car, easier to drive ten/tenths, whereas until i master heel and toe, i fear i will never be able to throw the M3 around the Royal Deeside B roads like before.
The only real disapointment with the R32 is that it does run out of steam, but there's really not much in it on the back roads, although i did get my arse slapped in such a big way from a EVO VII FQ i felt i had to get something that would keep accelerating in the same manner beyond 60mph, but how often does that happen?
The M3 gearbox is notchy, the seats surprisingly poor and the engine very thrashy making the extra costs over an R32 diffifcult to justify. Yes the BMW is more prestigous, but the build quality is not that much better and other drivers used to let me out of juntions!
Maybe someone can highlite some M3 virtues so i don't spiral into a world of self-pity and mourning...
God man - learn to drive!
use the last 3000 rpm of the M3 and you'll fairly fly through the countryside.
I used to drive mine at about 7/10ths and it was plenty quick enough, then I tried it at about 9/10ths a few days before I sold it and scared the beejeesus out of myself with the way it handled through the twisties, braking late into corners, loads of revs and it literaly flew. An amazing feeling!
use the last 3000 rpm of the M3 and you'll fairly fly through the countryside.
I used to drive mine at about 7/10ths and it was plenty quick enough, then I tried it at about 9/10ths a few days before I sold it and scared the beejeesus out of myself with the way it handled through the twisties, braking late into corners, loads of revs and it literaly flew. An amazing feeling!
Surely the BMW's rear-drive handling and steering is streets ahead of the inert 4wd VW feel?
The M3's engine is a peach - 8200 rpm red line, stunning engine note.
Think back to what made you want to buy the M3 in the first place...
It sounds like you need to spend some quality time getting to know the M3 and build your confidence in it. Maybe a track day?
As for peoples attitude at junctions.... well, you're in a BMW. People hate you anyway, so just force your way out in front of them!
The M3's engine is a peach - 8200 rpm red line, stunning engine note.
Think back to what made you want to buy the M3 in the first place...
It sounds like you need to spend some quality time getting to know the M3 and build your confidence in it. Maybe a track day?
As for peoples attitude at junctions.... well, you're in a BMW. People hate you anyway, so just force your way out in front of them!
Edited by Robertb on Tuesday 22 August 14:01
M3 engine thrashy? It's one of the best engines there is. You just need to keep the revs up. As for chucking it around B roads, it needs more skill than a 4wd, but when you get it right, you can just get into a fantastic rhythm between bends, using the power in the rear wheels to help you round.
It is a good engine, but certainly not a good sounding engine, that's what i meant by thrashy. I guess i'm also used to some low end grunt, which obviously suits my style of driving having owned a couple of TVR's.
I will perservere with it and 'learn' to drive it through the corners, but my underlining thought.. pound for pound, the R32 is a better car!
I will perservere with it and 'learn' to drive it through the corners, but my underlining thought.. pound for pound, the R32 is a better car!
I think the problem is that the R32 is very accessible. It's power is pretty linear so you needn't be diligent with the gears. But predominantly the 4WD lets you be sloppy with the power and chuck it into corners without fear of suffering a tank-slapper, and crap road surfaces don't detract from the fun as much.
I experienced the same thing when I drove my friend's (Audi) TT. Even though it was a bit gutless on power, it was a real hoot because it's so carefree.
Ultimately though, 4WD's a little unrewarding as it's more a "tool for going quickly" than something that you need skill to control. It robs you of the sense of achievement a little bit, at least when compared with using the power to slide the backend of a RWD around on a good, sweeping, well surfaced trunk road.
I experienced the same thing when I drove my friend's (Audi) TT. Even though it was a bit gutless on power, it was a real hoot because it's so carefree.
Ultimately though, 4WD's a little unrewarding as it's more a "tool for going quickly" than something that you need skill to control. It robs you of the sense of achievement a little bit, at least when compared with using the power to slide the backend of a RWD around on a good, sweeping, well surfaced trunk road.
Definitely agree with the previous post and you will find the same sort of car with the boxster 987 very confidence inspiring drive but ultimately short on driver involvement.
The M3 Takes time to build up confidence but in the end you will learn to get the best out of it imo.Its no Porsche in terms of handling and steering but it has the benefit of the four seats and a good boot.
I hated mine when i got it and it still pisses me off sometimes with its notchy gear change and boat like suspension but I'm getting used to its hidden charms,just give it time.
The M3 Takes time to build up confidence but in the end you will learn to get the best out of it imo.Its no Porsche in terms of handling and steering but it has the benefit of the four seats and a good boot.
I hated mine when i got it and it still pisses me off sometimes with its notchy gear change and boat like suspension but I'm getting used to its hidden charms,just give it time.
Edited by rob05 on Wednesday 23 August 12:25
Zod said:
M3 engine thrashy? It's one of the best engines there is. You just need to keep the revs up. As for chucking it around B roads, it needs more skill than a 4wd, but when you get it right, you can just get into a fantastic rhythm between bends, using the power in the rear wheels to help you round.
All M engines ARE thrashy - sounds like the clutch is slipping and other non-BMW drivers treat you like trash! Never want to drive another again...
rob05 said:
Definitely agree with the previous post and you will find the same sort of car with the boxster 987 very confidence inspiring drive but ultimately short on driver involvement.
The M3 Takes time to build up confidence but in the end you will learn to get the best out of it imo.Its no Porsche in terms of handling and steering but it has the benefit of the four seats and a good boot.
I hated mine when i got it and it still pisses me off sometimes with its notchy gear change and boat like suspension but I'm getting used to its hidden charms,just give it time.
The M3 Takes time to build up confidence but in the end you will learn to get the best out of it imo.Its no Porsche in terms of handling and steering but it has the benefit of the four seats and a good boot.
I hated mine when i got it and it still pisses me off sometimes with its notchy gear change and boat like suspension but I'm getting used to its hidden charms,just give it time.
Edited by rob05 on Wednesday 23 August 12:25
Good post rob05, i believe you have captured the essence of what i am experiencing. Apologies to those people who cannot stand to hear of their marque criticised... gets coat
Narvanath said:
Zod said:
M3 engine thrashy? It's one of the best engines there is. You just need to keep the revs up. As for chucking it around B roads, it needs more skill than a 4wd, but when you get it right, you can just get into a fantastic rhythm between bends, using the power in the rear wheels to help you round.
All M engines ARE thrashy - sounds like the clutch is slipping and other non-BMW drivers treat you like trash! Never want to drive another again...
Edited by Zod on Wednesday 23 August 14:12
Zod said:
Narvanath said:
Zod said:
M3 engine thrashy? It's one of the best engines there is. You just need to keep the revs up. As for chucking it around B roads, it needs more skill than a 4wd, but when you get it right, you can just get into a fantastic rhythm between bends, using the power in the rear wheels to help you round.
All M engines ARE thrashy - sounds like the clutch is slipping and other non-BMW drivers treat you like trash! Never want to drive another again...
Edited by Zod on Wednesday 23 August 14:12
Ahh... you're a Solicitor...
Narvanath said:
Zod said:
Narvanath said:
Zod said:
M3 engine thrashy? It's one of the best engines there is. You just need to keep the revs up. As for chucking it around B roads, it needs more skill than a 4wd, but when you get it right, you can just get into a fantastic rhythm between bends, using the power in the rear wheels to help you round.
All M engines ARE thrashy - sounds like the clutch is slipping and other non-BMW drivers treat you like trash! Never want to drive another again...
Edited by Zod on Wednesday 23 August 14:12
Ahh... you're a Solicitor...
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