M cars on Top Gear
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Category: Technical & Model Specific Forums
Forum Name: BMW ///M Power
Forum Discription: Ask your BMW M Power Technical Questions here (M1, M2 hybrids, M3, M5 & M6)
URL: http://www.bavarian-board.co.uk/forum_posts.asp?TID=3846
Printed Date: 02-June-2024 at 11:34
Topic: M cars on Top Gear
Posted By: M3Moose
Subject: M cars on Top Gear
Date Posted: 02-November-2003 at 21:28
| Came in half way through the programme to see a M5,M1 & M3 together on Isle Of Man. Have yet to see full 'report' but they raved about M3....expect prices to rise? |
Replies:
Posted By: falkster
Date Posted: 02-November-2003 at 21:31
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I went out and bought this months cos someone said they were in that. Ive been out tonight and missed it
Damn ------------- Z3M Roadster (gone....just...but not forgotten...yet) E30 M3 (Toy) Alfa 147 (just gone) BMW 330d (new work horse) Daimler Double 6 (no idea yet) |
Posted By: M3Moose
Date Posted: 02-November-2003 at 21:35
| I think the programme is repeated at some point in the week, possibly on BBC3. I have it on video....well I think I have.....if needs be. |
Posted By: MONO
Date Posted: 02-November-2003 at 21:52
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hehehe Where was the E36 M3?? that CSL sounded awesome!! nearly as good as mine with the ACS exhaust! ------------- 
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Posted By: PJSM3
Date Posted: 02-November-2003 at 21:53
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If anyone knows when it is to be repeated will they post the time please. Thanks |
Posted By: kevin
Date Posted: 03-November-2003 at 07:00
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Somebody put the footage on this site http://www.bun.btinternet.co.uk/topgear.avi - http://www.bun.btinternet.co.uk/topgear.avi but be warned its 24MB. Also there is an error in the commentary.
------------- Kevin '04 E46 330Ci Convertible '08 E61 535d Touring (TorqueMeister Towbarge) ’95 E34 M5 ’89 E30 M3 (Cecotto) |
Posted By: geofflowe
Date Posted: 03-November-2003 at 09:23
| Seeing the E30 M3 thrashing around those roads reminded me of a pleasant holiday in italy in mine last year. Mr hammond mentioned he didn't want to get out of it - know what he means - just wish I still had mine!! I WILL get another one, one day!! |
Posted By: rcwtom
Date Posted: 03-November-2003 at 09:25
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Have never been to the Isle of Man before, can someone explain the speed rules there, can you really go as fast as you want?, how is that possible?.
Anyone up for a trip to the Isle.. as they said in Top Gear, Top Gear paradise island  ------------- M3 Sport EVO |
Posted By: m3geezer
Date Posted: 03-November-2003 at 09:37
| basically the british goverment don't have anything to do with the isle of man, british rules/legislation doesn't have much to do there, hence the roads have a derestricted limit, hence like most german autobahns. |
Posted By: M3Nally
Date Posted: 03-November-2003 at 10:27
|
I was speaking to a chap from the Isle of Man a couple of weeks ago and he was telling me there are no limits.
The only things to make you slow down are the stone walls!! Police will only give you a pull for bad driving, not like over here. |
Posted By: M3Nally
Date Posted: 03-November-2003 at 10:29
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Hey M3Moose I missed Top Gear as I was decorating all weekend, can I borrow your tape? PM me for details
Cheers Kevin |
Posted By: johnny318is
Date Posted: 03-November-2003 at 10:53
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Didn't someone's car get damaged on the day? ------------- John Plymouth UK 96 E34 540i Individual 98 E39 523i SE 01 Renaultsport Clio 172 |
Posted By: RichardF
Date Posted: 03-November-2003 at 11:56
As far as I know the only thing to get damaged was my rear tyres 
The IOM is quite a popular place for car clubs. The Porsche club and Scooby club were both over recently. What happens is if enough cars come over, you can apply to close certain roads for a couple of hours and blast up and down them safe in the knowledge that nothing is coming the other way. There is also a track at Jurby (www.duketrackdays.com) So you can have a thrash on closed roads one day and have a track day the following day. Again, if enough people are interested it is possible to get deals on ferries / hotels etc. There are obviously speed limits in town and these are slowly creeping further out, but there are still plenty of completely de-restricted roads. Give me a shout if any of you guys / girls come over and we can have a thrash round the TT course. Happy Days  ------------- 1995 E34 M5 Limited Edition Orinoco Green (01/50) |
Posted By: mmm-five
Date Posted: 03-November-2003 at 12:25
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I think I may have to take you up on that offer Richard, but it will have to wait until next Spring at the earliest as my winter is booked solid for slip-slidey track days. Should be able to get a cheap ferry from Liverpool. ------------- |
Posted By: M3AG
Date Posted: 03-November-2003 at 15:20
|
quote from their site
"The circuit is 1.5 miles in length. All corners are of different radius with top speeds of over 150mph on the straights!" plus "Trackday Car and Driver £65 Trackday Additional Driver £35 Passengers and Spectators FREE" All sounds good to me. ------------- we're the Sweeney son, and we ain't had our dinner..... |
Posted By: M3Moose
Date Posted: 03-November-2003 at 18:45
| Count me in for a trip to IOM next year.....who's organising? |
Posted By: BMG M3
Date Posted: 03-November-2003 at 19:26
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I'd go to , especially if a section of road was closed
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Posted By: evosport
Date Posted: 03-November-2003 at 19:52
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What M3 did they use for the footage on the Isle of Man, from what was said it was a 200bhp car, but the car appeared to have Evo Sport front seats. The car was also fitted with front fog lights.
Keep an look out for december issue of Top Gear mag, out 5th November, cos my car is in it. Craig |
Posted By: M3Moose
Date Posted: 03-November-2003 at 20:35
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BMG wrote: I'd go to , especially if a section of road was closed.
As a fellow Ring regular, I thought you'd be up for it too Brian
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Posted By: B10VYT
Date Posted: 03-November-2003 at 20:43
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The M635 was conspicuous by its absence which was a shame as they only told three quarters of the story. I don't recall them even mentioning it!
I for one would have enjoyed seeing an M6 driven in anger on those IOM roads - perhaps they couldn't find a decent one or someone willing to let them break one. 
The M3CSL sounded fabulous - an instant classic! ------------- Nick |
Posted By: BMG M3
Date Posted: 03-November-2003 at 21:09
Could be as much fun as a Ring weekend 
|
M3Moose wrote:Posted By: endeavour_uk
Date Posted: 03-November-2003 at 22:58
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I think the Isle of Mann may be getting a surge of visitors after that report. The report was excellent but all those who's cars didn't make the program (in my case an E28 M5) will feel there was something missing. Just have to go over myself to redress the balance. After Jezza's report on the CSL, I have reserved funds out of that lottery win that should happen any week now. It sounded on the mean side of vicious |
Posted By: rr_ww
Date Posted: 04-November-2003 at 00:05
Problem is that after any media coverage, you get an invrease in the numbers of people looking for M cars. Also the sellers put the prices up!
Makes it harder for enthusiasts, Oh and the TG report was OK, but left a lot of cars and info out. Noticed he said the M5 was a "94 series 2 car" when it was blatently on a N reg! |
Posted By: kevin
Date Posted: 04-November-2003 at 00:13
|
Sorry but the error was even more blatant. "1988 Series 2 200bhp", when driving the 95 (or possibly '96) M5. Oops.still great footage with the M5 reflected off the M3. For those with bandwidth see my earlier posting where somebody has a great capture of the program segment (warning 24 MB). Despite the errors it finished my weekend on a high. ------------- Kevin '04 E46 330Ci Convertible '08 E61 535d Touring (TorqueMeister Towbarge) ’95 E34 M5 ’89 E30 M3 (Cecotto) |
Posted By: lozlee
Date Posted: 04-November-2003 at 05:58
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I get Top Gear on BBC World over here. Last weeks episode was on upmarket 4x4s and a TVR T350. How old is that episode as I can't wait to see the M Car episode? ------------- Jakarta M5 |
Posted By: kevin
Date Posted: 04-November-2003 at 06:31
|
It was broadcast in the UK on Sunday 2 Nov 03 ------------- Kevin '04 E46 330Ci Convertible '08 E61 535d Touring (TorqueMeister Towbarge) ’95 E34 M5 ’89 E30 M3 (Cecotto) |
Posted By: lozlee
Date Posted: 04-November-2003 at 06:40
|
Sorry, I mean't how old is the BBC World episode which I mentioned so I can figure out how far we are behind UK in terms of Top Gear broadcasts. Thanks ------------- Jakarta M5 |
Posted By: Timmy
Date Posted: 04-November-2003 at 09:31
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In response to evosport.... Hi, it was my E30 they used, I live over here. Well spotted, mine is a 87 200BHP car but I managed to source a complete Sport interior excluding the belts soon after I bought it. The originals are tucked away in the loft if ever I sell it (highly unlikely!) For the record, I have tried over the last couple of years to get a trip organised by the club. The Government actively encourage such visits with cheap fares and hotels but strangely there seemed to be a huge amount of apathy. Fortunately, John Safe who I met through my trips on the BMW Club @ the Ring has picked up the thread (he is IOM and TT mad). Watch out for announcements in the club magazine, but this may not be till '05. If however anyone fancies a trip over, myself and Rich in the M5 will be more than happy to show you the way round Clarkson was a bit economically with the truth on the speed issues, there are many places where the 37.73 mile TT course is 30mph, but also a number of truly unrestricted sections. Prime M country. Maybe catch you soon Timmy 87 E30 M3 92 Porsche Carrera RS
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Posted By: Chris Miller
Date Posted: 04-November-2003 at 09:35
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Timmy car sounded great on the program what exhaust you running ?.
|
Posted By: John W
Date Posted: 04-November-2003 at 09:51
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Timmy,
Nice cars you have there. And de-restricted roads. You lucky beggar. |
Posted By: Timmy
Date Posted: 04-November-2003 at 09:59
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Chris Running a Scorpion which I'm actually not happy with - should have gone for a Miltek by the look of things, although I hadnt come across them when I purchased. Damn things got a lifetime warranty as well!. Havent been pulled a trackday yet but I cant be far off, doesnt sound as sweet as standard.
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Posted By: Timmy
Date Posted: 04-November-2003 at 10:01
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Cheers John It's a tough call on a sunny sunday morning. M is much sweeter and predicatable to drive. RS is much faster but you sometimes feel it's driving you. |
Posted By: M3Nally
Date Posted: 04-November-2003 at 11:38
|
I have just downloaded the 24Mb onto windows media player and have got 6minutes 33 seconds of sound only.
Is that right? Or should I have seen video as well? I have to agree with the little Top Gear twerp though for once about the M3. The original and the best
|
Posted By: falkster
Date Posted: 04-November-2003 at 12:08
|
He said 98 series 2 (sorry to be sad and point it out) ------------- Z3M Roadster (gone....just...but not forgotten...yet) E30 M3 (Toy) Alfa 147 (just gone) BMW 330d (new work horse) Daimler Double 6 (no idea yet) |
Posted By: falkster
Date Posted: 04-November-2003 at 12:10
|
Go onto Kazaa and download DivX decoder then you will get the picture aswell Chris ------------- Z3M Roadster (gone....just...but not forgotten...yet) E30 M3 (Toy) Alfa 147 (just gone) BMW 330d (new work horse) Daimler Double 6 (no idea yet) |
Posted By: endeavour_uk
Date Posted: 04-November-2003 at 13:38
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Has any nice person posted a video of the CSL test? I downloaded the M Cars one and it played back fine. Took a while on my ISDN line, but then that's what you get for living in the sticks. Roll on broadband!
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Posted By: M3Nally
Date Posted: 04-November-2003 at 14:31
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Thanks Falkster,
I loaded up DivX and upgraded to windows media player 9 for XP and all OK now. A good bit of video to watch every now and again. |
Posted By: B 7 VP
Date Posted: 04-November-2003 at 17:49
 Ok!!! Club will organise IOM visit, BUT--all depends on YOU.Special deal for us, depending on NUMBERS , which decides how much freedom we get.Look out for item in Dec Mag.Richard & Tim say it, like it is.BUT depends on YOU. ------------- SAFETYFAST |
Posted By: kevin
Date Posted: 04-November-2003 at 19:22
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Hey count me in...I'll bring the M3 ------------- Kevin '04 E46 330Ci Convertible '08 E61 535d Touring (TorqueMeister Towbarge) ’95 E34 M5 ’89 E30 M3 (Cecotto) |
Posted By: skull
Date Posted: 04-November-2003 at 19:28
|
I.O.M SPEED LIMITS ARE
30, 40, 50 and 60 limits are in force ,this means you stick to the limit like normal , the national speed limit sign means ===============================> as fast as your car or bike can go , i was there when the TT Was on and you still get a ticket in the speed limits. ------------- just a little crazy. My drive E46 M3 COUPE [MAN]CARBON BLACK GREY LEATHER H/K 19"s LED REARS S/B. |
Posted By: John W
Date Posted: 04-November-2003 at 19:30
You're damn right!! |
Posted By: BMG M3
Date Posted: 04-November-2003 at 22:42
| for those who missed it and would like to see the CSL then click here http://www.racingflix.com/browsevideos.asp?p=6 - csl link |
Posted By: dom_k
Date Posted: 05-November-2003 at 07:28
| ive just watched it coz a lass i know taped it for me! its quite good i rekon... 2 csl's, a m1, m3 and m5 on top gear in the same night??!! |
Posted By: m3Cecotto
Date Posted: 05-November-2003 at 13:07
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and a z4. |
Posted By: M BLUR
Date Posted: 05-November-2003 at 13:13
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CSL is lovely but I would rather personally spend the money on a sorted 964/993 RS. Has anyone got an Isle of Man trip planned for next year?
------------- www.lbmracing.com 
1998 Zeemax M Roadster 2005 X5 3.0D Sport 1991 Esprit SE Race car |
Posted By: Andy OH
Date Posted: 05-November-2003 at 13:56
|
For £60K you might just get a second hand 996 GT3, also if you look hard enough on certain german sites you could probably get a 964 RS & a 993 RS for £60K.
The lure of a 964 RS is getting bigger and bigger for me, but I think I'll keep my Sport for a little while longer as I hardly use it anyway adn thank god it's not loosing any money. |
Posted By: M BLUR
Date Posted: 05-November-2003 at 14:26
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Autofarm chave stated that they source good 964 RS for between 35-45K & 993 RS for £40K+. http://www.autofarm.com/ - http://www.autofarm.com/ Shirley's have a 996 GT3 for £62,995 (or thereabouts) at the moment. http://www.shirleys-garage.co.uk/ - http://www.shirleys-garage.co.uk/ If I keep the M Roadster fairly standard for cruising then a more track orientated RS would seem the ticket..
------------- www.lbmracing.com
1998 Zeemax M Roadster 2005 X5 3.0D Sport 1991 Esprit SE Race car |
Posted By: skull
Date Posted: 05-November-2003 at 17:29
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csl link not working ,,,,,,,,,, please i want to see it ------------- just a little crazy. My drive E46 M3 COUPE [MAN]CARBON BLACK GREY LEATHER H/K 19"s LED REARS S/B. |
Posted By: kevin
Date Posted: 05-November-2003 at 19:12
|
Just picked up the December issue and it has Steve Soper giving his verdict on 18 M cars. ------------- Kevin '04 E46 330Ci Convertible '08 E61 535d Touring (TorqueMeister Towbarge) ’95 E34 M5 ’89 E30 M3 (Cecotto) |
Posted By: ardasaliah
Date Posted: 05-November-2003 at 19:19
| Any one know when the repreats on about the M cars? |
Posted By: BMG M3
Date Posted: 05-November-2003 at 19:57
Works for me fine . You will need to go to the home page of this site and become a member ( its free ) and then you can download from the site ( you can't just play the vid ) but as a non paying member download time is slow , took me 4 hours to grab it . read the page carefully to get it . www.racingflix.com |
Posted By: Phil-C
Date Posted: 06-November-2003 at 10:47
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That site has alot of great vids.
Especially for those who have not seen the 'Best Motoring' vids, Tsuchiya is incredible. |
Posted By: kevin
Date Posted: 06-November-2003 at 23:08
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I'm sure I posted this as a new topic as it was in the Magazine and not the TV program but somehow it seems to have decided it should be on this thread. ------------- Kevin '04 E46 330Ci Convertible '08 E61 535d Touring (TorqueMeister Towbarge) ’95 E34 M5 ’89 E30 M3 (Cecotto) |
Posted By: Alan F
Date Posted: 06-November-2003 at 23:38
|
Kevin,
I've seen that article and quite frankly Steve Soper should be ashamed of himself, has he forgotten which car took him to touring car stardom in the DTM, I don't believe that he lapped that circuit over 1 second faster in an M635 than a Sport Evo, no disrespect to the 635 but the Sport is a lighter and much better handling car. Nice group photo of all the M cars but shame about the article, pity, after such a good TV article on Sunday night as well. Alan 88 M3 |
Posted By: John W
Date Posted: 07-November-2003 at 02:22
He would lap a F**K site faster in my Sport Evo. |
Posted By: lancelotII
Date Posted: 07-November-2003 at 09:55
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I have read a few articles by Steve Soper and in all of them he is not overawed by the E30 M3. I suspect it is a bit of a dissapointment driving a bogo M3 after years tooling round in a DTM car. The other thing to consider is that as a road car the M3 is ok, but the M635 may be a lot less demanding to drive quickly on the road. Track wise, I don't know which track it was, but it is quite possible that if it comprised long straights and sweepers, the M635 may have well lapped quicker.
|
Posted By: endeavour_uk
Date Posted: 07-November-2003 at 10:40
|
I read the article too and was disappointed to see that the E28 M5 (like mine) was languishing towards the bottom of the list and surprised (but not entriely upset) that it was quicker than the E30 M3's. However, I think a couple of points are worth making. One is that I am pretty sure it was Top Gear's own track that was used for the testing. The lap times are consistent with the Stig's efforts on a Sunday. As it's a big aerodrome course with loads of space, brute force is going to be an advantage. The second is that it is just Steve Soper's opinion. He admits that he is not fond of older cars and the results have a definite trend towards newness and lap times. Maybe it's because his day job is now flogging the new ones? I suppose the only true way to judge would have been to let all the owners of all these borrowed Beemers drive all the other cars and vote so that the vested interests are cancelled out. That would be an interesting poll. |
Posted By: lancelotII
Date Posted: 07-November-2003 at 16:14
| I would concur with that. All the articles I have read by him, have always had a tilt towards the newer cars. |
Posted By: robmug
Date Posted: 07-November-2003 at 17:45
|
I like my E30. Don't really care what Steve Soper thinks - especially after his "this is one for the wife" comment for the E36 4 door. ...wouldn have been nice though for the E30 M3 to get a great write up - may have strengthened prices! ------------- www.advancedcarproducts.com - UK Zaino distributors 5% discount for BMW Forum members 1996 E36 318is (one owner!) // 1993 911 Carrera 2 Coupe 1987 E30 M3 (sold) // 1997 E36 M3 Evo (sold) |
Posted By: evosport
Date Posted: 07-November-2003 at 19:06
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It was my Evo Sport that was used, the m635i belongs to BMW UK, when the timed laps were done my car was 3 up, Steve, me and Peter Grunert from Top Gear Mag, the M635i was only two top. My car was also used for some of the tyre smoking pictures, but Steve thankfully did not waste the back tyres so sadly no pictures included in the Mag. I was able to drive my car round the T G track at speed, Great day Craig
|
no time taken. Steve also took me out for some HOT laps in the new CSL
.Posted By: Ricc
Date Posted: 07-November-2003 at 19:42
Do you know why the e36 cab was quicker than the e36 coupe? |
Posted By: Alan F
Date Posted: 07-November-2003 at 20:01
|
Thanks for that information evosport, it is all becoming a little clearer now, it sounds a bit like the current BTCC rules - weight ballast to even things up!
Alan 88 M3 |
Posted By: lancelotII
Date Posted: 08-November-2003 at 10:07
| Christ, 3 up in E30 M3, you can tell the difference on track with 2 up, let alone an additional body. I am not surprised if that was the case. |
Posted By: 215m3
Date Posted: 08-November-2003 at 13:33
| Picked up a copy today expecting pages on it, but only 5!!!! Thought these guys loved thier cars. How often do you get this many varieties of ///M's in the one place, on a race track. Pathetic |
Posted By: rr_ww
Date Posted: 08-November-2003 at 14:29
|
Yeah i was a bit disappointed with the article.
Actually the whole magazine is a bit lightweight. Liked the 6 review and Jay Leno talking about cars. Think I've got a lot in common with him (apart from the money obviously) |