I Ranked ALL SIX Generations of BMW M3 | My Personal List of Favorites!

[@curtisjohnson8814]

Hard to beat the looks of the F8X platform.

[@steveb540i]

I'll give you the F8x is presently the best looking generation, love the power dome hood! The G8x does drive the best, the evolution in the chassis, interior, and infotainment is undeniable. BMW just needs to evolve the electronic power steering feel to the same level of Porsche, and fix the pig snout on the LCI.

[@SimplyCarThings]

agreed! If BMW could somehow replicate porsche's EPS it would be a phenomenal achievement

[@davidsalem2896]

Great video Omar, very well prefaced. No matter how you ranked it was going to be subjective and controversial. My personal opinion is I agreed with all of you rankings but would have put the E9X platform as no.1. All of the models have their big maintenance issues, SMG gearbox, rod bearings, throttle actuators (E9X), crank hub (F8X), however after owning 2x E92’s and now a F80 Comp, the driving experience in my opinion ( again subjective) is far more engaging and enjoyable in the E9X. The power plant is awesome, especially combined with DCT. The sound, the visceral feel with hydraulic steering and the that N/A V8 makes you forget you are driving a “potentially” unreliable car. The lower torque which you discuss it’s definitely apparent, but it’s what rewards you with the ability to really ring out that engine to 8400 RPM to that sweet spot on a daily basis. The F80 has soooo much torque down low that on normal roads you can never really drive it at 9/10ths. Unless you want that viscous power band to kick in unexpectedly and run you off the road! Unfortunately, this is what makes it less fun as you can’t really ever extract it’s true ability on daily roads without putting others or yourself at risk. Then the feel of the electric steering is disconnected in my opinion, coupled with that sound of the S55 doesn’t send the shivers down my spine like the S65 did. In short, I’d rather do the preventative maintenance of rod bearings than a crank hub any day of the week to have the E9X platform over the F80. Why don’t I still have an E9X then you may ask? Well I daily my car and do 20-30,000 kms a year and can’t drive a car as high in Kms as the E9X would be in my hands. I’d be sitting at over 200,000kms by now and asking for problems! One day I hope to be comfortable enough to have a daily M3, whether it’s F80 or G series and a weekend E92 in the garage! Even if we disagree on one car. I’m sure there will be a thousand different opinions in the comments section, please take it as just that….unfortunately like an arsehole…everyone has one!! Great video as always, you have the best knowledge in the KZbin car channel space, keep up the grear work. 👍

[@SimplyCarThings]

I definitely see what you mean and I agree with almost all of what you've said regarding the E9X. It was not easy ranking these cars for me lol! But i appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts as always

[@redrex91]

Hi Nestor here from, NC. I agree with most of what you said also. The e9x is an amazing sounding machine, I have a few friends with supercharged ones, but I wouldn't place it over the f8x. Yes absolutely agree on the almost fact that it sucks not being able to wring out it's true power, the f8x, on normal roads but I do have a blast with my manual one. E9x should've been #2 on the list. That is the only thing I would change from Omar's list. Peace!

[@sadf526]

IMO, a fully built e46 M3 would be the king all day. S54 is a build-able engine, but the e46 is also a super swap friendly platform. Still compact enough to give a Miata a run for it's money with the right suspension set up, and has ageless style. It's hard to argue that's it's not peak M3. That said, once you're finally done throwing all that money at it, half of which just being some form of preventative maintenance/repairs, you're left with a car that would cost the same as multiple M3's.

[@SimplyCarThings]

you make a great case for the E46, and quite frankly I do agree as long as you have a relatively hefty budget!

[@SHRMN8TR]

@@SimplyCarThings Hey Omar, thanks for the video. The hard part is when you start talking about modifications. Ex: G8x stock OEM suspension vs. a used E36 (at like $15k used car price + $15k of JRZ custom coilovers and other suspension bits). You can guess which one would handle and drive better. If you compare stock v. stock M3s then you're list is about right. But once you enter the world of modifying, then your list needs to have way more parameters.

[@James-js7ih]

Samuel you are correct!

[@Psrrrraj]

E46 is such a cringe car, every car journalist ever won’t stfu about it, and then people who have never driven it say it’s the best ever.

[@sadf526]

@@Psrrrraj Bruh, I owned a 2003 ZHP 6 speed and kept it alive over 250,000+ miles. I just recently sold it and moved up to a 2011 e90 335i. While I have yet to own an e46 M3, I've driven quite a few e46's and have enough experience working on them to think I know a thing or two. The car is perfect by no means, but it definitely is the perfect definition of a car worth building.

[@gt3gt3rs6]

1-F8X 2-E46/E92 It’s so hard to choose between those 2 so It’s a tie between them. I agree with the F80 being the best, the looks is amazing. The only problem I have with the M4 is that the M2 Comp exist. I prefer the lines and hips of the F80 M3 more though

[@Rastaxz]

Great video however, I can see you 5 years from now owning a G8x and saying its the best thing since sliced bread😅. The F8x received almost the same backlash when first introduced now everyone loves it. I would go with the G80 as the best overall with the F80 coming in as a very strong second.

[@SimplyCarThings]

Who knows maybe my opinion on it will be changing in the future, i'm always open to that!

[@mperformance3502]

F8X was never regarded as ugly. Quite the opposite actually. G8X is considered as hideous even by non-biased car journalists.

[@caribbeanseas]

Ive owned every M3/M4 since the E36. I didn’t just drive someone else’s car for a day or two. I had a fully loaded F82 M4 for three years it was the worst of the bunch to drive. Torque was non linear couldn’t put the power down properly, the pops bangs where to obnoxious. My G82 is miles ahead in very aspect it’s not even comparable. As for being and absolute monster the S58 once proper tunes come out will be on another level completely.

[@oversteer6771]

So which is your fav😏

[@bmwnatics6760]

1!! e92 - e90 , best driving experience and sound of all m3s, 2) e46 3) f80 and then the others

[@jpdp3339]

You sit too high in those. Too little torque. Looks too plain. Sounds like an American V8. Great steering, however

[@jkatsingris]

@@jpdp3339 idk, I have a full titanium system on my e92 it doesn't sound American at all

[@Enthusiastlist]

@@jpdp3339sounds nothing like an American v8. Awful opinion.

[@ImCapriss]

Getting my M4 F82 next week and I can’t agree more, it’s hard to beat

[@SimplyCarThings]

congrats man! Must feel like a long two weeks im sure

[@chevyboa8950]

🔥🔥🔥

[@leanderscott527]

Drive the g80 b4 you make a final choice

[@StreetDrivenDaily]

Drove E36 M3 many times. Had e46 M3 for about 4 years. Had f82 M4 for about 2 years. The amount of stuff you get from f8x is nice. Has everything you asked for. Looks good when slightly modded. On the exterior part. Drives nice. Plenty of power. I approve. The only reason why I went with GT-R because i want a straight AWD rocket. I could go M5 but i wanted a raw car. I do wanna add E36 M3 4 door to my stable. As my plan is to have older bmw and a muscle car like 92 mustang 5.0

[@mariodr1067]

I know a lot of people who switched to the E9X platform from the F8X mostly because of the sound and null steering feel; but this is your opinion and it's respectable. In terms of reliability the S65 is not that bad, you mostly only worry about rod bearings that you only do once with BE bearings (comparable to crank hub for the S55) and throttle actuators which are not expensive.

[@Playclu8]

Couldn’t agree more with f8x as my favourite as well! I did a similar video talking about why I chose mine 😂

[@SimplyCarThings]

I'll make sure to check it out bro!

[@Playclu8]

@@SimplyCarThings it’s quite long as I go off ranting a lot about other cars too 😂 but please let me know what you think and what I can improve on! You’re one of the many channels I look up to on KZbin

[@jbrown7403]

Great video as usual! Couldn’t agree more with your #1 (notice my avatar at COTA) 😊. Even after almost 3 yrs of ownership, I still catch my self glancing over my shoulder for a second look in parking lots or before I close the garage door 😃

[@SimplyCarThings]

Love to hear that, I can't help but do the same. Sometimes I find myself just staring at the car in my garage lol. I guess that's how you know you bought the right car 👍

[@verde629]

The E46 was my dream car but currently I love how the F8x looks

[@Flxrebear]

As an Owner of Both an F80 M3 and an E36 M3 i think you nailed it.

[@SimplyCarThings]

glad to hear that, nice choice in M cars too :)

[@redrex91]

Agree with 90% of the rankings and opinión. Personally I would swap the e9x with the e36 positions. I have a few friends with e9x's and the exhaust sound is only comparable to an old school Ferrari screaming sound. I never looked into bmw ownership until the 1st time I saw a Yas Marina Blue M3 with the red interior and a Recaro babyseat in the back at the Ft Lauderdale airport. The front end design, the rear wide quarter panels and the colors, I was amazed. That was in 2015 and luckily I now own a Mineral White 2016 M4 since 2019. Love my car, enjoy every minute of driving the manual and it's just amazing. Great video as always and looking forward to more content. Peace!

[@chrisduran3007]

Love that the Mexico blue M4 at 5:34 is photographed at my local dealer in Belfast Northern Ireland, parked right where I collected my M2C last year 🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@SimplyCarThings]

Thats so awesome! Yea that dealership specifically always gets some of the craziest and most gorgeous BMW individual specs

[@chrisduran3007]

@@SimplyCarThings yes!! The recent São Paulo yellow M5 Competition definitely divides opinion but is a world first. Not bad considering they are one of only 4 BMW dealers in the whole country :D

[@danmcgowan4761]

I would switch the E-92 to number 1. The S-65 is such a fabulous engine. You can play it like a fine instrument. And with an aftermarket exhaust man that engine sings. Also the best steering.

[@threefive2072]

It's great to see the e36 climbing up people's lists! It's not the fastest, but as a coherent, complete package built for everyday use, reliable and extremely easy to maintain with cheap, available parts, and what are proving to be timeless, non-polarizing looks ...

[@SimplyCarThings]

Agreed! Definitely one of my favs, i hope to own one someday

[@GracelessTarnished]

Every E46 and E9X nerd : *omg you didn't put it as number one. You don't know what you're talking about.* Well guess what, yes, they are attractive cars but the reliability issues alone should disqualify them from earning the top spots. But then again, the nerds don't care if they have a money pit, and sense isn't their strong suit. Not to mention their speed, especially in modern day, leaves something to be desired. Definitely agree 100%, the F82 is certainly my favorite. The car is absolutely gorgeous, it's reliable, it'd ridiculously fast. What else can someone want from a sports car. Screw the delusional haters.

[@blitz4387]

E92 and F82 are my favorites.

[@apmax3692]

100% agree with this. F82 & E92. 6MT on the F82 and DCT on the E92

[@mstnglvrr]

I think the F80 is my favorite but I also love the G80 (Other than the pig snout). Hopefully on the G80 LCI, the pig snout is fixed.

[@jamieleanderson]

F8X, E9X, and E46 are my favs!

[@christianjoseph7367]

People value the cars that impressed them the most during their formative driving years (for most of us its the teenage years). It makes sense that you would find the e9x and the f8x in your top 3. The e36 is a little bit of a head scratcher though? For us older guys that were growing up in the 80s and 90s the e30 was genesis and always will be. I own an f82 m4, but I'd probably place it 3rd. Too me it goes: 1) e30 2) e46 3) f8x 4) e9x 5) e36 6) g8x

[@Sorry_ImTruthful]

My only gripe with the g8x is that its too big!… when i first seen it in person, it was parked next to a 5 series and look the same sizes. At first I thought it was the same car until i got around the front end and realized it was the new M3 😅

[@SimplyCarThings]

it is a really big car! The M2 is really the new M3 in my opinion

[@TimChump]

I agreed with you for the 2 least fav, tho thought the 46 or 92 would be up the top F90 just sounds bad imho, I can’t get over it, if bmw had just made equal length pipes 🤦‍♂️ Ps love the video and sharing your opinions 👍

[@nixx8840]

I def think the e9x is the best platform followed by f8x, e36. I own a f8x now but the car i've loved the most is e9x

[@GokuTheHusky]

The g8x gens are basically the fastest though. 7:30 m4 on the nordschliefe is insane. It took the gts m4 model to set i think a 7:28 so imagine a g8x with a gts model or of sorts.

[@James-js7ih]

Daily driver: F80 M3 Family car: G80 M3 Track car: E92 M3 Cars and coffee: E30 M3 Back road/canyon: E46 M3 Autocross: E36 M3

[@mkartel3603]

Glad you said it .. f80 ticks all the boxes there will never be another M ICE like it

[@SimplyCarThings]

indeed! Glad we're on the same page

[@derekge5794]

completed agree, I LOVE my F83.... stock 2018 w/performance pack and I want for nothing :)

[@derekge5794]

BTW its manual - which is just so much fun.

[@bella_testastretta]

I think E36 is on par with porsche 964 in terms of design for me. those two are just perfect

[@SimplyCarThings]

couldnt agree more, love the 964 and the E36 so much

[@peterlappland]

I think most people would if testing all these cars on one day would fall for the V8 and pick the e92, such an insane engine

[@leanderscott527]

I have owned the f80, e90 and I now own a manual g80 m3 with every possible upgrade. I respect your opinion but, f80 chassis is the worst. Lazy in the corners drives super heavy and no power at the top of the range.. g80 trumps the f80. However the f80 looks the most aggressive. E90 best looking all around. G80 for me any day. I have owned these cars. I will give you a few years and I know you will change your mind. I also owned the alfa qv. Beats all except the g80x. Great 👍 video

[@johannesmendoza4078]

Love the E36 hot take 👌

[@f32440i]

Yep, I agree with your choices. Good video bro.

[@SimplyCarThings]

thanks bro 💪🏼

[@barlutytops8655]

agree at 80%.. e92 is by far the best m3!! v8 !! others m3s cant beat that

[@carlblanco]

My fav. Gen are the E9X. Especially the coupe. I drive an E70 so I’m biased towards that Gen anyway. LoL.

[@NMEofdaST8]

Wow I remember when u had under 1k subs congrats man

[@mperformance3502]

Thanks for honest review. Everyone overhypes the e30 lol. In 2021 it’s nothing more than a glorified 90’s Miata. Everyone is scared to say otherwise Bcs race car!

[@SimplyCarThings]

couldnt agree more, i still love the car and have a ton of respect for it but yea tried being unbiased as possible i guess lol

[@tractioncontroldelete]

Thanks for biting the bullet and making this video. Don’t agree with your ranking but I do respect it 💪

[@SimplyCarThings]

no problem, glad we can all agree to disagree 😁

[@user-sn5kj1gy1t]

I love my f82 hate putting miles tho.

[@SimplyCarThings]

same lol

[@TheRealE39M5]

I agree with this list but would switch the e36 and put the e46 second

[@SimplyCarThings]

I respect that!

[@james_ross]

I agree, F82 M4 is the one.

[@jmccarsnmore1025]

This list was different!! IMO, the E36 is, and will always be the last. Not because is ugly or bad, because is not. Is just that the others are or look better. The G8X is way too big. The M8 has a shorter wheelbase than the new M4!! My No.4 and No.3, kind of tie, depending what I’m looking for, are the E9X and F8X, specifically those finishing with a 2!! Then, E30 and No.1, E46!!

[@karonmarshall8965]

Can you rate all generation 3series non M cars?

[@SimplyCarThings]

sure man ill def consider a video on it!

[@Jbpgarage]

Haha 👌🏾👌🏾, great video Omar 👍🏿👍🏿 💯. I will love to add a E9X to my garage.

[@SimplyCarThings]

would be a sweet addition!

[@jlnmlng8372]

Hey Omar, thank you for this video. I would agree! Would you consider comparing the 1M and the M2 (O.G., LCI, Competition and the upcoming M2)? Would be nice. Kind regards from Germany, Julian

[@SimplyCarThings]

thanks man, i might make a video on this!

[@jpdp3339]

Or the 1M M2 and 235. I know you did a 235 VS M2, but throw the 1M into the mix

[@pdiddy8509]

TOTALLY AGREE!!!

[@domaust7605]

Dam. Put the E30 behind the g80. Ooft haha. Cool video man

[@SimplyCarThings]

thanks man, yea i wasnt kidding when i said this was an unconventional list haha

[@chevyboa8950]

For me it’s super close between the F80 & E92. Then the E46, E36, E30 then the ..G80 😷

[@petercsurkay6670]

E46 + E92 M3 still the best, (have both) IMO -->design, N\A and handling..PURest M3's

[@MeijaJanis]

the only selling point for g80 is their new xdrive

[@carlj4992]

F80 looks the best has plenty of power and super tunable if you need more, its proven reliable yes I know crankhub, still it's very good. Has enough tech and did I mention the handling capabilities!

[@SimplyCarThings]

spittin facts!!

[@LIL_BRIZzz]

Rank the M5 next !

[@tashinorbu9262]

E90 nd f80 looks good in terms of styling. G80 looks like it belongs in 2050.

[@bri1042]

It's clear that your time with the G8x platform is too limited, and too limited to just the auto trans. You chose the car you own and are most familiar with...that's not journalism, it's confirmation bias.

[@ayocjwtf]

bro litteraly nobody is gonna gives this a ton of dislikes wtf... even if i love g 80 with all my heart etc, some ppl r jus wierd

[@shymkentskyuzbek7370]

Very very interesting opinion buddy …

[@CarsOverPeople]

F80/F82 M3/M4 is by FAR the best looking ///M cars made, PERIODT! That's not to say other ///M cars are ugly, cuz they're all sexy for sure.

[@oversteer6771]

If it ain’t n/a I don’t want it. Although…. I would still say the M1 with turbos is prob top 5 M designs

[@matthewspinelli948]

This list is so wrong

[@TheRealHypervizor]

I would love if someone could retrofit the steering setup from E9X to the G8X w/ an aftermarket front bumper that'd be it for me.. The G8X is like that cliche 2000's high school ugly girl with the hot body.

[@andresalvarez6173]

I have had 2 e46 M3s, I dont know what you are talking about, it doesnt feel like a boat, it needs mods to feel better sure, then it feel like nothing else, it has feedback unlike the F80, which has electronic steering wheel, I have driven it many times, and I hate the M4/M3 because of that, the sound is horrible. Even most journalists and M3 enthusiasts would agree with me,

[@stevenpetersmusic]

The F8X is one of the worst in terms of driver feel. I’ve owned 4 generations of M’s the E92 and E46 are the best in my opinion. The F8X’s electronic steering feels completely disconnected to the road in comparison to the older versions. Also, the styling and engine sound is just not there with the F8X. Again, my opinion, it’s subjective.

[@carbon748]

Dude it is u r opinion. . My opinion u should drive honda.

[@khumokwezimashapa2245]

Ranks all generations of the M3. Uses F82 M4 as thumbnail

[@kevinstock5886]

Obviously the best M3 is the F87 🤣

[@SimplyCarThings]

it might as well be the modern day M3 haha

[@davitd.9455]

1: e30, e36 and F80 2: e46 3: e9X 6: New G chassis

[@loser125555]

F80/82 interior used to make people laugh at me and ask me why it’s such an expensive car. The g80/82 has now made all the haters swallow their tongues because in person the exterior and interior is miles ahead of the F80/82. It’s a much better car indeed. G82 gets a lot more looks than the f82 as well esp in isles of man green.

[@leanderscott527]

That's real 💯.. I own a g80 people constantly stopping giving compliments. I love the design change. If the grill was normal I wouldn't be interested.

[@loser125555]

@@leanderscott527 people that hate on the g80/82 either 1/ can’t afford to upgrade 2/ still have that boy racer mentality 3/ haven’t seen the car in person Enjoy your m3 mate !

[@intelligentcarreviews8592]

Biased AF the f80 is known for feeling heavy and uncommunicative, it's also uncontrollable and sounds rubbish, I been in one on track and it leans and darts everywhere, I'm not sure how this car made your #1, btw the g80 beats this car in everyway possible, and the king e46 is just unmatched in the world of BMWs

[@kazz1896]

Of course you rank your car #1 🙄

[@shekeptitlowkey8653]

this guy really said the f8x is the BEST m3 gen. lmfao, unfollowed

[@SimplyCarThings]

can't please everyone! see ya!

[@futcoinsniper3195]

I personally found the F8X M cars to be the most boring out of the bunch. Numb feeling. Combined with crank hub failures. Hard pass unless its an M2 Comp.

[@SimplyCarThings]

a lot of people tend to say that although I don't necessarily believe that's true i respect it