About 2 months ago, I wrote an article where I posted some comparison pictures between the current E46 M3 style and the upcoming 2008 E92 M3. The design differences between the old M3 and the new one are obvious, with the E46 style having a more classic, conservativ look, while the new 2008 M3 sports a more adventures body style, modern and in the same type controversial. Like always, with a new body style change, people aren’t always excited about the changes, and we all tend to “hate” the car for a while, and then settle for it. I’m probably one of those people, I was in the same boat when the E90 came out and it replaced the most popular BMW ever, the E46 model.
You can see more picture in one of my previous articles: BMW M3 Photos
So, bottom line, I decided to repost those pics and make a poll, I’m curious to see what you think. Feel free to drop your comments as well.
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41 Responses to “BMW E46 M3 vs E92 M3”
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http://www.rsportscars.com, here is another comparison between the most talked about cars today: the BMW 135i and BMW E92 Me. Following a trend, previously I have posted these comparisons BMW 135i vs BMW 335i and BMW E46 M3 vs BMW E92 M3 , I’m going to show you today a new photo comparison. Take a look at the pictures and the specifications comparison and answer this question: Do you think the new M3 will be worth $30k more than the BMW 135i?
[...] be a difficult choice. Irv has some pics on his blog with the cars side-by-side. Interesting http://edbmw.com/blog/2007/06/20/bmw-e46-m3-vs-e92-m3/ __________________ Chicago Real Estate website: Information & Tips Real Estate [...]
E46 was a very nice size; E92 is longer. I prefer the dash layout of the E92. As far as the V8 goes, I could have lived without it but I know BMW needs to raise the bar with new models.
[...] guys think. I’m only comparing the design right now and not the the new engine or performance. http://edbmw.com/blog/2007/06/20/bmw-e46-m3-vs-e92-m3/ __________________ BMW European Delivery For latest news and articles: BMW BLOG Wall Street [...]
I love them both, traded a 2004 M3 for a 2007 335, and have mixed emotions, love the new car, nice interiors, better everyday ride, but do I miss my M3. If I could, i would buy it backand keep them both. I think i would love that V8.
[...] thread views) Message: (Aesthetically) http://edbmw.com/blog/2007/06/20/bmw-e46-m3-vs-e92-m3/ e46 vs e90 M3 sammy-d Los Altos Hills, California 2006 325xi Sedan 6 speed manual 2007 328xi Coupe 6 speed [...]
Frank, I agree with you, E92 has a little more room, which is nice. About the V8, hmm
I kinda like the power it comes with
Javier, honestly, I would’ve kept the M3 for now, and then decide if I wanna get the new one, but the 335 is a beautiful car also, so in the end, it wasn’t such a bad choice
77 votes and no more comments?
Let’s hear some opinions people
I have an E46; in my view the E92 M3 is just the latest ugly duckling Chris Bangle bungle
I agree!
[...] we go with another comparison. In a previous article, we were comparing the E92 BMW M3 and E46 M3 based on their body style. I have seen this trend on many forums where people have been posting [...]
[...] the past, I have already made several comparisons, between the 2008 BMW M3 and the E46 M3 , but I was only focusing on the design part and the body style [...]
anybody heard anyting on performance difference? i know I6 vs. V8 and 333HP vs. 400HP, but i read the stats for 0- 60 are both 4.8 seconds. so where did all the power go? and if the accleration is the same then what’s the point?
that’s why it will never wor. Mica Kingsley.
hey theree i agree with Rogue, because its true they r both 4.8 secs 0-60 mp/h , and old M3 looks a lot better, new M3 looks the same as 335i except for dual exhausts on each side and few other things , BMW shoudnt have changed the old shape of the car but they screwed up, some people think M3 was 5,2 seconds 0-60 but it was under 5 for sure if driven correctly, stock GTR R 32 is 5.3 seconds 0-60 and my friend owns one, he raced a M3 once and i was with him in the car, and we lost by a full car length.
The E92 M3 is significantly quicker then the E46. For one, Bmw claim 0-62mph (100km/h) for the E46 was 5.2 secs, compared to 4.8 secs for the new model… So don’t bother comparing Bmw figures for the E92 against figures Car and driver or other mags posted times (of 4.8 secs) for the old E46, because Car and Driver/ Road and track have already posted 4.2-4.3 secs and 12.7-12.8 1/4s for the E92.
Its around half a second quicker to 60, and 3/4 of a second quicker over the 1/4 mile. Whats really amazing is the new E92 will hit 150mph in 24.5 secs compared to 32 secs in the e46…. now you can see how much quicker the new model really is.
Its a pity the C63 runs 3.9 secs to 60 and 12.3 over the quarter, as well as covering the 0-150mph run in 22.5 secs!
now thats a giant killer
The real bargain however lies in the 335i, which stock is good for 4.8 secs and 13.3-13.5 over the 1/4mile, but when equipped with a procede V2 chip and exhaust, can run 4 seconds flat and 12.3 over the 1/4.
All for well under 50 grand!
The E92 M simply does NOT look “M” enough…
The E46 M3 will always be the best.
E92 just has to be given some time it will adjust. Couple friends have M3 e46 def under 5 sec car. (4.7-5 sec)diffrent car drivers post diffrent results. SMG II will probably give u a 5.0-5.1 sec 0-60 compared to the 6Speed.
No need for the e92 just yet when the e46 are still being worn in.
Mercedes says im here
Bmw say i was there
maybe, I still wanna drive the new M3 before I decide which one is best
I own a 03 m3 and I personally wouldnt mind seeing the v8 but I like the heritage the m3 was based off of. Which is a perfect all around car with some good power, great handles and decent weight. The e92 however looks like an amazing M but I hate to see the i6 evolve to a v8. Oh well my 1 cent. e46 m3 ftw!
I traded my 2007 335i coupe for an 08 E92 M3 about 3 weeks ago. Let me tell you, IMO it seems like night and day. Insanley more responsive in the M, and ridiculous power surge you feel at 8,300 RPM. I can’t speak for the E46 M3 which i’ve never driven but have much respect for, but this E92 is a monster and IMO worth every penny.
You also have to see the E92 M in person to really appreciate it’s beauty. I purchased mine in Space Grey Metallic with the stock 18″ (not the 19 in option) More meat on the tires and it actually matches the body color. The response i’ve had from the general public was the look of shock and awe, accompanied by many thumbs up, and near collision causing stares. Simply magnificant.
Hey every1,I love the E46 M3,because of many things.1 the steering is stiffer even at 120mph,it has more control i dare to say an RS4(V8) specially in the bends.i love the dial gages in the old M3 it looks gr8888,the new dial gage looks cut back(costs)it looks cheap.i love the cockpet in the E46 in the E92 looks as if its missing some vitamins. i love the front looks(specially in Gun Metal(Graphite).
the new 1 has its own unique look(resembls 335)to my opinion.but who can deny the performance difference….0-160mph in the E46 M3 in 42.something seconds but the 0-160mph’s in the E92 in 29.1 seconds.
If u compare an M5(v10) whith an M3 E92 is quite nice(M5 0-150mph in 23.4 & 0-150 in the M3 E92 in 24.3sec’s)…
but the story changes with the M6 0-150mph in 19.5 seconds(faster then a 5.0L Gallado by 2 seconds) n 160 in 23.2sec’s.
If i was going to buy a car with my own money i wld difinitly but the E46 M3 instead of 335i.but M3 or the M5 i would say M3(cause im young,keep the rest of the money for better use).But spending $100 plus i would say M6 cause it is quicker then Gallardo(5.0L),R8,F430(a big claim aint it).want to be sure plz check car and driver.gr8 web site for car performance reviews.
Sorry for any spellin mistakes.tc every1.
I think e46 version looks better… but the new chasis is amazing – it is much quieter and much more lower end grunt… but worth the cost to upgrade? to gain .5-1.0 sec in 0-60?… probably not – I too like the I6’s heritage – I’m keeping my e46 for a long time. The E92 version comes in additional sedan versions which will make ownership less exclusive – look at history – IE e36 model M3s.
Very Nice
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I saw a comparison between the Porshe 911 and the BMW M3 here: http://www.carchannel.be/nl/artikel/bmw/porsche-911-versus-bmw-m3 , really nice
The new 3 series has an ugly linear dash. The passenger has no cockpit to sit in. Reminds me of a camry. The E46 is set up with 2 discrete spaces, one for the driver and one for the passenger. Much cleaner and more driver oriented.- Paul
the e46 m3 was more of a no-frills race car. the 92 m3 is more like a grand touring car– the m3 is becoming a more refined type old persons car– for a young man the e46 is where its at
I admire the E30 bmw’s. especially the 325i and 325is models. now that is something special!!
what I notice a lot of people don’t understand is that the speed of a car does not determine its price. newer technology, better chasis, new design, better safety, sports buttons, sportier gearbox, carbon roof, better dynamics, ability to turn off all electronics at will etc etc etc. this is the qualities portrayed by the e92 m3. one needs to understand this!! this is what determines its price!!!
I rate both e46 and e92 10/10!! just take into consideration that power is not the most important aspect of a vehicle. RS4 is a excellent car! quick v8 4wd, extremely filled with techno goodies, quicker in a straight line from 0-100 (0-60) than an m3. BUT THE RS4 SUCKS ON DRIVER FEED BACK AND ON THE TRACK. my point is power is not the only factor in a car!
I own a 2002 e46 m3 (also imola red, like the one pictured above)
Hell of a car, although it’s not as “punchy” on the low end as I thought it would be. Once you hit the power band it REALLY comes to life, and it’s definitely a legit race car, but I can see where BMW is going in terms of staying competitive with the 8 cylinder.
Especially when the new Mercedes AMG C class has 451 HP, which is essentially the M3’s competitor (along with the porsche carrera and the audi r types to some degree)
They pretty much maxed out the I-6 in the e46. 333 HP is incredible for natural aspiration from an engine like that. No wonder the compression ratio is so extreme…
Anyway, I was down at the dealership the other day and saw some of the new M’s. They really do look WAY better in real life than in pictures.
I’d say they’re “equals”, though I’m still a bit partial to the e46. There’s something appealing about it’s hard lines, menacing “stance” and raw disposition.
Sometimes a lack of refinement is what makes the ideal performance experience…
Just my $0.02
Cheers
-Chris
The new M3 E92 is heavier, taller and bigger in every way. Doesn’t this adversely affect the handling compared to the lighter and smaller E46 M3? Straight-line acceleration isn’t everything.
BMW M3 (E92) vs BMW M3 (E46)
Lap Times Exclude “wet laps”
Track M3 (E92) M3 (E46)
Nordschleife 8:05 8:22
Tsukuba 1:05.817 1:07.11
Hockenheim Short 1:14.3 1:16.3
Vairano Handling Course 1:20.910 1:22.599
Oschersleben 1:47.20 1:50.00
Laguna Seca 1:42.964 1:41.915
Autozeitung test track 1:40.1 1:44.5
Rockingham 1:25.58 1:24.40
Serres Racing Circuit 1:33.05 1:35.15
Specs
Discipline M3 (E92) M3 (E46)
Max speed 155 m/h (250 km/h) 155 m/h (250 km/h)
0-100 km/h acceleration 4.6 4.8
0-160 km/h acceleration 9.4 11.0
0-200 km/h acceleration 15.2 16.8
0-300 km/h acceleration – -
Quarter mile time 12.5 @ 114.8mph 13.2
Power/weight ratio 0.19 0.16
Summary
Discipline M3 (E92) M3 (E46)
Track Performance 156 points 11 points
Straight line speed 237 points 216 points
Total 393 227
The Answer
BMW M3 (E92) is noticeably faster.
I think we can all agree the new M3 is a better all rounder. But my heart still stays with the E46 M3 beauty! Even with the new mean looks of the E92 M3, the E46 still looks better.
I agree that BMW had to match its rivals with a bigger engine, but I think you will never match the E46. Just pure power, looks and style!
I fully agree with PAUL, that dash is aweful! I had my 03 e46 m3 convertible in for service last week and i was given a 328xi. I have to tell you that i did not feel like i was in a bmw at all! My back was killing me after my first drive, the seats were cheap looking and the handling was not that good at all.
My wife was amazed at how cheap this car really was. we went to the bmw dealership near us in NY to look at the e92 (without test driving it) and noticed that i would most likely have issues with interior space as i am 6′2 and i need lots of leg room and head room because i always purchase the convertibles. it seems i will have the same issues with head room as i did with the e36 model which i loved!
Im sure the little bit of extra power is great, but the m’s are all around cars and they exude style, comfort and speed (in that order).
By the way, i get looks of amazement with my m3 e46 convertible also. The color is topaz blue and my brother worked on the paint for 10-14 hrs detailing it. the dealer was in awe when i brought it back for service and could not believe the work that was done detaling the vehicle.. here are the pics
http://s575.photobucket.com/albums/ss196/Claude_45/?newest=1
Why a most vote
I own a 2002, E46 M3 coupe, six speed manual shift, Steel Grey w/Cinnamon int.
Steve Dinan once said, “I think the E46 M3 is one of the most beautiful designs ever made.” I agree. I’m in love with the looks/design elements of the E46!!
I drove a new E92 M3 and it was very,very impressive. It was like a softer riding “Luxury M3″ and much of the Raw Nature of the E46 is gone. That kind of turned me off, even though it was very quick and the torque was nice. I can’t get used to the body line crease that slopes down instead of straight back along the whole side of the car. It just doesn’t flow design-wise to me. Neither does the front end with the opposite slanting mouth direction under the fascia. The 135i is even worse as that bottom body line door upward curve just doesn’t match the rest of the car at all.
Chris Bangle really ruined a lot of BMWs before he left. They look like Pontiacs!!!
i love the e46 but i also like the 335. idk which one to get
I have a titanium silver e46 3. That is a awsomly beautiful car. I was at a exotic car show in Winter Park earlier this year and talking to a collector who brought some of the cars in his stable. They were, 1957 Ferrari super america, 375 gtb Ferrari, 1960 e-type jag all immaculate and believe it or not a 01 e46 m3 which he said he bought because it had the most stunning and timeless design for a modern automobile.
According to me, E42 M3 is the most SEXIEST !! design from the BMW stable !
The speed or power is not issues..
At reality for the day to day, there is not necessary…to have few second diff.
Fun to drive..E92 fogot about this…Even M5…model can beat on the straight ilne…
But not the corner…E46 is small, and can be used for lots of purpose…
Especially in Japan, we donot need a big car. So far, I do not see the attraction of E92. Passion..and Fun to drive.. M’s concept.. there should keep at any model..
Let luxuary boring car make by MB.
not really sure why people keep saying the E46 tops out at 155 mph. i have a stock E46 with the SMG transmission and i have definitely hit 170 mph and it was still climbing. as for styling, i can really appreciate both cars. my mouth dropped when i saw an E92 yesterday and i fell in love but i just as well love my car. wish i could have both…