Which BMW M3 is the BEST?!

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On today's episode of "Did You Know?" Sean tries to resolve the age-old question of which generation BMW M3 is the best. Furthermore, we look at how functionality, community support, and the cultural impact can affect your decision to buy. Which BMW deserves the top spot? Drop a comment below!
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0:00 Intro
0:45 The Plug
1:46 History of the BMW M3 E30
3:37 History of the BMW M3 E36
5:30 History of the BMW M3 E46
7:13 History of the BMW M3 E90/E92/E93
8:52 History of the BMW M3 F80
10:01 Best M3 based on performance
10:56 Best M3 based on popularity
11:39 The Greatest BMW M3 of All Time?
11:54 Outro
#BMW #M3 #Best

[@FitmentIndustries]

Which BMW M3 is the best? Let us know in the comment section below. Also, don't forget to check out our FULL BUILD GIVEAWAY featuring Artisa Wheels, Fortune Auto Coilovers & Continental Tires! Enter here- bit.ly/2YnEyJT

[@EdgarHernandez-cl5on]

Do the bmw m5 next

[@keanupianu6776]

Do S4 next pls

[@Misanoblue]

The best M3 ? Hell yeah the F87 M2 CS !! The M3s are getting bigger and bigger from the E92 and then ! The new G80 is bigger than the E39 M5 !

[@user-mx1fq6qm6i]

The E92

[@danielpeters7241]

E36 all the way

[@Miks_Petersons]

Haven't even watched the video but it's gotta be E46 M3.

[@E36_boat]

I have an e36 and e46 I love both my cars but the e46 is the way better car it has enough technology but not to much . Perfect car

[@maxabramson4781]

I have an E46 M3, and it is the greatest car ever made. Not the most reliable, but certainly a fantastic machine... a true supercar sedan.

[@jucampagna1432]

Yes you're correct.

[@hwoarang2001]

I had one in Dakar yellow. Then I sold it to make it up my driveway

[@smotheredhusky]

@@maxabramson4781 bro u got a sedan or a coupe? Lol

[@RoleyChiu]

I see E46 content, I hit like

[@carbonemtree]

Come to my channel and prove it !

[@AshDoytch]

The e46 M3 CSL was the first M3 to have a carbon roof

[@deathisfreedom1442]

Wasn't that a magnesium roof?

[@PhillipCun]

Came here to say this.

[@PhillipCun]

@@deathisfreedom1442 no, it was CF. Google it to fact check

[@abrahamg3354]

Was CSL an optional thing like competition pack or was it a limited run?

[@deathisfreedom1442]

@@PhillipCun Was about to go to sleep so I just asked. I wasnt sure if it was magnesium or cf. Bmw did use a magnesium roof for one of their cars but i forgot which one....

[@jacobdismke4893]

I have an F80 and I still think the E46 is the best.

[@ThatNofbody]

It’s probably a nostalgia thing bc the f80 is sm more bad ass

[@damovanb]

E46 M3. cast iron block, aluminum head, no turbo, inline 6. absolutely the best of the bunch...IMHO

[@swizzy6010]

No m3 compares to the E46 m3

[@user-mx1fq6qm6i]

With the exception of the E92. This car nailed everything

[@Ayeee_cam]

E9X m3>e46 m3 e46 overrated

[@Ovadose850]

E46 M3 will go down in history as the best EmThRee 👍

[@zachogdahl210]

E92 just doesn't handle as well imo. I'm still going to buy one though. Cuz why not both lol The e46 is much sharper handling wise but the e92 is super comfy down the highway in comparison.

[@futurenickel702]

With the exception of the eurospec E36 because it’s faster 👀

[@KevinG-xi6lv]

Aaaand E46 M3 prices just doubled lol

[@newt6639]

The biggest jump in performance was the E46 M3. It is an absolute blast to drive. The modern design still holds up today. With that said my heart and bias is with the e92 M3 that I own. 8 years later I still get excited driving this car. It has been the most reliable car I have ever owned besides all the stories you hear about these cars. I plan to keep this car for a very long time. I wish I could own all the older M cars as I have been fortunate to drive them all. The newer M3/M4’s blow away my M3 in terms of performance, but it doesn’t feel special. It’s hard to beat that beautiful sound of the V8.

[@deadshot4245]

1m series is another golden BMW

[@tonyb9735]

"The biggest jump in performance was the E46 M3" It really wasn't that much quicker than the European E36 Evo. 321 bhp vs 340 or maybe 360 (depending on who you believe). Are you American? The E36 M3 you had was not the full power version at all.

[@626Bui]

all of them😂

[@LateNightRituals]

My fav e36, best e46 machine, e30 iconic, e36 going up in value

[@blueumbrellagaming9825]

Y’all sleeping on the e92

[@vporta3151]

I agree. I love my 2012 ///M3 e92 competition pkg. 2 years ago I had the choice between a e46 and e92. The e92 blew me away compared to the e46.

[@kylem2010GT]

I prefer the high revving M cars (E46 + E92). The E92 has two more cylinders. More cylinders is more better 👍

[@maximilianoramirez5918]

"10w60 isn't cheap" I felt that lol

[@tykedurst]

Especially when it leaks a bit

[@anoncanon1100]

@@tykedurst especially when u always gotta change ur oil cap and head gaskets smh

[@TheDwightMamba]

My e36 M3 loves Mobil-1 15W-50. $23.70 for 5 quarts. Never had oil issues.

[@Lancevehoek512]

@@TheDwightMamba mobil 1 is garbage now, turned into just another economy oil with low wear additives treat your m3 to a better brand of oil. valvoline vr1 is decently priced for race oil with high zinc

[@TheDwightMamba]

@@Lancevehoek512 and yet I've never had a single issue with it. Weird.

[@gio_ziraqa]

E46 M3 is last and best M3 out there in my opinion (E30 M3 EVO 2 is my wet dream too)

[@bort46]

these are they type of videos that make the prices go “absolutely insane” lmao

[@dsmoov59]

More and more of the “why you need to buy an e46 right now” videos keep coming out as I’ve been looking for the right one to buy 🙃

[@aaronbenarroch186]

makes me glad i got mine a few years ago...not like i ever plan on selling it

[@Kerem-el4lg]

@@dsmoov59 same!

[@Kerem-el4lg]

@@dsmoov59 same!

[@Latinblood59]

I’d agree with the e46 M3. Personal favorite is the e92 though

[@Jbrain0]

E46 m3 is the best looking m3 😍

[@tonyb9735]

I used to agree with you, I thought it was achingly beautiful, but I find that visually it has aged less well than the E36 and I now prefer the looks of the earlier car.

[@KINGVONFRM063]

My love for E30 and E36 will never end🙏⚡💎

[@albertj2459]

As an owner of an E46 M3, I'm a bit biased.

[@ferrarienzokl]

And as an owner of an e36 m3 I'm biased too lol

[@albertj2459]

@KGL Nero lmao fair enough

[@nickcho0425]

As an owner of no M car with a regular ass 3 series, I don’t have a right to be a bit biased

[@mrlong6267]

Cheers fellow e46 m3 owner👍🏻

[@MumenRider78]

As an owner of an E90 M3, I'm a bit biased. Would add an e46 as well if I wasn't based in the UK. Those cars have rust issues.

[@knoxpriest8473]

Shoutout to all of those at FI from the U.K. Great vid guys! My LS BLUE E46 M3 is appreciated by everyone with its timeless appeal. I’ll personally always have admiration for any M car.

[@S85B50Engine]

Even though I love how the E92 sounds amazing, the E60 M5 is the best sounding M car, with the E92 and E46 coming in tied at a close-ish second.

[@noobshaveboobs466]

E30, no questions

[@666dngr]

I'll have to disargee on the best sounding M3. S54 has godlike sound.

[@TheDailyDriven]

F80 M3! With the new Equal Length Mid-Pipe it fixed the horrible sound. Great platform to build power. But not going to lie, the E92 and E90 M3s are definitely one of the best sounding M3s by far.

[@lighteningbolt6397]

Single turbo s55 also sounds nice

[@TheDailyDriven]

@@lighteningbolt6397 absolutely agree 💯

[@KxF82489]

yeah you cant beat the way the E9x m3's sound. those N/A V8s.

[@adelaide7822]

It's a bit to expensive though for most people, e9X and e46 makes more sense for most people economically.

[@lighteningbolt6397]

@@TheDailyDriven bens bimmer makes his sound like a 2jz kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJfZe4WNlNmee8U

[@brozuff8825]

My favorite m3 has to be the e36 m3. Ive never driven an e30 or e92. But the e36 is just so much fun and way more reliable than the others. I can throw around my e36 with no worries and the power band feels so good. Obviously we got fucked over but i still think if anyone drives an e36 m3 you will fall in love

[@johncreedon1833]

E36 is well know to the most unreliable and problematic of all the M3's !

[@moiv8]

IMO It’s got the best sounding I6 from the engine amongst M3s Best overall the S65 in the E9X

[@ldsgarage4873]

My e92 m3 has been far more reliable than my buddies e36 and both have over 100k miles 🤨

[@ThatNofbody]

@@ldsgarage4873 yea people don’t even know what they be saying

[@bunsenn5064]

Ironically, you didn’t. The S50 engine in the Euro M3 was far more problematic and high-maintenance than the M50 engine the American market got. It was still a better performer than the top-trim 3 series in every way.

[@austinabraham2238]

Absolutely love bmw m3's but for me personally besides and e46csl . My dream m3 is a Laguna seca blue e46 m3 in manuel

[@scottnicholls2523]

Had 2 3lt E36 m3s a few years ago, 5 speed was a better choice around a track because the 6th gear was only really for fuel saving but the box was the same size. The 5speed took a load more abuse. That said, we stripped all the sound proofing it of them. Best mod idea ever, holy crap, the sound above 6500rpm.

[@daniel-rz6bd]

"best sounding m car in history" I think that would go to the e60 m5 v10 😅

[@lighteningbolt6397]

Can’t forget about the old bmw v12s though

[@blastoizelp6909]

he said m3

[@kylekeogh2731]

Yeah he said “best sounding M3” which is true

[@dylanellis6264]

@@kylekeogh2731 He later said “M car”... But it’s definitely the best sounding M3 and I think he meant to say it again and just slipped up.

[@666dngr]

Well thats your opinion, imo S54 and S14 were two of the best sounding engines in M3's

[@alfa_media9654]

I’m just getting into the BMW M3 realm. Thanks so much for making this video. It resonated on several different levels. 👍🏾

[@blackedm3486]

Well obviously the E9X Generation M3 with the beautiful V8...

[@fabiansalazar5257]

E46 M3 !!! Sadly I have a 3 series but one of the best video !🔥

[@user-mx1fq6qm6i]

Fyi: VANOS is BMW's version of VVT-I

[@sebastianmackay5657]

No it's not. Vanos is variable valve timing system. Vtec changes the cam profile to a more aggressive one, vanos only changes timing of the camshafts

[@user-mx1fq6qm6i]

@@sebastianmackay5657 well, I was close. Imma fix that rn

[@edwardjackson9518]

Double vanos are the same best

[@tyrtyranski7791]

No

[@daniel-rz6bd]

car throttle makes a really good comparison video of all the m3s

[@patriklenck1735]

E46 not even close. I mean, Look at lt. And the s54b32 is the perfect sucessor to the loved s50b30/b32

[@fortheapex]

They're extremely similar

[@gavinlamp]

I drove a few m3's in my life, and what I can say is the older ones got the mechanical analog things down. And they each have their own character about them. But while I was in Berlin backpacking around and ended up at a car show (with an actual BMW M division engineer at the time Nov 2019) . We talked about "the best M3 car" and he said at the office, what most including himself think, "the latest M3 is always the best". Now I believe him in the sense that on paper and on proven science... yeah its probably the most efficient, and most powerful, and most useable, and practical, and etc. And its supposed to be that way for every single M variant model. I love the look of the E92 personally, its just timeless. But I cant lie when I say, "2018 M3 with the Competition Package is a damn fun car to drive and is faster than the driver I will ever be. First car I knew I wasn't going to be able to drive it to its limits safely. Not on a public road in any shape way or form".

[@djhh83]

E92 done

[@thatasiandude1351]

Could you do a comparison between progressive coilovers vs linear and point out the pros & cons of each other.

[@anoncanon1100]

i appreciate you a lot for the e92 run down. u were point on.

[@jakabe7281]

I own an e92 m3 at 19 You can’t miss the only v8 !!!

[@giraffe8554]

Nice grind bro I fuckn love the e92 gen. Keep it up 🚀

[@insiditious6203]

Their all so amazing in their own ways.. styling and what it packs is probs the most important, so I give styling to the E46 and firepower to the E90 Edit: E92**

[@VladdyGarage]

E92 is the best . Naturally aspirated v8.. coupe , sexy

[@insiditious6203]

Have u seen that KZbin swap of the E90 V8 into the E46 chassis

[@VladdyGarage]

@@insiditious6203 yeah, the e46 looks good at first but once you see the e92 m3s it’s way better

[@insiditious6203]

@@VladdyGarage I like the e46 looks wise.. that V8 tho 😛

[@fatoputso7375]

All great, all created a splash and a standard upon introduction. I do love the e36 tho... 🤗

[@betterwatchsaul3597]

E46 M3 😎

[@ssgtarty]

Great video, thanks for making

[@nazz2406]

For me it's the E30 and E46 the E46 looks so mean.

[@martynas8308]

Try doing an episode on which M5 is the best. that would be hella cool. They're sick boatlike sedans that are beasts if done up right.

[@DjRapnytech]

Good good, now do the M5s cuz I wanna hear that sweet V10 ear music 🎶

[@sebastianvipond571]

Without even saying I already know the answer, e30, E46, and my fav e92 m3

[@OriginalSarn]

My favorite part of this discussion is that everyone is split on which one is their favorite.

[@zachogdahl210]

If you want the ultimate driving machine the e46 m3 gives an experience unlike any other bmw. The balance is exceptional the engine screams at high rpm and around a track i had endless fun with it. And while its slow by modern standards the handling is the main reason to buy one. Currently it is one of the best performance bargains out there, that is if you are a good wrench and are willing to put in the work to maintain it.

[@ethanvz]

I personally like all of them but I do really like the f80 and e46 but the e92 is going to go up in value I believe

[@unknownl7515]

Damn I like the other M cars but am i the only one who likes the f80 more?

[@junmaecarlo]

You’re not the only one. I like the previous generation M3’s and all but there’s something about the F80’s design that I like about it especially with it being a sedan. I’m personally a F-chassis person lol

[@marioochoa1433]

Laguna Seca Blue Manual E46 M3 FTW! And when it comes to sound, nothing beats the air box sound of the CSL E46M3

[@Nightwalker86]

So glad this video didn't have the usual cop-out "they're all equally great. Wanted an actual answer, got an actual answer.

[@BROS_Guzz]

E46 m3 is a legendary car. I own one personally and even tough their is other cars out there way faster is just all about the driver feel, engine sound etc.. it's amazing beautiful machine!

[@robbierosato8742]

5:50 that clip tho 🔥

[@planetdee3587]

When I really started getting into cards heavy, the v8 was out. That is my favorite, though it eats gas.

[@SFterps]

I’m still e36 gang

[@oshogweikekhai5499]

I too

[@R3CKL3SSsk8r]

How is it that when I think of a car thing want or need or interest I run to you guy and BAM ! There’s a video 😂 amazing 😂 I’m buying a shirt 🤘

[@samwisee]

I'd love to drive the E90/E92 just to compare between the two. Looks wise I like the E46 better and I think the interior design aged better than the E90x. But that V8 does sound amazing.

[@michaelroblesmedia]

Ay the PA Boost e46 m3 is mine that's awesome

[@emmanuelmartinezrodriguez5776]

Love your vids

[@LateNightRituals]

E36 m3 was produced from (92-99) n it wont the best car and driver award every year

[@iamemoi1640]

E46>>

[@brandoninks264]

I think my e36 with a gen1 small block chevy swap is the best sounding 😉

[@davidramez6219]

The E9x M3 is awesome if you don't have to look at it. BMW took inspiration from the Pontiac G8, which was also available with a V8.

[@christhantos615]

just as i was looking at getting one

[@aidandaubert]

E36

[@jarvis4675]

While I love my E36M3, we are the red headed stepchild of this group.

[@jameconradi8269]

100%

[@cesarxmbert]

E36? E46 and it's not even close. E36s are actually cheaper and far easier to find than E46s. Let alone the E46 is faster and looks A LOT better. The E36 is just an odd one out, the E30 looks better than the E36 too.

[@cesarxmbert]

@Slow M3 then why is it the cheapest M3 of the two?

[@pikivikimiki]

E36 all the way.

[@belonsodalisay1234]

Lol not wrong about the e46 subframe.... just recently reinforced mine and yes there was a crack in it lmao

[@v1_rotate638]

I have a alpine white f80... my best friend recently sold his Avery gloss light blue E46 m3.. the thumbnail caught me off guard. I thought it was a pic I took 😂

[@imnotiwanthomas6718]

E92 for me, just as cheap as the E46 ( in the uk ) and it has a 4.0 litre V8 and unlike modern M3s it has a good old fashion 6 speed manual. Plus it looks dope as hell!

[@MumenRider78]

And it doesn't rust like the e46 in the UK

[@imnotiwanthomas6718]

@@MumenRider78 ha true

[@LoveSportsCars]

G8x still has mt

[@darrendent8288]

@6:19 😂 good thing that someone of the tuner crowd stuck around especially with K swaps for Honda's.

[@abrahamg3354]

Clunky iDrive system? If you get the LCI, or the facelift, which happened in 2009 you get the updated iDrive that people want. It's pretty easy to use, responsive, and looks pretty darn good. It was one of the best in it's market.

[@Giixxersquid]

E36 and e46 hands down best

[@stevelang26]

I have a 2019 M3 with all options

[@StreetDrivenDaily]

had e46 m3 , cracking rear frame, wasn't fun to fix--- I prefer my f82 m4 :)

[@smashedcoconut7]

aight here me out e30 m3 full n54 swap big turbo sequential transmission full track car that also looks clean that’s what i want if i buy an m3 e30

[@superrad1659]

I remember when the E46 was unveiled (2000 /Geneva) I remember really not liking it at 1st, it was actually the lower edge of the headlights that bothered me (extremely nit-picky, I know lol) something about that squiggly bottom edge LOL but as with any new car it grew on me and now, +20yrs later and i have to say it has become very near and dear. TBH i dont think theres EVER been a *BAD* M-car.

[@BigAltimaEnergy719]

Funny thing is that here in Canada we actually got the euro spec e36 m3 but only 40 of those existed

[@kasraghasemian6142]

E46 became famous because of NFS most wanted. Yes I know that was a gtr but as a child you see every E46 as that legend

[@seanvaglica1000]

"God, I love cake" LOL, subscribed

[@momcilopopovic1660]

It would be nice to have an E46 too but I am very happy with my E93 (S65) from 2013

[@darreljoseph8064]

I just bought one :) I love it too!

[@jeast417]

If we actually got the euro spec e36 noone would say any other model and they would be up in price like the e30. But the first 3 m3 are the best

[@rogerone7387]

Nice, but if reliability is and with most. The E92 328i naturally aspirated is the ticket. Pull the mantaiance and Google to go. Of course every car has there issue's after 100,000 miles you should change the valve cover gaskets, and the tricky water pump if it's leaking. But more than that it a bomb to drive. Yes the car is for us one of the most reliable BMW money can buy..!

[@white_zeddy]

Day 23 of asking for a Dakota wheel slap comp

[@jpadicecoffee9812]

Definitely E46 m3: right size, more than enough power and great balance. Got the E92 prior to that, but it was large GT and faster in every way but I was not able to use it much as a daily car , in city and does not look as great.

[@dennismichealsm3786]

E92m3 and the extremely rare gts for me

[@joshua557]

Thanks for making e46s even more over-valued

[@arrow_wane]

“So you want a 2nd gen Lexus IS”

[@samandrew5643]

Nah man the IS-F will be better in my opinion

[@jmccarsnmore1025]

Nah, I’ll stick with the 1st Gen!!

[@samandrew5643]

@@jmccarsnmore1025 yeah but is slow AF

[@jmccarsnmore1025]

@@samandrew5643 Not if you turbo it. It already has a 2JZ in it. A real ruff diamond.

[@samandrew5643]

@@jmccarsnmore1025 Ik all of that I research a lot about the cost of turbo 1IS you will be surprised that 10 years ago you can turbo an 2JZ GE to have 500+hp just for 2k but now that cost more than triple the price because a lot of people begin to realize that is what the 1IS is capable of that’s why the price is up and it doesn’t worth it in my opinion

[@Mister_MasterzRN]

Dude looks like Abraham from walking dead! I love it!! Great Content BTW!

[@damiangonzalez973]

The e30 is a fun ass car and has less sensors bullshit and more engine space to work on i love it bu the e46 is the most beautiful 3series and I currently have one. I love it cause the handling is amazing and it’s small coupe. The new bimmer coupes are cool too but I just don’t like the length of them or body style but the front ends are nice asf.

[@graememacdonald4042]

E92 m3 is a fucking beauty

[@williesworldofwheels]

I had a e46 328ci. The first e46. A 2000’. Yea, it’s not a M but it was all black on black, 5 spoke bmw sport wheels, 5 speed with m sport package. Was a real fun car. No, it didn’t win a lot of drag races but it looked good sitting at the line 🤣

[@mythbusters8847]

I'm going to buy my first car soon, and I'm considering buying either an e46 m3 or a Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T. I would definitely appreciate your opinion on which would be a first car. I just want to note that I will definitely modify the car.

[@mythbusters8847]

@Slow M3 Thanks, I think i'll choose the Gen coupe

[@mythbusters8847]

@Slow M3 yeah, i've heard they are easy to tune

[@kristianolsenlarsen]

The styling of the E30, combined with the simpleness of the straight six E36, the handling of the E46, combined with the engine note of the E92 and the comfort and daily driveability of the F80. They’re all the best.

[@quakerome4594]

Me who drives a Camry: BMW are trash cars. Friend lets me borrow his 08 M3 Me:... BMW are the best cars.! xD

[@jacksampson7711]

For me the best M3 is the F80. Best looking with performance, style and comfort.

[@Jrk450]

M3 E46 for me, M3 E30 is just not enough power plus ridiculous price tag. Handling is magnificent and the power is perfectly balanced to the chassis. Manual gearbox for reliability.

[@thatgreekguy21]

Best M3 Generations IMO: 1. E46 2. E9x 3. E30 4. E36 5. F8x They're all great I almost feel bad placing the F8x and E36 at the bottom because I would own either. But when it comes down to it, the E46, E92, and E30 are the clearest reflection of what an M3 is supposed to be. They're balanced, handle on rails, are naturally aspirated with a gorgeous, unique sound, raw and mechanical feel that inspires confidence, with fewer gadgets and less technology that take away from the driving experience, and finally they have the looks that characterize the M3 throughout all of its generations.

[@EdgarHernandez-cl5on]

Do the bmw m5 next