BMW e46 M3 Vs e92 M3 - Years of owning both I give the breakdown on the ownership of the generations

[@alanmcgrath8113]

Great comparison, I owned an SMG E46 & manual E92 M3 together for a year, I recently sold the E92. I pretty much agree with everything you said. The E92 is the better all rounder and much easier to live with as a daily. But with 3 young kids neither of them were practical enough for me, so one had to make way for something more practical and the E92 lost out, its a great car and the S65 is phenomenal. But I just love the E46, it always felt that bit more special on a spirited drive.

[@stoneautomotive]

Glad you enjoyed the video 😎 That makes sense, would be the same if it was just a weekend toy (no kids yet for me to worry about this practical life style 😅)

[@JacesOwnWorld]

I agree. The E46 M3 seems to have more space in the rear too. But the thing that sways me against the E90/92 M3 is its mpg's. I understand that its a sports car, and mpg's shouldn't matter that much, BUT the E90/92 M3 is really bad compared to most other cars on the road. And I mean really bad...

[@stoneautomotive]

@@JacesOwnWorld I was actually expecting the S65 to be worse than it was on fuel 😅 don’t get me wrong it’s not great lol but when you factor in that it’s another 800cc and doesn’t make any real power till 5,000rpm I can cut the S65 some slack.. still a bitter pill to swallow at the pumps but you guys in the states get a better run than us (premium unleaded is over $2 per litre in the Uk)

[@shaun1887]

@@stoneautomotive Hi buddy where did you get the injectors for the e92 m3 ?

[@stoneautomotive]

@@shaun1887 all detailed in the injector fitting video, place in the states ECS or something, was a while ago now (apparently cost has gone up a chunk though ☹️)

[@tonymoreton7166]

Great video mate. Ran a manual E46 (standard) for 9 years & 138k miles. Now run a manual E92 Monte Carlo for 12 y & 118k miles. Both amazing cars. Will never sell the E92.

[@stoneautomotive]

Glad you enjoyed the video and sounds like you can relate to the comments having owned both 👍

[@J555K]

Absolutely love these two cars. I wanted to see such comparison for ages and you made it perfect. I am a big NA fan and the way you cut them against each other with the great sound quality is awesome. Really enjoyed it, wish I had the space for both :)

[@stoneautomotive]

Glad it was worth the wait 😬 finally got it done even if the 4K video files nearly caused my old Mac to have a break down 😅

[@mikebader3863]

What a great pair! Unfortunately when I was in the market I could only get one or the other, I chose the E46 and I’m very happy with it 4 years later

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks Mike, Still an awesome choice, as mentioned I love the e46 it’s just my driving requirements have changed these days

[@mikebader3863]

@@stoneautomotive I can totally understand that and ideally I’d have both! My E46 M3 is now primarily an ornament that I use when it suits me I’m not reliant on it as a daily (or at least very rarely) so suits me perfectly

[@robertjenkinson3360]

Great video. Really nice to see the differences from someone who owns both long term. I’d have either, but the E92 is my favourite. 2 amazing cars, with great mods!

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks Robert and glad you enjoyed the video 😎 as mentioned you can’t go wrong with either 👍

[@worthowaste]

These are the only 2 cars I ever want in my life!

[@startingtech3900]

just bought a 2009 BMW E92 M3 in spacegrey metallic over black novillo leather and LET ME TELL YOU! the E92 M3 IS SOOOOO MUCH BETTER preformance wise, handling and sound from the e46 m3! but we cant forgot the earlier models paved the way nice video Stoner Auto

[@startingtech3900]

sold e92 m3 bought e46 m3 😂

[@zachfeder9415]

​@@startingtech3900 Lmao love the switch up😂

[@Mike-xn1bh]

@@startingtech3900Why what happened?

[@jellevanthuyne1984]

I own and love my e46 m3 now already for 12 years! I just can’t stop loving it. It’s a dart in slow corners!

[@startingtech3900]

where it thrives tbh

[@Big__Ry]

30:35 thank you man. The first man to admit the auto is better. Not in general but for the car he likes if that makes sense

[@stoneautomotive]

I received some mixed opinions on this one 😅 but I do stand by it 👍 Good luck with the search for your own one 😎

[@matthewdavies4358]

Thanks for this - great video. I owned two E46 M3s back in the day and now on to an E92 DCT. Love the dual purpose of the E92. It really ‘does it all’

[@alfyer5]

Same I actually owned a coupe and a vert e46 m3 both 6spd at the same time. Now I own a e92 DCT m3 and the car is a much better car compared to the e46. The e46 is for sure the nicer looking car but I feel like the e92 does everything and better than the e46. Plus I feel like the e46 always had little issues here and there. The e92 seems more reliable but the parts seem way more expensive

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks Matthew & glad you enjoyed the video 😬 Exactly, glad that’s come across in the video that the e92 fits my car driving requirements better these days, still tons of love for the e46

[@nineelevensouth]

This video is brilliant mate. Could listen to you talk through this stuff all day. Well done.

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks mate & glad to hear 😎 Plenty more individual content on both cars under the dedicated playlists 😬

[@mattnycm3]

Great video. I owned an E46 back in 2008 and it was a great car. I always loved the raspy sound of the exhaust.

[@TheS65]

Love this video. Good job mate! I have had my 2010 e90 M3 for years. Don’t plan on selling mines.

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks & glad you enjoyed, do love the e90 too 😎

[@garywilleby6727]

I've never driven the E92, but I did own an E46 M3 that still holds a special place in my heart, much like my first girlfriend does. Every time I got behind the wheel, the experience was visceral. Many people miss what the E46 M3 is really about. Most of the time, it's pent up like a caged animal behind an SUV pulling into the supermarket because you don't get to run backroads every day. But when you do get the chance to let it loose, it's like unleashing a beast. I think your Jekyll and Hyde reference sums up what I loved about it perfectly. We could go out for dinner, and on the way home, I could enjoy the exhaust and intake noise that corresponded to the attitude of my right foot instantly. It inspired the confidence to do things you probably shouldn't do. The E46 made all the right noises while going slower than the E92, as far as I can tell. From a legal perspective, it might be better to stick with the slower, more visceral experience, but as someone who has experienced M and loved it, that V8 makes sense. I'm not one to modify the exhaust, so that's a hesitation. The earlier version did have it right out of the box.

[@stoneautomotive]

Sounds like you need to get back in an e46 M3 😎👍 Bizarrely until your into the 130+ the e46 is still as fast especially as mine is fitted with the shorter final drive 👍

[@MSiautFly]

Spot on SMG explanation 👌and i love it all the way for what it is not what could be❤

[@stoneautomotive]

I think we are part of the very few people that enjoy the SMG 😅 I have no interest in manual converting mine so long live the single clutch paddle shift wonder 😬

[@helmsman6542]

Seen a million of the M3 videos by now (being a E90M3 owner since years) but still enjoyed this one very much, good job mate!

[@stoneautomotive]

Thank your Sir 😎 Always good to hear even the owners of the car enjoy the content 👍

[@pauldack5129]

That freaking CSL intake sound is so sick. Remember when I 1st heard that sound on Top Gear. Jeremy Clarkson was driving a gray CSL and I was instantly in love.

[@stoneautomotive]

It’s certainly one of a kind and never gets old even all these years later 😎

[@BevBilt]

I've had several of both and the e46 m3 is my favourite

[@Theteese]

SIR - U r the only person on KZbin that clearly explains the SMG...... My mate had his converted to a manual because he listened to the boy racers that think they know everything or should we really say they bought high kms cars on the cheap and couldn't afford the price to fix an SMG..... My mate now wished he never did it ( especially when he's in my M3 ) as if u know how to set the settings and drive with a SMG the gears are quicker than a manual...... Lets not forget you can eat ur fish n chips and have a drink much easier driving with a SMG.....

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks mate 😎 The SMG is part of the e46 M3’s charm and character so no plans to ever manual convert mine even if I need to replace the pump at some stage! Further down the line I do plan to go lightened flywheel and uprated SMG pump to really see what it can do 😈

[@kvt9212]

Got an e92 m3 and an e46 300Ci, same colours as yours (white and silvergrey). Great cars, love the facelifted front of the e46 but in total, the e92 is a masterpiece of design and engineering (got an e92 335i with N55 before, had been the perfect daily driver). Greetings from germany

[@stoneautomotive]

Those 335i can be turned into seriously fast motors 😎 One of my favourite cars was my e46 320d, just did everything perfectly! Sadly rust got it at 160,000 miles 😵

[@simonp9169]

Obviously opinions vary and I find myself on the outer normally but I much prefer the look of the E92 to the E46...and yours looks amazing! Just to add, I really appreciate what you spoke about leaving the exhaust standard on your E46. Its engine and induction noise that is sorely missing from most cars today and we compensate with noisy exhausts. I drive an F87 M2 (N55) and whilst its one of the better sounding turbo engines, those NA engines in both your cars are where its at.

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks Simon 😎 Agree intake/induction noise is slowly disappearing from the streets with forced induction nowadays.. at least you have the best sounding M2, the S55 engine with the twin turbo set up does not make a good sound from the front or back 😅 Hopefully featuring a hybrid M2 against the e92 in the coming weeks 😎

[@SDG-cv4br]

I’ve had my E92 for 4 years with no mechanical issues, though it’s currently having the rod bearings replaced as a precaution, I absolutely love the car. I could never daily it though because it takes so long to come up to temperature. I’m glad you specifically mentioned the gauge clusters in the video because I’m 100% with you. Nice gauge clusters are like nice watches so I’m so disappointed how every manufacturer is going digital. Btw; If you enjoy HK sound sit in one with the enhanced premium audio.

[@stoneautomotive]

Sounds like your suffering with the faulty thermostat, really common on these now as sticks open over calling the water taking the engine oil 20+ mins to get to temp. When the temp outside is 5c my car will take 10 mins of gentle driving to reach 85c on the oil (before the thermostat change this would take 20+ mins) part is only £25 and not a big job 👍 You can check your water temp on the hidden menu (should reach 79c) if it’s 60c your stat is done. Like the reference to watches, good call 😎

[@petrolhead8851]

My e90 takes forever to come up to running temp as well, what I do now is let it warm up till the idle comes down enough, and then start driving it on manual mode gently and shift before 3k rpm’s until it gets to normal running temp

[@stoneautomotive]

@@petrolhead8851 change the thermostat, best £25 you’ll spend 👍

[@petrolhead8851]

@@stoneautomotive what thermostat did you use?

[@stoneautomotive]

@@petrolhead8851 they have gone up abit looking on line, The genuine BMW one is a MAHLE so you can buy direct from BMW for a premium or eBay if your not fussed for the BMW box 😅 www.ebay.co.uk/itm/125704838239?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=7UfD4ckvQaG&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=CKFRglVnR7S&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

[@tractioncontroldelete]

Enjoyed the watch! Thanks for doing it

[@stoneautomotive]

Your welcome and glad you enjoyed 😎

[@chiganuggoo9929]

Another superb video. I've owned an E46 M3 for several years and now the E92 M3 Comp Pack, wasn't in the position to be able to hang onto the E46, but I would have if I could. No regrets though, the E92 as you say is better day to day and of course, can turn into an animal at the press of a (correctly set up) M button and of course a primary cat delete. I've had the Stage 2 done on mine and a GTS DCT flash and the car is just a joy to drive when you open it up, yet comfortable as a family saloon when pottering around town... will say it again. but great video mate, really enjoyed it, lways telling it like it is warts n all, we're lucky to be able to own these kind of cars, in a few years nothing like them will ever be made again.

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks for the kind words 😎 Sounds like your e92 is a similar spec to to mine and owning an e46 M3 for so many years I’m sure you can relate to a lot in the video 👍

[@rabmc]

Fellow e46 m3 owner here, really enjoyed the video and detailed explanation, a huge effort must have went in to recording and editing it, fantastic 👏🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿👍🏻

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks mate & glad you enjoyed the video 👌 It did indeed, thought the Mac was gonna call it quits at some parts as it’s getting old now and 4K footage is monstrous compared to 1080p (trying to “future proof” the videos for years to come) always appreciate those that notice the editing, I still have a lot to learn though 😅

[@rabmc]

@@stoneautomotive Exactly and the good quality tech ain’t cheap either, I always think with how popular KZbin is now most people take for granted the time and effort that goes in to making a 10/20min video. Also fantastic how you went from car to car driving to speak about them, gave it a really professional feel 👏🏻

[@bennyboyvr6]

Great video really well made and great comparison very detailed to 👍

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks mate & glad you enjoyed 😎👍

[@Boz23.]

I’m very fortunate to have a manual, Laguna seca 405 bhp m3 sitting on 21 inch low profile rims with custom stainless steel exhaust and k & n cold induction, this and a few more extras gets the most out of the car and makes it definitely not overrated. That being said love your honest review as always

[@stoneautomotive]

Some good numbers that for the modifications 😎👍 Thanks, video has gone down well.. overall 😅

[@juicewrldclips6523]

This guys is such a good car reviewer wow so I’m depth and so true!

[@stoneautomotive]

😎👍

[@AutoBeta2T]

Great comparison. I was in the market for a E46 but got bored of issues with everyone I saw (about 10). Decided to look at the E92 and bought the first one I saw. Love it,. particularly the carbon plenum. Cheers for the great vid 🙂

[@stoneautomotive]

Glad you enjoyed the video 😎 Yep the e46 can be very expensive if you end up having to fix the full list of common faults

[@harrywilkinson444]

really enjoyed that James, great enthusiast commentary. glad with the outcome for my sake too haha

[@stoneautomotive]

Glad to to hear Harry 😎

[@ThunderBrL]

A pair of beauties! If done good the e46 M3 with aftermarket exhaust sounds so good without rasp or a very little bit. Just done a custom exhaust on my e46 M3. Im back in love after 9 years of ownership.

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks Thomas 😎 I have heard some that sound okay, just can’t be dealing with all the issues with drone etc - safer to say stock 😅 it would be nice to reduce some weight as the stock system is heavy.. who knows, gotta keep the project going!

[@ElitePayne47]

Car history right here, you have some beautiful Ms right there

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks 😬

[@MokotediToday]

That's a really great piece of film. Always better to get a long term owner's honest perspective with real life experience of both cars.

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks for the kind words 😎

[@johnthomson3070]

I loved this video. I have an e92 m3, but I just love the look of the e46. If I had infinite cash, I'd absolutely have an e46. I'm going to change my e92 in a year. I'll probably get an f80, but if cash wasn't an issue, I'd get a manual e46 also. I just love how the e46 looks. In 20 years, it'll still look beautiful.

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks John and glad you enjoyed 😎 I very nearly went F80 M3 instead of the e92 and I still really like the F80 although the S55 engine has really started to show some flaws almost making the S65 look very solid

[@mindlos3960]

Have owned E46 M3 and enjoyed years of driving it. Currently own E92 as well as an F12 M6. E92 wins my heart with that sound. But both cars are great and will be classics.

[@kennysingh2095]

Epic video mate and great camera work! Such a good honest owners review of both cars. I feel very similar to you about both but I could never really every fall in love with my E46 M3 so it was sold for a 1M. Along with my manual E92 M3 the 1M makes a great partner. Would love to see you make a video of those 2 together one day! Who needs kids when you got 2 toys!

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks Kenny and glad you enjoyed the video 😎 I have reviewed a 1M and I couldn’t help but feel the engine wasn’t special enough for me - love the look/ size but wish they had fitted an S65 in it even if it was de-tuned, would have been the ultimate M car 😎

[@latibes]

The e46 all day long! What a beast!!

[@andycoker3833]

Great quality video. This is the dream car for me, hopefully one day 🤞

[@stoneautomotive]

Glad you enjoyed the video 😎

[@ka130258]

I am also fortunate to own an E92 and an E46 however a convertible. E46 for me is the go cart, E92 for longer drives her in Australia, For example I would pick that over the e46 for a 800 klm trip from melb to Sydney. In summary though, my go to most days would be the e46, probably drive it 10 times a month compred to the e92 gets driven once a month. Ive had the e92 since brand new, 2012 build and now just turning 60k klms in the 10 years owned. My daily driver is a CLK 63, and to be fair probably the easiest car to use as a daily; its not demanding in anyway like the daul clutch and SMG transmissions tend to be.

[@stoneautomotive]

It’s such a divide reading the comments for the reason some one would prefer one over the other.. pleased to report there’s no wrong option 😬

[@autoaddict7481]

Mate, awesome review, love the level of detail into points that matter. Cheers

[@stoneautomotive]

Glad you enjoyed the video 😎👍

[@Big__Ry]

Such a great video. I’m 32 and I’m at a point where new cara don’t excite me due to regulations. So I’d rather spend 50k between two cars E92 being one of them. Then buy one new car

[@stoneautomotive]

Glad you enjoyed 😎👍

[@lightning5273]

I've never owned an E46, but I own an E36 and E92 currently. I love the raw feel of the E36 that the E92 doesn't have. But other than that I'm happy with my E92.

[@stoneautomotive]

I really should complete a review on an e36 M3, keep hearing good things about them

[@dtravis83]

Great comparison video and nice to be able to do it with your own cars back to back 👌🏻

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks Duncan 😎

[@dtravis83]

@@stoneautomotive should get my f80 comp in the mix too 😎

[@stoneautomotive]

@@dtravis83 yea that could be a good one! Where are you based?

[@dtravis83]

@@stoneautomotive down on the south coast just outside Brighton mate.

[@stoneautomotive]

@@dtravis83 not too far, shall keep you in mind if the time comes for some F80 content 😬

[@alecxpro2071]

Awesome analysis. Nice work man. Thank you

[@stoneautomotive]

Glad you enjoyed & thanks for the kind words 😎

[@meandthefamily1485]

A good watch that James , 2 amazing drivers cars , I prefer the E46 for looks but that V8 is a masterpiece , good luck to you Cheers 👍.

[@stoneautomotive]

Thank you & glad you enjoyed it 😎

[@DaleSteel]

My tip. If you can get one with the individual sound system buy it. Omg it's amazing. It's the best system bmw have ever put in any M3. It kicks out 800 Watts!!

[@mykCNMT]

currently have the opportunity to purchase my dream car...but can't seem to decide... this video has helped me figure out how to weight the differences..but its still so hard to decide. e46 m3 or e92 m3. I wish I could do what you did and own Both and put m4 seats in them...hahah.. such an awesome video!! I will have to rewatch a few times to help me decide...

[@stoneautomotive]

Owning both is the ultimate solution 😂 but in all honesty both fantastic cars so you won’t go wrong with either 👍

[@Biggyc7]

Good comparison and review, think you have it spot on. I have both an e92 comp dct and e46 m3 manual which has clubsport mods (coil overs, half cage, f80 brakes) both get looks but the e46 attracts lots of attention every time I take it out! Driving review I agree with, e46 feels savage, especially with mods but the e92 is more refined, faster and more supercar, engine is a masterpiece. E92 interior and HK superior. E92 is a lifer, I’ve owned from new. Been interesting following your e46 👍🏻

[@stoneautomotive]

Glad you enjoyed the video 😎 Tempted to source a set of F80 brakes for the rear of the e46 but it hasn’t let me down currently 💪

[@bboichirok661]

I miss my e92 and e46 m3 , now currently have the f80 m3 in my car collection. I can say that my e46 m3 was very reliable and solid , I didn’t have one mechanical issue with it for the couple of years that I’ve owned it. The e92 m3 on the other hand was a love hate relationship, meaning , when it ran right you loved it but when something went wrong you hated it , and things went wrong quite often with that car . The car sounds amazing but didn’t have the torque . I can definitely say it was a gorgeous car with a crazy sound in the high rpms.

[@stoneautomotive]

F80 M3 is still a great car to own, reviewed one a few years ago and really enjoyed it (exception of the sound) monstrous amounts of torque compared to the e9x/e46 💪 I think with old M cars you either get a good one or a bad one with how it’s looked after previously, like you my e46 has been very reliable and only had niggles with the e92 (alternator, brake pressure sensor & abs sensor)

[@MeeMoo220]

Beautiful video. Well done, man.

[@stoneautomotive]

Thank you 😎

[@archishmandeka]

Bro my personal favourite is the e46. The sound of the carbon intake just wakes up the monster inside a car enthusiast...

[@stoneautomotive]

It’s certainly an incredible noise 😎

[@archishmandeka]

Its unbelievable...

[@emilian93]

Both of your cars are beautiful! Great taste!

[@stoneautomotive]

Thank you mate 😎

[@finlay230]

loved the vid, totally what i needed to watch and think about !!!

[@stoneautomotive]

Glad to hear 😎

[@akar2755]

Great informative video. In Aus, both of these are roughly similar in price (low mileage e46 being obviously a bit rare and expensive tho). Legitimately helped a lot to see the day-to-day differences explained in one single vid.

[@stoneautomotive]

Glad to hear you enjoyed the video 😎 both awesome cars so you can’t go wrong with either 👍 Plenty of further details on both cars under the playlist section if you do decide on one 😎

[@patrickp.7772]

E46 M3 is the Best

[@JacesOwnWorld]

I personally don't like the majority of aftermarket exhaust systems on the E46 M3. Too many aftermarket exhausts owners choose turn the E46 M3 from a nice, elegant car, to a rice mobile. After visiting Status Gruppe's shop in my hometown of San Diego, CA, they allowed me to listen to their supercharged E46 M3 with their headers and full SCZA exhaust, I was honestly blown away from how good it sounded. Mean and aggressive, but not too "rice-raspy". So I bought their SCZA muffler, and supercharged my E46 M3. Sounds so good! Headers and sec 1 would make it too loud for my taste for a daily/weekend car, but I can always add those in the future if desired. The exhaust sound mixed with the ESS525 superchargers intake design (routes directly to the CSL front bumper hole just like the CSL) and the blow-off valve is just orgasms to the ear!

[@stoneautomotive]

Sadly your on the other side of the pond for me to experience it, have yet to have heard a good solution although super sprint one I heard in person sounded “ok” but not good enough for the outlay. Bet she sounds grand with the extra boost 😎 how do you find engine bay temps/ heat soak?

[@JacesOwnWorld]

@@stoneautomotive I’m not a fan of SuperSprint. I think mostly due to its price. Sounds okay, but for the price, it makes the sound seem “worse” if you know what I’m trying to say. It does get hotter. I don’t drive it much. In storage most of the time because I just don’t have time to drive it, but I do plan on getting a Mishimoto upgraded radiator to help cool the engine down and it’s coolant.

[@ksm1985]

Nice video, I went and bought a Pinnacle MSport undertray cos of your other video. Cheers 👍

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks mate & glad you enjoyed the Pinnacle under tray video, makes a massive difference to the ground clearance 😎

[@ricowswave1324]

Great comparison! I sold my cls to get an e92 back just loved the styling and aggressive xx

[@THEDOPEYDAISY]

E46 M3 CSL is the greatest M car ever made. E90 M3 with a manual is a cool car.

[@WarriorsPhoto]

I enjoyed your comparison. Personally I agree 100%. The e46 is legendary but the e9x chassis is a better daily. Plus I feel it was better engineered. Planning on getting more done to the e92?

[@stoneautomotive]

Glad your enjoyed the video 😎 Yes plenty more to come for the e92 M3 this year, the “plan” is brake upgrade and even swaying towards a set of Recaro Pole positions!

[@WarriorsPhoto]

@@stoneautomotive Recaro seats are wonderful. I learned from their seats why it's best to pony up cash for good quality.

[@comecorrect8365]

I have a Bav sound kit for my e46 def worth it for anyone looking for better audio without a bunch of electrical work.

[@stoneautomotive]

I’ve heard good things about that previously 👍

[@bio4546]

Finally I've found someone who agrees with me 100% regarding the e46 M3 sound. Every aftermarket exhaust completely ruins the sound of that fantastic I6, they became simply too raspy to appreciate.

[@stoneautomotive]

😎 Saying that I did hear a video clip of a custom manifold on an s54 which was a 6-1 and it actually sounded really nice! But yea stock exhaust all the way.. with a CSL airbox 😎

[@scottcrudge]

Sweet review!! If you want to drive a sorted 46m3 manual your more than welcome to come drive mine. All the bits done to is as your one, but no csl airbox. It is supercharged though running 500hp. 😊

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks Scott 😎 Sounds awesome, always been interested in trying a super charged e46 M3! Sadly I don’t have trade insurance so would have to pass but if your near Surrey a passenger ride would be awesome 😎

[@knz4439]

the e46 m3 is just too good looking , one of my dream cars .

[@stoneautomotive]

It has aged so well 😎

[@makramaboushakra9536]

True I trust my e92 for high speeds more than my e46, it just feels steadier and more stable on ups and downs. But the e46 feels a bit lighter and more energetic when you're just driving on low speeds and making fast turns, just gives you the amount of adrenaline you want. The e92 is a bit steadier on turns but decreases the fun. I love both cars really, but I'm selling my e46 now, I don't drive it that much since I bought an e70.

[@stoneautomotive]

Glad there are other people that feel the same about the cars, I just need more space, big factor in why the S2000 went so I can see your reason for letting it go

[@dalehumphreys4809]

Awesome vid buddy Got a manual e92 myself and I’ve got a set of front f80 m3 discs and callipers for sale if yor interested The callipers have been machined to bolt up to the e92 hub. The discs are low mileage gen bmw items 😎

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks Dale & glad you enjoyed 😎 Could be interested depending on the price/ machining work completed, ping me some images when you have a chance 👍 [e-mail]

[@dalehumphreys4809]

@@stoneautomotive Ok bud will do. Got the kids later when I finish work for the weekend but will def get some over to you. Just so you know had the original bolt up holes filled in and the new ones centred and drilled then so used the original sleeves and original bolts. Top job to be fair Thanks buddy 👍🏼

[@BestMotorWerks]

Very simple and to the point review...Well done

[@michaelbyers955]

Great video

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks 😎

[@davidjd123]

I had the E45 m3 for many years, nothing like it, the throttle response was amazing, Now I have the Nissan GTR R35 the 09. but I always did want that v8 m3 back in the day. Im thinking of selling my GTR for a E92M3

[@stoneautomotive]

It certainly won’t be as powerful as the GTR but still awesome cars 😎

[@HD33P1]

You might regret that

[@Michael-yh5gn]

Great video. 2 beautiful looking/sounding cars..

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks Michael 😎

[@kemarfong7782]

Can't wait to own one of those

[@stoneautomotive]

You can’t go wrong with either 😎

[@spijo_msa]

Great video, descriptive.

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks & glad you enjoyed 😎👍

[@spijo_msa]

@@stoneautomotive you forgot the most common fault when it comes to the S65 engine which is the rod bearings.

[@stoneautomotive]

@@spijo_msa not forgotten, should have been in there under shells (mentioned not in so many other videos 😅)

[@spijo_msa]

@@stoneautomotive I see 😂 overall I'm well informed with this video as I'm working hard to buy my dream car which is the E92 M3 Competition (same spec as yours) so I just keen on knowing the car thoroughly before I pursue on purchasing it.

[@kierantilley2590]

Great video, subscribed!

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks Kieran 😎

[@samcourt6228]

Two great cars; the E46 is the prettier car to my eyes. It’s better proportioned and a slight better resolved design and I say that as the owner of an E92. Square on from the front lets the E92 down because the headlights look a bit squinty but the worst bit is the rear arches which are just a bit weak and are loads better on the E90. Whilst I like the angry wasp in a jam jar noise of the E46, the S65 wins for me. The one that clinches if for me is the better rust resistance on reg newer car.

[@stoneautomotive]

Agree 👍 Rust is starting to get the e9x platform now though, seen a few rear subframes rot out ☹️

[@samcourt6228]

@@stoneautomotive true, it’s a bit easier to sort than crusty rear arches. Mate of mine runs an MOT place and he’s done two E92 M3’s recently; one was mint the other loomed ok but was crusty as hell underneath with some very very dubious welding to repair the sub frame. The pics he showed me looked like a blind man had a crack at it. 😂

[@pshhyeahh]

I think you'll like the SCZA exhaust for the E46. I live in the States, and installed CSL headers, the euro cat, and the SCZA mufflers on mine. It sounds fantastic without being too loud and too raspy. All I'm missing is the CSL intake, but I'm focusing on my other car at the moment. Cool video. Both M3s are money.

[@stoneautomotive]

Watched some KZbin videos, does sound better that’s for sure 👍 is it worth the cost though especially being in the UK with import tax, probably not as all you can hear is the CSL airbox as the driver in mine 😅

[@pshhyeahh]

@@stoneautomotive I just checked the prices for the SCZA exhaust... it's at least $500 USD more expensive than when I bought it years ago. Yea that's a bummer.

[@GinolasVideos]

Nice to see you took it to Dave down at NAD he does my corner weighting too ;)

[@stoneautomotive]

He’s great, just wish he was more local 😅

[@Assimilator1]

The induction roar on your e92 sounds f***ing awesome! 😁😁 Both lovely cars you have, could never stand the exhaust noise of the e46 though! They sound like they have loose baffles! lol (I'm sure they don't have any btw). You can get aftermarket exhausts for them that don't make that excessive raspy noise, sadly I don't know the make of them, but I have heard them, and they make the straight 6 sound awesome, just like they should! Was never seriously tempted by the e46 M3s myself, great and lovely cars as they are, I just couldn't be arsed to shim the tappets when it comes to it! Lol (or deal with boot floor issues, or rust!). Happy with my (white with black wheels) e92 M3 🙂, which is pretty much standard aside from a modded rear silencer, a short shift gearstick and soon DS2500 brake pads all round for track days (already done the rears). Btw I've seen BMW literature that confirms what the wiki says about the S65 being lighter.

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks mate, the Karbonius intake induction roar never gets old 😎 I was sent a link to an e46 M3 fitted with a 4-1 exhaust manifold and straight back pipe work, sounded incredible 😎 thankfully the airbox on the e46 covers up the majority of the stock exhaust rasp lol! Well it’s funny you mention the boot floor, e92 M3 subframes are starting to fail badly from corrosion at this stage 🤦‍♂️ seen more than one video of them cracking from corrosion.. appears lack of under body sealant is to blame. Long live naturally aspirated engines 😅

[@Assimilator1]

@@stoneautomotive Lol, straight pipe is rather over kill and anti social! 😉 The e46's I heard weren't that loud but sounded great (with whatever performance exhaust they had). Yea I've seen Evolves video (IIRC) on their hi miler e92 where the subframe was rotten, but that isn't the boot 😛, and although it isn't cheap or quick to replace (if needed), it's a helluva lot easier than welding up a double skinned boot floor! The rear subframe on my M3 has quite widespread surface rust, but it isn't deep. One day I'll take it off and get it sandblasted and powder coated. I SORN it through the winter though, so I'm not too worried atm. Btw, I think you said you're in Surrey? Ditto, fancy swapping a couple of good drive routes? (although not here, don't want everyone to know!, lol).

[@njav21]

This was definitely worth the 40min watch. I sold my F82 M4 with plans to get into a NA M3. This video didn’t help me decide though lol

[@stoneautomotive]

Glad you enjoyed, either is a good choice - get yourself down to a dealer and try both 😎

[@KevinButtle]

Another fantastic video James. Both are fantastic cars for sure. Great to hear you’re honest review of them having had the pleasure of owning both at the same time. I always loved the E46 M3’s, and that induction bark is just epic. However, as an E92 M3 owner myself I fully agree with all you’ve said. It’s such a Jekyll and Hyde car, and I love that about it. We have two young sons, and we can all go out and enjoy the M3 as a family in comfort on long journeys, but with the flick of the M-button the car becomes a beast capable of putting huge smiles on your face when blasting along a decent road. I have the almost identical mods on my car as you have on yours . The rev-matched downshifts never fail to brighten up your day and put a smile on your face. The E92 M3 is simply an epic car that does everything you could want from a weekend “fun” car so incredibly well. I love mine 👌 It’s a good job I watched your earlier videos on your E92 as they were what made me seriously look into buying one myself. For that I thank you 👍

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks Kevin and glad you enjoyed the video 😎 I will be taking mine a step further with the rear cage (no children to worry about yet 😅) Glad the videos helped, hopefully you’ve seen an improvement on the quality of the videos since the earlier ones 😬

[@pgr0104]

This is my dilemma right now. I have a ‘22 X3 m40i but I don’t need the space of an SUV because my daily is a ‘24 Silverado 2500 and the kids car seats go in the truck due to the rear space being so massive, so I don’t really use my X3 much anymore. I am looking to sell it and I am torn between a 6 speed E46 M3 convertible and a 6 speed E93. It will just be a fun weekend toy and be stored in my warehouse when not in use. This video was great and really went over everything. I’m still torn though!

[@stoneautomotive]

Good problem to have 😎 Glad you enjoyed the video, you really need to try and drive both to really know what works for you 👍

[@The888Redlich]

Not sure what year your E46 is but mine was 2004.5 model and the CSL SMG software came with M mode for the traction control which was excellent and much less intrusive than standard traction control

[@stoneautomotive]

I can programme it in if needed but always enjoyed traction off, find the e46 M3 Very balanced 😎

[@QasimHussain95]

Awesome video, on my e46 I have the eventuri intake which isn't as nice as yours but definitely improves the sound and the eissenmann backbox like yourself I'm not the biggest fan of the tinny rasp that they have, however the eissenmann has fantastic results it really deepens the exhaust tone

[@stoneautomotive]

Glad you enjoyed, having sampled an Eventuri there good for the money but the CSL is twice as loud and deeper in tone 😎😬

[@QasimHussain95]

@@stoneautomotive yh mine came with my car, my mate has one though and they’re amazing! I think in the future definitely on my list todo

[@rwinter26]

Great video 👍

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks Ross 😎

[@charliehustle5312]

the throttle response on the E9x M3 is insane. LOVE the E46 M3 though. What a tough choice.

[@stoneautomotive]

Such a tough choice even I couldn’t make so I’ve had to keep both 😅

[@aggie3344]

Great video both awesome cars if I had to pick one it’ll be the V8❤

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks and glad you enjoyed 😎

[@fvresonanator]

Agree in bad traffic manual is a pain, but you won't look back at SMG after having manual

[@chipdiamond2628]

Both great cars.

[@RotrexfezST]

I love the e46 looks but the interior is dated and engine is great but the v8 is just another level! E92 is more aggressive to look at but e46 is elegant is a way the e92 can’t be Love both! Lucky man to have two very sorted cars!

[@stoneautomotive]

Yea the S65 is just a master piece 😎 I don’t mind the e46 interior at all but as it was present when I was into cars I must have the fan boy blinkers on 😅 Wouldn’t say luck as such, hard graft 😬 Still waiting to see the super charged bad boy on the channel 👀

[@scottjohnson4319]

Wonder if he'll ever dump the DSG on the e46 and get the 6sd manual with the lower ratio rear end like so many of the real CSL owners are doing.

[@Tom-db6cq]

I have both cars e90 m3 and e46 m3 It's hard to choose one of both -E90 m3 is more comfortable and class travel car can be very quiet but also an animal when accelerating. the torque might be a bit more instant at lower, differential swap maybe? -the e46 m3 then feels very special and always challenges to play at b roads . raspy sound is addictive I also plan a differential swap here if there are still doubts 3.91 or 4.10?opinions? Experience? nice video and 2 beautiful unique cars

[@stoneautomotive]

Thanks & glad you enjoyed the video 😎 I have the 4.1 which I honestly think is fantastic! I’m never going to go over 170mph so the stock top speed is wasted for me anyway. Feels so lively through the gears and it has hardly effected fuel economy on long runs 👍

[@Tom-db6cq]

@@stoneautomotive it's not too revving or too much shifting? My opinion ho shorter ho more fun.. the battle is always 0-100 or retake/rolling acceleration. Not on high speed 120mph or more What's the top speed with the 4.10?

[@stoneautomotive]

@@Tom-db6cq it’s perfect 👌 I was advised it’s 170 with ratio currently being 4.1

[@Tom-db6cq]

Im gonna go for it.(4.10) If you have to choose one of both cars witch you prever the most? The are both special but in my opinion the e46 is more fun car than the e90. It's like the e90 have a little mask if you drive slowly it feels like a normal comfortabel car.

[@stoneautomotive]

@@Tom-db6cq as said in the review e92 won 😬

[@sonnydayz1745]

Headers twin stock section 2 and muffler on you’re E46 M3 6SPD Stock air box !,, get a new engine plug (below) headers I guarantee you will discover what the car really born to be. 200k on mine and still feels brand new. My E92 is just aggressive and best down shifts ever 🔥 Never giving up the the E46 S54 is flawless ( WARM the oil, shell gas only 93 and oil changes at 3k miles )

[@stoneautomotive]

I assume you’re from the US? We get the great factory headers in the UK without the catalysts built in so no need to change/upgrade 😬 Stock airbox over a CSL carbon intake 😱😱😱 The downshifts are incredible on the e92 M3 I agree 😎

[@Le-J-]

What special mods did you use on the m3 e92 to sound like this ? 26:01 Cause I have seen a lot of videos of M3 e92 and all sound totally different than yours.

[@stoneautomotive]

Most e92 M3 owners will change the exhaust to increase the sound, I’ve gone down the more expensive route of installing the Karbonius intake which sounds incredible on full throttle, more detail in the video below 👍 kzbin.info/www/bejne/qaKxpZqkq5Wpm68

[@Le-J-]

@@stoneautomotive Exceptionnal indeed. Did you change the exhaust ? If yes what did you put ? Full staight pipe ? Titanium exhaust ? Cause honestly buying the m3 e92 is my dream (hope I will able to do it in less than 2 years) and I want it to sound like yours.

[@stoneautomotive]

@@Le-J- only pre-cats removed, all standard exhaust otherwise 👍

[@jaybloggs929]

Great video, current have a E46 M3 would love to know what spacers and shocks / coilover specs you are running to get it looking so well, looks perfect

[@stoneautomotive]

In a nutshell - Ohlins R&T coilovers, CM wheels replica CSL wheels, 12mm spacers all round and OEM CSL tyre sizes, if your really bored you can read the full adventure below 😬😅 forums.m3cutters.co.uk/threads/stones-e46-m3-csl-replica-the-money-pit-project-80-complete.196182/

[@jaybloggs929]

@@stoneautomotive I'm not far off then, I have the same wheels, 10mm front 12mm rear spacers. Just need the coilovers .. do they improve handling at all? I think the car handles like it's on tracks already.

[@robertosottosr6864]

Great M3s as well as your up keep. Please provide your e46 M3 bucket seat's #, style and model. I own a 04 e46 smg M3 with 47k miles and new seats would give a great look. Thanks for sharing ✌️

[@stoneautomotive]

The seats are the Recaro Sportster CS which can be purchased from Recaro dealers. Mine are slightly different as there from a Mk1 Lotus Evora and adapted to OMP base frames. Seats transform the e46 M3 😎

[@robertosottosr6864]

Thanks and will chechout Recaro dealer in USA​@@stoneautomotive

[@ChrisKeirRacing]

Owned my e46 m3 for 6 years and now also have an F10 M5, in another league performance wise and is also alot more refined, v8 etc like e90 m3 on steroids. For a B road blast e46 would probably be my first choice.

[@stoneautomotive]

Must try and M5, always hear good things about them (other than as you mention a little to refined for weekend b road blasting)

[@ChrisKeirRacing]

@@stoneautomotive Yeah had, e36 m3 e39 m5, e46 m3 now f10, all good fun!

[@briggs713]

I had both of these cars once upon a time in very similar colors too. This entire video was very nastaligic. Nothing sounds better than a N/A high revving motor. I've had the plesure of owning cars with the s54, s64 , and the s85 motored cars. I just love the noise, but hate the maintinance and reliability issues.

[@stoneautomotive]

Glad you enjoyed 😎 Even the newer M cars are causing headaches, check out the S55 faults on line now 😱

[@TomP-148]

Had a e46 m3 for about 5 years. Was tastefully modded in the proper OEM+ way. All to get T-boned by a cheap POS. I now have a e92 m3, it took about a year for it to win me over compared to the e46. But the e9x series is just much more superior, plus with the current car I feel like I'm saving money. With the e46 m3 I felt like I was just throwing money at it, not because it was broke but because I was bored with it. All I bought for the e92 is an x pipe and muffler with a tune and I don't want anything else.

[@stoneautomotive]

Sorry to hear about the fate of the e46.. glad you found the E92 though as it sounds as if it’s the car for you 😎

[@damianzukowski4398]

I am planning to install Recaro CS seats to my e46, is seat heating function working ? I dont really need it but if its possible to wire it then I will get some heated Recaros. I think E46 its real old school BMW, old BMWs had window switches in the middle around gear knob as E46, E9x not. Build quality, hmm, materials seem to be cheaper on E9x and E46 uses leather, not plastic. Had E92 M3, worth to buy as an investment but to drive .... E46 M3. Handling, similar in my opinion, E9x probably better but engine is big and installed in front of the axle. Thanks

[@stoneautomotive]

The heating function no longer works on mine as the Recaro’s are from a Lotus Evora which didn’t come with heated seats. I have read that you can buy them with the heating pad/ element and will work 👍 mines a summer toy only so thankfully I don’t miss them.

[@mracer69]

interesting that the s54 head gasket issue seems to be far more common in Europe vs the states. I've yet to see a blown head gasket on a s54 in my shop and in the 8200 race miles on our endurance m3.

[@stoneautomotive]

I’ve seen plenty of posts on the American M3 forums regarding head gasket failure on the S54 over the years, it’s certainly a real issue sadly ☹️

[@mracer69]

@@stoneautomotive not saying it's not a issue, but seemingly very rare here, I do 8-12 events a year, most 9-14hr endurance races, instruct, owned a shop and currently maintain a e46 m3 race car. I've never seen anyone with a blown head gasket except for a cooling system failure with resulting over heat. Even the machine shop I use for dozens and dozens of M50-S52 head repair mentioned how they rarely do S54 heads. So it is significantly lower here, for what ever reason. Vanos and rod bearings are the known issues we deal with.

[@stoneautomotive]

@@mracer69 odd to hear but maybe climate has something to do with it 🤷‍♂️

[@gianniarduini3644]

I too rarely here of head gasket failure I’m in Canada track cars included too Even on us forums that I’m all part of The main issue I see every single day that someone posts is smg . Maybe uk got a bad batch of m3 or is cause there right hand drive 😂

[@maxleng4785]

I think E92 is definitely better for a daily driver, but I personally like the E46, specifically the straight 6 xd