I’ve wanted a E46 m3 since my dad had one back in 2004 when I was a young lad. The best M3 ever made, now at the age of 27, I’ve had mine for 5 years and I never ever wanna get rid of it 👍

The only M car I’ve ever wanted to own, it even takes the dream car status.

I’d say E46 too. Timeless design, perfectly laid out interior and seating position, great n/a 6 cylinder with more than enough power to enjoy on the road, comfortable and quiet on the motorway, doesn’t have 6 silly driving modes or adjustable dampening etc. Perfect balance between old and modern and are by far the best looking M3 when they’re on 18s imo. E90 M3 is a very nice car too and is arguably better than an E46 in every department other than weight but they just don’t hold that special spot in my soul like the E46 does. E46 just feels special to sit in and drive.

Looked so good with the silver 18's ...

Bought my e46 m3 last August and never plan to get rid of it. Even my wife says don’t sell so who am I to argue? I too have put the 4.1 in, but also the Wavetrac. Rod bearings done…..and the list goes on. They’re a real labour of love now they’re getting into old girl territory, but can still be worked hard if looked after so it seems. Dials, seating, interior in general and standard appearance before being “tickled” as Dan says, are all perfectly fine to live with on a long term basis. There are so many mods can be done to individualise them, and get it exactly to your personal taste. Great car, great sound track, great body! I simply love mine! Cheers Dan, keep up the good work.

It certainly looks the best. That's not even the Nostalgia speaking 😍 Also, these video formats are great Danny 👍

I think it will yes. And I sold mine even though I believe that because I’m dumb af

Had mine 4years now, and I still look back at it in the car park.

Top video m8. Awesome content this is. Job well done and keep up the good work. Love my RHD slicktop manual E46 m3 in estoril blue and imola interior i got from the UK last year

Got an E92 with a fancy exhaust on it about 6 months ago, I don't think there's much this side of 200 grand that sounds as good or better. The engine (and dct box) dominate the whole experience, but what an engine! And the rest of the car is pretty cracking too.

really enjoyed this dan ... more please

Really regret not buying one of these when I had the chance 🤦‍♂️

Great video Dan!

Watching this video this morning made me go for a drive in my E46 M3 this afternoon, first drive in 3-4 weeks if not more… loved it. Definitely best M3 for me but then I’m biased

Being of a similar age the E46 was "The M3" when I was growing up and getting into cars too. For me, the video was Clarkson driving the CSL on the Isle of Man. I've had mine about four years and it was between that and the E92. I went with the E46 because it was the one I wanted when I was a kid and I'm glad I did. I've driven quite a few of the newer M cars on the road and track and whilst most of them are great, and faster. They don't give quite the same feeling when you have it wound up to 8k on a nice b-road.

I just purchased mine during this outrageous market, & I was really lucky. Love the content, can’t wait for more M3 stuff.

@usman1alam

2 жыл бұрын

I bought mine just recently too. Well in June. So glad i did!

@Atreyu.Bushido

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah I got mine in September, drove it home parked it, and fired it up the next day and the clutch failed. But I’ll take paying 10k and a 1k clutch vs the market lol

@usman1alam

2 жыл бұрын

@@Atreyu.Bushido not bad that mate! I got mine at 18k! SMG, 3 previous owners, was 71k on clock at the time now on 72k😂and inspection 2 just carried out. I seen one similar to mine but with 88k on clock for £28k!!

Cheeky Gran Turismo music playing quietly in the background - nice choice Danny!

I’ve had mine for about two years now. Purchased as a rolling shell with no engine and trans. A very considerable amount of money later, it is now my favorite car I have ever driven both on and off track

@dannyDC2

2 жыл бұрын

good work, did u put the original motor in?

I think "might" go down as the best is pretty accurate. I have owned an e46 M3 in the past, and that car will always hold a special place in my heart. There is no doubt about it that when you get that car on a ba road the package of the engine and chassis is a rare experience especially for the money they were a few years ago when I owned it. It felt so much more special than a regular e46 and driving my car back to back with a friends ZHP 330Ci really drove home how much care and attention BMW was putting into the design of their cars at the time. That being said, I had wanted an e92 M3 since they debuted when I was in high school. The sound the engine makes is so dynamic and musical and from the moment I first heard one I knew I needed to have one. As the e46 prices were rising I took advantage and sold the e46 for what I paid for my e92. Weight was obviously a concern coming from the e46 but the chassis really hides the extra bit quite well. I also was lucky enough to find the spec I was looking for, and nabbed one with zero options. Cloth interior, 6MT, carbon roof, no navigation. I weighed it on a transport scale and it is currently at 1580kg with an aftermarket driver seat, Ohlins suspension, and Enkei wheels. the extra ~40~kg over my e46 is a small enough price to pay for the sound of the s65 for me. I would love to own an e46 again though some day, but if I have to choose between the two, the e92 is for me. I think in the future it is going to be a tough call between the two on what one will be considered best. The e46 is a remarkable car, but the care and attention I talked about previously is even more apparent in the e92. BMW really gave the naturally aspirated platform one last hurrah with the s65, I think.

Great video!! Completely agree the e46 M3 will always be above the new models. I’ve owned 2 e46 m3’s and now own the e90 m3 and as much as I love the e90 and won’t sell it…. If my old Phoenix yellow came back up for sale I’d find it hard not to go back… i miss that exhaust rasp!! My vote is with the e46. Best ever m3 followed by the e90!

Love the subtle gran turismo ost in the background lol

Just bought a manual coupe 330ci Clubsport, also estoril blue. It's a phenomenal thing to drive, so capable I can't imagine how good an M3 is!

E46 for track driving, e90 for a weekend toy with occasional track use. I agree a e90 carries its weight well, but the e46 still feels raw enough for a better driving experience when pushing on

@dannyDC2

2 жыл бұрын

Why the E90 for the weekend toy? Do you have a Shell Go+ card?

@deanodrives4966

2 жыл бұрын

@@dannyDC2 😂😂 I need one for my 182, let alone an e90 m3 😂 I find the e90 slightly more comfortable on the road and on a weekend I like doing a few miles to clear my mind

Hey Danny.👋 For something that was unscripted, your thoughts seemed well put together. I enjoyed the video and even learned a few things.👍 Didn't know the S54 engine held the highest n/a torque per liter crown back then, nor did I know the V8 in the E92 was lighter weight than the 6 cylinder it replaced. Good info. Keep in mind, I've never driven an M3, so this is all from the outside looking in. Graduating high school in '88 (old Mfer), I remember (and loved) the E30 M3. It was definitely on my list of "some day dream cars" back then. They're fetching rediculous prices these days, so that'll probably not happen any time soon. Like you said, we won't talk about what they did to our E36 M3. Bastards! The E92 has a sweet sounding V8, but the styling isn't my favourite. The front is tough, but the rear, meh. In my opinion, the E46 you have over there is impeccable.👌 I'd say the designers hit the sweet spot with that generation. And wearing that Estoril Blue paint, it doesn't get much better. All opinions mind you, but I'd say you got the right one. See you on the next one. Looking forward to that MR2 video.😜😉 Have a great weekend, Dan.

@dannyDC2

2 жыл бұрын

Lol cheers Mick, yeah the North American E36 was crazy. Wonder why they thought it was a good idea. Maybe just didn't want to have such a gap from the previous model

How would they rank in driving pleasure on a twisty B road? Surely that should be yard stick to be measured by for a sports car. Doesn't matter which one is quickest because they're all too quick to stay within speed limits, but which one is the most rewarding to go 'Sporting' in? Which one gives the best feels x

Gran turismo 4 soundtrack in the background 😍💙 too much nostalgia, I listen to the soundtrack on KZread a few times a year

Next up - SMG. I accidentally won a e46 M3 convertible smg. The cheapest of. And I love it! I have Porsche, hot hatches galore, jags, typeR. This is ace. It’s a clutchless manual. Quicker and more accurate than rowing it yourself and it’s F1 tech from Williams. Use the stick in town and paddles on the backroads. Blinkin ace. Discuss.

I don't have a licence never had the confidence to go get one but my favourite M3 has to be yours and estriol blue is the only colour that makes it even nicer

Also, just bought a t-shirt. Keep it up!

I concur. Haven’t driven an M3, but given the choice I’d drive the E46, followed by the E90. I can also remember Top Gear putting one against an S4 when I was a kid, maybe a similar story to you as to why I’d chose the E46 then

Good justification and we'll put, it's all abt the E36 for me. I'm building a replica one coz I can't afford the real deal just doing it a bit at a time. Aiming to put an s54 into it though, best of both to be my perfect m3

@Sam-wn6hk

2 жыл бұрын

Or build a m52b30 with the original engine?

I’ve got an e36 M3 and drove a few e46 M3s when I was looking to buy one, and the e46 definitely has got more low end power, sharper steering and more grip. But there’s something about an e36 that makes me enjoy driving it so much more

@dannyDC2

2 жыл бұрын

You just prefer the way it looks?

@alexhardaker2818

2 жыл бұрын

@@dannyDC2 I mean there is that and I do like the sound more (csl is the exception obvs) but there’s something about the feeling of driving it that gets to me. Talking about the 3.0, the eco feels a bit less raw

@KostadinDelizhanski

2 жыл бұрын

@@alexhardaker2818 the chassis of any e46 comp to any e36 gives that feeling (excl the motor) ... so much more isolated experience in the e46 , you feel like driving a smaller (not lighter) e39 bmw :D just my feeling driving them

@WieslingSpielt

2 жыл бұрын

Owning an e36 m3 and an e46 m3 I can absolutely understand what you mean. The e36 is the perfect track car, lighter, rawer etc. But there is something special to the e46 m3 as a weekend cruiser/daily summercar which the e36 doesn‘t offer. So yes, you need both😂

@alexhardaker2818

2 жыл бұрын

@@WieslingSpielt just need the money and the double garage and I’ll be sorted

I have both and it’s a hard call but I’ve got a big soft spot for my e46 can’t let it go but my pocket is feeling it. It’s not like when I was younger mates used to want to work on them and garage always want a grand for what ever they work on so very interesting subject 😊

great video i'm loving the concept, i've never driven an e46 m3 but I drived with spirit an e46 325i on twisty and less twisty roads but never on track, how would you guys compare it ? In my mind I imagine the m3 a more powered but same balanced car . Is it the case for the e36 ? idk but I would gladly hear your opinion guys. Anyway lovin these food for thoughts vids lad.

@dannyDC2

2 жыл бұрын

E46 325i is a sweet spot i think

Best exhaust note... bit revvy though... nice wheels...

Never had any of them or driven any, but the e46 is the one that caught my imagination and wanted to own.

BMW e46 m3 could very well be the best m3, I agree. I smile every time I drive mine, especially on the track, I have a e39 m5 and a 40 year anniversary edition Porsche 911 and I love them all, But to me the most fun to drive is the e46 m3.

Love m3s. Had a 36,46 and now a e92 . If were at Cadwell at the same time have a go in it ? It’s not bad 👍

I suppose if you could fit the E90 v8 in the E46 it would be perfect, especially if its a lighter motor. Might give a bit more torque than a straight six too but then again not like ive driven either hahaha

imo that age of BMW really was the best e46 M3, e39 M5, last of the E38 7 series however I love almost all generations of BMW but if I had to pick one would be early 2000's

I’ve had my e46 m3 for 16 years and I’m the second owner they are the bollocks 👌🏻🤘🏻👊🏻❤️

Well Dan, I think you could be right about the e46. I certainly think the comment section will be more responsive than Stella

I think this generation of M3 also will go down as one of the best handling mcpherson strut chassis ever made as well. That to me is as much BMWs DNA as the engines are, they put a lot of work and research into making it handle

What colour are your style 67s? Just got a square set up & undecided if to get them referb’d OE colour or more of a silver. They look good.

Never drove one but its my favourite

Totally agree. It’s my favourite of any car. Always will be 🙌🏼

Have one. Adore it. You’re right.

As a previous e46 m3 CS owner, I would have agreed wholeheartedly, doggedly, enthusiastically. Right up until the moment I bought an e90. It feels no bigger, and a good leap faster. It's a bit more grown up in all the right ways, but loses absolutely no edge when you push on. The s65 feels noticeably quicker, revs more enthusiastically, and the brakes, front end turn in and grip is a leap forward on the e46. Breakaway is smoother and fractionally easier to manage, and the intake and exhaust noise balance is sublime. I didn't think I would ever prefer a lazy v8 sedan over a straight six boy-racer, but I had no idea what the e90 was about until I had my first 'good' drive on some quiet B roads and realised there was nothing lazy about it at all. It was a huge surprise.

E46 just has that timeless design, some how it manages to still look fairly modern but at the same time has that instant look of a classic car similar to e30 and yet it doesn't look dated like an e36. If you've only driven a standard one on dated suspension/bushes then it's like a different car. Better brakes, plated boot floor, black series subframe bushes, new oe diff bushes, new rtab, Turner/csl arbs, eibach springs/ bilstein shocks, or decent coilovers, eventuri/csl style induction and there you have a completely different car. As for the S54.. incredible and yet very reliable and surprisingly economical too, masterpiece of an engine.

It’s between e46 or e92 I feel. Wicked cars

Closest I got to driving/owning an M3 was my E46 330Ci. Other than the brakes it was fantastic.

@JD-eo7dr

2 жыл бұрын

I can agree on the shit brakes I couldn't believe how bad they was I hope the M3s was better.

@dannyDC2

2 жыл бұрын

Maybe you had weak pads/discs/fluid. I had a 330i and the brakes were pretty good for a big car. BMW doesn't hold any awards for impressive brakes on any models though (not until the recent years anyway)

With the sound off and my 104 fever. I thought he was badger from breaking bad 😂

It’s gotta be the e30 for me, but I do like all Upto the e92. The modern cars are just 🤢

I enjoy the (sped up?) Gran Turismo music in the background!

I think the E46 M3 comes down to that handling video you done, the s54 engine contributes massively to the driving experience, the stance and bubble arches made the car a classic even before they stopped production. Throttle body’s also just scream motorsport. The latest efficiency turbo trend screams budget imo. If I could afford the project a E46 S65 baby Gtr (without the bodykit) project would be my dream. P.s your m3 looked quick at Croft.

I think so, it’s got the looks and also the power the E30 lacks, esp if you lighten it a bit.

Tbh Dan when you said that BMW make the best mass produced 6 cyl and 8 cyl I thought to myself ya know he’s right but I’ve never thought of it like that. Do like the old talky talk vids breaks up the workshop duties and have a proper natter

Yes it is, because the E46 M3 raised the bar higher than any car of its era. The epitome of the 90's, yes I know they were available 2000-2005 but they were designed and developed by BMW during the late 90's, a golden age for many manufacturers and one in which the M3 E46 shone brightest of them all . Pound for pound it was the greatest car in the greatest era, can you say that about subsequent generations of M3's ?

I had a e36 evo at 21 and loved that and a e92 and loved that to. I was never full of confidence in the handling of the v8. Always dreamed of a estoril e46...... you bastard 😀

I've a 3.0 e36 m3 but I've not been lucky to experience any other gen yet. I used to think the E92 would replace it one day but there's just something about cars from the 90s for the perfect balance of style, comfort and feeling connected to the car. Since I got the e36 I stopped lusting after most other cars... And I think that's what an M3 is about really. In terms of the E46, the style is aging really well, they look timeless, I've just always hated the interiors of them. I'm sure they drive spectularly, and will hopefully find out for myself one day.

Had e46 m3 for a bit and had e36 m3 evo sold e46m3 year ago and sticking to e36 m3 evo love it to bits

Hands down the best looking one 👌

I agree with you on all points. I have the bastard US E36 M3 convertible with a rare hardtop and a god forsaken automatic. It's absolutely BEAUTIFUL especially lowered on the contour wheels but definitely lacks the ///Motorsport... lol. Still a very special car, i can't wait to manual swap it when racing stops taking all my money/time.

bro what's the name of your super light battery? recommending one to a mate. does it start fine after not driving it for ages?

What about the 1M? The connection between the modern turbo charged M cars and the NA ones? I owned the F80 M3 and was a little dissapointed. My life long dream to own a M3 was not what I expected. Ok, it was stupidly fast and tbh, still one of the best looking cars ever made in my eyes. But it didn't live up to my "race car" expectations. I sold it, a reason because we are building a home. But now I'm checking to buy maybe again a M car, but which one? The E46 and E92 M3 do seem nice, but for a Belgian guy these are big costs in taxes. So I was wondering, why not the 1M? It was the first one to get a Turbo. And I think it has more character than the M2, I don't know. Any suggestions? Nice video @DannyDC2! Love the channel

ah the gran turismo 4 garage music. where it all started for me

I think the best NON M3 is the e36 - the M50 and M52 engines are great and the body is quite close to the M3. However you did not mention the flat 6 when it comes to great NA engines and Porsche still brings them (especially the Mezger in 997 gt3 should be high up there!) ^^ I really enjoyed that, thanks Dan

@dannyDC2

2 жыл бұрын

we are talking straight 6s of course haha

What about the handling compared to E92 M3? I think E92 m3 is way sharper, has stiffer body. I don't particularly like the way the steering wheel feels in the corners on the E46 M3.

Enjoyed the gran turiso music :)

If you think about it the e30 was a standalone homologation car for BMW to win group A, it’s closest successor is the 320si. Of the 3 remaining M3’s that followed all had had a different purpose and of them the 4 door, manual e90 on 18’s is the pinnacle.

@andrewbarrett9731

2 жыл бұрын

320si handles well but has too little power/weight

Definitely the e46 will be the best M3 ever made. 👍

It's the only one I've ever wanted!!

I own both E46 M3 & E39 M5 and would struggle to replace them for something just as good.

This era of BMW is by far the best, ive got a Z4M coupe (basically an e46 m3 in a fancy frock) and love it. With the s54 you really dont need much more power on normal uk roads its a peach

i saw a G80 comp earlier today, and its basically an M5 at this point (the m5 can be an m7 if you want it to be) says a lot about BMW's current state when their motorsport specials went from 2.0l screaming 4 bangers for homologation to branding themselves on a plug in hybrid SUV "coupe"

@dannyDC2

2 жыл бұрын

yeah they are massive now

repeatedly kicking myself for not buying an e46 m as they have doubled in value now putting them out of reach and leaving me stuck with my 330ci instead.. easily the best looking 3 series and for me the e46 has the best interior as well .

I have a e46 M3 2006 ZCP Alpine White on Cinnamon interior, best car I ever owned!

100% could be, in my mind for all of the reasons you listed though it is! Had mine for 5 years, brought when they were reasonable and will never sell if I don't need to. Too many people buying them as an investment these days, they should be used, abused and enjoyed before we need to mail order 99 Ron like an RC nitro car haha

Yes the E46 M3 is the best. Why? As you said, that straight 6 S54 and the beautiful shape of the chassis. In 10 years time when everyone is driving their boring soulless, silent EVs, the sound of that straight 6 on the winding back roads will be to die for. Look after it if you're lucky enough to own one.

I agree s54 engine is a peach. I have 2 N52b30. And I. Love them. Bmw made the best 6 cylinder. Cheers Dan

Only if you spend a heap welding plates in and making sure the engine is fixed :0

Why does the background music sound like it's from gran turismo 4

12:54 Does a flat-six count or do we not like Porsche's here? hahah

I'm just here for the Gran Turismo menu music XD

They’re an awesome engine, and awesome cars, but I don’t think the torque per litre quote is right. My 4.5 Cerbera AJP engine is from 98 and has more torque per litre (ITB’s and a high redline too 😄) I think the E46 M3 is the best too, for me an M car is an NA 6 cylinder too, so I think the E46 M3 and E34 M5 take it because of that.

I have only ever heard that dc2's handling is better than dc5. You said it too in the last vid. It'd make my day if the stars aligned and you could drive both on track in a day. Most people see that dc2 has double wishbone and dc5 doesnt and say "yep dc2 is best". I realise this comment would be more at home on your prev chat video, leaving it here to hopefully attract more attention as I was late to the prev vid.

enjoyed that, but this weight think comes up quite a lot, the S65 is not lighter than the S54. Short block comparison it is, but the complete engine is heavier by 10 kg or so.

@dannyDC2

2 жыл бұрын

I did a bit of Google to try and find the numbers when uploading this but couldn't find anything concrete

@tomking6914

2 жыл бұрын

@@dannyDC2 I can't find the thread I'm thinking of, might have been pulled, but a guy was doing a 54/65 swap and weighed them both... To his surprise the 65 was a little heavier. There's a vid here that weighs them but it's not totally conclusive kzread.info/dash/bejne/am18xqigj7qum84.html

Yes I think I agree with you BMW E46 M3 is the best, but out and Out Looks would be a DTM bmw e30 m3

Love them all for different reasons (maybe with exception of G80). Not saying it’s the best but It’s easy to knock the F80 however with all the rules and regs for modern cars I think BMW did an amazing job, styling is brilliant, fast, RWD, could spec manual, lighter than a E90 and although the S55 could sound better as a PU it’s a serious thing!

I agree with you bud.. I used to think E92, but now defs E46!!

WHERE DID YOU FIND AN ESTORIL BLUE MANUAL COUPE????!!!!!!

Agree

best straight 6 n/a defenetly bmw. no doubt. best m3 is a hard one. ive only driven an e92. it was fast it reved and it had turn in like i expected it to have. but subjectively it felt heavy and i wasnt all too impressed by the overall feel of the car. might have been the weight, might have been my big expectations. it just didnt feel that much different to a normal e92.

If there was a rotten E36 M3 EVO Saloon available for about 5k, would it be silly not to buy it? It probably needs 4k spent on it to fix it up.

Yes

Absolute agree.

My dad set the bar for ///M cars.he has the evo3 e30 m3. But for me it's the e46

Yes it is. Next video. I've owned mine for over 8 years now, there isn't much on the car I haven't touched in some way and half of that time its been supercharged with 600bhp. They are very well designed (by actual engineers it would appear), well built for the most part, really nice to work on and most importantly too much fun to drive. I'll sell my house before I sell this car.

@dannyDC2

2 жыл бұрын

nice

E46 track let’s be honest track fun all day long sound per penny pal Or northern back roads take ya pick! Squids for smiles this wins my era of car 🤘🏻

Agreed danny e36 non evo 4dr for me but that doesnt mean its the best just my fav. Oh and e34 evo if m5s are next question 😂👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿