It looks different.. but it feels the same.

[Petros]

Originally Posted by ///mawana

"Anything but BMW"!

Ugh, no thanks. Vanos issues, subframe literally ripping out of the unibody, rod bearings, SMG issues, etc... Not a car I'd ever wanna own out of warranty

[Petros]

Originally Posted by jaehshim

OP, you got the point right there.

Dont get me wrong, E46 and E9x M3 are great cars with their own taste.
E36 US version was reasonably sad with a different engine without ITB.

E46 is "called" to be "like the best" because it has been very affordable to many crowds.
Whether on forum or off forum, it's kinda sad to see more than 50% of people who call E46 M3s "BEST" have never tracked the vehicle, probably put fat 19 VMR or BBS LM replica wheels and be all stancenation lol


I didn't own E46 M3 but I drove many E46s including M3. "raw" feeling? really? honestly? No.... probably "raw" because of noise.

Go drive the E9x and see its responsive combination of engine+tranny. The E9X M3 is superior in both criteria than those of E46.
The S65 is V8 while being actually lighter than inline-6 of E46, it's got the best transmission both ways (DCT + 6MT). so far after 7yrs did not cause any major frame/subframe damage like E46 did. Worst of all, E46 SMG tranny was somply pathetic, one thing that KILLED the character of E46.

it's those factors, along with personal taste that make cars "special". For example, 991 GT3 will be a GREAT car. but 997.5 GT3 4.0rs will be a CLASSIC, especially with its lmited production and most importantly last 6MT GT3 model ever produced.

It's hard to call what is "all time classic",It really is upto one's taste, the way they drive the car and the way they enjoy/maintain their vehicles.

But if we are doing an unbiased, factual car to car comparo, E9X eats E46.....easily...both in numbers and character

E46 was a bit more connected to the road, weighed less, and had a bit more steering feel. The E90 was a step up in terms of build quality, reliability, and engine/drivetrain. But it was a step down in terms of driving involvement, becoming a bit less sporty and more GT.

[rjd598]

Originally Posted by ibmike

Well the e9x is a better car, i think your problem is you went to a e90, if you would have went with an e92 you probably would have liked it more.

Lol smart move

[jaehshim]

Originally Posted by Petros

E46 was a bit more connected to the road, weighed less, and had a bit more steering feel. The E90 was a step up in terms of build quality, reliability, and engine/drivetrain. But it was a step down in terms of driving involvement, becoming a bit less sporty and more GT.

define "more connected" to the road for me, if you can. Also "less sporty" and "more GT".
See, being driven both for extensive amount of period, honestly these comments really relate to more of auditory features, in that E9X series is just more refined in sound deadening than E46.
How is it more connected? lol I am not trying to be an axx but these comments always bothered me. How???? Have I driven both hard? yes, both were taken at hard corners. Also, the throttle response of E9X M3 is a LOT MORE responsive than E46. Maybe I'm weird, but i honestly don't see how E46 is more "connected" to the road.

[Petros]

Originally Posted by jaehshim

define "more connected" to the road for me, if you can. Also "less sporty" and "more GT".
See, being driven both for extensive amount of period, honestly these comments really relate to more of auditory features, in that E9X series is just more refined in sound deadening than E46.
How is it more connected? lol I am not trying to be an axx but these comments always bothered me. How???? Have I driven both hard? yes, both were taken at hard corners. Also, the throttle response of E9X M3 is a LOT MORE responsive than E46. Maybe I'm weird, but i honestly don't see how E46 is more "connected" to the road.

Yes, you mentioned one of them. Too much sound deadening does numb the experience. But in addition to that there are other factors. Seating position in the E90 is a bit higher. The seats themselves I felt are a bit softer and more cushy. The steering is a bit lighter and doesn't deliver as much feedback on what the front wheels are doing. The heavier weight and softer stock suspension make the E90 a bit less crisp in the handling than the E46.

[Denk]

I went from the e46 SMG to an e92 DCT back to an e46 6MT (bad move) and back to an e92 ZCP 6MT. The e46 has nothing on the e92 M3. The fun factor with the e92 is way more than the e46...including the handling. I used to think the e46 felt more connected but after the Pepsi challenge I don't feel that way anymore.

[Beemdog]

A common thread among gearheads of all disciplines is "the older ones were better".

Sometimes it's true. But sometimes it is the unique character of the "old ones" that we miss.