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      10-28-2012, 09:55 AM   #23
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jdemetry View Post
Cool vid, thanks for sharing. I still think a lot of this, and the opinions shared in the video, are nostalgic nonsense. Granted it sounds like Chris Harris has access to the CSL, which I highly doubt the OP is considering, but that could change the discussion.

My point is that if you could erase people's memory, eliminate the sentimental or collect-ability (especially for the E30 M3) factor, and showed all 4 generations of the M3 to 10,000 car enthousiests, just let them drive them for a week, on and off track, I think 9,000+ would pick the E90. It has the most power, greatest straight line performance, phas the highest revving, best sound engine. In terms of Chassis, the e90 has it for me there, as well. The suspension and chassis stiffness allow for the highest grip levels of all M cars, and the car is phenomenally balanced and condfidence inspiring. The steering is different, but it is incredibly accurate and the steering wheel feels the best in your hands (obviously subjective).

I don't want a DCT, not because its less challenging on the track (I can use any help I can get), but because I enjoy rowing the gears around town and the weight savings. I think the transmission concerns in the video are fundamentally different than steering feel, electronic gizmo arguments.
The CSL was a side point, not the emphasis of what he was saying.

The M3 has changed-- the 1M is much more in keeping with what the M3 was than the current M3 (despite the 1M's engine). By that I mean weight, size, and driving characteristics. Undoubtedly the M3 is the fastest M3 there has ever been, but it's just too comfortable, isolated, and... easy for my taste. It's become too M5, for what I want from a car at least. And the new M5... migh as well be called the M7 (bigger in every dimension and weight than a e38 740i).
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      10-28-2012, 03:11 PM   #24
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I dont own an E90 but I've driven my friend's E90 M3 a few times. The E46 will DEFINITEY cost more in maintenance. Since i bought mine i've had to replace the differential, two struts, rear springs, tires every few months, valve adjustment, and more stuff im probably forgetting. Its also finnicky when you first start it up especially in the cold. The E90 feels more luxurious and has newer technology. Its also noticeably faster (obviously). It feels better constructed. Sounds better.

The E46 feels more raw. Its more fun. Even with SMG it feels more connected than the E90 does. I feel more in tune with what its doing. If you have track aspirations, get the E46. It may not be faster but is definitely more fun.
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      10-28-2012, 07:12 PM   #25
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E90 over E46 all day.
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      10-28-2012, 07:17 PM   #26
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make up your own mind. it's the only way you'll be happy
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      10-28-2012, 09:58 PM   #27
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This video couldn't be more right. I owned 3 E46 Convertible M3s and I recently bought a '13 E93 M3. I have a previous post (when I first bought it) complaining about my transition because the E9x is too soft, quiet, and refined. So I couldn't agree with this video more. My transition has gotten better over time (I now have 700 miles and, in all fairness, I am still in the break-in period) but if you're doing to drive the car on city streets for the majority of the time (which is what I do) then the E46 is clearly more fun.

For the OP - if you have ever driven a Porsche 911 GT3 then the best way I would describe the decision you're trying to make is essentially a decision between a Porsche 911 GT3 and a Porsche 911S, with the 911 GT3 = E46 (ie. more fun, raw, stiffer, etc) and the 911S = e9x (more refined, less accurate steering, not as loud). I miss my E46 because I much prefer a Porsche 911 GT3, even as a daily driver. Yes, my E93 is quicker (actually it honestly feels MUCH quicker - almost like going from a 911S to a 911 Turbo) but it's also less fun to drive and the steering isn't as precise. I am warming up to my E93 but I'm probably going to modify the exhaust (for the first time ever) just to get a little more driving involvement.

Good luck. It's definitely a tough decision but I would very much caution you to drive both cars for a good 15+ mins before making a decision, as they are VERY different...
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      10-28-2012, 11:15 PM   #28
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Whoa! Wasn't expecting this much feedback, but this is great!

At first I was definitely considering an E46 M3 (this is my favorite M3 body thus far, asides from the E30.). As far as maintenance goes, I'm not so much worried about costs. I've owned several BMW's over the years and well aware of what the most common & costly maintenance repairs required.

Also, while searching for E46 M3s, there isn't much inventory available in the West Coast. Or at least a car w/ decent mileage and in good condition (ext/int condition).

Last edited by rg87; 10-28-2012 at 11:27 PM.. Reason: Adding more response
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      10-28-2012, 11:24 PM   #29
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dmw16 View Post
Depends.

The E46 M3 will be cheaper to buy and despite slightly higher maintenance cost I can't see that offsetting the savings over the E9x.

But, if money isn't much of an object in this debate then I suppose it really depends and is a matter of 1) what you want the car for 2) what you like and 3) how you find them to be after driving both.

I drove both and decided on an E46 after considering how I'd use it, what they cost, etc. I don't daily drive my M3 and it's mostly a weekend car that I drive spring/summer/fall. If I had been buying it as a daily I'd have bought a 4Dr E90 M3 and been done with it.

Driving them both I found the E46 to be more raw and the E9x to be a bit more refined. Despite the added weight, the E9x feels nimble considering it's size and practicality, but that wasn't really what I wanted/needed from the car.

Both engines are also awesome in their own right. But something about the S54 really does it for me. I joke that it's because it's a little finicky and a bit needy, but maybe that's the truth. It feels race-bred, although so does the S65 (if maybe to a slightly lesser extent).

My real piece of advice is take a long test drive, especially in the E46. When the car is cold is cantankerous. About the same as most people are when they've first woken up. The engine, transmission, driveline, and suspension seem to need a little time to soften up. I didn't find that to be as much the case with the E9x, but again, they are both performance cars and need time to wake up.

Either way, you really can't go wrong. Both chassis are awesome, both engines are awesome, and both cars really strike a great balance and set the standard for the sports coupe.

Good luck!
Great input! Thanks! I definitely agree about the E46 M3 being more "raw" and the E90 M3 being more refined. The E90 M3 to be just seems like the beefier big bro to the 3 series body, but with more speed, performance & maintains comfort.

Quote:
Originally Posted by W/// View Post
That's a huge $$$ difference between the two cars ....
True....but if I were to go the E46 M3 route, more $$$ for mods! Hehe

Quote:
Originally Posted by carbon//m3 View Post
personal choice, i had an e46 m3 for ten years, and i just got an e92... e46 is raw, u feel the road, the e92 is much more refine.
Yeah, I like the fact that you can get feedback from the car and get a feel for things when driving.

Quote:
Originally Posted by gatorfast View Post
For a daily driver I would get the E90 and not think twice. Assuming money is not an issue... it is more comfortable, more modern, more tech, faster, etc. Really, the only thing the E46 has on the E90 is the "raw" feeling which I could understand wanting if you wanted a weekend/track car but not for a DD.
My one reason for the E90 M3, my daily commute for work is about 1 hour. There's no such thing as a short commute in the Bay Area!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nang Vann View Post
Get em both!
Definitely wouldn't rule it out.... Lol

Quote:
Originally Posted by Obioban View Post
Depends on the reviewer.

Chris Harris, who owned an e92 M3 for a while, recently said that the e46 M3 is the greatest car of all time

I would have to agree with this guy! I think the E46 M3 is the last car BMW made that captured the essence of the whole "M" line for the 3 series. The E46 M3 body still has that raw race car feel to it. You get feel for the road and the car itself (which is what I believe makes it a great M car). The E9x M3 line is great, but it just seems like it doesn't have that raw feel that the other previous M3 lines had.
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      10-28-2012, 11:26 PM   #30
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the obvious choice; the e90.
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      10-29-2012, 06:58 AM   #31
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This is just my personal opinion, but if it's a car you plan to keep for a while, the maintenance and reliability issues on the E46 alone swayed me away. And this is coming from a former non M E46 owner. Loved that car to death, but there were at least 3 things wrong with it at all times

Also here are videos that haven't been posted on this thread:

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      10-29-2012, 12:11 PM   #32
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The above video compares a top of the line sample of the E90 with a very bad crappy sample of the E46. How about an apples to apples comparison with both cars being comp package, 6spd etc.

No doubt E90 is the superior car, faster, more powerfull, no question about it, but as most reasonable ppl in this thread have pointed out, the E90 is def lacking that raw race car feel that the M3 has managed to maintain with the E46 body and imo that makes the E46 a more fun car to drive. The E90 has gone the route of big engine in a huge car.

Here is an interesing video, enjoy.

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      10-29-2012, 12:38 PM   #33
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Haven't read all the responses....but having had both cars...I agree completely with these guys.



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      10-29-2012, 06:30 PM   #34
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Both are great cars, but if you can swing it, the E90 is worth the price difference.
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      10-29-2012, 06:56 PM   #35
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First of all, you will not go wrong with eighter car.

I think the E46 M3 is an ageless car in every single aspect. So will be the E92 M3. The E92 M3 imo, has compeleted the downsides of the E46 M3. Just like the E46 M3 perfected the E36 M3. But unless you drive the E92 M3, I really doubt you will think this way and make a proper decision. Because for many, E46 M3 was, is and will be one of the greatest cars of all times if not the greatest. So it will be hard to leave the E46 and move to E92. But you won't regret it once your get a feel of it.

Good luck and don't forget that you won't go wrong with eighter choice.
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      10-29-2012, 07:36 PM   #36
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Every time I read one of these threads I think about making the switch to the E46. It is the generation that made me fall in love with the M3, I was in Detroit for the NAIAS when it was released, and I have a picture with me standing next to it, a young college engineering major saying to myself "oh yeah, this will be mine after graduation". 10 years later I bought my first M, the E92.

The thing that stops me from making this jump is the fear that I'll miss the E92 too much, but damn when I see an E46 roll down the road I drool.
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      10-29-2012, 09:17 PM   #37
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I think the decision between e46 and e92 is harder than e46 and e90. If you need 4 doors or have to pretend to be practical...the choice is easy, IMHO.
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      10-30-2012, 01:53 AM   #38
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E46 all the way!
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      10-30-2012, 05:21 AM   #39
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rg87 View Post
I've sold the E90 330i & the E46 330ci, and now I'm in need of a new car. I've decided to keep it Euro, and go with another BMW again!

M3 seems to be the front runner in choices. I want a car with more power. Here's the dilemma... I can't decide if I should go with the E90 or E46 body? This will be a daily driver. The obvious difference would be a sedan vs. coupe and V8 vs. I-6.

So which M3 body should I go with? Opinions and suggestions welcomed!
e90 m3 easy choice
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      10-30-2012, 02:02 PM   #40
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Quote:
Originally Posted by swooo View Post
E46 all the way!
Quote:
Originally Posted by jerseygirl View Post
e90 m3 easy choice
Good contribution. Provided thought provoking points to further the discussion.
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      10-30-2012, 08:47 PM   #41
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Yugo View Post
The above video compares a top of the line sample of the E90 with a very bad crappy sample of the E46. How about an apples to apples comparison with both cars being comp package, 6spd etc.

No doubt E90 is the superior car, faster, more powerfull, no question about it, but as most reasonable ppl in this thread have pointed out, the E90 is def lacking that raw race car feel that the M3 has managed to maintain with the E46 body and imo that makes the E46 a more fun car to drive. The E90 has gone the route of big engine in a huge car.

Here is an interesing video, enjoy.

Saw that video before and it just doesn't seem very reliable to me.

Let's also watch these. We know for a fact that both the M3 CSL and the Z4 M are supposed to be faster than the E46 M3.





I also would like to add that M cars are all fast and they are really fast. Even though that is one of the many reasons why we buy these cars, it isn't the primary reason. I personally didn't buy my E92 M for it's straightline acceleration performance. It is the feel it gives me everytime I push that start button. Otherwise I could've bought a 335i and modify the hell out of it and make it look like an M car. But regardless of that, it will never feel like a true M car. I believe many M owners are on the same track as me. It is a passion
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      10-31-2012, 09:37 PM   #42
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E9x if money is not a problem.
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      02-26-2013, 08:52 PM   #43
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My 1st car was a Civic Si for 3 years, then the e36 M for 4 months, and quickly to my current '05 droptop e46 M. It's been about 3 years now, and I still love my M to death, but it's time for me to jump to the e92.
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      02-26-2013, 09:31 PM   #44
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I have both an E46 ZCP and an E90 M3. Hands down the E90 is a better daily, but like others have said, some days when you just want to be a little squirrely, hard to beat the E46. Good problem to have
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