Is the E46 the best M3?

[@ryanmccully9241]

I’ve wanted a E46 m3 since my dad had one back in 2004 when I was a young lad. The best M3 ever made, now at the age of 27, I’ve had mine for 5 years and I never ever wanna get rid of it 👍

[@meister_harris5623]

The only M car I’ve ever wanted to own, it even takes the dream car status.

[@odfkjdhgovj]

I’d say E46 too. Timeless design, perfectly laid out interior and seating position, great n/a 6 cylinder with more than enough power to enjoy on the road, comfortable and quiet on the motorway, doesn’t have 6 silly driving modes or adjustable dampening etc. Perfect balance between old and modern and are by far the best looking M3 when they’re on 18s imo. E90 M3 is a very nice car too and is arguably better than an E46 in every department other than weight but they just don’t hold that special spot in my soul like the E46 does. E46 just feels special to sit in and drive.

[@kieronrobinson6502]

Bought my e46 m3 last August and never plan to get rid of it. Even my wife says don’t sell so who am I to argue? I too have put the 4.1 in, but also the Wavetrac. Rod bearings done…..and the list goes on. They’re a real labour of love now they’re getting into old girl territory, but can still be worked hard if looked after so it seems. Dials, seating, interior in general and standard appearance before being “tickled” as Dan says, are all perfectly fine to live with on a long term basis. There are so many mods can be done to individualise them, and get it exactly to your personal taste. Great car, great sound track, great body! I simply love mine! Cheers Dan, keep up the good work.

[@jonnytaney4520]

Looked so good with the silver 18's ...

[@V1_JFN]

It certainly looks the best. That's not even the Nostalgia speaking 😍 Also, these video formats are great Danny 👍

[@rabmc]

Had mine 4years now, and I still look back at it in the car park.

[@alexhardaker2818]

I’ve got an e36 M3 and drove a few e46 M3s when I was looking to buy one, and the e46 definitely has got more low end power, sharper steering and more grip. But there’s something about an e36 that makes me enjoy driving it so much more

[@dannyDC2]

You just prefer the way it looks?

[@alexhardaker2818]

@@dannyDC2 I mean there is that and I do like the sound more (csl is the exception obvs) but there’s something about the feeling of driving it that gets to me. Talking about the 3.0, the eco feels a bit less raw

[@KostadinDelizhanski]

@@alexhardaker2818 the chassis of any e46 comp to any e36 gives that feeling (excl the motor) ... so much more isolated experience in the e46 , you feel like driving a smaller (not lighter) e39 bmw :D just my feeling driving them

[@WieslingSpielt]

Owning an e36 m3 and an e46 m3 I can absolutely understand what you mean. The e36 is the perfect track car, lighter, rawer etc. But there is something special to the e46 m3 as a weekend cruiser/daily summercar which the e36 doesn‘t offer. So yes, you need both😂

[@alexhardaker2818]

@@WieslingSpielt just need the money and the double garage and I’ll be sorted

[@TheMick26]

Hey Danny.👋 For something that was unscripted, your thoughts seemed well put together. I enjoyed the video and even learned a few things.👍 Didn't know the S54 engine held the highest n/a torque per liter crown back then, nor did I know the V8 in the E92 was lighter weight than the 6 cylinder it replaced. Good info. Keep in mind, I've never driven an M3, so this is all from the outside looking in. Graduating high school in '88 (old Mfer), I remember (and loved) the E30 M3. It was definitely on my list of "some day dream cars" back then. They're fetching rediculous prices these days, so that'll probably not happen any time soon. Like you said, we won't talk about what they did to our E36 M3. Bastards! The E92 has a sweet sounding V8, but the styling isn't my favourite. The front is tough, but the rear, meh. In my opinion, the E46 you have over there is impeccable.👌 I'd say the designers hit the sweet spot with that generation. And wearing that Estoril Blue paint, it doesn't get much better. All opinions mind you, but I'd say you got the right one. See you on the next one. Looking forward to that MR2 video.😜😉 Have a great weekend, Dan.

[@dannyDC2]

Lol cheers Mick, yeah the North American E36 was crazy. Wonder why they thought it was a good idea. Maybe just didn't want to have such a gap from the previous model

[@danielmartin6492]

Got an E92 with a fancy exhaust on it about 6 months ago, I don't think there's much this side of 200 grand that sounds as good or better. The engine (and dct box) dominate the whole experience, but what an engine! And the rest of the car is pretty cracking too.

[@deanodrives4966]

E46 for track driving, e90 for a weekend toy with occasional track use. I agree a e90 carries its weight well, but the e46 still feels raw enough for a better driving experience when pushing on

[@dannyDC2]

Why the E90 for the weekend toy? Do you have a Shell Go+ card?

[@deanodrives4966]

@@dannyDC2 😂😂 I need one for my 182, let alone an e90 m3 😂 I find the e90 slightly more comfortable on the road and on a weekend I like doing a few miles to clear my mind

[@thedownshiftchannel]

I think it will yes. And I sold mine even though I believe that because I’m dumb af

[@benpenagonzales6014]

Next up - SMG. I accidentally won a e46 M3 convertible smg. The cheapest of. And I love it! I have Porsche, hot hatches galore, jags, typeR. This is ace. It’s a clutchless manual. Quicker and more accurate than rowing it yourself and it’s F1 tech from Williams. Use the stick in town and paddles on the backroads. Blinkin ace. Discuss.

[@olly1oo6]

As a previous e46 m3 CS owner, I would have agreed wholeheartedly, doggedly, enthusiastically. Right up until the moment I bought an e90. It feels no bigger, and a good leap faster. It's a bit more grown up in all the right ways, but loses absolutely no edge when you push on. The s65 feels noticeably quicker, revs more enthusiastically, and the brakes, front end turn in and grip is a leap forward on the e46. Breakaway is smoother and fractionally easier to manage, and the intake and exhaust noise balance is sublime. I didn't think I would ever prefer a lazy v8 sedan over a straight six boy-racer, but I had no idea what the e90 was about until I had my first 'good' drive on some quiet B roads and realised there was nothing lazy about it at all. It was a huge surprise.

[@bigseatchris]

I’ve had mine for about two years now. Purchased as a rolling shell with no engine and trans. A very considerable amount of money later, it is now my favorite car I have ever driven both on and off track

[@dannyDC2]

good work, did u put the original motor in?

[@GarrettsAccount12345]

I think "might" go down as the best is pretty accurate. I have owned an e46 M3 in the past, and that car will always hold a special place in my heart. There is no doubt about it that when you get that car on a ba road the package of the engine and chassis is a rare experience especially for the money they were a few years ago when I owned it. It felt so much more special than a regular e46 and driving my car back to back with a friends ZHP 330Ci really drove home how much care and attention BMW was putting into the design of their cars at the time. That being said, I had wanted an e92 M3 since they debuted when I was in high school. The sound the engine makes is so dynamic and musical and from the moment I first heard one I knew I needed to have one. As the e46 prices were rising I took advantage and sold the e46 for what I paid for my e92. Weight was obviously a concern coming from the e46 but the chassis really hides the extra bit quite well. I also was lucky enough to find the spec I was looking for, and nabbed one with zero options. Cloth interior, 6MT, carbon roof, no navigation. I weighed it on a transport scale and it is currently at 1580kg with an aftermarket driver seat, Ohlins suspension, and Enkei wheels. the extra ~40~kg over my e46 is a small enough price to pay for the sound of the s65 for me. I would love to own an e46 again though some day, but if I have to choose between the two, the e92 is for me. I think in the future it is going to be a tough call between the two on what one will be considered best. The e46 is a remarkable car, but the care and attention I talked about previously is even more apparent in the e92. BMW really gave the naturally aspirated platform one last hurrah with the s65, I think.

[@ma02acjbeemer38]

Really regret not buying one of these when I had the chance 🤦‍♂️

[@ollieb81]

Being of a similar age the E46 was "The M3" when I was growing up and getting into cars too. For me, the video was Clarkson driving the CSL on the Isle of Man. I've had mine about four years and it was between that and the E92. I went with the E46 because it was the one I wanted when I was a kid and I'm glad I did. I've driven quite a few of the newer M cars on the road and track and whilst most of them are great, and faster. They don't give quite the same feeling when you have it wound up to 8k on a nice b-road.

[@michaelpaciocco4004]

BMW e46 m3 could very well be the best m3, I agree. I smile every time I drive mine, especially on the track, I have a e39 m5 and a 40 year anniversary edition Porsche 911 and I love them all, But to me the most fun to drive is the e46 m3.

[@mikebader3863]

Watching this video this morning made me go for a drive in my E46 M3 this afternoon, first drive in 3-4 weeks if not more… loved it. Definitely best M3 for me but then I’m biased

[@skyward3107]

Cheeky Gran Turismo music playing quietly in the background - nice choice Danny!

[@Bm-yh6kn]

Great video!! Completely agree the e46 M3 will always be above the new models. I’ve owned 2 e46 m3’s and now own the e90 m3 and as much as I love the e90 and won’t sell it…. If my old Phoenix yellow came back up for sale I’d find it hard not to go back… i miss that exhaust rasp!! My vote is with the e46. Best ever m3 followed by the e90!

[@timocallaghan4408]

I think this generation of M3 also will go down as one of the best handling mcpherson strut chassis ever made as well. That to me is as much BMWs DNA as the engines are, they put a lot of work and research into making it handle

[@Atreyu.Bushido]

I just purchased mine during this outrageous market, & I was really lucky. Love the content, can’t wait for more M3 stuff.

[@usman1alam]

I bought mine just recently too. Well in June. So glad i did!

[@Atreyu.Bushido]

Yeah I got mine in September, drove it home parked it, and fired it up the next day and the clutch failed. But I’ll take paying 10k and a 1k clutch vs the market lol

[@usman1alam]

@@Atreyu.Bushido not bad that mate! I got mine at 18k! SMG, 3 previous owners, was 71k on clock at the time now on 72k😂and inspection 2 just carried out. I seen one similar to mine but with 88k on clock for £28k!!

[@Scottyschannelmtb]

I’ve had my e46 m3 for 16 years and I’m the second owner they are the bollocks 👌🏻🤘🏻👊🏻❤️

[@quicknickdriver8510]

Well Dan, I think you could be right about the e46. I certainly think the comment section will be more responsive than Stella

[@Jayymes]

imo that age of BMW really was the best e46 M3, e39 M5, last of the E38 7 series however I love almost all generations of BMW but if I had to pick one would be early 2000's

[@craigb4719]

I don't have a licence never had the confidence to go get one but my favourite M3 has to be yours and estriol blue is the only colour that makes it even nicer

[@seatz37]

Have one. Adore it. You’re right.

[@edwardkarran4963]

Just bought a manual coupe 330ci Clubsport, also estoril blue. It's a phenomenal thing to drive, so capable I can't imagine how good an M3 is!

[@lukesloper7853]

E46 just has that timeless design, some how it manages to still look fairly modern but at the same time has that instant look of a classic car similar to e30 and yet it doesn't look dated like an e36. If you've only driven a standard one on dated suspension/bushes then it's like a different car. Better brakes, plated boot floor, black series subframe bushes, new oe diff bushes, new rtab, Turner/csl arbs, eibach springs/ bilstein shocks, or decent coilovers, eventuri/csl style induction and there you have a completely different car. As for the S54.. incredible and yet very reliable and surprisingly economical too, masterpiece of an engine.

[@anthonybelton-ford3124]

Gran turismo 4 soundtrack in the background 😍💙 too much nostalgia, I listen to the soundtrack on KZbin a few times a year

[@ghaniabid]

Yes it is, because the E46 M3 raised the bar higher than any car of its era. The epitome of the 90's, yes I know they were available 2000-2005 but they were designed and developed by BMW during the late 90's, a golden age for many manufacturers and one in which the M3 E46 shone brightest of them all . Pound for pound it was the greatest car in the greatest era, can you say that about subsequent generations of M3's ?

[@MayorMcCheese47]

Love the subtle gran turismo ost in the background lol

[@joeprime4400]

I concur. Haven’t driven an M3, but given the choice I’d drive the E46, followed by the E90. I can also remember Top Gear putting one against an S4 when I was a kid, maybe a similar story to you as to why I’d chose the E46 then

[@stubob7454]

really enjoyed this dan ... more please

[@mauriceperry2165]

Never had any of them or driven any, but the e46 is the one that caught my imagination and wanted to own.

[@christophercilia9214]

Top video m8. Awesome content this is. Job well done and keep up the good work. Love my RHD slicktop manual E46 m3 in estoril blue and imola interior i got from the UK last year

[@Harber07]

Yes it is. Next video. I've owned mine for over 8 years now, there isn't much on the car I haven't touched in some way and half of that time its been supercharged with 600bhp. They are very well designed (by actual engineers it would appear), well built for the most part, really nice to work on and most importantly too much fun to drive. I'll sell my house before I sell this car.

[@dannyDC2]

nice

[@carlosbonilla1637]

Definitely the e46 will be the best M3 ever made. 👍

[@geoffygeoff9391]

Closest I got to driving/owning an M3 was my E46 330Ci. Other than the brakes it was fantastic.

[@JD-eo7dr]

I can agree on the shit brakes I couldn't believe how bad they was I hope the M3s was better.

[@dannyDC2]

Maybe you had weak pads/discs/fluid. I had a 330i and the brakes were pretty good for a big car. BMW doesn't hold any awards for impressive brakes on any models though (not until the recent years anyway)

[@willjp2958]

Tbh Dan when you said that BMW make the best mass produced 6 cyl and 8 cyl I thought to myself ya know he’s right but I’ve never thought of it like that. Do like the old talky talk vids breaks up the workshop duties and have a proper natter

[@craigmitchell3069]

Hands down the best looking one 👌

[@chrissmith5148]

Best exhaust note... bit revvy though... nice wheels...

[@aaaaachew]

I think so, it’s got the looks and also the power the E30 lacks, esp if you lighten it a bit.

[@bendavison27]

Totally agree. It’s my favourite of any car. Always will be 🙌🏼

[@_kunkle]

ah the gran turismo 4 garage music. where it all started for me

[@madmarv4n]

It’s between e46 or e92 I feel. Wicked cars

[@plamenkirtchev8951]

How would they rank in driving pleasure on a twisty B road? Surely that should be yard stick to be measured by for a sports car. Doesn't matter which one is quickest because they're all too quick to stay within speed limits, but which one is the most rewarding to go 'Sporting' in? Which one gives the best feels x

[@oopssee]

I've a 3.0 e36 m3 but I've not been lucky to experience any other gen yet. I used to think the E92 would replace it one day but there's just something about cars from the 90s for the perfect balance of style, comfort and feeling connected to the car. Since I got the e36 I stopped lusting after most other cars... And I think that's what an M3 is about really. In terms of the E46, the style is aging really well, they look timeless, I've just always hated the interiors of them. I'm sure they drive spectularly, and will hopefully find out for myself one day.

[@keke36racing37]

I think the best NON M3 is the e36 - the M50 and M52 engines are great and the body is quite close to the M3. However you did not mention the flat 6 when it comes to great NA engines and Porsche still brings them (especially the Mezger in 997 gt3 should be high up there!) ^^ I really enjoyed that, thanks Dan

[@dannyDC2]

we are talking straight 6s of course haha

[@Sam-wn6hk]

Good justification and we'll put, it's all abt the E36 for me. I'm building a replica one coz I can't afford the real deal just doing it a bit at a time. Aiming to put an s54 into it though, best of both to be my perfect m3

[@Sam-wn6hk]

Or build a m52b30 with the original engine?

[@EbonixD]

Never drove one but its my favourite

[@glenn20l]

It’s gotta be the e30 for me, but I do like all Upto the e92. The modern cars are just 🤢

[@mehmethussein5048]

I have both and it’s a hard call but I’ve got a big soft spot for my e46 can’t let it go but my pocket is feeling it. It’s not like when I was younger mates used to want to work on them and garage always want a grand for what ever they work on so very interesting subject 😊

[@richardd1218]

E46 is the best M3. Dominated its time.

[@ShaiyanHossain]

i saw a G80 comp earlier today, and its basically an M5 at this point (the m5 can be an m7 if you want it to be) says a lot about BMW's current state when their motorsport specials went from 2.0l screaming 4 bangers for homologation to branding themselves on a plug in hybrid SUV "coupe"

[@dannyDC2]

yeah they are massive now

[@andrewchanner463]

I think the E46 M3 comes down to that handling video you done, the s54 engine contributes massively to the driving experience, the stance and bubble arches made the car a classic even before they stopped production. Throttle body’s also just scream motorsport. The latest efficiency turbo trend screams budget imo. If I could afford the project a E46 S65 baby Gtr (without the bodykit) project would be my dream. P.s your m3 looked quick at Croft.

[@lindenbasket]

I have only ever heard that dc2's handling is better than dc5. You said it too in the last vid. It'd make my day if the stars aligned and you could drive both on track in a day. Most people see that dc2 has double wishbone and dc5 doesnt and say "yep dc2 is best". I realise this comment would be more at home on your prev chat video, leaving it here to hopefully attract more attention as I was late to the prev vid.

[@chucky29949]

I agree with you on all points. I have the bastard US E36 M3 convertible with a rare hardtop and a god forsaken automatic. It's absolutely BEAUTIFUL especially lowered on the contour wheels but definitely lacks the ///Motorsport... lol. Still a very special car, i can't wait to manual swap it when racing stops taking all my money/time.

[@JDM_Jeffro]

Great video Dan!

[@rickybobby7660]

If you think about it the e30 was a standalone homologation car for BMW to win group A, it’s closest successor is the 320si. Of the 3 remaining M3’s that followed all had had a different purpose and of them the 4 door, manual e90 on 18’s is the pinnacle.

[@andrewbarrett9731]

320si handles well but has too little power/weight

[@darrensimons1529]

I own both E46 M3 & E39 M5 and would struggle to replace them for something just as good.

[@mattylinz]

Next video- why 6 cylinder diesel E61 is the ultimate daily.

[@DeeksG]

This era of BMW is by far the best, ive got a Z4M coupe (basically an e46 m3 in a fancy frock) and love it. With the s54 you really dont need much more power on normal uk roads its a peach

[@sksuppressor756]

With the sound off and my 104 fever. I thought he was badger from breaking bad 😂

I enjoy the (sped up?) Gran Turismo music in the background!

[@kieronrobinson6502]

Also, just bought a t-shirt. Keep it up!

[@jackwatson5400]

The e46 m3 csl will go down as the best m3 ever built

[@theuniverse8416]

I have a e46 M3 2006 ZCP Alpine White on Cinnamon interior, best car I ever owned!

[@jhrodriguez08]

Porsche GT cars have better engines, coming from a 981GT4 and E46 m3 owner here. The S54 is a great engine, but the Mezger on Porsche GT3 are sublime

[@sataneatcheese6243]

I'm just here for the Gran Turismo menu music XD

[@damoxx]

I had a e36 evo at 21 and loved that and a e92 and loved that to. I was never full of confidence in the handling of the v8. Always dreamed of a estoril e46...... you bastard 😀

[@paulforbes1319]

I agree with you bud.. I used to think E92, but now defs E46!!

[@ahmetahmet9673]

100% could be, in my mind for all of the reasons you listed though it is! Had mine for 5 years, brought when they were reasonable and will never sell if I don't need to. Too many people buying them as an investment these days, they should be used, abused and enjoyed before we need to mail order 99 Ron like an RC nitro car haha

[@rockyroad1780]

I sold my E46 M3 after 9 months as I got bored driving it. Problem was it was absolutely mint, low miles etc totally original but to get the best out of them they really need modifying like yours and that would have ruined the value of my one. Money no object I’d build an E30, but I definitely think the E46 is the pinnacle as an overall package.

[@benripley7596]

I agree s54 engine is a peach. I have 2 N52b30. And I. Love them. Bmw made the best 6 cylinder. Cheers Dan

[@timjude]

Yes the E46 M3 is the best. Why? As you said, that straight 6 S54 and the beautiful shape of the chassis. In 10 years time when everyone is driving their boring soulless, silent EVs, the sound of that straight 6 on the winding back roads will be to die for. Look after it if you're lucky enough to own one.

[@jonmarubbi]

Yes I think I agree with you BMW E46 M3 is the best, but out and Out Looks would be a DTM bmw e30 m3

[@markfairley9495]

They’re an awesome engine, and awesome cars, but I don’t think the torque per litre quote is right. My 4.5 Cerbera AJP engine is from 98 and has more torque per litre (ITB’s and a high redline too 😄) I think the E46 M3 is the best too, for me an M car is an NA 6 cylinder too, so I think the E46 M3 and E34 M5 take it because of that.

[@AAlx77]

IMHO, the E46 M3 is the best M3 and it is the last nice BMW.

[@mabskha7917]

Hands down the e46 m3 is the best out of the bunch of the m3

[@jaredsmith8744]

E46 track let’s be honest track fun all day long sound per penny pal Or northern back roads take ya pick! Squids for smiles this wins my era of car 🤘🏻

[@johnmitchell2269]

The E46 M3 CSL is the best M3 imo. They cost a bomb though.

[@bobbybawbager]

It's the only one I've ever wanted!!

[@civicdev]

Best MR2: 1990-1999 sw20 MR2, They look like a little Ferrari. I do love your M3 I think that's best body style.

[@Euphorica]

Besides horrible design issues. The s54 is a gem once sorted. Never been fond of the looks of the e46m.

[@jacobatkinson1992]

It's definitely what Mick would have in his garage.

[@ZHPBrent]

Love my e46 m3 100% the best M3 ever. Sounds amazing and you can drive her sideways for days 🔥🔥

[@mariusbagd]

What about the handling compared to E92 M3? I think E92 m3 is way sharper, has stiffer body. I don't particularly like the way the steering wheel feels in the corners on the E46 M3.

[@SBBUK]

I think the f87 m2 is probably closer to the older m3s than the new M3/M4 is!

[@Pcwmotorsport]

Had e46 m3 for a bit and had e36 m3 evo sold e46m3 year ago and sticking to e36 m3 evo love it to bits

[@jonathanblease244]

Love them all for different reasons (maybe with exception of G80). Not saying it’s the best but It’s easy to knock the F80 however with all the rules and regs for modern cars I think BMW did an amazing job, styling is brilliant, fast, RWD, could spec manual, lighter than a E90 and although the S55 could sound better as a PU it’s a serious thing!

[@BMWE10]

What about the 1M? The connection between the modern turbo charged M cars and the NA ones? I owned the F80 M3 and was a little dissapointed. My life long dream to own a M3 was not what I expected. Ok, it was stupidly fast and tbh, still one of the best looking cars ever made in my eyes. But it didn't live up to my "race car" expectations. I sold it, a reason because we are building a home. But now I'm checking to buy maybe again a M car, but which one? The E46 and E92 M3 do seem nice, but for a Belgian guy these are big costs in taxes. So I was wondering, why not the 1M? It was the first one to get a Turbo. And I think it has more character than the M2, I don't know. Any suggestions? Nice video @DannyDC2! Love the channel

[@rayhan_2k841]

My dad set the bar for ///M cars.he has the evo3 e30 m3. But for me it's the e46

[@MKitson]

Enjoyed the gran turiso music :)

[@DWI_Community]

Actually didn't know the V8 was lighter! Good vid lad. E92 is defo quicker, but like you say, BMW is all about the 6s and the E46 feels a lot more raw

[@dannyDC2]

Yeah the S65 is a pretty cool motor

[@mantazini]

But is it best 6 cylinder motor ? Cough cough Mezger flat 6 cough lmao

[@DWI_Community]

@@mantazini haha they sound like a can of rusty nails 👀

[@tomking6914]

enjoyed that, but this weight think comes up quite a lot, the S65 is not lighter than the S54. Short block comparison it is, but the complete engine is heavier by 10 kg or so.

[@dannyDC2]

I did a bit of Google to try and find the numbers when uploading this but couldn't find anything concrete

[@tomking6914]

@@dannyDC2 I can't find the thread I'm thinking of, might have been pulled, but a guy was doing a 54/65 swap and weighed them both... To his surprise the 65 was a little heavier. There's a vid here that weighs them but it's not totally conclusive kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmqrlXmdlLx7oc0

[@oscarzt1652]

i love the E46 M3 but they are only going up in price unfortunately

[@ReignofStorms]

No arguments here :P. How about the M2 basically becoming the new m3? Also the 1M being limited as much as it is is criminal!!!! I don't have an e46 m3 but I do have an e46 330i and I love it. Might do a cheeky swap one day, probably won't be with the s54 though :).