Which BMW M3 Is Best M3? | Carguments
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 5 окт 2024
- Which BMW M3 is best M3? Jalopnik's Patrick George and Raphael Orlove were unfrozen from cryogenic stasis for the express purpose of answering the greatest question of five generations.
Subscribe to Jalopnik: goo.gl/u7sDEk
Visit us at: jalopnik.com/
Like us at: / jalopnik
Follow us at: / jalopnik
View us: / jalopnik
Watch more from Fusion friends:
Splinter: goo.gl/BwuJiy
F-Comedy: goo.gl/Q27Mf7
Fusion TV: goo.gl/1IbZ1B
Gizmodo: goo.gl/YTRLAE
Kotaku: goo.gl/OcnXv7
Deadspin: goo.gl/An7N8g
Jezebel: goo.gl/XNsnCJ
Lifehacker: goo.gl/3rNmzw
io9: goo.gl/ismnzP
Sploid: goo.gl/4yq2UY
The Root: goo.gl/QMOjBE
Earther: goo.gl/nxgn48
![OsamaSon - ik what you did last summer [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/4DIQDnu3mr4/mqdefault.jpg)
Bought my first M3 in 1998, a brand new E36 and fell in love immediately and was hooked on them. I followed that car up with a 2001 E46, 2005 E46 Competition, 2008 M3, and finally my 15’ M4....bought all of them brand new and anxiously awaited every new version, probably not a lot of people that love M cars more than me. Anyways, in my opinion both E46 models were the best, most enjoyable models to drive particularly the 05’ Competition although I will admit it didn’t drive much different than the 2001 standard E46. I think the E36 was a better car than history has given it credit for and that the 3.2L US version is not a bad engine at all and feels significantly more powerful than 240HP would have you believing. I initially liked the E92 however the more I drove it the more bored I became with it and I missed the raspy engine, better seating position, and generally better dynamics of the E46. It wasn’t just in my mind either as I had a chance to drive a coworkers E46 after owning the E92 for a little bit and I remember thinking that it def felt like a more focused drivers car by comparison. The E92 was a better all around car particularly with the EDC that made the ride a lot more livable but that was also its downfall.....it felt compromised and not that special. I had high hopes that the M4 was going to be a return to greatness but unfortunately it was immediately clear to me after less than a week of ownership that BMW M cars were no longer the exceptional drivers cars that they once were. I hated the detached steering, and general American muscle car rather than precise German instrument feel of old. Also, I remain mystified on how BMW managed to make a turbocharged straight 6 sound so terrible, particularly since my wife’s E90 335i had such a decent sound even with it being turbocharged. Despite being severely underwhelmed with the M4 I kept it until the M2 came out in 2016 and although it was in my opinion significantly better than the M4 in pretty much every way I once again realized that BMW M cars just aren’t the peerless/focused drivers cars they once were so last year after reading all the rave reviews I ended up buying a Guilia Quadrofoglio and despite having a few minor issues and the fact that it eats tires like I’ve never seen it is the best driving vehicle in its segment by a mile and thankfully has returned that incredible driving experience from the early days of BMW M Cars. I know BMW fans like to shit on the Guilia and call out it’s typical Italian quality issues and I will admit my car hasn’t been completely glitch free but the truth is the have all been minor and my M4 actually had more issues and ironically felt like the more “Italian” car between the two.....plus, the trade off for having a vehicle that feels “special” is absolutely worth it. I have heard that newer E90 M3/M4’s have come a long way as far as being better to drive and not sounding as awful as the early cars but I would find it hard to believe that they could even come close to the Guilia for driving dynamics. I have not ruled buying another M BMW in the future but I no longer feel like they are superior driving cars and am skeptical that they are at all concerned with once again being “the ultimate driving machine.” Anyways, when I saw the video I had to watch it and this is just my opinion. I never had the opportunity to own an the legendary E30 M3 however I did drive one back in the day and didn’t experience the driving nirvana that everyone else raves about, so what do I know??🤔 😂
E46
...
Username doesnt check out
...
To big, to heavy, to much electronics
Kr Dz too big, too heavy, and too many electronics*
"Which BMW M3 Is Best M3? " Mines best because V8 ;)
Mine is best because CARBON FIBER
RCR is best M3
The best one is the one you "grew up" with aka at the age you realized youre more passionate about cars than average person. All great cars all have their advantages and disadvantages.
E92 > E46 > E36 > E30 > F80
Fight me.
1lamborghinimercialagoSVfan This is actually a pretty good order. I like E30s but they’re definitely over-rated and the S50B32 E36s are better in literally every way.
E30’s overrated? It’s 30 years old.
and the E36 25 years old, what is your point? Both have a lot of merit for the time they were produced.
No need. You got it.
Jose Fernandez the one thing people don’t realize is just how it revs out so high. E30’s are much more fun to drive than e36 by far. Just you and the car. Only bad thing with the e30 is the steering rack angle.
E9X, specifically E90: because it’s better proportioned than the E92.
The sound of the S65 with Dinans courses through your veins. International Engine of the Year 4 years in a row for a reason.
Silly question. The E46 is considered one of the greatest sports cars of all time. The engine was a masterpiece, and it still demands looks and attention when it rolls through a street.
Zee Dot J Trust me, I love the E46. But it is far from something that “demands looks and attention”. Heck, I’d say an NA Miata would get more looks just because it’s cute.
The E46 is a very classic German, undramatic vehicle. That’s the whole point. Well until you floor the shit out of it and that raspy straight 6 exhaust note comes out
Imagine if they put the e39 engine in the m3 instead of the 6 that car would be nasty
Demands looks 15 years ago yeah. The e92 is a better looking car. The side profile is perfect for a coupe
Javon Kirkland chill I love the sedan but the coupe don’t seem M enough unless you get the comp package.. and e46 I just overall beautiful especially if you get the rarer color like interlagos blue
Um, its not a sports car, its a sports sedan. Big difference. E46>E36>E30>all the rest :)
E92 m3 is best
false
E92 is best
Easy. E92 M3 with aftermarket exhaust and a tune. Timeless design, unmatched exhaust note from any other M3 generation (don’t get me started on the F80). Steering feel is awesome. Forget about the numbers for a second, the most important thing is how a car makes you feel. Even after owning cars twice as fast, I miss my E92M to this day
E92..simple
I've driven all of them and owned 3 of the generations. The E90 is my favorite, but not because it's the best. The E46 drives the best, the E36 is the most balanced, but the E90 has the most character and thus the most fun to drive. Plus it's the best sounding.
e92 m3 6 speed n/a v8 best m3 hands down. e30 m3 honorary mention and e46 m3 right after
lol why would anyone want an auto over a manual
a more engaged drive with a 6 speed > a fast shifting auto
Are you a formula one driver? No. Do you even race on the tracks? No. Can you even bring a car to its max potential? No. dcts are only good for racing where shaving fractions of a second actually matter not in every day driving.
Snippetmaster3000 You wont even be able to get the M3 anywhere near its limits-so why choose a less enjoyable ride with the auto?
Snippetmaster3000 Asking again- Are you a racing Driver?
Your argument has no fundation.
E46 M is the best of what BMW ///M used to be.
The ultimate, highest-strung, iteration of the NA inline-6. Looks great, great handling.
But rear subframe issues, VANOS issues, etc make it less reliable than e90/2... I prefer it over the e90/92, but my preference.
Own a 2004 laguna seca blue M3 and will never sell it. Love it!
just watch nurburgring videos ...most bimmer cars participated in track days are E36s ..... after ALL THESE YEARS ...nuff said.
The e46 is actually my favorite but man, after driving an e92... Listening to that V8 roar down the road. Goosebumps.
E90 with the rear of an E92
Arman yes! I wish my 2008 335i had the coupe front!
I went to car show this Sunday and holy crap they are right so many e46 M3. One of the most popular cars of the event 🤣
E46 is perfectly balanced and styled. Took me about 30 minutes to learn the car. Simple, just powerful enough to enjoy on the streets, handles like a beast and a gorgeous driver focused interior. I mean even car and driver named it the best sports car of all time.
E92 m3 hands down that high revving v8 is glorious!
E46 = best looking/ Best build quality
E90 = Best sound
I know this is a old video but you guys should do a cargument on BMW M5’s.
E46 GTR is the one that had V8 because with the inline-6 S54, they couldn't even stand against Porsche and Corvette in American Lemans series. That V8 motor did win races after all, and became the backbone for S85 (E60 M5) and S65 (E9X M3)'s engines.
The hype over E46 is really because it became so accessible to the customers with affordable cheap prices (used market), and everyone could drive it (especially those who couldn't even drive manual). But let's face the facts
E46: great exterior design (much improved over E36), one of the worst BMW transmission (SMG), one of the weakest chassis + subframe, rod bearing clearance issue, okay engine until S65 came out, Vanos hell that needs more frequent adjustment than ur wheel alignment
E9X: okay exterior design, heaviest unless you opt out all options (then would be similar to E46), one of the best BMW transmission (DCT) and 6MT still available, one of the most reliable electronics + mechanicals + chassis + subframe, Rod bearing clearance issue, one of the best BMW engines.
You really wanna talk engine here?? compared to S54, the E9X's S65 engine has 2 more cylinders, 2 more ITB for V8, higher 12:1 compression (compared to E46's 11.5:1), 81 more hp, and 30 more ftlb torque WHILE BEING 33lb LIGHTER than S54??? so who's got a better engine again ?
S54...
In my opinion, its the e36 m3 gt. I dont like it because of its speed, but Because memories i had with it
I was looking for an m3 and bought an e90 m3 over the e46 m3 and here's why:
E46 m3 is more unreliable in general than the e90 m3, s65 v8 is very overengineered (can handle high hp without struggle), 5 seats really makes it sleepery and practical, the e90 m3 is probably the most versatile m3 (it can daily, drift, track), the e90 m3 (not e92 or e93) is a lot rarer overall than the e46 m3 and especially with a 6mt, e90 m3 has one of my all time favorite steering setups (still hydraulic with electronic assistance) and makes the car feel very raw and driver oriented when driven hard yet easy to drive daily at the same time, the e90 m3 is very confidence inspiring and rewarding (cuz u cant go wrong with 8400 rpm goodness), and the proportions of the e90 m3 (in my opinion) are perfect in terms of the length,width,amount of doors, size of everything, etc...e46 is great and i still want one but as an overall drivers car that can do everything i think e90 m3 is better
M3Boi e46 is cheaper to fix and more simple to diagnose. The S54 is more reliable and can handle more power thanks to it's cast iron block. How many 1000hp e90s are out there??
Macus Thomas that's a fair argument but realistically s65 doesnt break down nearly as often so it really depends what u want from the car either rare but expensive services or frequent and cheap services
There's way more to go wrong on an E90. The S65 is overengineered but it's also pushed harder. Higher redline = increased bearing wear and the S65 has been much more likely to spin a bearing out of nowhere. There's plenty of 300k+ mile E46 M3's that are still going strong. I've put 60k on mine and haven't had anything outside normal maintenance, total cost of ownership on the E90 is going to be higher. Also I see 4x E90 M3's around here for every E46 M3.
Dan Stearns its cool that u see more e90 m3s than e46s but where I live i rarely see e90s and see lots more of e92/3 and e46, and with my e90 m3 (at 80k miles) has had no issues with bearings and has only had normal maintenance and e46s have their own fair share of issues but I really think maintenance on both cars depends on how it's driven and taken care of
I have owned e36, e46 and now a superchared e92 and the e92 is by far the most reliable. I had Vanos, SMG, Subframe, Cooling issues with my e46 lol. The only thing ive replaced on my e92 with 80k miles owned sense new is......nothing. The car is flawless. It can have Throttle Actuator and or Rod bearing issues but that's pretty much it. I am big in the BMW scene i have lots of friends who own Ms, 5 to be specific who own supercharged E92 Ms and we all have similar experiences as far as reliability goes. You either A have never owned one or B purchased a lemon because you're very wrong sir....
Current gen M3(F80) is my least favorite by far. My favorite one is the E90 V8
Yea! How did they go from the BEST sounding to the WORST sounding.
Thomas Adams forced induction :/
honestly guys once you drive an f8x you’ll fall all the way in love with it
Driven an f80....its more like an m5 than an m3 ever was.
Jono oh okay
Would’ve preferred you went over each generation a bit more. It kinda just felt like E46 vs E92 when the E30 definitely deserves more time than it got.
You are wrong when it comes to the Mustang GT 5.0 (2011) vs M3 E9x ... granted it was a huge step forward for Ford/Mustang, it was not 'killing' the E9x on track.
Grattan Raceway lap times
E92 - 1:30.05
GT 5.0 - 1:32.50
Virginia International Raceway Grand East Course
E92 3:05.30
GT 5.0 3:08.60
Willow Springs lap times
E92 1:36.92
GT 5.0 1:37.60
Willow Springs - Streets of Willow
E92 1:37.67
GT 5.0 1:27.76
So it looks like the M3 was faster on all tracks they both have been around, as well as faster 0-60 times.
His best argument comparing M3s is about a vehicle from another manufacturer that came out halfway through the E9x's lifecycle?
Obviously the general consensus is E46 and E9x are number 1 and 2, but I think anyone who can definitively say one is better than the other has neither driven or owned both. I think both are equally engaging to drive and visually attractive. The E9x wins for me on practicality, comfort, and sound.
E46 everything is facing the driver, e92 it’s just to be a good cruise for everybody. Not a race car.
Hated on E92s until I saw one in person. Pretty sure it's the best one.
The great aspect is how vast the BMW heritage is. You can find a variant that suits you. Old school, new school, v8 inline 6, sport, comfort, efficient, fully loaded tech or simple and lightweight.
The e92 is the best
E36 M3
Kartez Drake I feel like if the US got the Euro model the fanbase would be almost as high as the e46 legacy. It was literally an e46 7 years before the e46.
10 years ago I would have said E46, but over time the E90/E92 special editions started to win me over.
The reason the E9X has a V8 is because that’s what was used in GT series M3 racecars starting back in 2001 so it was inevitable for the next M3 to have it. It couldn’t have a straight six because it wasn’t competitive enough with Porsche’s so there’s your “some reason” ... do your homework
f80 is the best with out a doubt, most compliant, most solid, fastest, best handling, best looking. It's timeless and everyone just wants to hate on it because of its superior turbo powerplant. Get over it you 60 year old baby boomers.
IEATU95 We hate it because it sounds awful and it's vastly underpowered compared to EVERY one of it's competitors. Not only that but it's numb, the handling is great, sure, but you can't feel anything
Agreed. Too many haters living in the past.
Clay Octane Wrong. BMW has underrated the advertised power and dyno results show it’s not underpowered at all.
With the older M3's, you got a great performance car, regardless of which options you did or didn't add. If you buy an F80 without the optional Competition Package, it struggles to put down any of its power without spinning its wheels. In this regard, a F80 M3 is like a W204 Mercedes C63 AMG, but less powerful, and without the awesome noises.
Uninformed keyboard warrior statement: E46 > E30 > E90 > E36 > F80. Now fight.
pete Uh no, I’d say the e90>e46>e30>f80>e36
what’s wrong with the 36
Breaking Stuff Well I will just say as background I have driven all the generations of 3 series’s, and my parents owned the e92 and f80. From my other friends with e36’s, especially US models, the engine isn’t very special, they aren’t well made, and the handling is lacking when compared to other M3’s. I’m not saying it’s bad, it’s just not as good.
E36 > E30 > E90 > E46 > F80
Choosing the E36 over the E30 was a hard decision and not one I came to lightly. I adore the E30 M3, but when I asked myself which I'd rather own, I just kept coming back to the E36. It was really close between them.
All of this is great in theory; however I work at BMW and have personally driven every generation of M3 many times. E92 M3 is my favorite, still small and nimble but has an amazing engine. E46 M3 is a close second, although they need a fairly substantial amount of mods from the factory to make them really come alive. Third is the E30 M3, they’re slow as shit but their history and pedigree make them amazing. Forth is the E36 M3, I view this car as the equivalent to a more put together Miata, they run forever, they’re great to drive at 10/10ths but after a while they just feel slow. Last up is the F80, they’re fast but unless you get an F80 M3 CS the new cars just don’t have any soul. They’re fast, bloated and comfortable and will cruise along the auto-bahn at 150mph with no problems but there just isn’t that much emotion.
This could have been the most epic RUclips poll
I own a 1989 325i. Best driving car of all time.
E36. Not too powerful, definitely not slow, and there's just something about boxy 90s BMWs that just gets at me
E30 is the only valid answer. Then E90/E92, E46, E36, and F80/F82 in that order
E46 with e92 motor
Hi.. Jalopnik.. Remember the small RS Concept from honda? It became a real thing. You wouldn't like it.
E36 restyling aka evo has almost same BHP/tonn ratio as E46 but lighter and it saves brakes for longer track runs and it breakes better. It is MORE reliable, suspension is steel instead of alluminium in E46 that is more rigid and can handle some rough ride and still the car is lighter than E46.
E46 all day for me. Mostly because I own one probably, but it truly is a very modern looking and driving car while still being that fundamental driving experience. Just me though.
E30 all day, love that boxy look. I’m an I6 guy but an I4 race engine is so alluring
And his argument about the 5.0 out running the e90, I guess he forgot the cobra shits on the e46.
E46 of course , then e30/e36 they’re just so beautiful
Stole this from regular car reviews. Good job.
The guy with the blue eyes looks like hes stuck in the 80s. Just give him a Testarossa or a M4S Turbo while wearing aviators and listening to A Flock of Seagulls driving down Miami 305 and he will really kill it. ...Just like old times, kid.
*Man, I own a E46 M3, and as much as that car is my dream, I would be lying If I said the newer M3’s are not miles cooler and better overall*
::
Best cargument yet! Fun and funny!
E9X m3 ...best sounding v8 paul walker had an e90 m3 enough said been the benchmark for sport cars for the longest
Jabbsole Paul Walker had 5 E36 M3 LTW's and even said the E36 was his favorite.
When did Paul walker become the basis on what cars we should like😑 probably why their are so many gtr fanboys and shit. But I’ll agree the best m3 is the e9x they fell off by not keeping the v8.
Irate Frogger i dont think he was at all. My favorite car is the m3e92 but i like other cars also. I just said paul walker cause he had a big influence on the car world. Its all friendly argument to prove a point.
Why didn’t you make a poll on the video so everyone can see who likes what.
I had both 2011 E90 ZCP and E46 M3, decided to keep the E46 :)
Kudos on the Seiko SKX, Patrick!
uhh fantastic..... simply fantastic.
There's no doubt that the E30 is a legend,but the E46 M3 CSL is the best IMO so sad we don't have that in the states.
E90 M3 is the best
Argue about Mitsubishi Eclipse generations
The E46 M3 CSL was the last hoorah of the six cylinder 🙌🏽
One thing to remember is that e9X has isrive. E46 no idrive. So there’s that.
And, iirc, the E36 didn't have any driver aids. So there's that.
Depends which one gives me the best bang for my 10 point Buck?
Unpopular opinion: 2016+ comp pack F80 M3 with a manual, then E92, then E46, then E36, can't put E30 on this list, it's just default the OG
Why the e46 m3 is the best? In the 70s bmw developed the m20 that was put in most of the bmws of the 70s and 80s. In the 90s bmw developed an 24 valve 6 cilinder called the m50 that later evolved in the m52 and the m54. In it's ultimate form this engine was upgraded and became the s54 and was only put in the e46 m3(best 6 cyl of the 60s,70s,80s,90s and 00s). Yes the e46 is heaver then the e36 but it's also stiffer and has a wider track.
And afew years in the z3m/z4m
E46 because NA Straight-6 and the best proportioned design of the modern era.
The new M3 CS is pretty rad, but my vote goes to the E92.
An LS swapped E30. Saw one for sale from the garage that built it for $15,000 once.
In America perhaps. In Europe? Nope.
Lightened E92 with CSL S54. Controversial?
E-30! Best balanced,handling and most fun to drive. Yea,it doesn’t have the HP of the newer ones but I don’t care about big HP numbers!
E30 and E46 were the best ones
I've just sold my e46 this year and got a e92, still love the e46, and they are forgetting that the e46 m3 gtr came with a v8, but they only made like 500 so the price of it is high
A Mustang can't seat 4 people comfortably. That Mustang came in 2011, whereas the E92 M3 came in 2007. 8400rpm limit also sounds better. E90 comes with a more desirable interior. Also, most people spend mroe than 60% of driving the car on roads than on a racetrack to even care about laptimes. Its all about how much fun a car is to drive.
E90 M3, because the best M3 which would have been the E91M3 Estate did not come from the factory.
4 door rear wheel drive v8 manual
Say "E92 M3" but show E90 M3.
So many people here are roasting the F80, that's objectively the best all-around m3. Sure the e90 has a better sound and the v8, but the f80 competition has a much better overall package.
E46 is the best overall! Most timeless styling, perfect size, hits the sweet spot between power and fuel consumption, not too much tech
Love these!
E92 is so good looking
e30 with a e46 conversion now that would be awesome
E30 and E36 if you want something modern.
46 I don’t hate it, but it is getting big and anything after that is a overweighted boat.
1m and m2 is the new “m3”
What kind of question is that? The original. E30 M3
Have you owned every gen from E30>current? How can you say what’s the best generation M3 if you haven’t owned every generation personally? Driven daily, gone for groceries, hills/canyons, & tracked each gen basically lived with it for more than a year and driven thousands of commuter and hard miles.... irrelevant waste of time video
Do the M5 next?
F80 comp then E46
Having driven both at their limits and around normally I have to give it to the E46 when it comes to pure soul. Raph is not wrong but numbers don’t stir the soul.
I have an E46 but, I'm gonna have to go with the F80 M3. It's simply the fastest, and best handling M3. Looks are subjective of course.
The e46 was on the cover of need for speed for a reason 😌
Whats worse the e30 m3 or the usdm e36 m3 🤔
No car after the e30 is a real m3. Every body panel is different from a standard car right up to a thickened rear a pilar. First m3 even had a dog leg trans. It’s a race car unlike the rest that followed. Every other m3 owes everything to the original and can’t imagine why anyone would think watered down product for the average consumer would be better.
The E46 cannot be the best M3, BMW didn't make a sedan E46 M3. Having the performance of an M3 and four for practicality is why these cars are so good. In my opinion a high revving V8 with 400+hp, six speed sending power to the rear wheels through an lsd, you cant beat the E90 M3. And I'm not biased either, I drive an E39 M5 ;)
The E46 is the best looking M3 ever made that thing is beautiful. Just imagine if the E46 would’ve came out with the NA M5 engine. I’d probably be the best BMW ever produced LOL
E46 because I’d rather have the inline 6. If I wanted a V8, I’d get an M5 or an American V8.
E92. Specifically the limerock edition.
OMG, Jalopnik is officially dead.
Well the e92 went to v8 because it was in the works since the e46 m3. They used a v8 in their GT race cars and had a special m3 gtr ultra rare street car with a v8. So many have been waiting for a v8 for a while. Unfortunately when it finally arrived it was a bit late because everyone started to move on to turbo straight six that was easier to make power and torque. But yes the e46 m3 is the best and what I drive 😉
E46 is the best! Hands down. Everyone who reads the numbers but does not drive these things says e90/e92... when your on a backroad the e46 is way more fun and makes the e9x feel like a GT car.