E92 - viable purchase in 2023?

[Dr. Racecraft]

You want a 6sp M3, that's all there is to it

[Reddevils7]

Imo it's absolutely a viable option. I recently bought an E92 at 19k miles. Did a few service items and it's now my DD. I also own a F87 M2CS which I daily drove the past year but now I want to keep the miles low (put 18k miles in 15 months) M2 is garaged for the winter and will only be a weekend car starting next year. Definitely the torque down low is a massive hit in the m3 but that's the point. I get to rev this car all the way to 8k to get the power when I want it. Installed an eventuri intake and AA x pipe and the sound is just intoxicating. When I'm driving around the city, it's comfortable af compared to my CS. M2 is lowered on KW HAS and M3 is stock EDC non zcp. Not just that but it also has the comfort creatures like comfor access, an actual middle armrest, more storage, etc. Not that the m2 has it either but I absolutely hate full digital dash so I'm loving the analog displays. Obviously the other tech is not gonna be the same (head/tail lights, idrive, etc) I updated the maps and it gets the job done for me. The steering feedback is amazing. All modern bmw electric steering racks are numb. The CS is the best imo from all the modern ones. It's super direct but still lacks the actual road feedback that a hydraulic provides. Blessed to have the garage that I do. Wouldn't consider selling, except maybe for a GT3

[Theodore2]

Originally Posted by specka

I would like to hear people's thoughts on this. Is the gap in capability vs other great modern cars enough to overwhelm the sheer joy of the engine sound/character?

Is your 2018 M2 LCI faster at your local track days than the E9X M3's that show up?

[tsk94]

The M cars after the E9X generation are considerably more capable. For track use, I went from an E92 M3 to an F82 M4 and experienced it firsthand. The leap in performance is quite significant. And the jump from F8X to G8X is just as big (if not bigger).
However, I'm now moving on from the M4 and going back to an E92 M3, well aware that it's slower and less capable. But, in my opinion, the E9X makes up for it in the overall driving experience - better engagement, feel, and sound.
The E9X feels smaller and lighter (even compared to an M2). The sound is WAY better. The throttle response of the S65 being NA is considerably better but lacks the shove of the newer turbo cars by a significant amount. The steering feel is also considerably better in the E9X generation.

I would say it depends on what your objectives are. If you want a fast modern car, then the E9X might not be it. I'd consider them quick, but not fast. But compared to the newer generations of BMWs, they feel quite raw and connected in comparison. But again, at the expense of being relatively slow, lol.

[kyrix1st]

E92 M3 blasts 99% of the cars you'll see on the road, especially with M-DCT.
I also have a G87 M2 6-speed but I vastly prefer how my M3 drives and feels.

[VR1]

Originally Posted by kyrix1st

E92 M3 blasts 99% of the cars you'll see on the road, especially with M-DCT.
I also have a G87 M2 6-speed but I vastly prefer how my M3 drives and feels.

I’d like to hear more about the comparisons of the G87 vs. E92! I’ve driven the G80 and G82 in automatic forms and I own a DCT E92. Could never get into the G Series cars, just too numb and isolated for me. Havent driven the G87 yet though.

[quiksi]

With the advent of fast EVs, “speed” has been democratized to the point where you can drop $90k on a Tesla Plaid or $50-60k on a Model 3/Y Performance and have levels of acceleration that most ICE cars simply aren’t going to compare with, let alone in a similar price bracket. IMO, now is the time to get “experience” cars that offer something special beyond just what’s put on a spec sheet. Most full M cars definitely fit that description.

[414bhp]

Originally Posted by Reddevils7

I also own a F87 M2CS which I daily drove the past year but now I want to keep the miles low (put 18k miles in 15 months) M2 is garaged for the winter and will only be a weekend car starting next year.

Ooh, I'm so curious about the M2CS. It looks like an amazing package! I'd love to drive one!

[Reddevils7]

Originally Posted by 414bhp

Ooh, I'm so curious about the M2CS. It looks like an amazing package! I'd love to drive one!

It's a great driver's car. Probably the last best BMW imo but I'm a bit biased in that regard obviously

[cotmfk]

Originally Posted by quiksi

With the advent of fast EVs, “speed” has been democratized to the point where you can drop $90k on a Tesla Plaid or $50-60k on a Model 3/Y Performance and have levels of acceleration that most ICE cars simply aren’t going to compare with, let alone in a similar price bracket. IMO, now is the time to get “experience” cars that offer something special beyond just what’s put on a spec sheet. Most full M cars definitely fit that description.

I'm late to the thread, but this is the answer, IMHO. There are so many options for being "fast" now it's crazy. It's also crazy to me that for most of those cars, any grandma can just get in, hammer the throttle, and rip off crazy 0-60 or 1/4 mile times.

So, the answer to driving enjoyment now is focusing more on engagement and feel. Sound is definitely a big part of that equation, which is something the E9x M3 is great for. There's also something to cars that don't have all of the driver assistance features built in. My recommendation now, when people ask, is just - go drive one and see what you think. Go based on fun factor, feel, etc. that's it.

[cliff_m3]

Originally Posted by cotmfk

I'm late to the thread, but this is the answer, IMHO. There are so many options for being "fast" now it's crazy. It's also crazy to me that for most of those cars, any grandma can just get in, hammer the throttle, and rip off crazy 0-60 or 1/4 mile times.

So, the answer to driving enjoyment now is focusing more on engagement and feel. Sound is definitely a big part of that equation, which is something the E9x M3 is great for. There's also something to cars that don't have all of the driver assistance features built in. My recommendation now, when people ask, is just - go drive one and see what you think. Go based on fun factor, feel, etc. that's it.

I definitely agree with this. Getting out and driving different cars altogether will give a better idea of what you want to get into.

I personally went from a tuned '08 335xi 6MT making about 450hp to a then-new '21 Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti to an '11 M3 Sedan. There are elements I miss from the former 2 that the M3 doesn't have: Alfa styling (personal preference), 335's manual engagement with turbo noises. That said, I'd still buy the M3 over again.

As far as the newer M's go, they are super capable and arguably more reliable/track ready. The only thing they miss is the engagement of the old cars. This horse is beat to death but seriously consider the E90 for purchase if you can swing the fuel & maintenance costs. Simpler platform and ultimately better driving experience in my opinion. Modifications can address its age, specifically the CarPlay retrofits available, among vast options for suspension, brakes, wheels/tires, etc.

[davidvan05]

It's strange how many e9x owners sell their car and come back. Even owners say it's strange for them when their newer cars were better upgrades. These cars bottomed out and now the prices are up 5k since a few years ago. Look at all these owners recommending to buy one. Not strange that they love it though. Buy one with a nice color.

[pbonsalb]

I had an E90 M3 for 10 years and liked it, but have no regrets about moving on to an F90 M5. The E90 M3 is a great car and mine was a 6 speed, but 10 years later, the M5 is a better car for me. Auto, AWD for traction in all weather conditions, bigger, more comfortable, better tech, better MPG. If I had a car collection, I would consider an E9x M3 or an E6x M5/6 or an E46 M3 for the high revving naturally aspirated motor, but I don't want the trouble and expense of maintaining a bunch of cars I don't drive much.

[m3peat]

Honda CRV hybrid for daily and E90 M for every other weekend for fun. The two are so polar opposite, I can’t wait to get into the M3.
This is my 5th M3 and 2nd E9x M3 bc I missed it so much.
At 168k miles, aside from crap mpg and a little pricier maintenance, it’s been a great car.
Current M3 replaced an M235i, and although the turbo feel was fun, it wasn’t a lasting fun like the M3’s engine, steering and overall confidence the M3 has.

Only cars I would consider replacing it with cost 4-7x as much, used. Think GT Pcars

[scotthilly]

Man, I go through this all the time.

I would love an e90/e92 m3 to replace my e90 335i, but the old car stuff is just so frustrating to me. In the past with my new 2019 VW GTI, I loved everything running perfectl - any rattle, hesistation, cold start vibration - I'm at the dealer, enjoying a loaner, letting them figure it out.

Obviously I can't do that with my 335i and wouldn't be able to do it with an e90 m3.. if it was 5 years ago, I'd get one with a maxcare warranty from carmax and just relax. But I can't.

In terms of fun and performance I'd say it's more satisfying than anything else today. In terms of cost... my 2011 335i has cost me $7k in the last year on completely random things breaking, and I don't want to restart that process with an M3. If you're fine with an old car, imperfections, and throwing tons of money at the car -- I'd say go for it!

[W///]

Originally Posted by scotthilly

Man, I go through this all the time.

I would love an e90/e92 m3 to replace my e90 335i, but the old car stuff is just so frustrating to me. In the past with my new 2019 VW GTI, I loved everything running perfectl - any rattle, hesistation, cold start vibration - I'm at the dealer, enjoying a loaner, letting them figure it out.

Obviously I can't do that with my 335i and wouldn't be able to do it with an e90 m3.. if it was 5 years ago, I'd get one with a maxcare warranty from carmax and just relax. But I can't.

In terms of fun and performance I'd say it's more satisfying than anything else today. In terms of cost... my 2011 335i has cost me $7k in the last year on completely random things breaking, and I don't want to restart that process with an M3. If you're fine with an old car, imperfections, and throwing tons of money at the car -- I'd say go for it!

I personally wouldn't want to own an E9x M3 as an only car to be honest. Can it be done? Sure. but that would be dedication.

[Lucky1]

Originally Posted by W///

I personally wouldn't want to own an E9x M3 as an only car to be honest. Can it be done? Sure. but that would be dedication.

Isn’t this done all the time? Its a hotted up family sedan in E90 guise

[importraceram]

Originally Posted by Lucky1

Isn’t this done all the time? Its a hotted up family sedan in E90 guise

I think he’s referring to this as the potential financial burden that you take on with a 13 year old (latest 2011 e90) German performance car. When these cars were new/under warranty these were a perfect one vehicle solution. However, in 2024 as they age and miles increase they are becoming more of a second vehicle for many. I daily drove one from 2021-2023, granted I worked from home the majority of the time so the car didn’t see a ton of miles. Ultimately the car was well kept by its previous owner and was reasonably reliable during my ownership. With that said, I knew it was a matter of time before it was going to get expensive. Unfortunately I was not in a position, in my life, where it made sense to own such car and moved on to something else. I definitely miss the sound and immediacy of the throttle response and would love to get back into one as a second vehicle down the road.