Herbmiester

Ok Ron as you cant get past OHV V8's what's your take on this comparison: http://www.motortrend.com/news/bmw-m3-vs-cadillac-ats-v-sedan-vs-mercedes-amg-c63-s-comparison/ To me it seems that GM Alpha platform might just be OK. They have the same tyres this time but yet again the BMW runs bigger brakes. I am not panning the M3; again it would be my choice especially in that blue, but it does seem like the facts contradict you. “For better or worse, it seems that Cadillac engineered the ATS-V to be sport sedan first and a luxury car second.”

Stance is just stupid.

A lot of genetalisations there Ron. The GM alpha platform is very well regarded and the LS series of engies is far from clunky, they are light years away from the old small block chevy, light, compact, with a linear power delivery. As already mentioned I would take the m3, but I would not dismiss the Camaro.

Seriously, brakes and tyres make a huge difference on a track. I believe you said that yourself.

Nicely presented 330i, price seem around the right area.

Ron you crack me up you're so busy being biased you can't see the forest from the trees. Who cares about HP per litre it's only relevant in a race class that has a cc limit. What's important for an everyday car is the packaging. An LS weighs about the same as an S50/54 and sits further back due to the shorter OAL and even the older 5.7's can make 450 plus HP without it costing a fortune. Tuning an S motor costs a lot for very little gain say 360-375 HP, impressive for a 3.2l no doubt, but 375 is not 450 and you can slice and dice that anyway you want but figures dont lie and liars dont figure. The new Camaro weighs 200 lbs more than the M4, and the M4 has bigger brakes and by the look of it better tyres, so how does the Camaro keep up? Must be the motor or perish the though the chassis. Now just to clarify I would still prefer to own the M4, why? Well it looks better, it's bound to be nicer inside and to be frank anything with turbos can be tuned for more horsepower and if the E92 335i is any indication a lot more HP. My point is however that BMW are no longer the leaders and if a lowly Camaro can stay with it then it's time for BMW to rekindle the ultimate driving machine ethos, perhaps the M4 Competition Package will address that, problem is I won't be able to afford one.

Another video that amazed me. An M3 slower than a front wheel drive. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3n7zhb7aN8 And for a Ron; a Dinosaur Clunker lapping faster than a Nissan GTR a technological tour de force. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqkyWhVBSKU

Nothing wrong with a 6lr V8 that gets similar fuel economy to a 3lt turbo. As to technology in my books it's worth dick if it doesn't translate to real world gains. Look at VW/Audi's 5 valve engines; Yawn. Oh and tecnology is not just measured by the number of cams you have. Now Ron it's obvious you're a V8 hater, but from what I have just read BMWs premium driving car just got got equaled and subjectively beaten by a so called clunker. And that clunker is just a cooking version what will the Z28 or Z06 do? The last Z28 lapped willow springs faster than a Nissan GTR. I have to say you are so misinformed about the LS engine series; they are so easy to extract power from and its very cheap especially in comparison to say an M54 where the only meaningful gains can be made with forced induction. The LS series are shorter, lower and weigh, a lot less than BMW's V8's. HP per cubic inch is one measure but what about HP per CC of engines external dimensions? Or HP per Dollar! I moved to BMW's for the chassis as I got tired of the average chassis that Holden and Ford offered (The VF is not too bad) but apart from the M motors I am a little underwhelmed by how expensive it is pull an HP out of the M50-54 series, and an S54 cost moon beams.

I have often thought my E46 represented the last of the real drivers BMWs and I still really like the e36 Chassis. But how does someone like GM who have made crap for decades get it right while BMW seems to have regressed?

Perhaps it should read has BMW lost its way? When the new M4 came out I was genuinely impressed and although I really like the E92, one of the most engaging cars I have driven, I thought well turbo is the way forward but it seems like the new M cars have lost a bit of whatever it is that made them special. Now I haven't driven the F80/82 so my comments are based on other's reviews. But as an BMW convert coming from muscle cars this review was a little surprising. Whats even more thought provoking is the Hot versions of the Camaro are yet to be released. Hmmm. maybe I should stick an LS1 in my e46. http://www.motortrend.com/news/comparison-2015-bmw-m4-vs-2016-chevrolet-camaro-ss/

E60, I owned an E60 and drove an E39 for a while and the E60 was hands down the better car. Now that may be different at M5 level so I will defer to those who know better but I will say one of the best automotive noises I have heard is an E60 M5 revving hard. Closely followed by S54 at full noise.

Silver, is there any other colour for an M car?

A NZ New M3 with under 100,000 km (just) just sold on TM for $22700. Not feeling 18k worth of love for the 330.

No one will pay pay the "perceived" full retail anymore. As per Rons example; negotiate.

What a tool, I lodged a complaint with TM.

Beauty is more than skin deep and under the skin my 330 is starting to become very attractive indeed. That run over the weekend confirmed the chassis has some talent.

S54

Cheap 330ci with expensive underpinnings.

Rotors installed, just waiting on the braided lines to turn up tomorrow. Gave the calipers a quick paint as well.

I had an E46 325i setup on my E36 325i. I was going to go with the 330ci setup on the E36 but the 325i swap is easier just swap out the front caliper carriers. I hope to have the new rotors in by the weekend.

My buddies 550i has a sweet sounding exhaust I will try and find out what's been done to it.

Come to the meet next week there will be another E60 there as well 550i you V8 boys can swap stories.

My old E60 had issues with a flat battery, needed to have some sort of reprogramming done when the new battery went in.

I get them from Aussie http://www.empoweredautoparts.com.au/ They had a deal on the 330 rotors a little while back.

My new front rotors for the 330ci turned up today, I will use some Hawk HP pads, braided lines and a fluid flush with some new Dot 5.1 fluid. Not sure what brand of fluid so recommendations welcome. The Rotors are RDA and are heat treated and have a corrosion resistant finish.