The best BMW M car?

[Schermerhorn]

BMW's M division have created some awesome cars from day one. Some have been awesome and some not so. I want to know what your personal favourite is or what you think is BMW M Division's ultimate halo car?

To me it is the M3 CSL - a raw, stripped out (relatively speaking) road racer. Absolute lunatic in dry conditions and a sound track to die far. It may not have been the fastest but I bet it put the biggest smile on people's faces when they went out for a blast in it.



I also have to mention the E63 BMW M6 - mental engine, mental performance, you had to work HARD to get the best out of it but the rewards were amazing. I don't think we'll ever see such a car ever again. No bias from me of course





The newer cars are much better, faster, economical, quieter, safer and better in every sense of the word. However, I can't help but feeling they've become merely 'fast' cars now and lost some of the essence of what the orignal M ethos was all about.

Edited by Schermerhorn on Friday 14th November 10:39

[Snollygoster]

For me, the new M4 is the best. But then again, I'm 21 so no real experience of big engines, so the 3 litre straight six is still a fantastic engine to my eyes. We got to a track day on launch, and driving it back to back with the likes of an RS5 really show the "M" ness of the car if you will. Peolple say it's like a Playstation feel, I've grown up with cars like that, and even playing them on the PlayStation so it's only what I know.

I would have said the upcoming M2 might be the star in their range; but if the rumours are correct, it's performance is going to pegged back so it doesn't steal M3/M4 sales which is a shame.

[SBN]

Snollygoster said:

For me, the new M4 is the best. But then again, I'm 21 so no real experience of big engines, so the 3 litre straight six is still a fantastic engine to my eyes. We got to a track day on launch, and driving it back to back with the likes of an RS5 really show the "M" ness of the car if you will. Peolple say it's like a Playstation feel, I've grown up with cars like that, and even playing them on the PlayStation so it's only what I know.

I would have said the upcoming M2 might be the star in their range; but if the rumours are correct, it's performance is going to pegged back so it doesn't steal M3/M4 sales which is a shame.

M2 will need to be faster on paper than a 235i which is rapid so I doubt there will be much between an m2 and m3/4

[mark.c]

For me it has to be an E30 M3 of any flavour, I've driven most of the modern stuff and have a CSL (which as you say is an amazing car). However for me the tactility and driver involvement I get from my little old E30 has yet to be bettered by the newer stuff, granted its not the fastest and most powerful but the other rewards outweigh this time and time again.

Ive not driven the latest M3/M4 on offer but I have a feeling that my opinion wont change, maybe Im just a cynical old git!

[Schermerhorn]

SBN said:

Snollygoster said:

For me, the new M4 is the best. But then again, I'm 21 so no real experience of big engines, so the 3 litre straight six is still a fantastic engine to my eyes. We got to a track day on launch, and driving it back to back with the likes of an RS5 really show the "M" ness of the car if you will. Peolple say it's like a Playstation feel, I've grown up with cars like that, and even playing them on the PlayStation so it's only what I know.

I would have said the upcoming M2 might be the star in their range; but if the rumours are correct, it's performance is going to pegged back so it doesn't steal M3/M4 sales which is a shame.

M2 will need to be faster on paper than a 235i which is rapid so I doubt there will be much between an m2 and m3/4

Indeed. I think it'll be a Boxster-Cayman-911 situation.

Porsche *could* make the Cayman abit faster but then it would take sales from the 911 if you know what I mean.

I see the new M cars as being fast and comfort orientated now rather than fast/comfortable/interactive as they used to be.

Still wouldn't say to an M5 or an M6 though.

[Rob747]

Love my E30.

I've had other M cars, but didn't want to keep them like I do the E30.

[Shaoxter]

I agree with the E46 CSL, I just wish BMW would make more of a similar kind of car rather than putting resources into a FWD people carrier. Kind of like what Porsche do with the GT3.

[Timbo_S2]

E30 M3
E61 M5
M46 M3 CSL

[JMBMWM5]

M6 GC CP in my opinion

[v8m3]

i have had quite a few m3s e46 e90 e30 but i hate to say the best for me was an e30 m3, real drivers car with no gadgets, so easy to get the best out of it and so balanced

[RichardM5]

I'd say the M6 GC is the best of the current M cars, not biased at all.

Best M of all, the M1 or the E30 M3 Evo II for raw M experience, E39 M5 as the best all rounder.

[Yanto]

E30 Evo or E46 CSL.

End of thread.

[shim]

Yanto said:

E30 Evo or E46 CSL.

End of thread.

Id put M135i above both of these just.

[TheAngryDog]

JMBMWM5 said:

M6 GC CP in my opinion

I parked near one of these on Thursday. They are huge! Makes my E39 look like a Mini!

[Yanto]

shim said:

Yanto said:

E30 Evo or E46 CSL.

End of thread.

Id put M135i above both of these just.

Some might say you're in the wrong forum scallywag

[Welshbeef]

shim said:

Id put M135i above both of these just.

Its not even an M car though is it.

[InductionRoar]

[shim]

Welshbeef said:

Its not even an M car though is it.

shock. you serious?

[gizlaroc]

SMG E46 M3, perfect balance of raw vs comfort.That gearbox also makes it feel extra special imho.

I had the the CSL and although it is a great car I preferred the regular SMG M3 E46 as an overall package.

V10 M5 and M6 just didn't suit the SMG 'box imho.

E39 M5 is great, but I personally thought the fact it was manual lost something of the perfect autobahn mile muncher.

E30 I am sure is great but never driven one so can't comment.

E92 is great, but not as fun as the E46 imho, and the E46 is still comfy enough every day.

New M3 is great, but looses some more rawness. Great if you are wanting more than a 335d, but I would rather buy a 520d and a 911.

Yeah, definitely the E46 SMG M3 for me.

[InductionRoar]

Welshbeef said:

shim said:

Id put M135i above both of these just.

Its not even an M car though is it.

Where's the whoosh parrot when you want him?