WHICH BMW M3 Is The BEST Of The Lot? E30? E36? E46? E92?

The BMW M3 community is a funny one. Don't even bother going to ask those boys and girls for advice, simply because all they'll tell you is "get an M3." That parody video is, more or less, on point.

Since then there's been a couple more.

Now I have a quick question: what's the BEST BMW M3 on the market?

I am sure some people will raise their hands and say the E30 but in all honesty was it really the best? Maybe at its time but not these days.

Then there's the E36, which if anyone's had one long-term, I am sure they'll be happy to tell you how it turns into a bucket of problems once it hits a certain age. It puts heroin-shooting teenagers to shame.

The E46 is at that certain point where if you pick up a 2003, 2004 or 2005 you may actually still have a non-ruined example. The 2001 and 2002s are known for their engines self detonating but something tells me those cars have had their problems resolved by now.

For me, the E92 is a total let down so I won't even consider that for discussion.

So, what's the BEST M3 out there?

Runamukk - 3/14/2014 9:53:03 PM

+2 Boost

E46 without a doubt.

skytop - 3/15/2014 4:36:52 AM

+2 Boost

After owning three fine M3's, I can easily state the evolution of the car culminates with the E92 being the very best.

alwaysbmr - 3/15/2014 10:28:44 AM

+2 Boost

The E92 is king. Pity about the V8 being dropped. What a symphony of sound

scenicbyway12 - 3/15/2014 12:21:53 PM

+2 Boost

Yes, I have driven each model.

E30 – Fun, raw, completely unforgiving (try to find one that hasn’t been wrecked).

E36- Quick, laugh out loud fun, and perhaps the best steering every put in a car.

E46- Iconic, anxious, beautiful.

E90 – Mighty and most refined, but if you having fun in it, you’re also breaking the law.

My choice the E36

Agent0086 - 3/15/2014 5:49:27 PM

+2 Boost

I owned an E36 M3. Fun car but the performance is strictly average today.
E46 is a better car but you have to get the manual.
My favorite so far is the E90. Great sound from the V8, the DCT is a great transmission.
Can't wait to see how the F80/F84 is to drive.E90 power with E46 curb weight.

MorePower - 3/15/2014 6:59:58 PM

+1 Boost

2DR - E46: best proportions, appearance
4DR - E92: perfect size, best motor, best overall appearance

iamdabest1 - 3/16/2014 1:15:41 AM

+1 Boost

i had the 2005 e46 with smg, the 2011 convertible with dct, and now a 2013 dct competition package. i think they are all really great cars, maybe i liked my 2005 e46 most because i was younger, single and having more fun ??
performance hands down the e92 i think is best, very powerful with the v8, but i actually enjoyed ( i know im in the minority with this) the agressive jerking of the SMG.

M5_2010 - 3/17/2014 5:20:29 PM

+1 Boost

I loved the E46 cabrio... A great M engine. The new M's appear to have standard BMW engines that are updated for M brand.

E46M3ADDICT - 10/20/2014 5:04:43 PM

+1 Boost

My first and only M3, E46. Have never driven any other but love mine.
6 speed manual, carbon black with cinnamon interior. bone stock non-molested except for 19" VMR's. Stock wheels are damn ugly.