[ILC32]

Originally Posted by Steved

1st place was given to the E30 M3 EVO, 2nd to the M3 CSL and 3rd to the E39 M5. The M1 made the final 4 (out of 13) ahead of all the modern M-cars.

Its hard to argue with the E30 in first place. The car was a true homologation special. No M car since the E30 has been developed specifically for competition purposes. Not even the CSL can claim this distinction.

I cannot understand the M5 being included in the top 3 over the E92. By what criteria is the M5 better? (Perhaps an Evo editor owns an E39?)

[nusevad]

damn thats sick to see the busted out the M1.

[13eastie]

Originally Posted by Steved

I would agree with that. Some people have driven the new M3 and were dissapointed to find it was not a monster, whilst others have driven it and said it was 'everything' they always wanted in an M-car. I think its a better all round M-car than the E46 M3, and would certainly have chosen the E92 M3 rather than the E46 M3 CS that we also drove in comparison.

Thanks, as ever, for the objective opinions, Steve.

It is becoming more and more clear to me that the E92 M3 is perhaps the true successor to the old 6-series.

It seems to have much more of an all round GT character (refinement, power, size, versatility) than its ancestors, but objectively still offers fantastic performance

Since this is going to be my main car (i.e. +2hrs/day av. speed 15 mph) I'm really not too unhappy about this either...

[Dammmittt]

Good info, but I love my M car over all others...if nothing else it brings the sexy back

[TheAcAvenger]

Originally Posted by ILC32

I cannot understand the M5 being included in the top 3 over the E92. By what criteria is the M5 better? (Perhaps an Evo editor owns an E39?)

I can totally understand. The E46 and E39 were two of the most precise handling chassis ever produced by any company. Even in 530i M-sport trim, that car's handling rivaled the E46 M3 and seemed just as balanced, if not more balanced doing it. I only got to drive the E39 M5 a few times, but I tell everyone that I honestly believe it is the best bmw in the last 20 years. (Being that there's no M3 CSL over here, that one doesn't count. And no offense to you E46 M3 drivers, that one will always be a very very very close second). The E46 and E39 frames represent to many bmw fans the end of an era. The E9x series of cars doesnt even begin to compare. M or no M, there's no comparison between the FEEL of a e92 335i and the FEEL of even a 525i nonsport. After spending so much time in an m-sport 530i (they came with different suspension back in those days, not just a kit), I had to get serious coilovers to make me feel like i'd evolved (well, and to do some other things).

The E39 M5 FTW. If I had the cash lying around and trusted old cars more, I would buy one right now just to be a housepet.