Which M3?

[MikeHunt]

E92, E46, G80 in that order.

[Explosive Newt]

When I first started reading car mags in my late teens, the E46 was the new kid on the block, and I lapped up the gushing reviews (there's an image for you). As a result, it fixed in my mind as the definitive. I must admit the stance still looks spot on to me.

There is one in silvery gold that always parks in a corner space of the multistorey at work so it is good to know some folk still use them as a daily.

[integrale_evo]

I know no one else will choose it, but the e36 is still my favourite. ( I am not including the csl as that’s a different beast )

It was still the one which gave the biggest generational jump in performance, the 3.2 fixed much of the initial criticism of the platform.

For me it’s the last properly analogue one, the engine feels raw and racey and sounds superb.

After an e30 they definitely feel more GT than sportscar, but in hindsight as M3s became ever more competent and the foibles smoothed over, it still feels nimble and alive, but will bite if you take liberties. No traction or stability control on any of them, no sports mode or settings you have to fiddle with. A decent amount of travel on the cable throttle and abs is all the help you get. It’s also properly narrow compared to later cars, which helps a lot on tighter roads.

I’m not sure I’d ever recommend one to someone, for the money a decent one costs you could also buy either an e46 or e90, which would probably better suit far more people. If you want an e36 you probably already know you do. Back when an e36 was £4K and an e46 was 15k they were a performance bargain!

The e30 will always have the honour of being the first, and if you want the M to stand for motorsport, then it’s the only one designed specifically to go racing. I think it’s a bit unfair to say they’re no good because they’re expensive these days. Obviously it makes a difference if you’re looking to buy, but people asking lots of money doesn’t take away from the driving experience. And to only look at the numbers is entirely missing the point. They just have that light footed flowing balance that was lost when weight started piling on and wheels went ever wider.

I’d still love an e46, and an e90. I just wouldn’t swap an e36 for one, they’d have to be in addition.

[Rich B]

Speaking of electronics and stability gubbins, the system on the e46 was a complete waste of time - i turned it off every time i started the car. The system on the e92 was excellent though - it allowed silly sideways play whilst still keeping you from dying in a ditch.

[Carlos]

You could leave big fuckoff darkies on the floor as you leave the petrol station in m-dynamic mode

[John]

You could leave big fuckoff darkies on the floor as you leave the petrol station in m-dynamic mode

[Rich B]

You could leave big fuckoff darkies on the floor as you leave the petrol station in m-dynamic mode

yep, the MdM mode was fantastic, way better than any of the modes on the M2.

another reason why the e92 was the best M3.

[Simon]

Am I the only person who voted F80? I think I am!

[Jimexpl]

I know no one else will choose it, but the e36 is still my favourite. ( I am not including the csl as that’s a different beast )

It was still the one which gave the biggest generational jump in performance, the 3.2 fixed much of the initial criticism of the platform.

For me it’s the last properly analogue one, the engine feels raw and racey and sounds superb.

After an e30 they definitely feel more GT than sportscar, but in hindsight as M3s became ever more competent and the foibles smoothed over, it still feels nimble and alive, but will bite if you take liberties. No traction or stability control on any of them, no sports mode or settings you have to fiddle with. A decent amount of travel on the cable throttle and abs is all the help you get. It’s also properly narrow compared to later cars, which helps a lot on tighter roads.

I’m not sure I’d ever recommend one to someone, for the money a decent one costs you could also buy either an e46 or e90, which would probably better suit far more people. If you want an e36 you probably already know you do. Back when an e36 was £4K and an e46 was 15k they were a performance bargain!

The e30 will always have the honour of being the first, and if you want the M to stand for motorsport, then it’s the only one designed specifically to go racing. I think it’s a bit unfair to say they’re no good because they’re expensive these days. Obviously it makes a difference if you’re looking to buy, but people asking lots of money doesn’t take away from the driving experience. And to only look at the numbers is entirely missing the point. They just have that light footed flowing balance that was lost when weight started piling on and wheels went ever wider.

I’d still love an e46, and an e90. I just wouldn’t swap an e36 for one, they’d have to be in addition.

To use as a road car, I think you might be right, as long as it's the 3.2.
Not that it's on the list, but I also preferred the Z4M to the E46 (which is why I bought one), as the less competent suspension made it feel more alive at sensible speeds.

[V8Granite]

Given the choice I'd have a dark blue or purple 328 sport if it was an E36.

No logical reason why but I think it was the pick of the range whenever I've seen a nice one.

As a Touring, a low E36 M3 touring also looks better than any other home brew touring version.

Dave!

[dinny_g]

Never really lusted after an M3 (always preferred the C32 / C63 option) but if you put a gun to my head, an E46 CSL would be the only one I'd like