E30 (1985-1992)
E36 (1992-1999)
E46 (2000-2006)
E90/92/93 (2007-2013)
Member
Hey guys, I wanted to put this in the 3 Series section but couldn't find one suitable place for it...please don't kill me!
Anyway, which is the best M3 in your opinion? And why is it your favourite?
I will start off. My favourite is the E30 as I am a huge fan of 80's German metal.
The Hammer
Administrator
See signature ... best all around car.
Let me get this straight... You are swapping out parts designed by hundreds of engineers that get paid thousands of dollars for something you bought at Pep Boys because your buddy who doesn't have a job told you it was 'better'?!?
Member
I haven't driven an E30... but I have owned an E36, E46 and have driven an E90 quite a bit.
My favorite is the E36.
Hobbyflecke
I will second this. The older cars have their charm, but each new generation of m3 is better than the previous in my mind.Originally Posted by Kevlar
Suspension: Bilstein Sports, GC Coilover conversion, IE Subframe Bushings, IE RTABs, M roadster sways, M roadster front control arms, M roadster Front calipers/hubs.
Engine/Driveline: M54B30 intake Manifold, Dinan CAI, ZHP Cams, Headers, Underdrive pulleys, Conforti Software, 3.46 diff.
Member
As far as driving experience goes I would say E36. If other things are taken into account then E46.
Member
I have never driven any of the M3s. I voted the e36 M3 based purely on aesthetics. I love the look of the car, especially in 2 door form. I have never really cared for the looks of the e46 or e90.
Current fleet:
1999 BMW e36 M3
1999 BMW e36 328is with rotary valve engine head
1999 Oldsmobile Eighty Eight
1990 Jeep Comanche Eliminator
1962 Austin Healey Sprite
Need no Education
Euro E36 M3
My 528 is a German Tank..
My 2008 Chihuahua is Blue deal with it
Always teaching now getting paid for it.
Member
Agreed.
Life is like a car wash and I'm on a bicycle.
Member
E36!
Member
/thread
AFE 3.5" intake, 3.5" Euro HFM, 24# Injectors, TMS Chip, TMS Pulleys, TMS Shorty Headers, AA Track Pipe, Borla Catback, Billstein Sport Shocks, H&R Springs, TMS Adjustable trailing arms, X-Brace, TMS Front and Rear Strut Tower Braces, UUC Evo III SSK, UUC Shift Nob, DSSR selector rod, Fan delete.....
Techno ViKing
Drove all of them. E90 is absolutely the best with enough power to keep a driver happy and good enough to keep you awake when driving back from the track.
E46 is a dulled down more comfy e36 euro
E36 Euro is the best compromise of raw and connected feel and speed.
E30 Raw
99 Techno S50B32 6-speed ///M3 (Complete)
Mods:SOLD
Member
I voted for the e30 but have a feeling this new one coming out will be awesome.
BMW Fanatic/Enthusiast
^ agreed...
but having owned an e30 M3 some 20 years ago, I am compelled to vote for that one. Sure, the new ones are faster and more luxurious, but I just don't get excited about them in the same way. The e30 M3 is a no frills, no excuses machine. It is not fast by today's standard, but it was the original that was hand built by BMW's motorsport division to conform to homologation rules and this is where the legacy began.
So...... if there were a BRAND NEW e30 M3 sitting next all the other M3 models (e36, e46, e90...etc, etc. ALL PRISTINE and BRAND NEW) in a BMW showroom and they were priced comparably (good luck finding a brand new, untitled E30 for $65k.... but let's just say) I would absolutely choose the e30... hands down.
Gone but not forgotten:
'95 540i/6 M-Sport. GA65474. Alpineweiss/Parchment.
Supercharger project
That'll Do!
Each generation fulfills different needs for different people, so it's subjective. They all each have their place and saying which one is best is like asking parents which one of your kids is the best
As for me, I don't see F80 M3 listed there, so my vote is for the upcoming M3. I like modern things and gadgets and stuff, so the newest one always takes my vote
Lazy Saturday drive in my E34: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnzvZgPnOos
Apathetic extremist
Arranged to show my judgement for each car:
E90
E46
.
E30
.
.
.
.
.
E36
Sorry, but E36 is junk. Don't try to convince me otherwise. I've likely driven more than you.
Member
E30, e46, e9x, e36
BMW maniac
e30 m3 is my favorite. I cant believe they quit making the m3
1989 325is new DD
1996 328i slushbox (daily driver)sold
1984 320i euro (project/build, build thread below)
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...5#post27290455
Bei Mercedes Weggeworfen
Member
Id love to upgrade to an E90 M3 one day... Everything in-between and after doesnt appeal too my liking one bit. Especially these cumbersome, low revving, plastic plagued, TT calamities with M Badges.
Are you arguing with yourself?
lmao
Last edited by JCooper; 03-02-2014 at 06:42 PM.
Observer/Master Skeptic
Moderator
I own one each of the first three and drive each regularly. Am thrilled with each one, but the E30 M3 is as close to an extension of my hands/feet and mind as any car I've ever driven.
The E36 M3 was overly softened up, particularly in the NA version. At least, the E46 M3 came with a real Motorsports engine.
04M3 TiAg 69k slick-top 3 pedal
99M3 Cosmos 61k S50B32 euro 6Spd
88M3 AW 43k miles Project FS
WTB: 3.5" Eurosport/Conforti CAI
Member
E30 and e46
/thread
Member
We dont have them in america but I belive that the e46 4 door euro m3 is the best. Have not been in one but I feel like that it would be the best mix of all m3s for only ~20k
Member
A nice tight e30 would be my pick despite being permanently fixed on the the e36. The newer the M3 the faster it is around the track in stock form and the safer it is but the added weight and reduced road feel that comes with each new generation isn't nearly as exciting. A fully modded e36 at around 5-600 horsepower is my personal favourite at the moment.
97 BMW M3 (s52b32) - VF-Supercharger kit ( Vortech V2-SQ supercharger, 32 pound injectors, VF tuning ), VDO/LeatherZ Gauge Kit (Oil Temp, Oil Pressure, and Boost), UUC Motorwerks RSC36 Exhaust, Stainless Steel 6-2 Exhaust Headers, Bilstein Sports, Rear Adjustable Camber bushings, Wheel Spacers 10mm in front 25mm in back, Uprated Clutch, UUC Shift Knob, Short Shifter and Clutch Stop, Cross Brace, Mason Engineering front strut bar, Contour Wheels, Euro Ellipsoid (Angel Eyes) HID Headlights, braided steel brake lines, aluminum thermostat housing, mishimoto aluminum radiator and silicone hoses and a partridge in a pear tree
Member
E36 M3 (the real E36 M3 with 321 hp), period. To have that kind of car, NA, in 96 in that price range was amazing.
MODS: AA SC'D Rotrex C38-92 Stage 2 (60# injectors)==M50 Manifold==Snow Performance Stage 2.5 Meth Kit==Schrick 264/256 Cams==AA Ceramic Coated Headers==AA Trackpipe==Eisenmann Race 2x76==Clutch Master FX250 Clutch==Euro Oil Cooler==MANN Provent 200 Crankcase Catch Can==AA DSB== X-Brace==ZKW 6000K HID FX-R retrofit with Orion V2 L.E.D. Angel Eyes==Euro clear signals and tail lights==M-Tech Pedals and E-Brake==BBS RGR Diamond Black 17x8; 17x9 staggered==Leather Z Gauge Kit (oil temp, oil press, voltage)==Rally Road Guage Pod (steering wheel mounted with AEM AFR guage and Prosport boost gauge)==Cut-ring head gasket==Head refresh done by Autohead Performance==KW V2 Coilover Kit
Current with 85mm pulley and meth: 450 whp 365 wtq @ 13 psi on a Dynojet at Performance Eurowerks in Buffalo Grove, IL.
Previous: AA Mustang Dyno Tuned in Miami, FL @ 10 psi on 93 pump made 392whp 325wtq (Performance Eurowerks Dynojet in Buffalo Grove, IL was 410 whp and 325 wtq @ 10 psi)
Member
I didn't list the F80 as no one has driven it yet. But it certainly looks the part to say the least!
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