Two years ago, our contributor Chuck Vossler took delivery of a pristine BMW E92 M3 — and it didn’t take long for the V8-powered coupe to become his daily driver. It wasn’t just clean and well-kept; it came loaded with tasteful upgrades: a Dinan intake and exhaust, a short-throw shifter, and a lowered suspension setup. Chuck lives with this M3 year-round — winter tires included — and after thousands of miles, we can confidently say this might be the best pre-owned M car money can buy.
The Last Naturally Aspirated M3
The E92 M3 was the end of an era. It’s the only M3 powered by a V8, specifically the S65 4.0-liter high-revving unit that spins to 8,300 rpm. Developed from the BMW S85 V10, the S65 is a motorsport-inspired masterpiece — and it didn’t go unnoticed. Between 2008 and 2012, it won International Engine of the Year in the 3.0–4.0L category.
Performance is still impressive by modern standards. Period magazine tests clocked 0 to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds for the DCT-equipped M3. But it’s not just speed — it’s the sound, response, and immediacy that make it feel special.
Handling Precision With a Human Touch
The E92 M3 was often hailed as one of the best-handling BMWs of the decade. When equipped with Electronic Damper Control (EDC), it offers multiple suspension settings that adapt to your driving mood. Add M Dynamic Mode (MDM) and the M Variable Limited Slip Differential, and you get tail-happy fun with a safety net. It walks the line between control and chaos — a rare thing in modern performance cars.
Design That Still Turns Heads
The proportions of the E92 M3 are spot-on. A wider track and longer wheelbase give it a planted stance that looks aggressive without shouting. This was the era of BMW design at its cleanest, before exaggerated grilles and oversized vents became the norm.
Hydraulic Steering: A Dying Art
If you ask a BMW purist why they love the E92 M3, chances are they’ll mention the steering. This generation still used hydraulic power steering, which delivers nuanced road feel that modern electric racks can’t match. It’s the same steering setup found in the beloved BMW 1M Coupe, and the feedback is second to none.
Watch the Full Video Review
To showcase everything we love about this car, we put together a quick video review of Chuck’s M3. Whether you’re in the market or just here for some V8 sounds, hit play:
Final Thoughts: A Modern Classic in the Making
The BMW E92 M3 offers a rare blend of analog emotion and modern performance. It’s fast, balanced, usable all year, and built with real enthusiast DNA. Values for clean, low-mileage cars are already climbing — and for good reason.
If you’re hunting for a used performance car that you can actually drive every day, this might be the last great M3 that still feels like an old-school M car.
