Terminology question

[Dr.Jeff]

I really do not participate in much internet activity like forums (aside from this one) and blogs. But lately I've noticed the use of an expression that I don't get. The intended meaning is clear from its context, but the actual origin or root of the expression escapes me: "E36 M3". While the true meaning of E36 M3 is obvious, it is being used as a derogatory expression, like f**ked or crap. Does the internet community consider that model to be so bad that the name now means "****"? Or is there another link I'm not aware of? I thought maybe it was like some of the texting language or customized license plates where things are abbreviated, or letters and numerals are used interchangeably, or a phonetical use of them. But none of that makes sense to me in this case. Can anyone enlighten me?

 

[Mike Petrecca]

Doc, on the grassroots motorsports forum they have auto substitutions for certain curse or off color words.

Sh*t is changed to E36 M3 as they feel the BMW E36 M3 is THE sh*t, not a piece of it.

Not sure if this is the context you read it in.

 

[Dr.Jeff]

Not sure if this is the context you read it in.

Mike, now that you mention it that is exactly where I keep seeing it used. I subscribe to their email newsletters (stopped getting the magazines years ago due to insufficient time to read them). And once in awhile I click on a story to read more. I hadn't realized that is the only place I see it but I guess it is (thanks for pointing that out). That expression keeps popping up everywhere in their stuff. Funny because if you were to ask me I would have said that must mean it implies the car is ****, not that it is "the ****". Guess I'm getting old if I don't understand the lingo anymore. Thank you for describing it for me. Makes a lot more sense.

 

[kmead]

I could never like that car much less love it, easily the least attractive 3 series. I know they are good cars from a mechanical perspective and they don’t suffer the cracked trunk floor issue of the E46 from the an under engineered structure being work hardened by the rear suspension flexing it.