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The new M3's very good, but getting so big it's closer to an old M5, and I hate the one series with a passion, so I wouldn't touch an M version of that even with the longest bargepole in existence.

TheStig:

I want the character to return to the M3.

Agreed, wholeheartedly. The M3 has gone the troubling but predictable route of gradually larding up. From a stripped out racer to a bit of a fatty.

The latest one's no boulevard cruiser and is an astonishing technological feat...but I can't help but feel it's lost a bit of the soul of the original.

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www.iamnotthestig.com

It's maybe wishful thinking that we'll see a return to 'the good old days' - I imagine many well-heeled potential M3 customers would be put off by the level of involvement (which would probably be interpreted as a lack of refinement) you crave. All of which is a shame, I still think a stripped-down, lightweight 1-series could have serious potential to upset the current FWD hot-hatch status quo.

Nice cars. Genuine M's.

The best M3 : the E36? The best 3 series? What is best? It is the question.

 In my opinion, the M3 GrA has the best sound for a 4 cylinders!

 Why not a 2-door 1 series with the 200+ BHP 1.6 Turbo 4 cylinder? It'll probably be the closest in spirit to the original E30 M3. It's not as if they don't have the tech to do it either.

E30 still looks good today in my opinion, but they were problem cars back in the 80's! Engine heads always over heated and blew on them...

As has already been suggested, recreating a "New E30 M3" could only be done with a one series, down to it's physical weight and size.  It would certainly be interesting to see what M division could produce now.

As for the original, fanbloodytastic, just my sort of car, and still a template for what a performance car should have as ingredients.  Light, communicative, intimate and fun - exactly what the new car lacks.

Personally you can keep the new M3 (also have to disagree on the fact it is "the horniest looking car on the road"), I'll have the old one any day.

TegTypeR:

As has already been suggested, recreating a "New E30 M3" could only be done with a one series, down to it's physical weight and size.  It would certainly be interesting to see what M division could produce now.

I'm not sure BMW could find the demand for a 3 series like that now - people have got used to their luxuries too much. Look at the last M3 CSL - was expected to be a massive hit with great residuals and it bombed sales wise.

Orangewheels:

I'm not sure BMW could find the demand for a 3 series like that now - people have got used to their luxuries too much. Look at the last M3 CSL - was expected to be a massive hit with great residuals and it bombed sales wise.

The CSL was too expensive, that was it's main problem.  I still think there is a market for a "race bred" focused car, but probably not a 3 series (too big) which is why I suggested the 1.  I'm not suggesting some techno fest with a high price, just something a little more basic and raw, more like the E30.  The majority of current M3 owners probably wouldn't ever touch an original, in the same way they wouldn't touch the suggested new product.  It would be a different, but no less relevant market.

Currently, there is very little on the market that fits the bill.  Infact the only two I can think of are the Renault Clio Cup and the JDM Honda Civic Type R, the latter only having limited appeal because of its grey import nature.  BMW are constantly trying to fill new niches, I think this is one they've missed.

Been here before with this one,i agree lightness is the next logical thing for the M3 but not with a piddle four cylinder motor, i mean come on no ones going to give up that spine tingleing noise of a six or even the eight for a electronically enhanced four.No the problem is bringing what we all want in on budget and their lys the rub, we all have our ideas but theres no consensis of opinion, no common ground,maybe BMW should get opinions from previous owners of the mark i just think we all have our own memories of the car and their not the same, mine was E46 M3 in Pheonix yellow mettalic (I know but i liked it!) it had a manual box and was on 19"wheels which looked great if a little jittery but i did'nt care,i drove it the way it should be and loved every minute of it and yes if i had the cash i'd buy the same model today!