A new BMW M3 has just arrived, alongside a new M4. We look back at Steve Sutcliffe's video from 2012 as he puts three of its predecessors through their paces at Brands Hatch to find the perfect ingredients for an M car.
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How to make the perfect BMW M3
The first M3 was so stunningly good because of one man : Thomas Ammerschläger.
He, now retired and in his late seventies, was/is the brilliant suspension and steering engineer.
When he left the M department it wasn't all that inpiring anymore.
Must say that for as many
Must say that for as many people that dont like the smg...i love it. About as manual as you can get without the third pedal.
I have driven other dual clutch and newer systems, including the new m3's offering. Dont like them.
Anyhow, throwing my e46 m3 around the track is just fun, it will turn any month, week, day from bad to great.
But, where is the most
But, where is the most remarkable M3? The E36 3.0!
Firstly : no turbo!
A NA L6 (you know BMW made L6...and even RWD. I'm preparing the future)
Manual or dual clutch gearbox
No all those teenagers buttons, but only one for the DSC: on, DTC and off.
No more than 4,50m.
An good finish (come back to the E46)
Two trims : base (without leather, etc.) and M Pack
No carbon or too much ostentation