Driving the world's greatest BMW M cars: TRACK TEST

[@maxfrederick7703]

As with others pretty gutted you omitted the M2 considering the 5 star auto express verdict at launch…. Had mine for 4.5 years and it’s still an absolute riot. Great review as always and fantastic driving too. Thanks Steve.

[@zakelwe]

I agree, the M2 CS for me over any other M sport car at the moment just because it is smaller and seems to be more fun, even though a lot of money. The standard ones better bang for buck but I am a sucker for those wheels etc. Being smaller it would be better on a British B road you would think, and the road it is driven on matters too. And finally, the M2 had the lovely simple but clear BMW dials, a classic design over the years.

[@realmadspeed1785]

And the e36

[@augustortiz]

E92 GTS will always have my heart. So will the CSL.

[@Autoexpress]

It has Steve's heart too, by the looks of it...

[@frankie_wmg]

@@Autoexpress Thanks for this vid guys, fantastically shot and it's always thrilling to watch Sutcliffe tearing round a track. I have to say though that I'm rather surprised he chose to feature the F10 30 Jahre M5 over the outstanding and brilliant F90 M5 CS. A welcome return to form and quite possibly the greatest M5 ever.

[@gpajic1987]

100%

[@hardywoodaway9912]

the e92 was a half assed approach. Nothing in comparison to the CSL, the sister model e90 CRT was way more special

[@gabrielgilguitar5407]

Something about that screaming s65 that just gets me hard I swear. Just roars

[@m.hfitness]

Throughly enjoying my E92 which I’ve owned since ‘13 and it’s turning out to be a legend as the years go on. Manual, high revving, incredible sound and timeless design. Thinking about adding an E39, but not sure if it’s worth up keeping two M cars. I used to think newer is better and as I get older I’m seeing that numbers don’t matter as much. Sound, feel and of course a manual are what driving is all about for me. Great video!

[@Abc2zzz]

I own E46 and E90. Both are awesome. E90 is party in the back (exhaust) and E46 is part in the front (induction). Awesome pair.

[@balenciimusic]

I have a 2018 340i and I thought it was super fun until I got an e92 335i. My 340i feels faster but it’s so numb, you don’t feel anything. I love my 335i because I can feel the steering, hear the exhaust and I just have way more confidence with the 335i. I also love that it’s a coupe.

[@ekpf]

Definitely recommend getting an E39. You will not regret it.

[@m.hfitness]

@@ekpf I had 530i sport E39 that got hit in the rear and totaled. The M5 just scares me with long term maintenance, but that’s the only one I would go for. Ugh!

[@ekpf]

@@m.hfitness What a shame! I have a 530D Aegean edition sport. Would definitely go with a petrol though.

[@mikeyhbev]

BMW M cars plus Steve Sutcliffe at Llandow! Can’t get any better than that ! 👍🏻

[@alexmaddox2255]

Fantastic review. The e39 M5 has always been my favourite since a child, its the best looking 5 series and M5 in my opinion, and it's a quick as you need a car to be on the road.

[@leonardsiragusa6675]

And thank you Steve! We salute you for taking us through the wondrous journey that is BMW M. So utterly intoxicating is the induction sound of the E46 M3 CSL, and the E92 M3 GTS is just an absolute riot! Of course the E30 M3 is the original legend and a dream to one day own. Slightly disappointed there was no F87 M2 CS or F90 M5 CS but a fantastic tribute all the same.

[@Thedmcke3]

I was in high school when the 1M came out and I remember being absolutely blown away by the idea of all that hardware crammed under a 1 series. I will have one one day.

[@amirhashm1]

We salute you, Mr Sutcliffe. Your services to motor manufacturers and us enthusiasts deserve a medal. YOU are the guv'na! Have owned or driven most of these cars and you are spot on with them all. I can't comment on the G80... And I've not driven a GTS but have been told its the best... CSL SMG cannot be put down as its an excellent box when hustling and needs some time to learn how to use then it is sublime.

[@hotchkess846]

I agree. It's weird to say but there's a certain way the SMG gearbox needs to be driven to make it work its smoothest. It's a very mechanical system compared to regular automatics or dual clutches, and you have to work with it when you shift. In a way it's like driving a stick-shift, just without the clutch pedal. I still prefer a proper manual gearbox, but the SMG isn't bad at all.

[@amirhashm1]

@@hotchkess846 Agreed re SMG. I've always wanted to try a manual converted CSL but the BMW manual isn't the smoothest box itself. It's a very tricky call! For fast driving and track the SMG definitely has the upper edge...

[@GeordieAmanda]

I think I am in love with the E30 M3, what a stunning car. Sad there wasn't a F80/82 as I previously owned the M4 version and in some ways I think it had more character than my current G80 (I consider myself very fortunate to have had both). OK it was a bit more a Jekyll and Hyde character, but as long as you assumed it was going to bite every time you buried your foot in the carpet, you were quite often -pleasantly - surprised when it did as you hoped :)

[@JULZ4]

M2 and M4 F series was a big jump into the M family, first time a turbo engine overtake a good chasi, is faster than normal people can asume, for that reason there are so many accidents, with the new g80, bmw try to be more gently with power delivery. amazing all M family

[@alangil40]

What year was your M4? I heard in the later years, they re-tuned the engine to make it less spiky and revised the traction control logic as well. I have only driven a 2015 model year and it was pretty frustrating in terms of putting the power down. I have never had a full M-car, but have owned an E39 540i sport, E46 330i ZHP and currently still have an E60 535i M-sport and an E90 335i M-sport x-drive. All of them manuals. I have been contemplating an F80, but prices have gone up and I didn't love the road feel either compared to the aforementioned older cars.

[@JULZ4]

@@alangil40 mine is 2017 competition package, and i used to use with out traction control, i upload a video on nurburgring doing some sliding if you want to see, @Hulio_carrion

[@GeordieAmanda]

@@alangil40 Mine was a 2017 and although the Comp Pack cars had revised software in their diff and engine, I'm not sure it filtered down to the stock M4 model, or at least I don't think it filtered down as quickly. A lot of people said the stock, lower - powered car, felt more aggressive to throttle inputs. I had a stock car (non Comp) and it was a hoot. It could break traction in the dry on a flat smooth road (think track or similar) at 95mph when it went from 3rd to 4th :D It was partly down to the gearbox when in its most aggressive setting, but still... I loved it, but you to be aware that it could bite, anytime, anywhere.

[@zakelwe]

The E30 M3 is a classic design that has aged really well, unlike the version that came after it. I love the depth of the glass area, it looks light and not overtly aggressive. Back in the day you would move over in your 1600L Cavalier if you saw that behind you. A bigger difference in those days between a "normal" car and something sporty...

[@iangray5316]

I’d have preferred to see an M2 Comp and Z4MC instead of the M635 and F10 M5 as they’re more in keeping with the ethos of BMW M. I have a feeling the Z4M would be a pleasant surprise and like the GTS, would no doubt feel better and perform better than the road tests of the day suggested.

[@tractioncontroldelete]

Snubbed the E36 M3 as well as the F80 M3 - I’m floored. I genuinely appreciate the content from Auto Express but you folks are way off base on this one. The E36 is the most tracked ///M car at the moment and just watch how favorable time will be to the F80. Plus no F90 M5 (not even CS)??? Come on guys LOL. Love the channel though. Keep the great stuff coming 💪

[@ares9701]

E36 M3 sucked in comparison to the E46, SMG1 was the problem child, SMG2 with CSL map was far superior. E36 Looked worse and had less power, all imo though..

[@Theratron]

The reaction to the F80 M3 also took me by surprise... It's a wonderful car with a superb suspension setup and more torque at a broader range than the V8 M3 that preceded it...

[@r129r16pfl]

@@ares9701 e46m3 is just a bigger, heavier, more luxurious e36m3 (euro*)

[@Jeff_F7]

Pretty much said everything I was going to say. The e36 m3 (euro version) is such an underrated car when it comes to the journalists. But the enthusiasts know better, hence all the e36's (even the non- M and touring versions) you see at tracks worldwide, especially the nurburgring. Such a great chassis. Miles better overall vs the e30 but still very much analogue. I even love the e36's styling better than an e46 with it's more raw, sharper edges and lower stance and more svelte dimensions. I'd even say it looks sexy, especially in coupe form. And the s50b32 was such a gem of an engine and sounded better than the later s54. Wish they had made an M3 touring since the touring had all the great attributes of the coupe and saloon, but with great utility and perfect size wagon shape. I also agree that the F90 M5 CS is epic and should have been included.

[@monsieurlazer48]

@@Jeff_F7 Also, the 3.2 Evo versions were amazing.

[@timmietz]

I am very blessed to own a number (10+) of BMW M cars. While this is a fabulous film, here is what, IMHO, you’ve missed: M2CS - with an MT and CCBs it is just the best. E86 Z4M Coupe - best S54 powered car ever. Much better car than the Z3M Coupe mostly due to rear suspension and steering feel. It has E46 M3 CSL steering rack - need I say more!? M5CS - I just got this one and it is amazing! E90 CRT is perhaps the best M sedan ever. North American market E60 M5s had a 6MT option. They are so much better than the SMG cars.

[@pereldh5741]

You forgot quite a few! I’d still have the Z4M Coupe. Fun, hard, rough, manual and totally analog. No turbo, no runflats, no nav, no el. steering, no drivemodes, no SMG. And Great Looking!

[@davidroscoe3815]

Totally agree....I owned the Z4M Coupe from new back in 2007, what a car, wish I never sold it.

[@timmietz]

I own a dozen M cars. From E34 Touring all the way to 2022 M5CS. I own 2 Z4 M Coupes. Why 2? Because they are the best car with the legendary S54 in it.

[@donovanlawrence3117]

No nav? Z4M is amazing. Love mine.

[@jamesowendesign]

@@donovanlawrence3117 some had nav some didn’t

[@donovanlawrence3117]

@@jamesowendesign yeah I know mine has it. I’m asking OP of this comment what he/she means by comment “no nav”

[@julianadams2206]

Awesome Video. Love Steve’s anecdotes about his memories of driving the older cars back in period and contrasting this with how they feel today.

[@BlitzkriegRap]

I always pay attention when this man has something to say about a car!

[@DamianSupra]

very true!

[@mistreku]

I think the CSL's gearbox always felt all right on the track, it's the town driving that's not exactly pleasant. Regardless, it's my fav car in this line up. Lovely, lovely thing that car! The induction is absolutely intoxicating!

[@cypriotpilot]

Epic review as always, Steve you are a legend mate. That M3 CSL and the E92 GTS are absolute heroes!!! Thank you for this lovely tribute, cheers from Cyprus

[@rootsmanuva82]

I never thought I’d say this but the styling of the New M3 sedan is growing on me. The headlights are taught like they’re stretched over the body and the grill is still obnoxious but wears it boldly and unapologetically which I’ll reluctantly give it credit for.

[@weeevilswine]

but I think once you see it parked next to an f80 m3 you again realise how ugly the front is comparatively, rest of the car looks great though imo

[@TheBmarshall15]

As a owner of both the e46 m3 and e60 m5 you hit the nail on the head with both cars. The s54 and s85 are hands down the the best engines M gmbh has ever made.

[@peterhammer4644]

Great review👍. My favourite still the E92. I owned one (none GTS 😀) for 5 years and loved every moment of driving it. Had also a Speed Yellow F80 Comp, which was nice, too. I also loved the F80 CS and the E39 M5. Haven't driven the F90 CS (the Comp yes) so that probably would be up there, too.

[@bangles66]

Epic! Thanks again Steve, what a treat.

[@pezzonovante888]

My favorite M car has always been the Z4M Roadster. It may not be the "greatest" one, but they're just an absolute pleasure to drive and look at. The E39 would be second.

[@torqueworx6671]

E36 S54 (ok not out the factory) but will bring some laughter out 😃 it does show how adjustable all these M cars are when they can mutate across evolutions. As others have said an M2 comp or CS would of brought some healthy debate and even an e36 3.0 GT would of been a raw experience. Great work Steve as always 🙌🙌

[@johngilchrist2852]

Those couple of mins in the gts were just brilliant, he cannot contain himself. Makes me remember those few moments in life when I was fully on it and buzzing.

[@scottmuir2385]

Cracking Content - Always a Winner with Steve!

[@institutmorningkiss]

E39 M5 : Power, Poise, Purity. Perfect ! ❤

[@hockdg]

Perfect KZbin video. Brilliantly presented and filmed. Thanks for this Steve and team.

[@charliebruce4132]

E34 M5 - the noise, the balance, the look - just wonderful

[@Wilantonjakov]

yes. second only to the e28

[@TAYYAB_989]

Bmw m5 e60 will remain my top favourite of a bmw m car don’t care about no rod bearing issue it sounds amazing and looks good

[@BrunoGDC]

Same. That car has race pedigree.

[@stevepurdy2451]

An engine looking for a car

[@groupb5420]

I own an E60 M5 2007 LCI model , if your looking to purchase one the cost to sort the preventative maintenance issue’s on this car is as goes: Bearing shells and vanos pipe £2000 Throttle actuators £640 Injectors £600 All prices include labour charges , not bad for a high performance car with 500 bhp. Once these issues have been sorted and the car is warmed up to temperature and kept below 3k revs in the process its very reliable plus it will make you smile everytime you take it for a drive ( with a decent exhaust and induction kit )

[@jbrown7403]

Great review of a great bunch of cars! I’m pretty partial to my F82 Comp. Great daily driver and quite a monster when needed! 👍🏁😃

[@PrinceBarin77]

Not owned any of the others here but my F82 CP has been my favourite car to own. Like a rowdy mate - sometimes a handful but always the best company.

[@eliotsalandybrown]

Steve your experience and enthusiasm make your videos informative and entertaining 🙏

[@AllAhabNoMoby]

Loved this Steve. It was awesome. 👍

[@groupb5420]

I’ve owned the E60 M5 SMG LCI model now for 4 years and it’s been fantastic , everything has been sorted ie: throttle actuators , injectors , rod bearings and Vanos but there’s one more thing I may do which is have the SMG changed to a 6 speed Manual ( everything M3’s quoted me last month 6k ) 😬😭 …. still thinking about it and haven’t made my mind up , great video and wouldn’t mind the E46 CSL what a car as I miss my E46 M3 😎👍🇬🇧

[@bokiNYC]

Great car you have there, a legend, don't ever sell it. And do the manual conversion, it'd be a unicorn, such a small number of manual e60 M5's out there.

[@groupb5420]

@@bokiNYC it’s never crossed my mind to actually sell this car , I know their a heavy big car but the sound it makes and not just the exhaust also the induction sound is unbelievably addictive especially with the evolve carbon fibre air intakes fitted the rest of the car is how it should be ..factory spec … I’m so glad when I purchased this car I ignored the negative comments on forums and videos because they surely are a fantastic machine to own , regarding the manual swap I’m in no rush to have it done but as you were saying it would be a rare car that’s for sure 👌

[@premiumliver]

as a bmw salesman for 6 years and F82 owner in South Carolina, i can confidently say we still stop mid-sale any time an E46 pulls up on the lot. it just has an aura.

[@jordanbuttkevitz6895]

The 2018 f80 m3 cs fixed majority of the complaints. It managed a 7:38 around the n-ring, while slower than the g82 comp at 7:30 the f80 cs is capable.

[@mpfourfour]

Sutcliffe, Harris and Catchpole need their own show

[@MarcSob22]

M5 E60 manual is the best for sure!

[@LumiereGroupTM]

Cracking review!!

[@FourFour2theFloor]

I have an e60 m5 and it's an epic car when it wants to run properly lol. Great video, much love to the ///M division

[@leddygee1896]

Personal favorite? the Z8 manual... I know it's not an M, but what a machine!!

[@ingraam7]

Steve at his very best. Mega!

[@airmax90_king93]

The M5 has a special place in my heart

[@WekkelEkkel]

This reminds me of Tiff Needell: no high school scripted jokes but genuine talk about what the cars feels like, proper driving and that juvenile smile ...

[@rafikuhami9326]

We salute you for this great video & even though you’re missing a couple of them you’re spot on with your review 👏👏

[@b577960]

I guess I’m old school, but the M635 csi is still the most beautiful of them all. I have an E46 M3 manual and when driven with intent and in its element is utterly fantastic, for normal day to day driving I don’t like it at all. If not for the bad reputation of the V10, I would have bought a M6 as well. I’ll just wait a little longer until I get the S58 engined M4 competition

[@Wilantonjakov]

you're right about the M635. easily BMW's most beautiful machine

[@DavidReyes-ft4bl]

Disappointed you didn’t mention my Z4M coupe it’s a blast to drive and can’t beat that S54 sound!!

[@AverageBeausOutdoor]

Agreed. It's a Beautiful ride.

[@WingChun108]

Thanks a lot👍 The E36 has the most beautiful design.

[@geoffclarke3796]

Some really epic cars here. Love the M1 & M635CSI which are so cool and excellent dynamically despite their age but the E92 GTS gets my vote though I might go for the CSL if it was available with a manual. Considered getting a CSL when they were fairly new but put off by the gearbox so ended up getting a 996 GT3.

[@hoofixrman]

So many great cars. Been a fan of all of them for years and own a E34M5 and F10M5. The F10 can be a supercar or a limo based on what you want. The E34 is so raw unsophisticated and vault like build quality. Cool vid!

[@stichupman]

Very nice mate. E34 is my personal favourite I love them.

[@petrolheadl3856]

really love this video！

[@simonhaycocks]

A great film on my absolute favorite car brand. Thank you. I just wish it had been an hour long and included every version of ///M. Sadly, i've only owned one, an E36 evo which got stolen 😢Seriously considering putting that right with my next car in a few months time before it's too late.

[@Jay-ww4ru]

29 mins of Steve talking about M cars. Yes please.

[@superfast30]

BMW Motorsport has got to be the greatest ever in-house tuning/racing arm of any manufacture past and present.

[@RearWheelZeal]

One element that a test such as this seems to fail to recognize openly is the vastly different mission and intent of each given era's M3 vs. it's contemporary M5 stablemate. The 5-series (particularly the later generations) is fundamentally an executive sedan that is designed to do big miles comfortably. Judging these cars with such a huge emphasis placed on track dynamics and ultimate response will never do the 5er any sort of justice. Still a very fun comparison none the less! Thanks to Steve and Auto Express for this sensational retrospective.

[@coastalrider1155]

I loved my e92 m3 and e46 m3 Infact all my e46s I have a f type jag and an old 2002 e46 touring 330 manual with 238000 miles and it still drives absolutely brilliant great video

[@GeordieAmanda]

Half an hour of Steve!! It's not even my birthday. I must have been a very good girl to deserve this :)

[@rydaddythanos8968]

The sweetest video I’ve ever witnessed

[@rip4273]

Great video. Steve is excellent as always.

[@Jamie_Kearney]

Love the segment with the shoebox and the M5. Thanks, Steve.

[@6351stuart]

That E92 M3 GTS 😍 17:55

[@BMWarrior1]

I love this video - what an array of all the best M cars. long live BMW

[@klinatoc]

The e60 did come with a 6speed so you had that option. Test drove one, but it didn’t meet my expectations visually(paint was not maintained). But it was a riot, v10 sorted and 6speed, I felt bad for the Michelins that were on it. a little upset the e36 didn’t get its shine. Yea, not the greatest M developed but the M that made it possible to have an M division. Still prefer the e36 handling over my e46, should’ve kept both but I made my choice.

[@chadsticles8023]

The manual was north america only, don't understand why they did that

[@klinatoc]

@@chadsticles8023 so we actually got one over on the euro market, nice!

[@blauschuh]

Haven't driven my 01 Z3 M coupe in a while... might have to take it for a drive this weekend :)

[@tim1king]

E92 GTS for me. Great video 👏🏻👏🏻

[@Chris-cv6wy]

Of course the GTS is amazing, it's around £200k! I personally think M cars should be affordable. E92 M3, manual gearbox, with a fruity exhaust would be near the top of the list there.

[@dillanmistry]

That’s BMW heaven right there

[@Wilantonjakov]

the M635CSi is a just a work of art. sublime looks

[@Funorigamikid]

“G80 M3 is at the pinnacle of M cars” Oooff.. I lust for one now

[@nootnootasis1276]

That's a 👍 for BMW M and another 👍 for Steve.

[@carter83419]

Awesome content guys. Loved this 👍🏻

[@kevinkarbonik2928]

I have an e39 M5 and an e60 M5..... love them both for different reasons.

[@themadakh3229]

E46 m3 csl manual will always be a dream car for me to own.

[@DRRCreations]

Bloomin excellent video! Presented by the best motoring journalist Steve Sutcliffe! Thank you 👌😀

[@GoFast865]

Absolutely epic to see all these M cars together. When M was pure and “M performance” wasn’t a thing.

[@Kelveron]

Fantastic clip. The always brilliant Steve Sutcliffe with some of the best M cars in the brand's history. What more could you ask for .....apart one of the cars, that is? :)

[@MWallis2]

Awesome video! But you done messed up not having the M2 CS and the E36 M3 GT. The E36, for me, is the ultimate M chassis.

[@rahuljayachandran4128]

Wow what a video.Just what the doctor ordered,simply outstanding 😍.I love BMW and I love the M division🙂.Thank you for this amazing content.

[@jjmcoupebmw6557]

Happy with mine! I enjoyed that, thanks.

[@djremotion2]

Best M-video of the year.

[@tapiotamminen6950]

Excellent film. Such genuine enthusiasm.

[@DjNikGnashers]

E39 M5 is my favourite M car of all time, absolutely perfect as a road car.

[@tarquin161234]

1M followed by E46 even though I'm sure the later cars would destroy them on the track. It's about the looks, personality, drive and intent. Would love to try the V10 though!

[@s325ibmw3]

i own for 5 years now the E39 M5 wanted the E46 m3 and the E60 m5, i ended buying the most reliable and pure fun to drive car. for me its the greatest but the my favorite will be forever the E30 M3 and the CSL M3

[@augustortiz]

E90 CRT is the guaranteed GOAT. E92 GTS performance with regular sedan comfort. Either that or an M5 CS.

[@timmietz]

Well, I am lucky to own both the CRT and the M5CS now. The CRT is definitely more special. Interestingly, here in the US, I paid about the same amount of money for the these cars (about $180K). The CRT is definitely more of a sense of occasion car. The M5CS is a just a weapon. 180 feels like 120 in most other cars. I also own a Project 8. To me the CRT and the Project 8 have the exact same ethos. They even feel very similar.

[@drewslater]

I knew when I saw all these down Llandow there was some video going on! Awesome!

[@FACTOMANIAC]

where are the legendary M2 CS AND M5 CS ???

[@qx4n9e1xp]

What I would give for a 2-door e39 m5. That 5L sound is addicting, especially with an aftermarket exhaust.

[@abelucious]

I remember when the E46 M3 came out the majority of automotive media were kinda disappointed that BMW made it too fat and heavy and it understeered, they were comparing it to the E30 and E36 I guess because looking at it now it weighs about 3000 pounds , that's hypercar light in today's standards.

[@161BMW]

I don’t remember that it seemed to have praise universally and won many group tests.

[@earlhall430]

All of car them are great vehicles. I own like 4 BMW's they put a smile on my face !!!

[@kaybellum]

i like that he keeps it real regarding the 1m. the 1m is a cool car but gets a bit more praise than it deserves in my opinion.

[@Bmontepeque11]

I don't know if it's because I'm younger (I'm 22) but the E82 1M is may favorite of the bunch! (Very closely followed by the (E46) CSL and the (E39) M5!)

[@Caggs.911]

Great video guys! Albeit, a little disappointed there is no M2/C/CS in this video! :-/

[@christoffergrinsted]

WOW . Epic review Steve !!

[@Theratron]

Very enjoyable video and a nice homage, but I would very much like to know why Steve doesn't like the F80 M3? Pity he didn't elaborate on that. I think it's a great car, and it certainly *looks* a lot better than the G80 M3... 😆

[@howardjennings1166]

f80 feels like a very safe m3. It won't be very memorable.

[@Theratron]

@@howardjennings1166 but it's a great car right? 😅 I thought at the time maybe it was a bit controversial they went back to a straight 6 after the V8 adventure. But in hindsight, that's probably what most people wanted as long as it was more powerful (which it was).

[@ashterfadgadget817]

I am lucky enough to own an E30 M3 and an E39 M5 and I loved what you had to say about them! The only thing I disagree slightly with is about the E30’s brakes, which I find to be not great.

[@antoniolache7408]

no one mentioned the fact that YOU sir can drive, the way you controlled the cars especially when it broke traction ! wow !

[@mrmonday42]

No mention of the Z4M Coupe?

[@lbnewell23]

Was expecting to see an M4 GTS and the M2&5 CS, but the E92 is my dream track car without question

[@bobalto]

Awesome cars. Just love them ❤️

[@tlrprice7]

The E39 M5 will always and forever be my personal perfect M car and a true ultimate driving machine.