There is a reason why when you go to a BMW CCA event you see a ton of E36 M3s. Not as canterkous as the E30 M3, and more character than a E46. Perfect daily driver/track day car split I think.

BMW in the late 90s made some "stuff" didn't they? The "normal" 3 was a great sedan. The M Coupe and Roadster great raucous sports cars. The 540i 6 speed about the perfect sports sedan with the M5 just being more of the same.

It's funny. I have a Lotus Exige at the moment, great track car and not a bad daily. But if I got rid of it,the car I would want? An E39 M5.

By the way, Tom, that's another car to look at. You can get E39 540i 6 speeds now for $15 to 20k. A bit porky, but still a blast to drive, trackable if you wish, and cruise at 80 mph like no other manual sports sedan I know of.

Ah, the BMW love thread.......