Trying to decide: e46 M3 vs F82 M4 vs 997.2

[t44tq]

Steering is one of the few driving-engagement-related things the E9x M3 does better than the E46 M3. If you didn’t think it felt right, definitely try another.

E9x is definitely in a weird no-man’s land between M3 and M5, IMO. I can see looking at it as more of an M5 replacement than an M3 replacement.

I drove an automatic C7 and thought the auto was catastrophically bad, especially for that kind of car. Hard to imagine it’s the same trans as BMW uses.

The C7 Corvette uses a GM 8-speed auto, not a ZF. Not even remotely related. Last time GM used a ZF in a Corvette was the LT1 C4 with the ZF 6-speed.

[heinzboehmer]

The N55 powered 135i "auto" transmission is the same DCT as the 135is and very similar to the DCT in the E9x M3.

Oh cool, did not know that!

[IamFODI]

The C7 Corvette uses a GM 8-speed auto, not a ZF. Not even remotely related. Last time GM used a ZF in a Corvette was the LT1 C4 with the ZF 6-speed.

I stand corrected! Thanks.

[T-Rex]

The F82 is bigger than an E92. Just a thought.

If you want something DIY-able then an E46 M3 is the route to go. They require a lot more stuff than an E9X and later but are also much easier to wrench on.

The E9X M3 is probably the middle ground of hell for DIYing because it does require wrenching in a crowded engine bay. The F8X is relatively reliable and low maintenance.

If it were me, I'd get into an F87 M2 Comp.

How much better is the F8X on maintenance / reliability? I am in a similar situation as the OP as of this afternoon, but had assumed like most BMWs the newest generation was yet another step up in terms of ongoing maintenance / repair costs compared to an E9X

[Aeko]

Final verdict (for now):

I'm either going to buy something M2, M3, or 997, depending on what comes up first with the color, price, miles, and condition meeting what I would like. I'll explain more in a bit.

Recent drives:
135i - The driving experience overall does seem to live up to the hype. Steering felt really nice, not too heavy. The interior quality was a letdown for me though, it didn't really feel all that special. It was a 2013 and said it was DCT but something was up either with the transmission programming or the throttle pedal sensor because the car didn't want to move until it was at almost half throttle, then it would jump forward like you'd expect from half throttle. It didn't feel super fast after driving the M2. I feel like it would be a good canvas for a track beater build.

M2 Competition - Really great car, suffered the same kind of borderline sterile driving experience as the M4. It seemed more fun because the car was smaller and more nimble, but overall at road speeds it just wasn't that exciting.

M240i xDrive - The only M240i near me, so I gave it a shot. I feel like the M240i sits right between the OGM2 and M2C in terms of how powerful, refined, and capable it feels. The OGM2 I drove felt like it leaned a lot more in corners than the M240i. The M240i feels like it is what the OGM2's LCI should have been, specifically with the adjustable dampers. Interestingly the B58 in the M240i almost feels more special than the N55. I can't really describe why, though.

I still want to drive a Supra even though I'm pretty turned off by the looks and interior, just because it does seem to be a benchmark against literally every other car I've driven in the last two weeks.


As for my picks, I'll explain the subjective reasons why I like them starting with the 997.

997 - This is one of the few cars from this thread that I still think back to and wish I could drive it again on a consistent basis. I think that speaks enough for itself. The biggest issue is whether I can stomach the price for what it offers.

M2(40i)/C - I really like what these cars offers on paper, I like driving them, but I'm not in love with them... yet. I think I'd need at least a couple months and a weekend on back roads to figure that out. I felt the same way about my E46 M3. I was excited about it but I didn't really fall in love with it until I owned it and really drove the crap out of it. Also, Long Beach Blue is literally my second favorite BMW color, behind Snapper Rocks blue. The overall steering feel of the EPS is kind of a letdown, BUT it is easier for me to drive.

E92 M3 - Similar story above, but I already know I love the drivetrain. The S65 and DCT is glorious. I'm just personally not in love with the looks or interior styling (funny enough I like how they executed the interior in the M2 even though it's very similar.) I need time with an example that isn't broken to make a call on it though. I did sit in a second E9x M3 and the power steering was working properly in that car, so I know it was broken in the first one I drove.

It's possible I'll wind up back in an E46 M3 by serendipity, but I've had almost 5 years with them and there's just so many other cars I want to own.

If I drive any other interesting things or make a notable discovery (or purchase) I'll follow up in case someone else finds this thread helpful to them!

[EthanolTurbo]

How much better is the F8X on maintenance / reliability? I am in a similar situation as the OP as of this afternoon, but had assumed like most BMWs the newest generation was yet another step up in terms of ongoing maintenance / repair costs compared to an E9X

It's the opposite, F80s seem rock solid from what I've gathered. F10, F30, and F80 all seem to be highly reliable.

[Boost]

It's the opposite, F80s seem rock solid from what I've gathered. F10, F30, and F80 all seem to be highly reliable.

Haven't heard bad things about the F80s either, aside from the crank hubs. However they are 2 generations newer, so perhaps in 5-10 years and more 6-digit mileage examples, more things will surface.

[IamFODI]

997 - This is one of the few cars from this thread that I still think back to and wish I could drive it again on a consistent basis. I think that speaks enough for itself. The biggest issue is whether I can stomach the price for what it offers.

What more do you want from a car than making you wish you could drive it? If that isn't worth money, what is?

[Aeko]

What more do you want from a car than making you wish you could drive it? If that isn't worth money, what is?

True, I think it's more sticker shock than anything. I'm just used to how much of a bargain the BMW driving experience can be. My first BMW was an e36 I picked up for $1,000 with my Christmas bonus and it was absolutely thrashed but was so much fun for me to drive. To go from that to now looking at 997s in less than 10 years is a pretty big leap price wise, and is quickly reaching diminishing returns to chase just a little bit more fun out of my weekend stable.

[T-Rex]

It's the opposite, F80s seem rock solid from what I've gathered. F10, F30, and F80 all seem to be highly reliable.

This is good to hear. I will add the F8X to my shopping list. I'll admit I loved the F82's drivetrain (only drove 6MT), but was put off by how dead the steering/chassis felt at legal speeds. Don't want to hijack OP's thread, but our shopping lists are very similar, so it sounds like I need to go drive a 997 as a Porsche is what I want.

[Aeko]

This is good to hear. I will add the F8X to my shopping list. I'll admit I loved the F82's drivetrain (only drove 6MT), but was put off by how dead the steering/chassis felt at legal speeds. Don't want to hijack OP's thread, but our shopping lists are very similar, so it sounds like I need to go drive a 997 as a Porsche is what I want.

It's here to help others such as yourself decide! If you have driven the e46 m3 and enjoyed it, you'll probably enjoy the 997 as well. Has similar overall feel and level of enjoyment imo.

[Pklauser]

It's been really interesting seeing your in-depth thought process Aeko , definitely appreciate the updates.

I also wanted to point out that there are two posts in a row on this page where two different folks were responding to someone correcting them. In both cases everyone was appreciative and welcoming the feedback. I've only been in this community for about a year, and I love it.

[Aeko]

I wasn't expecting it to happen so soon but I'm now the proud owner of a 2020 M2C! She popped up for sale just this morning at a dealership not even 8 miles from my house. They literally still had her on the lift changing the oil so I was probably the first customer to even test drive her!!!

I'm glad I went to go look just on the impulse. I put 50 miles on this car today and I love it. It puts a huge shit-eating grin on my face and that's all I can ask for out of a car, and it's just absolutely GORGEOUS!!!!

[Aeko]

It's been really interesting seeing your in-depth thought process Aeko , definitely appreciate the updates.

I also wanted to point out that there are two posts in a row on this page where two different folks were responding to someone correcting them. In both cases everyone was appreciative and welcoming the feedback. I've only been in this community for about a year, and I love it.

Thanks for letting me know, I'm glad it seems like a couple people at least found my feedback helpful! I know sometimes it's really difficult to find semi-objective comparisons about subjective facets of somewhat obscure cars with rabid fanbases. You always see A vs. B car, but not really A vs. B vs. C vs.... etc etc. and it always winds up with "MY BRAND IS BEST BRAND!!!" or some other bias.

[Aeko]

Also, this is the main reason why I've been talking about the ZF8 auto swap. You can ACTUALLY KEEP AND USE THE THIRD PEDAL!

https://youtu.be/8EPoruwpN_k

Definitely a best of both worlds kind of thing!