2011 BMW E92 M3 Competition Review - Why I'm Starting To Prefer E9x Over E46

[@Brian-or2jy]

The motor sings and the proportions are timeless. E92s in excellent condition are going to be worth a lot of money in 20-30 years.

[@robevans916]

The whine you’re hearing isn’t because the differential is racey, it’s because the final drive gear/pinion gear backlash isn’t set correctly. Tell the owner to ask the installer what the backlash was set at. I bet it was just ‘installed’ and not adjusted correctly.

[@Zygrene]

Good call out! Glad to hear it can be adjusted. The whine would drive me insane for a street car.

[@axledog7297]

Seconded. That backlash sounds excessively tight.

[@DriversPaddock]

@@Zygrene Nice video, big fan. If it’s a drexler GT light, it’s made by Florian at limited slip DE…. You can advise the owner to check backlash but honestly, Florian knows what he’s doing. That whine is very normal. Our factory M4 GT4, CS racing and road car with the same diff sounds the same, with backlash set from factory. I don’t recall if it was mentioned but owner is most likely also running solid diff bushings, if not at least 95A. Noise can be reduced but from what I hear in the video, it’s the best it’s going to be. If you look up any of the Schirmer Nurburgring ring cars (e92, f8x), or m4 GT4, M2 CS racing, M235IR which come factory with this diff, they all sound like this. Cheers, keep making videos.

[@Gh0stE92M3]

This diff was set up by limited slip de in Germany, he has setup various m3 that frequent the Nurburgring. With this type of diff and final drive all of them sound like this. Even the schirmer cars sound like this. The car has solid delrin diff bushings so I think that exacerbates the whine more, because even with the oem diff when the bushing was changed out the diff whine was more pronounced than with the oem foam bushings. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but I don’t find any annoyance with it. The diff changed the handling dynamics of the car and the final drive helps keep it in the power band so win win.

[@Themayseffect]

Was just about to mention that lol

[@mfujiii]

me as an e9x owner clicking on every e9x video to feed my ego

[@VictorPitstop]

I do this to feed my manifestation of one day owning an e9x M3 😂

[@Erkkremlinklum]

Me as an evo owner always clicking on v8 videos asking myself is time to switch it up

[@mfujiii]

@@Erkkremlinklum the answer is yes

[@Boost3334]

so real lmao

[@leeengland1748]

I just got an e90 manual in Jarez with fox red leather. I have changed cars a lot but think its a keeper. Had an e93 dct le500 before but soon got bored of dct and the extra weight, swapped for an m4 manual but didnt find it special at all and hated the electric steering. Had caymans, 997.1s, fk8 type r, gr yaris too. P.s i think you by far the best car reviewer from the usa. Keep up the good work dude

[@mac_m3]

Yes I am biased because I own an e92 but it truly is the most bang for your buck in the current market. For ~$22-28k you can get a solid example (obviously w/ higher miles than the pristine cars). Finding one with tasteful mods already done is not very hard. Yes they are "heavy" but not really in modern standards. Steering feel is amazing, motor is incredible, aftermarket is unlimited. I honestly think the next step from an e92 is a GT3, which is 5x+ the cost. I just pretend I'm in a more expensive car when I'm behind the wheel of mine, and it's convincing. E46 are great too. In a perfect world I would have a manual E46 and a DCT e92.

[@TforTouge]

That rattling is most likely from the short shifter. Those are notorious for that. I had a short shifter that made the same noise and it made to car undrivable to me; took it out as quickly as I put it in lol

[@bigbodykarate6403]

that means you set it up incorrectly if you get that spinning rattle sound from a new "short shifter" cable is wrong , or you didnt torque down to spec and just went hand tight .

[@TforTouge]

@@bigbodykarate6403 This was a direct linkage short shifter. It's a pretty common problem with aftermarket short shifters, doesn't matter what car. It's probably because aftermarket companies can only take a guess at the tolerances and might never reach OEM tolerances.

[@xdmds200092]

This happens even on stock bmw shifters of all generations because of the slip over design of the shift knob. I had it even on my brand new g87 m2 and the dealer had to wrap some felt tape around the lever where the knob slots over it. still buzzes a little at times even with that mitigation.

[@isidroalcantara9409]

The initial form of this specific car is what inspired my build that was reviewed by Fenton recently!

[@soopermarkus]

One thing I've got in the habit of with these seats is scooting them back about an inch or two from where I like them, click my seatbelt in, give the belt a swift tug to lock it, then hit the Memory1 button on the seat to put it back to my programmed position. This effectively locks me a little deeper into the seat.

[@JDM370gt]

Sold my supercharged e90 slicktop 4 years ago and it’s by far the biggest mistake I’ve made in my life thus far

[@W33lhop]

I want one. The main drawback IMO is just consumables - big tires and it drinks gas. Even the 4000lb 5 liter M5 gets better mileage.

[@Perazzi11]

More torque for less rpm and not a 1:1 final gear ratio is why the fuel economy is up.

[@jack073]

GOAT BMW imo. Also that shifter rattle would drive me nuts lol

[@Lehpurdzzz]

It’s the reverse lockout collar. Owner needs to put a rubber isolator between the cable and the collar and it’ll go away. Also goes away when you just hold the collar with your fingers. Have the same shifter in my ND and it made that exact same noise until I fixed it. Guess it doesn’t bother him😂

[@wilsonli9235]

This may just be one of the most choice picks in that 40-50k range. I had an E92 335 in the past and nostalgia almost made me get an E92 M3 this iteration of fun car. The awesome steering feel and the overall sharp, modern classic looks make this one a lot more attractive than its younger brothers, the F80 and G80. I ultimately went with an R35, although watching this video does make me feel the tiniest bit of regret.

[@masterkendro]

Sick car, I know you're working on possibly getting a few C7's on the channel but I'd love to hear about how it compares to a SS 1LE and really just overall how much of a drivers car it is, if at all! Take care.

[@memememine1]

I owned a camaro SS 1le and my friends father owned a c7 z51 manual with mrc suspension. Truly there are very few ways the Camaro is better. It's got a slightly bigger interior. And when the car approaches and goes past it's limit of handling and grip the Camaro chassis is abit easier to handle. Aside from price, the slightly easier limit handling is one of the few reasons to choose a Camaro. Because in every other way the c7 is the better car. For one despite sharing the same engine the c7 powertrain sounds and feels more expensive. On start up it's calm and quiet compared to the Camaro which is never quiet even with valves closed. When the valves open the Camaro has this deep gravely agricultural sound. The c7 has this almost musical trumpeting note that just sounds amazing. The c7 7 speed manuals shorter gears combined with its lower weight less drag and 10 more hp just means it pulls on the Camaro down any straight at any speed. On a highway road trip the 7th gear combined with amazing aerodynamics and a better ride means on a you are using like 40% less fuel while having a better ride compared to the Camaro. On track using 245 front and 285 rear Michelin pilot sport 4s tires the c7 z51 has almost the same cornering performance as the 1le using its track specific 285 front and 305 rear Goodyear eagle F1 supercar 3 tires. Despite being the more expensive car. Consumables like tires brakes and fuel are cheaper on the c7 z51. If I were to do it again. I'd get the c7 z51. The quality of engineering on the c7 is just a different level to a camaro 1le. This is not to mention the better build quality of the interior and ability to remove the roof that the c7 has.

[@Zygrene]

Still looking for owners!

[@dudeisnotcoolio]

the shift rattle NVH is absolutely awful lol. Worth keeping trans mount shifter for that

[@Enthusiastlist]

I’ve always preferred the E92 over the E46. The steering is way better, the engine is way better & better transmission options with the addition of the DCT. I’ve truly never understood the E46 hype, it looks great. I’d love my neighbor to own one, but it’s overhyped as a Sports Car.

[@Zygrene]

Agreed that E92 steering, engine, and transmission are all better but there's something about the E46's smaller size and lower seating position that I still prefer

[@jjchockey]

Looks better, smaller, lighter. E92 is very heavy, heavier than an F series.

[@colinbowman8816]

I have a problem calling any 4 seat sedan a sports car... They can be, and sometimes are used for competition... but they will be at a massive disadvantage when compared with a 'real' sports car with good fundamentals.

[@gt1r]

I have owned more E9x M3s than I care to admit. I currently own an E46. One word: weight. I will always prefer the driving experience of a well modified E46 compared to a well modified E9x when driving at 6/10ths+. It is simply more playful/fun. Anything under 6/10ths, I will prefer the E9x. Objectively a better car. Better engine. Stiffer. Just heavy.

[@Perazzi11]

​@@Zygrene want to drive my e92 M3? It has a Pole Position in it 😂 that fixes one problem.

[@horriblecodplayer3]

I think you should take a look at a FBO ISF (2010+) they are comparable in some ways more than others. But from a maintenance/upkeep standpoint it’s not even close. Daily driver you don’t have to worry about

[@M3spooni]

If it was offered in manual, I’d bite.

[@iankun1]

This is a tastefully modified E92. I'd suggest a set of recaros...either the sportster CS or the pole positions - just to drop the seating position and provide better lateral support.

[@aygwm]

Definitely one of the best sounding cars of all time

[@david_from_to]

I had the AutoSolutions short shifter kit + Ultimate Clutch Pedal. That massively transformed the driving experience. The E92M3 is so good I bought the same car twice, and have a ROFR on it again if my friend sells.

[@proteinfart5017]

Always find myself gravitating back to e92 M3s. Just a great fun car to drive.

[@samueldowney2806]

Those wheels are sexy as hell, and the shift action of that shifter looks amazing. Presumably these mods must make it feel quite like a GTS, which is supposedly one of the best drivers cars ever, except this is a manual too.... Lovely thing!

[@CiaoBoy44]

In my opinion, the E92 M3 has several advantages over the E46 M3, at least in factory stock form. The S65 V8 is actually a lighter engine than the S54 I6, so you're getting more power from a lighter engine and even though overall curb weight is higher, you're getting more car, like actually usable rear seats. A stock E46 M3 is set up from the factory with more understeer due to its more staggered wheel/tire specs while a stock E92 M3 is more neutral-handling. The E9x generation DCT is definitely much better in performance, feel, reliability than the awful E46 generation SMG. Finally, the E92 M3's shape in my eyes looks a lot better than the E46 M3 and also better than the E90 M3, but if you absolutely need four doors, at least you have that option in the E90 body.

[@gt1r]

Is S65 is not lighter. The S65 long block is lighter than the S54 long block, but with all of the accessories, the S65 is heavier than the S54. Common misconception!

[@iwbaracker]

This e92 seems nicely and very tastefully modded

[@Unicornpirate]

It's not a real Zygrene video if you don't see Kevin from the Jubbal and Cars in the background walking around the car talking and his hand movements during the intro section 😅😂

[@Zygrene]

LOL

[@Nick22257]

I’ve wanted one of these for nearly a decade and just never been able to find the right car at the right time, theres one that supposedly has a 4.4 in it a few hours away and im so sad that I dont think I could make it work right now. Cant wait to inevitably have one

[@CarlosAndCars]

E92 M3 > E46 M3. For me e92 is the much faster platform and has better driving dynamics (ask the track guys who has driven both). It has the better and real special engine (PEAK M3 ENGINE), which is the heart of a car. The sound is AMAZING, a real hooligan with a proper exhaust, vs the not so special nice (to me) raspy sound of the straight 6. The looks part is debatable, but I prefer the more muscular look of the E92 than the more classic (and a bit dull and bland but pretty) look of the E46. I know the E92 is a bit heavier, but has great feedback and it is still the faster car/platform.

[@johnwilliams727]

Former Owner, easily the best M car engine.

[@ldsiverling]

for some reason I thought the v8's were mostly reserved for the m5's. This is nice.

[@1johpo]

E9X has been better than E46 since 2008 🔥

[@supahone3]

Though I cant deny the sound of an e92 M3 engine is amazing, a well sorted e92 335i at the fraction of the cost, is a really good 2nd option.

[@wocao88]

I have an RTD shifter (also chassis mounted/solid) and also have a rattle but only in third gear, think that might have been what you were experiencing. Seen a few forum posts referring to detents/springs needing to be replaced. What did you think of the 4.1 gearing? Have been thinking of doing the same to mine.

[@Gh0stE92M3]

I’m going to look at the dssr linkage and see if it needs to be adjusted to get rid of the rattle, like you it only happens in 3rd gear and if the lever is pulled slightly back at all the rattle is gone. As for the 4.10 fd get it man it’s totally worth it if you want quicker acceleration, but be aware your cruising rpm will go up. I think the good compromise is the 3.91 for me since it’s used mainly for the track and spirited drives I prefer the quicker acceleration and being in the meat of the power band

[@wocao88]

Nice one ​@@Gh0stE92M3 keen to hear if it works, I have the exact same rattle in mine! Will have to add the FD to the list!

[@Gh0stE92M3]

@@wocao88so when I got under the car the dssr linkage bolt was a little loose which probably resulted the rod moving. I adjusted it and put lock tite and torqued to spec, the rattle is gone and well not as loud as before it’s still there I believe it’s just a thing with these chassis mounted shifters. I’m gonna try and adjust the center spring as well just to check off all the boxes. But it’s a lot better than before.

[@carsculture4400]

My homies car! Ayo Chris I need another go with all the goodies now haha. Great review!

[@Gh0stE92M3]

Anytime brotha, this time you drive.

[@M3spooni]

@@Gh0stE92M3if you ever want to sell, I’ll buy😂

[@FIVECENTFISH]

the E9X platform has so much good going for it, especially at its current price point. its hard to find any major flaws for what it is. the only issue i could see with the E9X is that it isnt an E46 !

[@BigAL8500]

If you like this I’d be interested to see you review a 2013-2015 Audi RS5. 4.2 V8 NA…8,250 redline. Throttle House loved it.

[@shotty.]

he’s coming back to BMW w/ an e9x M3 folks! the time is nigh!

[@MacroLensMan]

Cant lie. Those beads on the wiper stalk got to me 😂 But makes me miss my e92. Amazing cars.

[@alexturnqest6202]

Only true downside to this car (kinda like any bmw but esp this e92 m3) is the cost of maintenance.

[@david_from_to]

You can put in F8x M3 Seats as well. Stock E9x M3 seats really suck.

[@hongkong322]

those wheels are clean

[@dukmahsik]

Wished you could have reviewed mines before I sold it. Missing that S65 ❤

[@oficina_moomoo]

this is a nice bucket seat away from perfection

[@akkando]

sport seats, carbon plenum, and light weight battery.

[@Gh0stE92M3]

Car has an antigravity lithium battery already dropped 40lbs just with that. Full titanium exhaust another 25lbs cf driveshaft 16lbs the list for cutting weight never stops, but for sure some cf buckets and the rear seat delete will help. I had a cf plenum but eventually went back to the oem plenum. But another plenum will be back on there but it’s not one that’s seen on these car often. Maybe @zygrene will have this back on the channel after the next round of upgrades.

[@maximborodyuk3773]

SPL makes wonders to a car! 3500 pounds is way too optimistic though? stock is like 3700+ What road is this?

[@Unicornpirate]

Angeles Crest

[@Gh0stE92M3]

The car actually weighed in at 3467 with half a tank of gas when he first revived the car 3years ago, back then it had the e88 and no aero. I’m pretty sure it’s around the same maybe +/- since I’ve changed out coilovers (lighter) from the clubsport kw (heavier) cae shifter which was lighter than the auto solutions and oem shifter carrier. With the rear seat delete and carbon buckets I’m hoping to be breaking into the 33xx lbs with half a tank of gas

[@maximborodyuk3773]

@@Unicornpirate ha, I thought it was it but smh thought it's not it

[@micraw714]

I keep telling myself I should sell mine since I don't get to drive it often but then I drive it and say there's no way I could ever sell this thing 😂

[@spartacus2954]

When all goes electric, this will go down as the most desired M3. V8 is a V8

[@Unicornpirate]

IMO these are already the most desired M3's. Like you said a V8 is a V8.

[@BRAINFxck10]

We will never go all electric that's propaganda Kool Aide

[@BRAINFxck10]

​@@Unicornpiratecurrent market has E30 Sport Evolutions as the most desirable M3's but these are more realistic so you can argue both ways

[@spartacus2954]

@@BRAINFxck10 Its more than Propaganda, thats why we will be forced into it. I just hope I manage to get me something like this to drive for the few years left.

[@BRAINFxck10]

@@spartacus2954 the ecconomics won't support it and the people won't support it, only sheep believe "we'll be forced into it"

[@b5454]

How does it compare to your old brz for backroad canyon carving?

[@Zygrene]

The only area where the BRZ wins is nimbleness due to its weight and low center of gravity

[@drewmorg.]

C5 corvette soon?

[@rushfactorygarage]

F87 m2 comp are starting to come down in price. High 40s to low/mid 50s. I wonder how that would compare to an e92 m3.

[@Zygrene]

That's a great comparo - I'll try to make it happen

[@budhajek6279]

I have had all gen M3s except for the E30 and the G8xs and have a F 87 M2 comp. My son just got a E90 M3 because of all these videos and friends telling him how great it is, I really think it's all the rage right now . I have to question if the benefits of the S65 are worth it. You have to drive the snot out of it for it to be fun because the lack of torque, horrible gas mileage, (probably because the lack of torque), besides the rod bearing the front main bearing are showing signs of excessive wear. I keep hearing how great the interiors are but they don't wear well with all the soft touch, you can see some of that on the steering wheel in this video, I bet his door handles are sticky (My 996 Porsche had the same issue with the soft touch stuff) The F87 isn't perfect but it is really fun to drive all the time because of the wheel base, torque pushing you in the seat at 3000 rpms which make it feel lighter then what it is and you don't have to drive it like a maniac to have fun. I am getting over 21mpg also. Even though they should both have around 400hp, Lining up my sons E90 and my F87, both manual, it wasn't even close, my car pulled away like nothing. Not saying the E90 is bad, perfer the F87 at this time. I also like torque, that's why I have a Turbo S also.

[@bane2]

That weight difference is over 300lbs so it's not insignificant. The e9x M is smoother and more refined, steering and brake feel is better and the engine (at least in stock form) sounds better. But the e46 is lighter, feels much more nimble and is just far more visceral and rewarding to drive. While looks are subjective, I certainly prefer the e46 both outside as well as inside (the double hump dash in e90x is truly hideous). To me, e90x makes a better street car (especially daily) and e46 is much more fun to drive and ultimately more trackable. Can't go wrong with either machine.

[@michaelmetri8286]

Every time I watch a Zygrene NA M3 video, it just leaves me more confused. I'm not sure if I should aim for an E46 or E90 after selling my GR yaris, and it's really not helping 😅

[@Zygrene]

Trust me, I'm just as confused. Might be a coin toss at this point. Someone needs to let me review an S65 swapped E46!

[@michaelmetri8286]

@Zygrene valid, because the E46 drives like magic in a world of E steering racks and much heavier cars. But that V8 just makes something tingle in the back of my head. I drove both and am a bit disappointed with the steering feel on the E90, but this video makes me want to reconsider. And I heard you can just unplug a wire behind the driver side front wheel, and it just goes on the least amount of assist full time after. And in Europe, E46 do rust which is not very fun to deal with.

[@jayczyzyk9707]

Can y do review of 1960 Citroen with 20 hp in drag race

[@Zygrene]

I'll review anything with 4 wheels and a motor

[@noahhiguera8114]

is this Rob’s car?

[@Zygrene]

Owner's name is Chris

[@asianmovement]

I had one with the DCT and I didn't enjoy it. Constant electrical issues.

[@dsmprospect]

Over 3700 lbs.

[@ericm8368]

What about a gt350? You already did a comparison of these so why not consider this as a modern e92 m3? It’s bigger dimensionally, heavier, and less refined, but is basically an optimized chassis out of the box. The m3 needs a lot of expensive suspension and brake mods to get the car to where it even should be base level performance wise. Both have Achilles heals reliability concerns but given the choice I’d risk oil consumption in the gt350 vs rod bearing or main bearing failure in the s65.

[@trevorr5175]

price. The GT350 is expensive to buy upfront.

[@augustortiz]

E9X’s are the best, I will die on this hill.

[@jayman3575]

no discussion of the rod bearing failures on these? and yeah "drill baby drill" time!....maybe the V8s will come back for another short time stunt to some manufactures again...

[@Zygrene]

I've mentioned the rod bearing and throttle actuator issues many times in prior videos. Didn't feel like it's worth repeating in this one. Definitely still valid issues

[@pb4920]

ive heard these are pos looks pretty uncomfortable too you should compare this to a cts-v

[@ericm8368]

I never liked the e92 m3 steering. I don’t find it better than the electric that’s in my m2. Maybe all the other SPL parts and performance tires help it out

[@superkooks69]

Great videos, I watch all of them. I was thinking having a secondary external mic for the exhaust note could be a welcome upgrade. Thanks for uploading!

[@kavan1773]

That is an expensive build

[@moknowsyou]

Love these cars. It's BMW's Rx7...sorta.

[@Hooligan6R]

I like my E46 because it doesn’t chime. Also, that double hump looks horrible. Worst M3 interior of all of them.

[@aimbot0x01]

I like your outfit

[@mg_streetkandi]

They are great cars..a bit expensive to modify especially brake up grade wise.. I would look for a decent one in the 20s to low 30s.. Mainly because in the 40k to 50k range you can just buy a GT350 which is newer and has some of not the same qualities and is a VERY FUN car to drive. They can be bought for 43k-55k..Good Review thought..👍🏾🏁

[@axledog7297]

He's taken the car too far. Too many annoying noises.

[@jasonhestand]

Poor M3 has been ruined

[@RandyLe4zero8]

Car still.cost like 30k😢

[@Zygrene]

It's a lot of car for 30k. Most nice examples are closer to 35-40.

[@RandyLe4zero8]

​@Zygrene do you know eoughht youruber ?? He about to ship 15 cars from japan to america. Hope u can buy some of his r34s

[@Unicornpirate]

400hp NA, 6 speed, RWD for 30k. You don't see that today brand new. I'd much rather have this over a 30k new BRZ.

[@mrmonday42]

The e92 m3 is 300lbs heavier than the e46 m3

[@Zygrene]

I've seen owners on forums weigh the E92 in at 3500-3600, depending on spec

[@mrmonday42]

@@Zygrene I'm sure, curb weight includes a full tank of fuel. Manufacturers don't tend to overstate curb weights.