BMW E30 and E46 - M3 Generations Compared! Part 1/3
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- Опубликовано: 21 окт 2024
- In this 3 part series, we drive all 6 generations of M3 to experience the evolution of BMW's iconic sports coupe/sedan, and we'll find out which one is the best driver's car. In part 1, let's take a closer look at the first gen E30 and third gen E46.
Part 2: • BMW F80 and E90 - M3 G...
Part 3: • BMW E36 and G80 - M3 G...
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Email me if you'd like me to review your car: zygrene@gmail.com
Part 2 (F80 and E90) will be out on 3/1.
Part 3 (E36 and G80, and revealing my favorite M3) will be out on 3/3.
If it’s not e46, I will claim that I will do a push-up for every view this video gets but I’m reality I won’t.
Of all 6 generations, I agree that the E46 is the best balance of power/chassis - which is why many consider it the best M3 since the whole M3 mantra is all about being the "track car you can run errands in". That said, it has its cons, some of which you mentioned in the video and hit the nail right on the head on. The steering is just OK - usually owners improve the feel by swapping in a ZCP or even a ZHP (highest performing non-M E46 model) steering rack. It's relatively heavy - but as you mentioned hides the weight really well. If it's not a daily, doing some basic weight reduction can really make the car come alive. My old one sat at a hair under 3,000 lbs, for example, and dropping that weight made the car even more playful. These cars would have been perfect from factory if it were 200-300 lbs lighter (like the E36). For cars that came with the OEM 19s, it really helps swapping in a set of lightweight 18s. The stock exhaust sounds like a tin can, but I think this car is more about induction noise, which is why a CSL airbox is regarded as "the" modification for E46 M3 owners. If you don't want to go that route, you can also install a rasp delete in section 1 (either weld in a resonator or replace the whole thing with an aftermarket part). The Big 3 (VANOS, rod bearings, and rear axle carrier panel aka subframe) looms over its head, but the price to do these honestly isn't that bad. These issues also just don't apply to the E46. The E36 had subframe issues, the E9X has rod bearing issues, and don't get me started on how much it costs to maintain or heaven forbid, rebuild, an S14. Overall, it's a great car even by modern standards and that's why you still see it being tracked hard at Buttonwillow, Laguna Seca, etc. just like the S2000.
Have owned every generation of M3 (apart from g80, but those don’t count) and also agree that the E46 is the most balanced…my latest E46 M3 is a ZCP and the steering feel is impeccable, night and day compared to base model M3s that feel lethargic and numb.
Dude you impress me every time
With your networking for finding these vehicles….you have potential
This is like a good step between SavageGeese and SmokingTire. Love it!
smokingTire been Ass ever since they stopped doing Subscribers car, that’s why they don’t get views like they used to do
I like all three, but I think this guy's talk usually gives us better, more complete descriptions of what the car is doing while he's driving it. Very analytical, but without being boring. Great at describing feel, unlike some other engineering types.
Zygrene >>> TST all day
I bet he could out drive Matt too.
I cannot agree enough. The E46 is just that special blend of timeless looks, inside and outside, with an engine that is an absolute work of art. The maintenance issues are somewhat overblown and considering how much power it makes for its size, the reliability is incredible. I installed Ohlins, a carbon air box and some Recaro Sportster CS seats on mine and with the Alpha N tune it is a completely different car. While those modifications aren't the least expensive, it takes an already great car and makes it incredible. Also side note, I believe that car has been at our shop before :). And we also currently have 2 more E46 M3s here, one with 44k miles that is for sale
Are the Sportster CS that good? Someone local to me has a pair for sale for 3k with Planted rails and Recaro sliders and the only reason I haven't pulled the trigger is because they wouldn't match my cinnamon interior.
@@SuzukiGil10 I think they are absolutely amazing and really transform the driving experience by lowering the seating position and the added bolstering makes you feel more connected. The styling fits the E46 perfectly too. AMX-Performance makes skins for them too that will match the cinnamon interior. They are relatively easy to reupholster because of the rigid back and the overall construction
Looking forward to this series. IMO the best to worst are: e30 > e36 > e46 > e92 > others not worth mentioning
The E30 is cool because of how it looks and what it represents…driving wise though haha. Underwhelming.
You are wrong homie 😂. See you at the gym lmao
Can't believe how good that 4 cylinder sounds
Cannot wait for the other two vids. This is a treat
owned a lot of m3s glad you shared my thoughts on the m3 steering, I always thought it was to slow and wasnt that feelsome, I much preferred the e92 m3 overall as a car despite what magazines said.
The steering rack in base model E46 M3s absolutely suck. ZCP steering rack changes everything. E9x M3 steering feel is my favorite however…shortest steering rack ratio put into a production BMW.
This is EPIC Fenton! Getting all these together is crazy! Well done! 👊😎
What an experience to test all these cars!
Wow that first gear on the E30 is short, but looks like a ton of fun
I've been looking forward to this series since you posted about it on IG and it must not be a coincidence that you paired the best two together for the first video.
Comparing the beginning and the end of BMW's golden era and arguably the most flawless M3s of all generations.
I've had: E36 M3, E46 M3 ZCP, 135i M-Sport, ///M240i The E36 was the most fun, albeit the slowest of the lineup.
A close friend bought one of the first gen M3s in 1991, and I was happy to log many hours behind the wheel of that car. At the time, it was the perfect balance of raw driving experience and sophistication, but before long it left me wanting more. Says more about me than it does the car though.
Brilliant series. Looking fwd to all the vids.
can't wait for the rest! Great job
It’s wild how sought after e30s are now. I remember when people used to treat them like Miata’s lmao
Great series idea, can't wait for the full assessment! BTW I rode Hamilton/Mines on my BMW motorcycle today, and it was sublime. Enjoy the east coast!
Is that a check engine light on the E30 haha? Looks so fun. Great video series!
this is incredibly valuable and unique content!! thank you sincerely
Impressive video, getting all of these cars together.
Interesting comments on the E46's steering. Your finding match everything I've read about it. Not bad particularly but the one area the car isn't exceptional. I suspect those other reviews are just glossing over the one issue that holds the car back from being perfect. I think I'd personally prefer an E30 though, the only true homologation special among them, there the 4cyl motor was a homologation choice for performance. That engine sounded glorious.
Epic! I dig this series.
For me it's E36 M3 & E39 M5 all day everyday.
Each gen made compromises to fulfill its particular mission across a spectrum of Motorsport, refinement, cost and chasing competitor spec sheets. In the end , I think they compliment each other.
M5 series videos also? I saw those M5’s in the background.
Yup, working on getting that series out in March or April
@@Zygrene very cool. Thx for
I would be curious if you could review the E46 M3 vs Z4M Coupe (both with proper and comparable supension mods and tyres)😉
Nothing can ever compare to the sound of the E46 with a CSL air box. It’s the closest thing you can get to sound like a BMW M1
E30 M3 was intended for road racing from day one, all the M3s that follow were designed for everyday road driving first. It's the purest M car out of the bunch.
You make a good point
I didn't even watch 3 seconds and hit this with a Like.
laughed out loud at the modern bmw steering wheel thickness lol
Does your tattoo say “Driver” in Japanese? That’s dope!
I already know he's not gonna pick the F80 or G80 as his favorite. And mad respect for that decision. My guess its gonna be the E46 M3.
If the E92 didn't drink gas like a glutton, I'd have a perfect daily. Followed by the E46. The rest are in a lower class.
Always makes me laugh a bit when people criticize BMW manuals. They make them that way so that you don't have to drive the car a hundred thousand miles to break them in. You can shift fast from day one. It has some play in it, don't think about it just drive
Awesome Person , Awesome Driver 🚘
E9X M3 🏁
E90/E92 for the win as long as it's a manual.
You're not experiencing the true talent of the e30 on those roads. They're best on twisties where the chasis shines because the superb steering feel and feed back gives you that connected to the road feel and hence gives you confidence to push it to its limits. And at the limit, it's so composed and predictable that it doesn't scare you. This is why of the 993, fd, s2k and boxster that i have or owned, it's the best and fastest for canyon twisties. The fd may be quicker in the straights but not around turns.
That S14 sounds like a 2ZZ
Boys what’s the word on a convertible E46? There are two very clean ones that are very reasonably priced on marketplace in my area. One has the big 3 done with paperwork and a paint matched hardtop it actually looks really good…concerned about that 36xx curb weight though.
I need to drive a convertible E46. The weight and reduction in chassis stiffness seem like potential deal breakers.
My 2 cents: Get the coupe
As an E46 M3 owner, it’s the best… and no, I’m unbiased. /s
But seriously, I always think that the E46 M3 is what the E30 M3 should have been.
Best number one this m3 e36 and m5 e34, numeber two m3 e46 and m5 e39 !!!
In your opinion - does a Camaro SS/1LE have better steering feel and feedback than the E46?
I'd need to drive them back to back, but based on my memory, SS 1LE has better on center feel and load up in corners. Maybe similar levels of feedback about the road surface.
1LE is miles better in the steering and chassis department , E46’s are incredibly overhyped.
E9X for me by a mile
How does the E46 compare to an AP1 in terms of steering feedback?
E46: more feedback about the road surface
AP1: better on center feel and arguably better weighting/load up in corners
I can smell the crayons
E30 very nice engine.
I have an e46 m3 and he gets the steering 100% correct. Compare the e46 M3 steering compared to a 996 and the steering is night and day. One of the biggest drawbacks of the e46 m3 IMO…might be crucified for saying that.
how exciting is it when you hear the engine instead of active sound by an EV car....
1:45 what are the odds of that Jfc
😆 We actually had a car meet/cruise (mostly BMW's) that morning in conjunction with Fenton and Kevin coming to review the M3's and M5's. Funny story, that white E30 M3 showed up late because earlier that morning, right when we were about to start the cruise, his key broke off in the ignition. He had to use a Gerber tool to fish out the part of the key that was stuck in the key hole and managed to find someone to go to his house to bring him a spare key. That was him at 1:45 finally showing up late to the car meet.
@@pochacco30very cool! So there is going to be a generational M5 comparison as well?
Yes, he and Kevin drove and filmed the M5’s the same day as the M3’s. Fenton said his M5 videos will be out March/April.
E46 is the abosule best m3
LSB 🩵 e46
Best e36.
e36 best car
I know way too many E30 or death kids/adults. I'll take an e46 although i find the e30 prettier.
🍿
The e46 has always heen ugly and its too heavy
Bros you skipped the e36 m3 the first real m3 …… and you keep talking s2000 stop it ,with all the cars you tried you should know better…..or you didn’t have time ????? Go do 50 s2000 videos!!!!! That you have time for 😂 when are your skills going to improve
Can't stop won't stop. E36 is included in part 3, releases this Sunday
Clearly didn't watch the video where he said he is breaking this up into different parts smh
Part 1/3 and he explained you cant do all in order. Pay attention dude, have you ever driven an s2000?
Take a moment to stop and think about all of the time and effort goes into raising a human just for that person to post this crap on the internet.
How is the e36 m3 the first “real” M3 lol…I would argue the NA E36 M3 isn’t a “real” M3…glorified 328is.