I finally bought one...and who'd have thought it would be for my wife.

I grew up with BMW's, so I have always loved them. My wife and I bought her a CPO x5 this week. I plan I getting rid of my other 2 cars to get myself one as well...although I am not sure what yet.

I am kind of a performance junkie...so we'll see.

I am in Ft. Collins.

Welcome!

Get an M3!

X5 is a nice start. Drive some different models to see what suits you. If you are a performance junkie welcome to the crack house.

Another Fort Collins-er, good stuff.

Welcome :)

Welcome to the club. Nice to see another person from Fort Collins.

Sweet!

What color C-SVT?

It's black (hasn't been on the road since Oct)...soon to be the highest hp documented SVT-C. Built forged 3L with custom turbo.


I ran my t3/4 57 trim as high as it would go. So I just got done installed a t3/t4 60-1 with a .82 turbine.

I am hoping for 400 front wheel horsepower.... like I said I am a performance junky.
Really I it's a cost vs. enjoyment issue on what model.
I like the 335i (because it is new, warranty...etc., but I don't want to spend the money)
I like the E39 M5...love it actually, but part of me (the responsible part) says what are you doing spending that much on a 5-7 yr old car!!!
I like the E46 M3...but I do have 2 kids.
I like the E36 M3...the price mostly...but I don't know that would satisfy my performance vice.
I LOVE the E30 M3...but I can't daily drive one of those...that is sacrilege...

I even thought how about an E30 and an E36...but then one stays out in the weather...so it'll be a bit before I decide. I gotta sell the Contour, and I drive an 02 6spd Maxima right now, that will also need to be sold.

I'm surprised that nobody has made more than 400 whp on the 3.0L yet... The SHO guys are doing it left and right, even on the stock bottom end. My friend Jason is building a monster, forged 3.2L with around 16-18psi of Vortech induced fun. I'll be disappointed if we don't make 500+ whp. He made 380 whp on 9 psi.

Check the forced induction forum. 400 is for sissies in that forum.

Michael

you need an E46 323 with an LSx swap... that would do the trick.

400 whp for a Contour is insane...plus it is completely different than the SHO. Not near the production or after market. the max at this point is 401 with a 2.5 and there is one other guy that has an unofficial 415...I am being conservative with my guess...the turbo can flow much more than that.

But I am selling it, no sense in pushing it. It's actually pretty dumb to have tht much power in a contour. NO traction.

On my mild tune at 10psi I made 333. I could run this one close to 18 or 19. we'll see.

Oops, I didn't read carefully. I thought he was talking about a 3.0L BMW engine.

Michael

well I drove a 98 M3 vert today...5 spd.
It had 69k on it. I didn't like it that much...didn't feel as solid as I would have expected from BMW..maybe b/c it's the vert.

It didn't feel fast either. Getting in my 02 6spd Maxima...I feel I could spank that M3.

Was something up with this one? Is the hardtop much better? I really thought I would like them...I was disappointed.

well I drove a 98 M3 vert today...5 spd.
It had 69k on it. I didn't like it that much...didn't feel as solid as I would have expected from BMW..maybe b/c it's the vert.

It didn't feel fast either. Getting in my 02 6spd Maxima...I feel I could spank that M3.

Was something up with this one? Is the hardtop much better? I really thought I would like them...I was disappointed.

this one I'm assuming... http://fortcollins.craigslist.org/car/284888337.html

It was a while ago so I'm trying to remember, but I drove a vert and didn't like it either. I would never buy a vert, I just wanted to get a feel for the car when I was buying one.

Call Aram, he's selling his M3. Extremely nice car! http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=673584

Let me first say that I've never driven an M3 convertible. With that said, I wouldn't base your judgement off a convertible anything. Its heavier, creakier, not as stiff, and just more to lug around. Plus, you're comparing a '98 M3 with approx 240 hp to an 02 Maxima which has probably come along way since the Maximas of '98.

Keep your head high. Find a solid M3 with a roof and you'll fair a little better. By the way, BMW really took a step in the wrong direction making a convertible M anything.

Michael

I drove a vert, and it seemed really crappy to me too... Creaky, flexy, and slow. I'm pretty sure my car would run with or walk your Maxima, but the vert I drove definitely wouldn't have.

You're welcome to take my car for a spin sometime, I'm pretty sure it is relatively healthy.

I would actually like to...drive or see your car
I wouldn't say for sure the Maxima is faster...b/c I have driven cars that "feel" fast that are truely not and vice versa.

Yes that was the vert I drove.

I also drove a 03 M3 SMG today. I like the car...hated the tranny, not to mention the fact it was a stupid salesman...telling me something about he has n old 911 turbo (79) and puts the cruise control on at 155 and just drives it like that...whatever.
Do the SMG's not have a fully automatic mode? They are a little more than I want to spend, but a good deal would not be a total no.

I'll be around Saturday, or any evening this week after 7 pm. Shoot me a PM and I'll get you my phone number.

The 03 is definitely faster than my car, SMG or not. I drove a friend's 06 6-Speed M3 and I loved it. The motor is so much nicer than an E36. I'd love to go that direction with my car, just not sure I'm willing to put that much money in it.

The SMG does have a full automatic mode but it is still never going to drive as smooth as a real automatic. SMG is a great transmission once you learn all the little tricks that make it shift smooth but it takes time to master.

I drove a 323 for kicks...ya not me...I need more, but of course they wanted to give me an awesome deal!!!
What part of Ft Collins are you in? I am near Trilby and Lemay. Sat I am hoping to actually get the SVT out on the road again.

I'm up at Prospect and Taft Hill. I'd love to check out the Contour.

come on down tomorrow then...I am hoping to get an early start.

I'll give you a ring after I get out of the gym and get some breakfast then, contrary to what my PM said. (I looked there first).