The e36 was the first car they designed using CAD techniques. As such, they cut the strength of some components (most notable the rear floor where the subframe attaches) a little close. Floor failure isn't common per se, but it happens more often than it should a bmw; ie, before the first engine dies.
Mike Miller is a old school enthusiast - he loves e30s, HATES automatic transmissions, and it's public knowledge that he considers the e36 the worst car BMW has made.
That said, the gist of the response was that there doesn't seem to be a point to buying a newer BMW as a purely track car, because you'd be wasting so much money removing luxury items and beefing up the car, not to mention spending lots on consumables. I actually wrote to him about this so I'll post his own words:
Quote:
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Well, I knew I'd get flamed for that, but I've got to call 'em like I see 'em. The occasional driving school is one thing, but if you're going to have a new car that is pretty much dedicated to race track work, I can't see why anyone would want such a car to be as big, heavy, complicated, and expensive as a new BMW. BMW makes great road cars, perhaps the best for serious drivers. But I think their days as the best dual duty street/track car are over. And unless you're just a big rich guy who doesn't care, who is going to risk a $50,000+ M3 at the racetrack? Drive that car on the street, and get yourself an E30 325e sedan and tune it for the track -- that's what I say.
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