[kpham]

In 1991 when the NSX debuted, it just woke something up inside of me. It was the first "somewhat attainable" car that I lusted after. Sure I had the Lamborghini and Ferrari posters, but that was a pipe dream. Almost 30 years later, it's still sexy as hell. The NSX definitely turned me into a "Car Guy".

[KevinM]

After three years of driving the F80 M3, I decided that it felt bigger than my E39 M5, and I don't need two big cars...

Once the S55 (which I did learn to appreciate in the F80) was put into the M2, I obtained an allocation.

[bri1042]

I didn't have anything I'd call inspiration for going down this route. I left my run of Honda's behind when I'd had it with torque steer, under-steer and the other downsides of the Integra/RSX-S's that I drove for 15 years (3 cars). BMW's were rarely on the radar of the car folk that I knew over the years, and they didn't often cross my mind. I learned to drive on a 325i owned by a friend of my mother's, and I liked M3's when I saw them, but never considered them as cars for me for some reason. I switched to BMW almost on a whim 4 cars and almost 7 years ago.

Since then I think I've been trying to recapture the good parts of the Integra (size, nimbleness, playfulness) without letting go of what I gained by moving to BMW (getting away from FWD, the luxury side of things, such as it is, and that nearly indescribable difference between Japanese and German cars). My two 328's were both disappointing, and while my 340 was probably the most balanced package I've ever owned, it did not inspire me on a daily basis. Most of my once-car-enthusiast friends lost their love of cars in their need to transport their spawn, too. This community has taken their place for the social aspect of car ownership for me, more or less.

Through the run of the OG M2, I constantly thought that MAYBE it was the one that could balance the joy of my previous small, quick cars with the overall package that the 340 brought (which I still consider a larger quick car). I wanted to find out every day, but I had to get through the mistake of the 340 lease. The allocation for the M2C came available when I was far enough along in the 340 lease to give it a whirl.

So, to a point, my inspiration was the downsides of all the cars that I owned before it. My M2C is my 16th car. It's closer to being ideal than the 15 before it. I'll own it until I run across something that I think might be even closer.

[Kankles]

I've owned many BMWs over the years but the original inspiration was my friend's 318is (red) back in the day. How crisp it was, the manual transmission coupled with RWD. Been hooked on RWD/MT combo ever since.

[Davil]

Originally Posted by Kankles

I've owned many BMWs over the years but the original inspiration was my friend's 318is (red) back in the day. How crisp it was, the manual transmission coupled with RWD. Been hooked on RWD/MT combo ever since.

That was such a lovely car. It was a really nice engine (m42 I think) and drivetrain. 103kw but in an 1100kg/2400lb car that's not all that bad. Just a really fun drive. Many preferred the 4 cylinder e30s to the 6 as they were better balanced cars.

I had a leaded 1984 model e30 318i. They went a lot better than the unleaded m10 ones back then. It was like 80kw or so but it only weighed 1020kg/2250lbs. No power steering. It was a ton of fun when you wrung it's neck all the same.

My first ever car was a yellow 1976 e21 320. I've loved BMWs ever since.

[infinitekidM2C]

I came from a modded 135. Need i say mas?

[Montaver]

I was looking to move on from my E90 M3, had an E46 before that. Had to be manual, RWD, have rear seats, be able to handle weekend track duty. Not many cars fit that criteria these days, was essentially between an M2C and F80 M3. Drove both, preferred the immediateness and size of the M2C. Wildcard was a Shelby GT350 which is an absolute riot to drive, but the size, reliability concerns, and general quality meant it lost out to the M2C. However for pure driving emotion that car is something special.

[nomoracin]

Originally, mine was the M3 2 door from back in the day. I had always wanted one, but couldn't afford it. 20 yrs later, I finally can afford one, but they just grew too much in size for me, so the 1M and OG M2 naturally replaced the M3. However, I couldn't get over the fact that those did not have a "true M engine," so passed up on both. Then, out of nowhere, the M2C came along and all my prayers were answered! haha

[SEAT TIME RULES]

My old very rare Dakar Yellow E36 M3 Sedan.

Wearing at the time 285/30 Ho Ho's at all 4 corners.

Hardly anyone ever bested me in 8 years of driving it...