We've ranked every BMW M3 - From the E30 to the G80

The BMW M3 is getting close to 40 years old, which is a scary thought. The original E30 was best-in-class and set the standard for what BMW's performance cars should feel like. Since then, we've had five more generations, and it still remains the leader in the market. That debate is a short one, but the longer debate is which generation of BMW M3 did it best. They get faster and faster, but that doesn't always result in better.

As it's almost 40 years, there has been an M3 for all ages, so there will be a bit of nostalgic bias, no doubt, among you. However, if you were asked what the top of the pile was in the M3 hierarchy... what's your answer?

Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
00:37 - E36
02:24 - F80
03:32 - E92
05:10 - E30
06:36 - G80
07:47 - E46

#BMW #M3 #gwontheroad #M3Touring #Goodwood #BMWM3 #E30 #G80

[GoodwoodRR]

Right then, exactly what do you hate us for in this list?

[toodlepop]

FINE. i'll take my F80 and go home and YOU can't come to my birthday.

[lupilu]

In 2025 the E36 M3 is an absolute no brainer.. Reasinably priced parts, straight six, excellent neo classic looks, compact dimensions, cheap entry point in price, easy to repair and DIY, curved driver focused dashboard, no known issues with the chassis cracking, reasonably reliable engines, daily drivability, long distance drive/touring reliability, sweet sounding engine, individual throttle bodies, no driving aid. Basically the entire package for less than £20, 000.. This has to be one of the most underrated cars around.. But not for long

[markmcqueen]

I special ordered an ‘05 e46 M3 20 years ago and I still have (and love) it. Slicktop, SG with Cin interior, 6 speed - It’s a great M3…

[chadschobert]

I've owned both an E36 M3 and currently have a G80 M3, but think the E90 will be the gold standard that truly embodies the car the best and will shoot up in value the most over time. High strung NA V8 encapsulates the M ethos the best to me.

[RobertPalon]

I couldn't agree more, my E46 M3, which I bought brand new, still brings a smile to my face every time I drive it! Totally spot on video.

[noobasdfjkl]

E36 is way underrated, and that comes from an E46 owner.

[stevewhite]

E92 M3 is my all time favourite - how I miss mine 😢

[damonz]

Having owned a E46 for 12 years then a E92 for 4 years, and now a F80. I can say the E46 is the best of them 3. But the V8 sounded the best. Having said that the F80 is probably my favourite as I love the power delivery and it so much fun to drive. Also I need 4 doors

[STORMSHADOW]

E46 was arguably peak M3. E90 had the best engine but it's looks and less nimble handling knocks it down. The F80 and G80 are unbelievably fast but clinical. None posses the combination that the E46 just seems to have.

[jace]

E46 is always the answer. By todays standards, a small coupe body with tight bulging arches, the most superb na 6 and that intake noise! I've owned mine for 10 years; have driven every generation bar G80, and it's always the E46 I come back to! FYI - you mentioned the C63 when remarking the E9X, however you pictured a W202 C43 :)

[waquarahmad]

So the e92 too big and the g80 isn’t? Makes no sense I would swap those 2 spots, other than that pretty accurate

[Vic-E.]

Me too I'd pick the E46 but I can't get how you put the E46 first while the E36, similar in many ways, last.

[TheManmoths]

I couldn’t agree more! 🙌🏼 I take my S54 in Z4M flavour though.

[spez]

i was in a e46 csl and i indeed say it was the best car ive ever been

[digitalgulby]

I’m happy to have owned the best one. Sad i sold it in 2017 after many fun years

[Max-ywve]

E30 > E46 > E92 > F80 > E36 G80

[volga..]

「IDINGPOWER E36-M3/S3」 is the best complete machine of all M3❗️ from Japan 🇯🇵