value of older M series

[Swagger951]

Hey everyone just decided to check out some BMW websites. I just sold my 1988 Porsche 944S (the 16 valve) and am in the market for a new toy. I've been looking at BMW's as I have owned 2 Saab 9000 Turbo's (both I tuned to make lots o' power) and I kind of enjoyed them.

Anyways, I'm pretty much dead-set on a 951, but there may be some convincing as I have now driven an E36 325i and it was quite fun. It had alot more low end to play with than my Porsche, although the suspension was not near as able. I decided to go look at some M series cars. They are exceptional cars, I love the styling and everything. The only problem is they seem like they all cost 10-15k, just for 80's examples! Are these cars really that breathtaking that just driving one would impress me more than a 951? I love bmw's and I would just like to hear what some people have to say on a bmw board rather than rennlist. Power? Handling (skidpad, anyone here autocross)? I'm looking at E30 M3's and the 80's M5's (whatever the chassis designation is). I do all the work on all my own vehicles (I'm an 18 year old with european cars, its necessary).

Thanks, Evan

[IrishBimmer]

wow, you would be my hero if you got an e30 m3, especially since your only 18. I"m 17 and it's my dream to own an e30 m3, maybe someday... but anyway, i've never actually driven an m3 but i've never heard a bad thing about it. unfortunately the average price tag is around 10-15k but if i had it i would totally put out the money to get one. the good news is that most of them have fairly low miles and are in really great condition since the only ones that made it through the 90's are owned by true bmw enthusiasts. well, if i were you i would get it, but the porsche would be really really nice too. wow, i guess i didn't really help at all, i just wanted to express my love for the e30 m3... :lol: sorry...

[skawful]

not to dis on the e30 m3, as it has amazing performance... but a more realistic option is a e36... much more to choose from... e30's are rare and few between and most of them have been raced to hell and back and been modded... even e36's are rare, but the kind of rare that would make the car respectable...
if you want the e30 go for it... but the e36 costs a little more for a newer and less work machine

but the e30 is classic... just my $0.02