E46 M3 or E90 M3 or 996 or...

[nunpuncher]

Benefits and pitfalls of each. I've done my research and am well aware of the issues and costs. I've also driven them all and still can't make up my mind. It would be a second car with social use and the occasional commute (once every couple of weeks). Would like to hear the opinions of the masses. Which would you pick? Have you owned one?

E46 m3
Probably the cheapest of the bunch. Seems decent ones have now emerged from the chavs to enthusiasts and it doesn't seem too difficult to find a good one via M3 cutters

E90/e92 M3
Bit newer and a bit more modern than the other 2 but is that a bad thing for someone who enjoys older more analogue cars? NA v8 rwd and manual box is a good formula but is it a bit uninspiring unless it's being rinsed?

996 early 3.4 c2/C4
Probably the oldest, probably more temperamental, definitely more expensive to run and harder to find one that's not a turd, but is it a better drivers car than the other 2?

Other suggestions welcome but NO 2 SEATERS.

[keo]

Personally I’d go for the 911 out of them. Drove one about 10 years ago and liked it but it was only on a track experience day.

My brother had a E46 M3, I drove it numerous times. Didn’t like it at all. Brilliant engine but it was to big/ heavy and boring for me. Never drove v8 but guessing it will be more of the same.

Everyone is different though I like small light cars/ hot hatch’s

[e46m3Mark]

E46 M3 are really great cars and certainly a proper M car in the same vein as the E30. Hugely capable chassis and a great engine. I much preferred it over the 92 as I found the newer car much bigger, heavier and just less fun.

[cerb4.5lee]

I had a manual E92 M3 as a daily and I didn't enjoy it in that situation, all the fun was at the top of the revs and it was frustrating/felt heavy for most of the time and pretty ordinary.

However...It is arguable whether it is special enough for a weekend/occasional car but I would be very tempted by one to use like that. In that situation you can seek out the quiet roads and really enjoy what the car is good at...high revs/lovely chassis/addictive induction noise.

[Scottchester]

I'd go with the Porsche, driven an e46 M3 and a c2 996 and the Porsche just felt more special, even sat in traffic

[John Laverick]

I've owned an E46 M3 SMG & an E92 M3 Manual.

Not had a 996 but have had a 987.2 Cayman S and a 987 Boxster so feel I have some idea what the 911 comparison would be like.

My choice would go:

1. 996
2. E46 M3
3. E92 M3

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd go for the E90 M3 I find them a bit more special than the other two they'er a car that gets under your skin more so for me than the 996.

A leftfield option is IS-F which is a very good steer & a very special engine, the other options are a C63/RS4 but I'm assuming you've driven the other two & discounted them.

[culpz]

I'd go for the E92 M3 out of those three.

[nunpuncher]

ZX10R NIN said:

I'd go for the E90 M3 I find them a bit more special than the other two they'er a car that gets under your skin more so for me than the 996.

A leftfield option is IS-F which is a very good steer & a very special engine, the other options are a C63/RS4 but I'm assuming you've driven the other two & discounted them.

I like the IS-F, would be a great "only" car but not really what I'm looking for. I don't fit C class mercs. My mother in law had a cooking AMG kitted one and there's just something about the ergonomics of the driving position that don't work with my body. As a package the RS4 (budget puts me in a B6) just doesn't really do anything for me.

Been thinking more about what a friend said about the roads around where I live and the "too fast for our roads" thread and I think I've gone off the e90. Lots of narrow highland B roads around here. Which just don't suit a car of that size with that much power. The 996 and e46 felt a category smaller and slightly more useable/enjoyable c300bhp.

[E36Dan]

E90 M3 for me, with the DCT box.

[SWoll]

You've not mentioned a budget OP?

With regards to the 996 I'd be looking down the back of my sofa/selling a kidney and trying to get into a C4S. Always was the pick of the bunch.

[nunpuncher]

C4s is out of budget as I'm at about £16k. The extra performance of the c4s is neither here nor there for me so the higher tendency for bore score with the 3.6 and the single row IMS of the 996.2 give me more negatives than positives fore personally.

However, that widebody mmmmmm.

[skinny]

nunpuncher said:

C4s is out of budget as I'm at about £16k. The extra performance of the c4s is neither here nor there for me so the higher tendency for bore score with the 3.6 and the single row IMS of the 996.2 give me more negatives than positives fore personally.

However, that widebody mmmmmm.

C4S has a stunning rear end but even the narrow back of the 996 is a great looking thing. I haven't driven the beemers so can't comment but the 996 feels special and is always enjoyable with its distinctive noise and rear engine driving experience through great analogue controls. For me the '99-'00 engine with the dual row IMSB and more robust piston coatings as well as the stronger bores is a safer bet (and also probably the cheapest as they are the older of the 996's)

[Mr Gearchange]

E46 is a great drivers car - I swapped my 17 year old example for a 2 year old C7 RS6 and I really miss it, so much more fun than the Audi.

[pdavison]

I've had an E46 manual and it was a wonderful car, great engine, easy to drive at all speeds and a good size in terms of taking people with you and a little luggage.

I've also had a 996 C4S (cab), manual again and that was incredible, it really did feel special not just to drive but to look at as well (one you always look back at once you're parked).

I found the 996 only became really good fun at speeds that meant you were close to getting in trouble whereas the E46 I found to be good fun more of the time.

To be fair there was quite a gap in terms of time between me owning each, so I couldn't say hand on heart it was a side by side comparison.

If it were my money I'd still go for the 996 though and if you can get one with the sports exhaust it makes a big difference (IMHO).

[martin mrt]

I’ve had an E90 and 2 E46 M3s

For me, the E90 is head and shoulders better than the E46. I realise I am going against the grain but I really don’t care for the E46 much