Do you consider the E36 M3 a classic?

[motoyen]

What do you guys think of the E36 M3? Not any of the special edition ones but the regular 240BHP E36 M3. This car is now 2 generations old and almost 10 years old. You could argue it is an easier car to live with than an E30, in stock form it is faster but is it a classic? What defines a classic car?

[Spalding]

Originally Posted by motoyen What do you guys think of the E36 M3? Not any of the special edition ones but the regular 240BHP E36 M3. This car is now 2 generations old and almost 10 years old. You could argue it is an easier car to live with than an E30, in stock form it is faster but is it a classic? What defines a classic car?

I personally think the NA versions with the weaker motor aren't classics but I think the Euro versions with the more desirable motors are becoming classic. The real classic is the uber rare Canadian version with the euro motor (technically not a special edition).

Google tells all:

"as the European-spec version of the three-liter E36 M3 ever sold in North America?
Yes. Through an agreement that existed between Canada and several European nations, any car federalized in one country could legally be sold in any of the others. With no North American version of the E36 M3 on the horizon in late 1993, BMW Canada took advantage of this agreement and imported 45 European-spec M3 coupes for the 1994 model year. Pulled at random off the standard assembly line during November and December of 1993, these cars were specially-fitted with a third brake light and daytime running lights (required by Canadian law), while the rear fog light was deleted. Each car also received a numbered plaque on the inside of the glovebox door.

All paint colors and interior trims regularly available on the Euroepan-spec M3 were offered on the 45 Canadian examples. Each was equipped with only minimal standard equipment, including dual airbags, air conditioning, a green-tinted windshield stripe and an anti-theft AM/FM cassette radio. However, almost the entire European option list (including remote locking with alarm, power sunroof, front armrest, rear headrests, power front seats, heated front seats, on-board computer, hi-fi speakers, headlight washers, rear sunshade and forged M Double Spoke alloy wheels) was available at extra cost."

[redhatpat]

Not yet. Too young. The oldest examples should be around 20 years old, and they're still only 13 years old.

[Weeman83]

I think any 3 / 5 series model that doesn't have more than, say, 5 examples at any time in the Aberdeen Centre parking lot is a classic.

So yeah, I suppose E36 M3 qualifies.

[motoyen]

Originally Posted by redhatpat Not yet. Too young. The oldest examples should be around 20 years old, and they're still only 13 years old.

What about the E34 M5? Last hand built M car which finished production in 1995.

To me a classic car is one that has some unique characteristic. It doesn't have to be the fastest or the most expensive or have the biggest engine but it does have to have character. Ferrari's have character, VW made Lamborghini's do not.

So I don't see any defining characteristic of the E36 M3 other than it caused all the other auto makers to produce a hopped up 4-dr sports car. Also just the fact alone that you could buy one in 4dr auto just kills any classic credibility for me right there.

[DS Rook]

I don't think the e36 m3 is or ever will be a classic M. The fact there were so many of them, that they were available as a 4 door, and GASP..... an auto, just doesn't work IMHO.

[redhatpat]

I certainly wouldn't consider a 4 door to be a deal killer for classic status. It goes around the track just as fast and is just as fun to drive. (you 2 door snobs )

But an auto really is a knock against the M3, of any vintage.

Probably a few things need to be considered if a car is a classic. Not just the age, but how many were made, if it was special - such as an M version of a car or hand built like the e34 M5.

Someday the e36 M3 will be considered a classic, but not just yet. On the other hand, I'm not so sure about the e46 M3. It became a boutique car for too many. Automatic and convertible, that just kills it for me.

[Mr. Red]

I wouldn't mind if one appeared in my driveway I don't think they will ever be classic, but they will probably become rare further down the road from all the 16 year-olds drifting them into trees.

[E30M20B25]

I have given this a fair amount of thought; and I believe the line of classic is at the E30M42.

Although I do not think the motor qualifies with its newer technology, but it is in a classic frame, so it blurs the line there.

I think it come down to the body style too. I love the old Boxes and really I consider the E30 new when you think about it; but it fits so well with the rest of the classics.

The E36 is just too new in look and design.. There is a huge change between the E30 and E36, but then the E36 to the E46 and even E92.. they all share so many characteristics, but the E30 and E36 share nothing.

I would reject the idea that the E36 M3 is Classic.

[craig4ie]

The e36 M is too good of a car not to be considered classic, it just needs a few years. There are still lots of yuppies that own them and I expect that as the years pass the ownership will migrate towards enthusiasts as the yuppies go for newer cars.

The same can be said for the e46 M, is it a classic now? NO, there are too many 18 year old pretty boys that still view the car as a mere status symbol that mommy and daddy bought to make them happy.

...******* need to learn a thing or two about hard work

[/rant]

[murphymurf]

Of course I have to get in on this since I'm currently driving an e36 M3.

So the question posted: is it a classic?

Hmm..... I suppose it all has to do with your qualifications and everyone here has different ones. But the first on the checklist I guess has to be age.... and the first ones are only 16 years old now.... so is that old enough??? Probably not. So by that alone it's not classic.....

I think it really just comes down to opinions, and opinions are a dime a dozen.... since most tend to just compare their favorite classic to everything else it's hard to convince someone a car isn't as glorified or special as their own. I've owned an e30 M3, what appears to be the most revered car on this board..... and I loved it. A true classic no doubt with the pedigree to back it up. But honestly, I'm happier with my e36. I agree it doesn't come with all the romance it's predecessor does and although historically I could be accused of being a Bimmer fanatic based solely on my last 4 cars being them, but I'm a driver at heart...... and what impresses me is performance. And my e36 m3 out performs my e30. For the money it's very difficult to beat the e36 M3.... it's a better chassis, perfect 50/50 weight distribution, dead center driver position between the wheels, fantastic brakes, tones' of torque, a willingness to play, it just does everything well, A perfectly balance car in every area. And that's it's defining characteristic that it's followers appreciate most. It's hard to say that about any other cars. I compare it to a decathlete, it's going to out perform 90% of the cars on the road. The only ones that will out perform it in any discipline is going to be a specialist.

There I go defending my car lol...... but that's not the debate here, which car is better at "x" .......... It struck me though that an argument like this is similar to dog breeding..... "it has to be this color or it's no good, it has to come from a good line or it's no good. The pure ones aren't like this, let's put it down". But you know what, mixed dogs come out healthier, live longer, take on broader genes and become superior in so many ways........... jeeze, listen to me with all my analogies today lol. Did that even make sense? Sorry, I'm already drinking here at work...Friday........ you know how it is.

But to answer the original question..... no, I don't think of it as a classic auto. I think of it as a modern performance car that dominates over it's processors and gives everything after it a run for their money. Do I ever want it to be considered a classic??? Don't care.... as long as it puts a smile on my face I'll continue to drive it.

[VtwinVince]

Hey Andrew, where are you? Your euro E36 was the nicest one I've ever seen. Speaking of classics, I was dropping the hammer on some bikers out in Pt. Grey yesterday (in the car) and saw a yellow 246GT. Now that's a genuine classic.

[M635]

The E34 M5 has been a legendary vehicle. Its an amazing car, and it qualifies as a classics from the first year of production to the last year.

But the E36 M3...

ummm... To tell you the truth, I wouldn't keep it in the garage, it would be a daily driver car. Too much plastic, cheap made, doesn't really carry out the original status of the E30 M3. It blew the M3's reputation until the E46 M3 came out. I'd give an E36 a thumbs down any day. And its not because I'm a "classic" guy, and all I care about are the BMW older than 1990. I love some newer ones too, and I've seen the differences...

The E46 M3 coupe/cab are no joke, they are a mean car. You can actually see the difference between a regular E46 and a E46 M3. The double exhaust and quad tips in the center of the rear, the wider fenders, the loud scream that comes out of its motor. The E36 M3 and a regular E36, there just all the same... I can make a E36 325i look like a M3. But making a replica of the E30 and E46, are tough...

Then we come to the E39 M5...

That's a car of its own. The M5 always did have the biggest M motor. From the E34 production. Had the 3.6L I6 M-Power motor. The E39 is mind blowing! Even though its NOT the best daily driver (which it shouldn't) and does have an over-sized power house, it's still something.

But see, look at BMW's status at the moment. Forget about the exterior looks and such. Up until 1991, all models had the straight 6 motor, for anything, either M'd, or a daily driver, and they ALL BLEW DOORS off other cars. Now... we're seeing V8's and V10's for what!? BMW screwed themselves with there huge M motors. There's really no point to buy any new model M car anymore. BMW are excellent engineer's, especially when it comes to the motor, they are amazing. They could've kept the straight six (E39+, the E46 was a great production and was very successful) But now with the new V8 M3, its just so stupid. TOO MUCH COMPETITION! They are ruining their reputation.

[Mark D.]

Originally Posted by M635 The E34 M5 has been a legendary vehicle. Its an amazing car, and it qualifies as a classics from the first year of production to the last year. But the E36 M3... ummm... To tell you the truth, I wouldn't keep it in the garage, it would be a daily driver car. Too much plastic, cheap made, doesn't really carry out the original status of the E30 M3. It blew the M3's reputation until the E46 M3 came out. I'd give an E36 a thumbs down any day. And its not because I'm a "classic" guy, and all I care about are the BMW older than 1990. I love some newer ones too, and I've seen the differences... The E46 M3 coupe/cab are no joke, they are a mean car. You can actually see the difference between a regular E46 and a E46 M3. The double exhaust and quad tips in the center of the rear, the wider fenders, the loud scream that comes out of its motor. The E36 M3 and a regular E36, there just all the same... I can make a E36 325i look like a M3. But making a replica of the E30 and E46, are tough... Then we come to the E39 M5... That's a car of its own. The M5 always did have the biggest M motor. From the E34 production. Had the 3.6L I6 M-Power motor. The E39 is mind blowing! Even though its NOT the best daily driver (which it shouldn't) and does have an over-sized power house, it's still something. But see, look at BMW's status at the moment. Forget about the exterior looks and such. Up until 1991, all models had the straight 6 motor, for anything, either M'd, or a daily driver, and they ALL BLEW DOORS off other cars. Now... we're seeing V8's and V10's for what!? BMW screwed themselves with there huge M motors. There's really no point to buy any new model M car anymore. BMW are excellent engineer's, especially when it comes to the motor, they are amazing. They could've kept the straight six (E39+, the E46 was a great production and was very successful) But now with the new V8 M3, its just so stupid. TOO MUCH COMPETITION! They are ruining their reputation.

Wow thats a hell of an opinion, Im gonna keep mine to myself, hehehehe

There is a great article in last months Bimmer magazine on the Canadian Eurospec 94 E36 M3's. Amazing. I myself like anything with a M on it and wouldnt mind a 240 hp engine under the hood. The S50 and S52 engines are yummy. Nice set of Motorsport original mags and Im happy as a clam......

[M635]

Well to me, the E36 is a tough choice. When I look at it, I think perfect daily driver car. Not saying that they are the worst BMW's they should all burn... I for one would not keep it in the garage, maybe as stated above a Euro Spec popped up. Sure. The body shape doesn't really call out that's its mean, or anything. It just sits there, looking like an average E36. BMW did not really take this car too seriously. Look at the E30, and the E30 M3, anyone can tell that its an E30 M3. Wide body, longer body, different rear. It's different. (Same goes to the E46) And what's a huge difference between a E36 and a E36 M3? Nothing, longer bumper skirts and side skirts? That's all? Oh really showed me that its something. I didn't really like the E36 and I never will.