The E46 M3 is more fun to drive than the E92 M3

danielbreese · 05-13-2011, 08:13 PM

I had an E46from 2002-2008and an E92 from 2008-present.5months ago I repurchased my old E46 from my Dad- now I own both. The E46 has 74000 miles and the E92 has 26000 miles(100,000 miles total). Both are 6 speed and neither has iDrive etc.

The E46 is much more involving to drive, more visceral, stiffer clutch, stiffer gearbox, lighter, raw, and harder to drive properly. Driving it sends a shiver down my spine!

The E92 is faster, more comfortable, handles better and is easier to drive.

But of the two, there is no question the E46 is more FUN to drive. If I had to give up one of them, I am not sure which one it would be.....

Dan

gthal · 05-13-2011, 08:18 PM

I have a friend with both cars and he would absolutely agree with your assessment. He would say the E92 is the better car in almost all respects but the E46 is more raw and therefore more fun in his view. No as fast, not as comfortable, less frills but more involving.

For me, the comfort and refinement of the E92 in combination with its performance is important for a DD but there is no denying how great the E46 was/is.

jeff@autocouture · 05-13-2011, 08:18 PM

I gotta disagree, my e92 m3 is defly more fun to drive, everytime I get into a e46 and I get back into my car, I'm so happy I did the trade, but that's just my opinion

Krozi · 05-13-2011, 08:20 PM

.................................

IFX · 05-13-2011, 08:30 PM

lol here we go...

I agree with OP, i own an e46.. but will soon pick up an e90M.

Simply because I like the v8, and it's a bit more modern looking.

I don't want all that extra stuff either idrive etc.

Digital.James · 05-13-2011, 08:31 PM

I owned a e46 m3 and the only thing I miss about it, is the way it looks. It had so much more character. But the e92 is better in every way, so it's an okay trade off in my book.

CAPSGOD · 05-13-2011, 08:50 PM

The E36 M3 is more fun to drive than the E46 M3

Krozi · 05-13-2011, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CAPSGOD

The E36 M3 is more fun to drive than the E46 M3

The E30 M3 is more fun to drive than the E36 M3.

Seattle S65B40 · 05-13-2011, 09:15 PM

That's how I felt when I first got my E92. This was my debut post with the forum regarding the same:

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8822738

Now, after 5 months, I don't think I would go back. It's just so fast and the engine is incredible. I haven't even begun modding yet (waiting to see if I get a new one). If I could have BOTH, I would. I still love and miss my E46 M3.

The two are among the most coveted cars in history.

PunjabiM3 · 05-13-2011, 09:17 PM

I had lots of fun in both my e46 and e92 M3. Having said that, I think the 997 C2S I had and also my 997 turbo is more fun to drive than either M3. Much more of a raw sporty feel in the P-cars.

Seattle S65B40 · 05-13-2011, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PunjabiM3

I had lots of fun in both my e46 and e92 M3. Having said that, I think the 997 C2S I had and also my 997 turbo is more fun to drive than either M3. Much more of a raw sporty feel in the P-cars.

E46 M3 v. E92 M3 :: apples to apples

997TT v. M3 :: apples to watermelons

Of course 997 TT is gonna be better. Nice taste though. I hope to own one some day.

Damage Inc · 05-13-2011, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danielbreese

I had an E46from 2002-2008and an E92 from 2008-present.5months ago I repurchased my old E46 from my Dad- now I own both. The E46 has 74000 miles and the E92 has 26000 miles(100,000 miles total). Both are 6 speed and neither has iDrive etc.

The E46 is much more involving to drive, more visceral, stiffer clutch, stiffer gearbox, lighter, raw, and harder to drive properly. Driving it sends a shiver down my spine!

The E92 is faster, more comfortable, handles better and is easier to drive.

But of the two, there is no question the E46 is more FUN to drive. If I had to give up one of them, I am not sure which one it would be.....

Dan

I had 2 E46 and 1 E90. I agree with everything you stated, except the E46 is more fun. I would still prefer the E46 for the track but the E90 as a DD. They both rock.

ES_TRADER · 05-13-2011, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Krozi

Quote:

Originally Posted by CAPSGOD

The E36 M3 is more fun to drive than the E46 M3

The E30 M3 is more fun to drive than the E36 M3.

The R56 is wayyy more fun to drive than all of the above, period.

yemenmocha · 05-13-2011, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seattle S65B40

E46 M3 v. E92 M3 :: apples to apples

997TT v. M3 :: apples to watermelons

Of course 997 TT is gonna be better. Nice taste though. I hope to own one some day.

+1 Can't really compare M3's to current model 911's.

Serious · 05-14-2011, 02:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richpuer

The R56 is wayyy more fun to drive than all of the above, period.

the r56 isn't even as good to drive as the r53. Nor is it even close to being better than an e30 m3. I would say the e36 is a bit better at everything but autox as well.

If you want a car that is fun to drive go buy any semi trailing arm old school BMW they all have the same wonderful tail happy charm that none of the multi link cousins can match.

jonasaurus · 05-14-2011, 02:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PunjabiM3

I had lots of fun in both my e46 and e92 M3. Having said that, I think the 997 C2S I had and also my 997 turbo is more fun to drive than either M3. Much more of a raw sporty feel in the P-cars.

Whilst we can't compare m3s to porsches id agree my c2s was more involving. But for DD purposes with greater in car tech (sat nav and minimal connectivity in the porshe) makes it a better choice and allows for weekend fun on some nice b-roads... Prefer the sound of the v8 too!

spyderco10 · 05-14-2011, 03:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CAPSGOD

The E36 M3 is more fun to drive than the E46 M3

+1

Quote:

Originally Posted by Krozi

The E30 M3 is more fun to drive than the E36 M3.

+2

MikeyBMWM · 05-14-2011, 05:56 AM

It depends on what you want. I never drove M E46, but I heard that it's less obedient to the corners than M E92.

RandyB · 05-14-2011, 06:38 AM

This trend is almost guaranteed to continue with the F3X M3.

PKL · 05-14-2011, 07:02 AM

I drove 2 different E46 M3s for almost 5 years and I prefer the E92

asw19 · 05-14-2011, 07:17 AM

I own both -NOW- and I drive both now and there is no question in my mind that the E46 is the better car.

I could go on and on about all the reasons why but everything the OP said is dead on. Obviously the E92 is newer with more power but its not much faster in the end. The E46 is a faster revving sportier car, its lower to the ground, has better lines, wider looking stance (I've got wider tires all around that amplifies this), and it doesnt have half a dozen of the annoying electronic gizmos that don't work properly that are on the E92 (press the up button on the steering wheel and the sat radio preset goes DOWN, having to press and hold the ignition button for the car and radio to turn off etc. etc.

The two things that the E92 has over the E46 is that it has no rattles, has other upgrades and gadgets that do work properly and feels like a new car.

I've been trying to get myself motivated to sell the E46 but I know for sure I will dread the decision if I do it...however I also know that sooner or later the repairs will start adding up.

I also get minor work done at a repair shop here that works primarily on M3's...they personally own E30, E36 and E46 M'3s....their opinion is the same...the E92 is a more cheaply made car that has little performance upgrades over the E46 and we both agree the body style is so so.

And last but not least....the E30 comes in 1st place in my book.

///Armin · 05-14-2011, 07:50 AM

I have owned all three, E92 is the best M3 made period. Better looking, better handling, better engine, sound and overall feel. But based on what you are saying, you like that hard raw feel, I personally hated the hard clutch on the E46, hated the raspy sound and thought the handling was worst than my E36. But E92 is a night and day difference...each to his own.

05-13-2011, 08:13 PM	#1
danielbreese Private First Class 36 Rep 167 Posts Drives: 11 1M, 02 M3, 67 Ferrari Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	The E46 M3 is more fun to drive than the E92 M3 I had an E46from 2002-2008and an E92 from 2008-present.5months ago I repurchased my old E46 from my Dad- now I own both. The E46 has 74000 miles and the E92 has 26000 miles(100,000 miles total). Both are 6 speed and neither has iDrive etc. The E46 is much more involving to drive, more visceral, stiffer clutch, stiffer gearbox, lighter, raw, and harder to drive properly. Driving it sends a shiver down my spine! The E92 is faster, more comfortable, handles better and is easier to drive. But of the two, there is no question the E46 is more FUN to drive. If I had to give up one of them, I am not sure which one it would be..... Dan
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05-13-2011, 08:18 PM	#2
gthal Major General 1904 Rep 5,678 Posts Drives: 2018 340i xDrive Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Canada iTrader: (2)	I have a friend with both cars and he would absolutely agree with your assessment. He would say the E92 is the better car in almost all respects but the E46 is more raw and therefore more fun in his view. No as fast, not as comfortable, less frills but more involving. For me, the comfort and refinement of the E92 in combination with its performance is important for a DD but there is no denying how great the E46 was/is. __________________ 2020 X3 M40i \| Black \| Current DD 2020 C8 Corvette \| Z51 \| Torch Red ... built and waiting for delivery 2016 M2 \| Long Beach Blue \| 6MT 2015 M4 \| Austin Yellow \| DCT 2012 MB C63AMG \| 2011 E92 M3 \| 2010 E92 M3
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05-13-2011, 08:18 PM	#3
jeff@autocouture BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 966 Rep 13,780 Posts Drives: 2002 E53 X5 4.6is Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0)	I gotta disagree, my e92 m3 is defly more fun to drive, everytime I get into a e46 and I get back into my car, I'm so happy I did the trade, but that's just my opinion
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05-13-2011, 08:20 PM	#4
Krozi Colonel 167 Rep 2,736 Posts Drives: 2008 E92 ///M3 Alpine White Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: SoFla - Bonita Springs iTrader: (24)	................................. __________________ 2008 E92 ///M3 Alpine White//Fox Red//6MT// Florida Bimmer - Join us on FaceBook!
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05-13-2011, 08:30 PM	#5
IFX Banned 67 Rep 2,536 Posts Drives: AW e46M/N54 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: South Fla. iTrader: (1)	lol here we go... I agree with OP, i own an e46.. but will soon pick up an e90M. Simply because I like the v8, and it's a bit more modern looking. I don't want all that extra stuff either idrive etc.
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05-13-2011, 08:31 PM	#6
Digital.James Colonel 119 Rep 2,703 Posts Drives: GT4, Raptor.2, Tuono 1100F Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: NC iTrader: (7)	I owned a e46 m3 and the only thing I miss about it, is the way it looks. It had so much more character. But the e92 is better in every way, so it's an okay trade off in my book.
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05-13-2011, 08:50 PM	#7
CAPSGOD Major 44 Rep 1,134 Posts Drives: Diesel Son Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: #yolo iTrader: (0)	The E36 M3 is more fun to drive than the E46 M3
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05-13-2011, 09:15 PM	#9
Seattle S65B40 Major 213 Rep 1,395 Posts Drives: 2008 e92 M3 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: PNW iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW M3 [0.00]	That's how I felt when I first got my E92. This was my debut post with the forum regarding the same: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8822738 Now, after 5 months, I don't think I would go back. It's just so fast and the engine is incredible. I haven't even begun modding yet (waiting to see if I get a new one). If I could have BOTH, I would. I still love and miss my E46 M3. The two are among the most coveted cars in history. __________________ Club 6MT 2008 E92 M3 6MT, AW/Blk Ext., brushed aluminum 2006 E46 M3 ZCP 6MT Carbon blk/blk(sold) 2001 E46 325Xi 5MT Jet Blk/Blk (sold)
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05-13-2011, 09:17 PM	#10
PunjabiM3 Colonel 253 Rep 2,091 Posts Drives: M5 CS Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Flower Mound, TX iTrader: (1)	I had lots of fun in both my e46 and e92 M3. Having said that, I think the 997 C2S I had and also my 997 turbo is more fun to drive than either M3. Much more of a raw sporty feel in the P-cars. __________________ 2012 Audi R8 V10TT\| 6MT\| Suzuka Grey 2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale\| Rosso Scuderia 2020 BMW X7\| Mineral White 2024 718 GT4 RS \| Arctic Grey
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05-14-2011, 05:56 AM	#18
MikeyBMWM Lieutenant 58 Rep 483 Posts Drives: Insane Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Warsaw iTrader: (0)	It depends on what you want. I never drove M E46, but I heard that it's less obedient to the corners than M E92.
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05-14-2011, 06:38 AM	#19
RandyB Lieutenant Colonel 20 Rep 1,504 Posts Drives: '03 330i, '09 M3 Coupe Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	This trend is almost guaranteed to continue with the F3X M3. __________________ '09 E92 M3 6MT \| Alpine White \| Black Leather \| EDC \| CL Trim \| 19s '03 E46 330i 6MT \| Electric Red \| Black Leather \| ZSP \| Bi-Xenons
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05-14-2011, 07:02 AM	#20
PKL Brigadier General 848 Rep 3,274 Posts Drives: 2020 M4, 2022 X6 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: San Fernando Valley iTrader: (1)	I drove 2 different E46 M3s for almost 5 years and I prefer the E92 __________________
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05-14-2011, 07:17 AM	#21
asw19 Enlisted Member 5 Rep 49 Posts Drives: 08 E92 Silver Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: saturn iTrader: (0)	I own both -NOW- and I drive both now and there is no question in my mind that the E46 is the better car. I could go on and on about all the reasons why but everything the OP said is dead on. Obviously the E92 is newer with more power but its not much faster in the end. The E46 is a faster revving sportier car, its lower to the ground, has better lines, wider looking stance (I've got wider tires all around that amplifies this), and it doesnt have half a dozen of the annoying electronic gizmos that don't work properly that are on the E92 (press the up button on the steering wheel and the sat radio preset goes DOWN, having to press and hold the ignition button for the car and radio to turn off etc. etc. The two things that the E92 has over the E46 is that it has no rattles, has other upgrades and gadgets that do work properly and feels like a new car. I've been trying to get myself motivated to sell the E46 but I know for sure I will dread the decision if I do it...however I also know that sooner or later the repairs will start adding up. I also get minor work done at a repair shop here that works primarily on M3's...they personally own E30, E36 and E46 M'3s....their opinion is the same...the E92 is a more cheaply made car that has little performance upgrades over the E46 and we both agree the body style is so so. And last but not least....the E30 comes in 1st place in my book.
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05-14-2011, 07:50 AM	#22
///Armin First Lieutenant 91 Rep 355 Posts Drives: AW E92 M3 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Northern VA iTrader: (0)	I have owned all three, E92 is the best M3 made period. Better looking, better handling, better engine, sound and overall feel. But based on what you are saying, you like that hard raw feel, I personally hated the hard clutch on the E46, hated the raspy sound and thought the handling was worst than my E36. But E92 is a night and day difference...each to his own.
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