It was a ‘99 / E36 Coupe / S52, and it seemed like every three weeks something needed to be replaced. Car was only 5 years old when I owned it, and the sunroof didn’t work, the HVAC didn’t work, the rear strut towers were rusted (and had already been repaired once), the trailing arm bushings were shot, the cooling…

When I had my M3, I learned that the M actually stood for “maintenance” instead of “motorsport.”  For a part-time car, I’d rather not pay M-Tax on the basic upkeep.  For a convertible, the enjoyment is having the top down, not carving apexes, 330 does that just right. 

They really are raspy, shitty things aren’t they?   It’s a shame. 

My ‘09 328 would like to have a word with you.  

It’s cute to think that “being rude” would ever stop Donald from doing anything. 

E46 is the perfect answer here.   I’ve been asking the same question with similar requirements - and E46 330ci is where I always end up.   Miata is too small for me at 6'4", I look out over the top of the windshield every time I drive one!

Bullshit, Barry - it’s NEVER winter in San Diego!

I have no money, and I owe the fed for taxes, and it’s 1400 miles away, but hot shit I might go buy that right now...

+1 quarter in my pocket. 

Might not be the worst thing for Mazda to roll up under Toyota.  There are plenty of “as long as they...” caveats there, but overall, the available resources would be beneficial.   Right?  I think?   Sure. 

Is the general feeling that this is better or not better than the BMW 235 gran coupe that’s coming to be essentially the same car?

Can you tell us anything about the cooling system?

What?  I don’t even see Bettman in those pics?

Carry on, May-ward Brad.

In the past 35 years, there’s been ample time to get therapy for that condition. 

Here, start at 2:50 of this and watch the FWD action.

Go find the video of the AWD M235 GC test mule doing massive drifts in the snow and learn for yourself that front biased can still handle neutrally. The next generation 2-series coupe will still be properly RWD.

I don’t want to sound plain, but isn’t a recent 911 the perfect answer here?  It’s got a back seat and everything!

that was not enough NSFW warning.  Jesus. 

I had to replace that ignition coil housing a few times in my now-wife’s old Sunfire, as they would crack and cause misfires.