Comments on: BMW E46 M3 vs E92 M3

By: Jim

Jim — Sat, 30 May 2009 02:34:00 +0000

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!!!

By: marlon

marlon — Tue, 19 May 2009 23:55:29 +0000

Why a most vote

By: Sam Neale

Sam Neale — Mon, 11 May 2009 11:48:35 +0000

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

By: Richard

Richard — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 01:55:38 +0000

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!

By: Dinamic74

Dinamic74 — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 02:08:50 +0000

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.

By: GT

GT — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 12:56:27 +0000

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.

By: Chris Rempel

Chris Rempel — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 07:38:34 +0000

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

By: Zulfi

Zulfi — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 07:01:42 +0000

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!

By: adam

adam — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 07:19:22 +0000

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

By: Paul

Paul — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 07:54:37 +0000

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

By: Peter Canston

Peter Canston — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 11:50:07 +0000

Very Nice :).
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 :).

By: d_hero

d_hero — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 21:47:01 +0000

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.

By: Tony

Tony — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 21:33:34 +0000

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.

By: Big Al

Big Al — Fri, 23 May 2008 19:04:16 +0000

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.

By: Big Al

Big Al — Fri, 23 May 2008 18:56:40 +0000

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.

By: Mike.R

Mike.R — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 23:02:20 +0000

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!

By: Irv Robinson

Irv Robinson — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 07:10:18 +0000

maybe, I still wanna drive the new M3 before I decide which one is best

By: E46 best M ever

E46 best M ever — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 15:50:38 +0000

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

By: Gary Bunn

Gary Bunn — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 13:52:53 +0000

The E46 M3 will always be the best.

By: Alfa75Evoluzione

Alfa75Evoluzione — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 06:27:17 +0000

The E92 M simply does NOT look “M” enough…

By: 335i

335i — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 18:39:29 +0000

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!

By: daniel

daniel — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 09:49:35 +0000

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.

By: Mica Kingsley

Mica Kingsley — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 19:36:23 +0000

that’s why it will never wor. Mica Kingsley.

By: Rogue

Rogue — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 05:11:42 +0000

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?

By: E92 BMW M3 Comparison with E46 M3 and E92 335i

E92 BMW M3 Comparison with E46 M3 and E92 335i — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 17:23:03 +0000

[...] 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 [...]

By: E92 BMW M3 vs. E46 CSL M3

E92 BMW M3 vs. E46 CSL M3 — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 09:46:20 +0000

[...] 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 [...]

By: lloyd miller

lloyd miller — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 04:17:47 +0000

I have an E46; in my view the E92 M3 is just the latest ugly duckling Chris Bangle bungle

By: Irv Robinson

Irv Robinson — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 10:51:34 +0000

77 votes and no more comments? Let’s hear some opinions people

By: Irv Robinson

Irv Robinson — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 22:58:12 +0000

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

By: e46 vs. e90 M3 page..which one do you like better? - The BMW M Lounge

e46 vs. e90 M3 page..which one do you like better? - The BMW M Lounge — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 13:45:22 +0000

[...] 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 [...]