The Ultimate BMW M3 Review: E30 vs E36 vs E46 vs E92 vs F80

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For millions of car lovers around the world, the BMW M3 is the ultimate expression of driving nirvana. Over 30 years and five generations, it's been BMW's most successful halo car. In this Christmas special, Alex drives each generation of the M3 to try and find his tyre-smoking favourite...

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"Such Fun" by Tobu

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A huge thanks to CT friend Colin Furze!

[kalpakkulkarni]

That E46 is one of the most beautiful cars I've ever seen.

[M_Max]

I'd choose an E46, but damn the E30 is such a stunning model. Epitome of a retro classic

[tough]

When I was 14 I played this game called need for speed most wanted. E46 M3 was a dream car.

[Royalbigness]

The E36 has an elegant, stylish look, yet still aggressive power delivery.
A wolf in sheeps clothing.
For me. It's an E36.

[ramonmv]

One of the best reviews I've ever seen! Everything is perfect.

[kettler]

E36 gang!
Full sends 1:38 in the wet!! The owner/driver of that knew the car well haha. E36 is best, can’t beat that 90’s semi classic car feel

[Rusiputki]

List of reason why E36 is king in europe
1. 10 years production line (never gonna happen again in China economics)
2. 316, 318, 318is, 320, 325, 328, m3 3.0, m3 3.2 that's 8 different engines
3. 168 & 188 & LSD differentials all with different ratios ( no need for aftermarket)
4. Easy to find to buy, parts ready available, car morgues full of them
5. Compatibility parts and swaps to get performance without breaking the bank
6. Cheapest beginner Drift car in Europe (from car to parts)
7. N/A engine, nuff said, nothing to go wrong
8. Vanon and non Vanos variations, easy to buy Vanon removal plates
9. M20 single mass flywheel and clutch easy swap to start revving high
10. Iconic car in Easter Europe with MAFIA image
11. Car has racing history from amateur to professional rally/drift/track events
12. Lighter than most competitors, choices of manual windows, manual mirrors, no aircon, no silly automatic gearboxes, no PAS, no ABS,
13. Easy to work on, most bolts are HEX, excellent build quality, reliable OEM parts
14. Best turning support compared to all BMW models, 10 years of production stomps like a boss and it shows, from coilovers, lightweight flywheels and 4 pug clutches to Dibilias Individual Throttle Bodies for the non M3 owners.
15. Possibly more but can't think of them right

[mitarmiric]

4 years later we're still waiting for ultimate m5 review

[Rickusty]

E46 is SO beautiful even today... amazingly more beautiful then the others.
Those proportions.... wow

[jameelanabor]

when that e92 reved up, my heart fluttered. that car is so special, especially as its the only v8 m3 the worlds ever going to see, especially with electrification hitting its stride, its also the last m3 without forced induction.
just love how it seems like the end of an era, kinda like the murcielago sv

[RebornOps]

A 20 minute video from car throttle and some good ass food, just what the doctor ordered

[spacemanspiff]

I'm proud to be an E46 M3 owner, my daily driver! It makes my drive to work and home truly enjoyable. The styling is at the zenith of BMW design and the epitome of "the ultimate driving machine."

[jackthorpe]

20 minute M3 review from Car Throttle! Best Christmas present ever!!

[spudwins]

The E36 is possibly my favourite car ever so smooth

[Nathan-bysn]

The E46 is it for me because it's timeless and awesome

[EmilioMorillo]

People don't understand the E36 M3, you can say it doesn't have these pretty fenders or unique body panels; the E36 is about simplicity. It doesn't need all of these fancy body panels to show what it is. Some of you say that the E30 is best M3 of them all, it is just somewhat outdated and underpowered compared to the others, let's not forget the awfully expensive S14 to maintain. Then the E46 is cherished by people from all spectrums of the enthusiast world. It's definitely the prettiest of the m3s, but let's not forget, it barely makes power over the E36, and it borrows most of the suspension components from the E36. It's also much heavier than the E36. We can't forget about its infamous subframe issues( which baffles me because the E36 came with subframe reinforcements). The newer M3s have lost their touch compared to the older M3s, overpowered, too luxury oriented, and a serious weight gain. The E36 M3 is the best of the M3, and the most underrated of the M3s.

[_vovas]

Let’s be honest, I just love the e 46 because is beautiful and powerful and because of need for speed most wanted

[ThSlipKnoT]

In my opinion: e30 > e46 > e92 > F80 > e36.

I know that the e46 is the best M3, but the e30 has a place in my heart. I'm in love with that bad boy.

[TheHuskyGT]

E36 all the way. The E36 either in its 3 series or M form is probably the biggest icon in BMW history. Looks, the sound, the handling, the sheer pureness and soul of the E36 M3 is unmatched. Everyone, from car guys to casual drivers will think of an E36 the instant you mention BMW. Will choose one over any other BMW.

[angelojamil]

im with the E36. its the sweet spot between the e30 and e46. its still pretty and boxy, its fast. its part of my blood though. my dad loved old bm's especially m5s and e36 m3s