[JVFan]

Sorry...but saw one today and wondered how it compares to my new 330....

Ie

HP
0-60
Width of stock rear tires
60-0

Sanx dudes/dudettes

[ward]

depends on if you get the euro one or the US one

us verson
240 hp
0-60 about 5.4
95 had 235 wide all around, 96-99 had 225 up front 245 in back
not sure about braking, it was pretty damn good though

very different power delivery than the E90, M3 has a really strong power rush as RPM's rise while the E90 is much more linear. The M3 is and feels much faster

[JVFan]

Sanx Ward...you 'da man...

[cxcheng]

I had a '96 M3 a while back, and am waiting to get a 330i or perhaps a 335i even if becomes available mid 2006. I can say that I am very impressed with the newer BMWs. I drove a 325i w/o sports package but was very impressed with the way I could throttle steer the car mid corner which I consider to be what sets Bimmers apart from most other 4-door vehicles. The E36 M3 had a much stiffer suspension, but felt relatively "dead" in this department. The E90 probably benefits from a much stiffer body structure and improved suspension design. Call that progress.

[F30Toad]

I currently drive a 98 M3 sedan. It is a great car but is also much less refined than the new E90. The E36 M3 is still a bit quicker than the E90 330i, even with less hp, due to less weight and I assume gearing. You pay a price for this on the US 5sp model, as the engine noise at highway speeds is quite loud. Really could have used the 6th gear like the euro version.

While I really liked the steering on the 330i sport pkg. I test drove, it is more isolated than the M. With my car you can feel every pebble, this includes through the stearing and through the seat.

The sport seats are much better in the new car, much much better. I didn't love the regular E90 seats, but sport seats .

The size, comfort and quiteness of the new car is what is driving me to make a switch soon. I think the new car is close enough in performance that I will not miss that part, but the refinement is light years ahead. I will hopefully be ordering my car in the next couple weeks.

[JVFan]

Thanks Toad...that gives a clear picture to me...the one I saw must have been an early model but it did have really nice wheels...I liked the look of them.

[Ponchoyu]

Maybe a tiny software update to upgrade the engine management (ie. fuel mixture) will add a bit more hp.....remember, the Euro Spec of our 330i was quicker!

[maq]

I'm probably biased since I'm an owner, but IMO the E36 M3/4 is a milestone in the history of fast sedans. Even the "lesser" US spec car still has performance and handling that not many recent cars can match. I beleive the Euro spec M3/4 was also world's first natrually-aspirated 100hp/litre sedan.

[tima]

I owned a '95 E36 M3 Lux pkg. Compared to my 330 sport/prem the M3 was lighter and quicker with more low-end torque, better turn-in, best road feel of any bimmer I've owned, smoother stick, not quite as notchy, superb brakes. The 330 is more refined, much more interior room, a bit more virtualized driving experience that abstracts the driver from the road, not the same low-end punch. lots more electronics - better lights, ergonomics, sports seats (love the adjustable side bolsters) and ride quality. E90 motor feels a bit smoother. DSC on the E90 yields less risk and probably a better overall driving experience - with the M you could get yourself in trouble quick if you weren't paying attention. New, about the same price.

The E36 M3 was - and still is, imo - one of the best automobiles BMW ever built. I *really* like my E90, we'll see how well it wears over time.

.