This photograph was taken by me in 1978 (where the hell has the time gone...).

Friends with cars like this played a big part in my pre-occupation with muscle cars. It was owned at the time by an older friend, and this seemed an entirely proper thing to do on the evening before it was sold to its new owner. Ha Ha.

This kind of activity would be quite ridiculous in a contemporary 'performance' car, but somehow is quite acceptable in an American car muscle car.



... back on-topc, I can't imagine anyone being the slightest interested in a BMW M2 in 40 years time.

 

I did that in my Escort van on a straight road at the local sewage works.

UJ went shortly afterwards...

 

Quality pic. I was a way off my licence in '78

I think we'd all struggle to predict where cars will be in another 27 years. All electric i guess and probably auto drive so old f@#kers like us will be as much relics as that is with our penchant for stupid oversteer, rumbling v8s and screaming v12s

I want my lad to experience it though

 

I was born in 78

 

I like the idea of the M2 ... but feel an M235i is enough - 4.8 to 62 isn't too shabby and it looks good

 

Its not a load more grunt is it? I guess, as with other Ms they load std equipment, bespoke the suspension, widen the track etc

The M235 has quite a bare spec

 

M cars have never been about straight line performance. It's the way they drive.

M2 has forged parts in the engine, different steering, suspension, brakes, wider track etc etc. It's not as if 4.2 to 60 is slow! Lots of generous kit as standard, really no need to tick any options apart from maybe audio.

I went to BMW and drove the M4 on Friday, poor thing only had 10 miles on the clock and I gave it some stick. Felt faster than my 400 bhp+ Evo IV, and was quick in the bends. Just lacked soul for me. Monthlies worked out at £826 IIRC, car was £63k with some options.

Now looking at M235i and M2 prices. Undecided whether to get one, and if I do whether to run one alongside the S2000 or sell it. Initial M235i was £460, told them to come back to me with it being closer to £400 and I had a missed call yesterday morning.

 

Boxy but involving that E30. And that's why it's a great, as I understand.
BMW have just become so "obvious" these days. 9 series to come out in 2016 - followed by an M version Limo no doubt
In danger of becoming a bit clinical like VAG/Merc perhaps? Or is this the polished norm we have grown to expect? No excuses from me - I was certainly roped in to the classy looking Gulf.

Pole does point out that a 178bhp 5.8 litre, 3 speed pudding does at least give us all some appreciation for classics. Ridiculous as they are, something like a Mach 1 is much more head turning than a Hot Wheels BMW.
Not so sure it would be cheaper to run than a modern roller skate though

 

Depreciation alone would ensure it were for very reasonable commutes

I bought my E92 for pennies shy of £30k in June 2012, it was originally an Oct 2008 car so 3.5 years old and the list price was just shy of £60k. Either they got a discount or a haircut but likely both.

 

My 2450 mile 15 month old Z4 35iS was just under 30K as opposed to the 52K new ! I was happy but I doubt the owner who did 2450 miles whilst losing 22K was !!

I am now looking at an M235i that has lost £15K in 12 months but wonder what I will feel like when the sun comes out next year - that plus a 240i on the cards ... Hmmm ....