<E30 M3> to buy or not to buy?

[E30325is@xxxxxxx]

>  I'm interested in purchasing another car. I was looking around for an
>  E30 M3 and came across 2.   I am used to driving an '90 E30 325i and a '96 
E34 >  525i. They are both much smoother than the E30 M3 being 6-pots. The 
M3's lack >  of low end grunt really disappointed me. 
>  
I have an '87 325is, while my friend owns an '88 M3, and we trade cars on a 
regular basis.  if youre looking for a car with tons of torque off the line, 
the M3 is not for you. however, if you enjoy spooling your engine up to 
motorcycle like RPMs and having it still build power, then look no further. i 
too miss the low end torque that my iS has. on the flip side, it sure is nice 
being able to downshift into third at 75 mph and have the car pull strongly. 
The S14 is a loud, buzzy, but extremely powerful engine.  The M3 is a loud, 
buzzy, and somewhat violent car. however, this is the whole point of the M 
car in my mind; to bring race car characteristics right to the street. if 
there ever was a car that truly embodies the essence of the M car, this is it.

>  However I think I cannot get over the E30 M3's looks. 

it is a beautiful car, plain and simple.

>  So my question is, are my observations uncharacteristic of the E30 M3? 

nope, not in my opinion

>  Which models are best (between 1987-1992)? Should I get one with the OBD ? 
 

i believe that all M3s after '88 were equipped with aluminum control arms. i 
assume that by 'OBD' you mean 'OBC' (on board computer), and i dont think 
that was an option on M3s. you got one whether you wanted it or not. (dont 
quote me on this though)  i am not an M3 expert at all, just someone who is 
around them fairly often. im sure the M3 guys on the digest could supply way 
more info than i can. good luck.

Kyle B.    NCC

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