[m13s]

Sold me E46M3 (track only) and into a E90M3. Never looking back. The e90 does everything better than the e46. It is a bit heavier but it has that V8.......

[deeznutz972]

Originally Posted by JRwerks

I own both. If I had to choose. I'd choose the E46 every time.

E90 is convenient for my son and his car seat and comfort. But if you plan on city driving a lot. Expect to get 10-14 mpg and oil changes are more $$$

Glad I did not sell/ trade my E46 as I previously sold one built E46 and regret the decision ever day.

Have both. Apples and oranges. Don’t sell the e46 imo. E46 is like a go cart, e92 is like a gt car

[tdott]

I own both.

The E9x is a better overall package, faster in every way but does feel bigger with a bit of heft. That is what also makes it feel more refined while being more capable at the same time. It’s great package and you can’t beat that V8 sound.

Now the e46 has some strengths also, it’s got a few hundreds lbs less going for it, which makes it feel a bit more “raw” but also less refined. Not a huge fan of the e46 interior which doesn’t seem to age well when not taken care of.


Saying the V8 is gutless and has no tq is silly and probably isn’t being driven how it’s meant to. The S65 has more tq over the entire rev range than an s54, so if the s65 is gutless then the s54 must feel like a 4cy Honda.

[m13s]

Originally Posted by tdott

I own both.

The E9x is a better overall package, faster in every way but does feel bigger with a bit of heft. That is what also makes it feel more refined while being more capable at the same time. It’s great package and you can’t beat that V8 sound.

Now the e46 has some strengths also, it’s got a few hundreds lbs less going for it, which makes it feel a bit more “raw” but also less refined. Not a huge fan of the e46 interior which doesn’t seem to age well when not taken care of.


Saying the V8 is gutless and has no tq is silly and probably isn’t being driven how it’s meant to. The S65 has more tq over the entire rev range than an s54, so if the s65 is gutless then the s54 must feel like a 4cy Honda.

Couldn't agree more. My viewpoint is from a track perspective only, while I like the e46 and won a shit ton of races with it, it is a 20+ year old platform and it was time to move into something more modern. The E90 is heavier but turns in quicker and rotates better and has much less under steer that the E46. Add the fact that I don't have to ring out the S54 chasing mustangs and vettes (Touring 1 class, SCCA) the S65 is a joy to drive. The power is so linear and predictable and the sound is intoxicating. I was very hesitant to move to the platform until I drove it on the track and after the first session I new it was the right choice.

Now some of the E46 fanboys may disagree, if so post your findings. Again this is from a racing perspective, not street. That I can't comment on the street manners because I could care less about them or the interior for that matter.

FYI on track the S65 in the 5500-8500 RPM range is a must drive. Low end torque who cares. I'm not down there anyway except when pulling out of the pits. Oh and the 445 diff is on the way, tell me that that is not going to be full BEAST mode.

Not dumping on the E46 at all, great platform and had fun with it. Time to move on to something better.

[Flash Sideways]

Do yourself a favor and just have both if you can.

I've owned two E46 M3s - one SMG, one 6MT. I'm out of both for a few years and miss them greatly (especially the stickshift car). I got into a ZCP E92 with a motor tune and DCT/GTS update. The thing is an absolute rocket ship. I have driven everything from a Lotus Turbo Esprit to a 911 to various Vettes and other LS cars, and I'm pretty sure this is the fastest car I've ever had. Its also incredibly beautiful.

And the sound... its pure and thrilling, with the right parts installed.


So, keep your car, get the E92, and you'll never get bored.

[LateBraking]

My personal opinion is that if you have to have one car, get an E90 M3. It just does everything well. Yes it is heavier, and a little lacking on torque, but delivers 95% of the driving experience with IMO a better engine. I sold my E92 M3 and its the one car I regret selling more than anything.

If you can have both, skip the E90 M3 and get a 911 of some sort. That's how I did it, E46 and 997. Unless you're really emotionally invested in the brand, why not something different, right? Or get a S2000 if you want a real go kart. Or the newest Miata with the targa top, those are nice. Or a used Ariel Atom. Or build a Exocet. People laud the E46's "driving dynamics" and "feel" and "light weight" but just wait till you register and drive one of those on the street and track, eh? Hahahaha.

[Dr///M3]

I personally do miss my e46m and regret selling her.
With that said, I enjoy every aspect of the e92m and it provides a different driving experience as people have eluded to already. They are just 2 different beasts.

I am actively looking for another e46m

[m13s]

911 ditto

[EnVe46]

I made the switch to the E90 and love it. The E46 is an absolute joy and feels like on its feet. But the E90 is more livable for me. That being said, looks like I may be putting my E90 up for sale again. I have a newborn on the way and trying to consolidate cars and get an E63 wagon. If you’re looking for a very well sorted and very rare Interlagos blue Competition pack E90 with tasteful mods let me know

[Oldylr]

Piggybacking on what everyone else has said. I currently have an e46 m3 but thinking of selling to get an e90 for the 4 doors for kid hauling duty.