Of all the generations of BMW M3, the E92 is among the most beloved. There are several reasons why the E92 M3 is so revered but the main reason is its engine. The E92 M3 is unique among M3s because it’s the only one to have a V8 and it’s a 4.0 liter naturally-aspirated V8. It’s not the most powerful or fastest M3 of all, nor was it the fastest car in its class in a straight line when it was new. However, its howling noise and free-revving nature make it one of the most desirable M3s of all. In this new video from Doug DeMuro, we learn that its engine is why he thinks it’s the craziest M3 of all.
As a whole, the E92 BMW M3 is probably one of the very best M3s of all time. It’s fast enough, exciting to drive thanks to that screaming engine, it handles with a delicacy that’s missing in modern Bimmers and its still comfortable enough. However, that engine is still the high point of the car and is the reason why it’s the craziest M3 of all.
That engine is a 4.0 liter V8 that can rev all the way out to 8,250 rpm, which is an astonishing figure in a big V8 and it’s far higher than what you’ll find in modern turbocharged engines. For comparison, the curret Porsche 911 GT3 can rev out to 9,000 rpm and that’s considered to be legendary. So considering a relatively humble M3 from over a decade ago can nearly match it is impressive. It’s not the most powerful M3, nor is it the fastest, but its engine might be the best.
It also sounds epic. The E92 BMW M3 might not be the best M3 but it’s the best sounding M3 and that’s not even up for debate. That free-breathing V8 makes a deep, powerful rumble and low revs and its noise builds into a wonderful high-pitched wail as the revs climb. It’s lovely and nothing about what you hear from the E92 M3 is fakery. The noise that fills the cabin comes from an engine and an exhaust system. The way it’s supposed to be.
That’s hilarious coming from a guy that does a half throttle pull in 2nd gear any time he reviews something lol. Let’s not even pretend he’s tossed anything into a corner. He is a professional without a doubt… at opening glove boxes and pointing at small logos on steering wheels. As far as his “driving credibility” goes. His word is as useful as a mini golf player at a private resort.
I’m not going to comment on whether or not Doug is a good driver because I simply don’t know. However, reviewing a car while driving quickly isn’t easy and not something everyone can do, nor is it something everyone is comfortable doing. Especially on public roads, while driving someone else’s car, with other traffic and the potential to get pulled over in, again, someone else’s car. So knocking him for taking it easy in videos just isn’t fair.
Haters gonna hate, while I enjoy the tour he gives on a car I could never see~
Doug and his reviews are just terrible in general, can’t stand him.
Like him or not, he’s a well-respected voice in the automotive industry and, from what I hear, a good guy. He also has more than 3 million YT subscribers, so apparently many people can stand him.
This generation M3 will stand out in the future and after many years will be cult car something like 2002 is nowadays.
Nah, that will be the E82. BMW even marketed the E82 as the return of the 2002.
Right, 300 hp. 2002. E92 singular & historic unicorn, only M3 V8 ever.
Coming from the guy who gates the v10 in the m5 which is basically the same engine with 2more cilynders.