Ok, so I've owned a Type-R before, and made the mistake of selling it and getting a BMW E36 325is. Long story short, RWD rules in the rain, but this car is too sedated, not raw/loud enough, not nimble enough, and generally just not what I want in a car. So I'm faced with selling my car, and the choice of what to get next. I've driven several E30 M3's on the street and track (the old boxy kind, 4-banger, a REAL M-car), and I loved it. I have found a 1991 with 50,000 miles, and I can get it for around 16k and lets say adding 3k in replacing/rebuilding various parts initially once i get it. Its got lots of nice suspension upgrades, I have a friend who would give me a free bolt in cage, and I am very friendly with a local BMW tuner. The other option is to pick up a 2000 or 2001 Type-R with around 15k miles, and have a car that is really similar to the E30 in more ways than one would imagine. Each has its benefits and its drawbacks, mainly the M3 being older (expensive to fix and out of warranty), and the Type-R's being that it is newer and cheaper to own, but front wheel drive (I know that it doesn't really feel like a traditional FF car, but it'll never have power-on oversteer at a track), and that I can't race it in BMW Club Racing like I could with the E30 M3. So I'd like to hear from people who might have experience with both, and who could give me some direction here... I realize that either way I'm in a good position, but I don't want to make the wrong choice.... Thanks in advance...

 

If you have to daily drive the car I'd go with the E30 M3.

Even if the car is only a weekend toy, I'd probably still go with the E30 M3.


[Modified by Reid, 1:05 PM 10/1/2002]

 

Tough choice.

I'd probably get the M3, but I can't say for sure.

 

Given your situation, I'd have to say I'd definitely go with the M3.

The ITR is great, but the PITA it becomes is not worth the trouble.

E30 M3 = RWD ITR.

 

I'd get the E30...I always loved them since my dad used to have a '88 white one.

 

An e30 M3 is a rarity that could never been passed up. Both are great cars, and Id have a tough time choosing between the two. However, the uniqueness and collectability of the E30 M3 would sway may decision. However, the ITR maybe a better Daily Driver. I think a e30 M3 needs to be garaged with a cover on it. Only to be used on days when the track is calling. A lot of parts need to be replaced on old M3s regardless of milage. Usually the rear upper strut bushings are rotted, the driveshaft rubber "donut" usually shows some rotting. Also, the O rings on the intake manifold rot and fall upon due to the high vibrations. etc, etc. Can you tell I looked at E30's? So you see small things will have to be done here and there. The ITR unmolested could bascially be driven will just fuel and oil+filter changes. I still dont know. Flip a coin.

 

Get the E30 M3

 

I have seen a whole bunch of E30 m's (lots at laguna seca last weekend) and some at the place thats building my engine.

those cars are just hardcore, no fake carbon fiber dash, ITB's they are all about performance.

but, both the bmw and acura will be equally reliable. the bmw is starting with higher quality parts to begin with though

talk to warren on this board
he has both an E30 and 98 itr (itr is track car though for hiim)

 

 

I LOVE THE E30!! IF I had any extra money and could pick that up for a weekend car I would die. I've never driven one, but I've seen them and lovem. Plus as an M3 you know it's gotta perform. I would say flip a coin, but its really about how you drive. If you can afford some down time with the M3 replacing parts and what not then go with that. But I like the ITR because I can use it as a daily driver, and not worry about it being out of action.

 

Holy thread resurrection ...

 

I'll get the ITR simply cuz it's alot more newer...you are paying the same price for a 10 years older car?....hello!!?

 

Holy smokes batman, u have some grammar issues

 

hahahaahahahahaahahahhaaha, Good God!
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JETYDOSA &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Holy thread resurrection ...</TD></TR></TABLE>

I just saw the date of the original post... this is still better than those " ITR vs ....." threads and newbie posts.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by TypeR864 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Holy smokes batman, u have some grammar issues </TD></TR></TABLE>

Ah...my 2am bad-grammar syndrome kicked in again.

Anyway, let's play the "Who can resurrect the oldest thread on H-T" game.


Modified by nEoMuGen at 9:49 AM 9/11/2004

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nEoMuGen &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Ah...my 2am bad-grammar syndrome kicked in again.</TD></TR></TABLE>

 

I saw an E30 M last night while driving around with the lady.

It was nicely auto x / track prepped. Nice cage, camera mount, oversized Azenis and a gutted interor. It was sweet. He had SCCA and M-Club stickers all over it.

Gave him a thumbsup and he gave me the usual Bimmer owner response.............none

 

e30 m3, but be ready to spend some $$ on maintenance, upkeep, and parts

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by opie &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I saw an E30 M last night while driving around with the lady.

It was nicely auto x / track prepped. Nice cage, camera mount, oversized Azenis and a gutted interor. It was sweet. He had SCCA and M-Club stickers all over it.

Gave him a thumbsup and he gave me the usual Bimmer owner response.............none</TD></TR></TABLE>

If it's red, I know whose car that is

Me and Edgar beat him on a regular basis, that's why he was hating...

 

Wow, an old thread... but, I have to chip in, 'cuz I love E30 M3.

E30 M3 &gt; ITR

Too bad that you rarely see a bone stock E30 M3 w/ low mileage for sale.

 

^ i agree

 

what a tough one...im sorry but i just can't throw out my opinion. im confused my self!!!

 

the r gets my vote

 

**** on the POS m3 and take the R

 

old BMWs - yuk. They are so ugly, expensive to fix and not even fast. I would go for the Type R every time even if you offered me a E36 M3. If you gave me a 2003 or newer M3 THEN I'd have to say bye bye to the R lol.