Trying to decide: e46 M3 vs F82 M4 vs 997.2

[Aeko]

But it's a $50k car, so maybe a moot point for OP.

$50-60k or less is what I'm looking for. But again, I'd prefer to spend $60k and do consumables rather than buy a $30k car and do $30k of preventative / upgrades / OEM+ just to make it "right."

You’re daily driving an E46 coupe already?!? Just daily an E46 M3 instead, then get something else in addition for the different car itch with the money from that + the E39

Is stock e46 m3 suspension as soft as 330ci? The roads here are HORRIBLE and driving the M3 was fun but holy crap it (and my back) took a beating over the bumps and potholes here. It had Bilstein PSS9s on it but even at full soft it was too harsh for these roads. Also the 330ci is pretty trashed to be honest so I don't mind dailying it around here. I got it cheap and did all the maintenance so for the moment I'm going to drive it into the ground.

If it were me I'd look for a deal on a PDK 997.2 C2. They usually sell for a lot less than the manuals. If you change your mind down the road it will hold it's value well. A tiptronic 996 turbo would be harder to re-sell.

I haven't driven a 997.2 but I think now would be the time to scratch that itch and see if you like it.

This is what I was thinking TBH. I am really considering a Carrera S.

Interesting that you think the e9x is overpriced.

I've seen a lot of youtube video hype on them in addition to 'rona price inflation. They still haven't hit the bottom of their depreciation curve because of that.

[Toby22]

For a one car, I vote m4. Looks great, big enough to fit friends/family, and dct compliments the S55 well. Perfect balance of practicality-fun-tech-styling.

[Tbonem3]

The F80 M3 is brilliant, and DCT is perfect for it. I just couldn't take the steering feel, and I don't want a turbro power (sound/feel is too important to me). But an amazing car for sure. F82 looks awful compared to the 4 door F80 imo, and much less useful.

But it's a $50k car, so maybe a moot point for OP.

[DJAM3]

If it were me I'd look for a deal on a PDK 997.2 C2. They usually sell for a lot less than the manuals. If you change your mind down the road it will hold it's value well. A tiptronic 996 turbo would be harder to re-sell.

I haven't driven a 997.2 but I think now would be the time to scratch that itch and see if you like it.

[WestBankM4]

I'm probably being biased but I really like the F8x chassis, I think BMW nailed the looks, rigidity, and electronics. I had a 2016 M4 Comp and upgraded once the M4 CS was released in 2019 and I'm glad I did. There's been quite a few hairy situations I found myself in with the M4 and the electronic diff makes all the difference, saved my butt on two very dangerous situations around the track. The F8x is a very forgiving car for the power/torque and if you don't mind the numbness, this would be my choice between the 911 and F8x. It's honestly not just as fun to drive as the E46 M3, I think the E46 has the right balance in every way.

I'd skip the 911 unless you're going GT and the E9x as well albeit a very lovely looking car. If I had to choose between my E46 M3 and the E9x, I'd go E46 all day. When I was in the market for another M car a year ago, I had the opportunity to buy just about anything, I landed on the E46 M3 and there's no way I'm looking back. Like others have said, it's Gods Chariot!

[repoman89]

Well put. The E90 is an M3, but it works as my "M5" in ways as well.

OP, the E46 M3 is still the goldilocks. E90 is better "car" overall, but not at some big things like styling and ease of DIY and aftermarket options/community. And with SMG, you'll get a fair enough deal. E46s are still quite affordable if you don't go for a low mileage zcp manual slicktop blah blah blah.


*Keep in mind the E60/E9x are much more impressive in person than pictures. You can't quite see the widebody of them in pictures and they end up looking pretty blocky, but in person, they're more muscular looking, and very german imo.

The E90 is so impressive, you start to not care that's not as pretty as the E46. But maybe I can say that since I have both. If I lost my E46, I'd probably be signing a different tune.

While I just recommended an E46 above, the DCT (even without the tune!) is so goddamn good, SMG starts to become a parody (esp the SMG3 in the E60 m5). You'll need the CSL 255 tune on the SMG at a minimum.

Yeah, the non-M E9x cars are heinous looking but they actually look quite nice in M3 trim, especially the sedan IMO. The fenders, bumpers, hood bulge, and other minor touches really elevate the design and make it possible to not hate it. It’s grown on me a lot over the past few years while the non M only looks worse with time.

[SQ13]

Ooh, yeah if automatic is your only option, maybe an E46 isn’t a great choice. E9XM DCT is what I’d go with. Call me dumb, but I think 911s only look good with a wing.

[repoman89]

Honestly, it may very well be I just have to at least buy an e9x just to see if it grows on me, if I can find a good buy. I can always find a good example of an e46 since they're plentiful, but I also have my daily e46 330ci.



Edit: I like them but they're 3 pedal only.

You’re daily driving an E46 coupe already?!? Just daily an E46 M3 instead, then get something else in addition for the different car itch with the money from that + the E39

[oceansize]

Honestly, it may very well be I just have to at least buy an e9x just to see if it grows on me, if I can find a good buy. I can always find a good example of an e46 since they're plentiful, but I also have my daily e46 330ci.



Edit: I like them but they're 3 pedal only.

Mach 1 is close enough and can get that in auto with paddles. I’ve got a manual Mach 1.

[Tizz]

e9x V8 is my vote. I think they're underpriced and will continue to rise. The only V8 m3 ever and the one that sounds the best by far

[Aeko]

*Keep in mind the E60/E9x are much more impressive in person than pictures. You can't quite see the widebody of them in pictures and they end up looking pretty blocky, but in person, they're more muscular looking, and very german imo.

The E90 is so impressive, you start to not care that's not as pretty as the E46. But maybe I can say that since I have both. If I lost my E46, I'd probably be signing a different tune.

Honestly, it may very well be I just have to at least buy an e9x just to see if it grows on me, if I can find a good buy. I can always find a good example of an e46 since they're plentiful, but I also have my daily e46 330ci.

Truthfully I'd go used GT350. Curb weight for e9x M3, F82 M4, and the GT350 is almost identical. Better motor, better sound, naturally aspirated, and high revving plus the mod community is huge.

Edit: I like them but they're 3 pedal only.

[oceansize]

Truthfully I'd go used GT350. Curb weight for e9x M3, F82 M4, and the GT350 is almost identical. Better motor, better sound, naturally aspirated, and high revving plus the mod community is huge.

[Tbonem3]

E46+E39 to an E90 sedan is a tempting proposition for a one car solution.

Well put. The E90 is an M3, but it works as my "M5" in ways as well.

OP, the E46 M3 is still the goldilocks. E90 is better "car" overall, but not at some big things like styling and ease of DIY and aftermarket options/community. And with SMG, you'll get a fair enough deal. E46s are still quite affordable if you don't go for a low mileage zcp manual slicktop blah blah blah.


*Keep in mind the E60/E9x are much more impressive in person than pictures. You can't quite see the widebody of them in pictures and they end up looking pretty blocky, but in person, they're more muscular looking, and very german imo.

The E90 is so impressive, you start to not care that's not as pretty as the E46. But maybe I can say that since I have both. If I lost my E46, I'd probably be signing a different tune.

While I just recommended an E46 above, the DCT (even without the tune!) is so goddamn good, SMG starts to become a parody (esp the SMG3 in the E60 m5). You'll need the CSL 255 tune on the SMG at a minimum.

[Aeko]

I am by no means in tune with the market but when I do casually look around I feel like a decent e9x m3 with the DCT is a very good bargain as compared to say an e46. The DCT is a far superior transmission to the SMG.

997.2 are nice cars but to me the value proposition is just not there as they are highly sought after which keeps the prices high. Talking $50k minimum for a base 997.2.

F8x is intriguing but I think the turbo motors just lose a lot of what made the older M cars special to me. Very fast, tons of torque.

For the most part I agree. The SMG is "ok." It's livable, not as bad as people say, but the DCT is a popular swap into other track-focused cars for a reason.

The 997.2 market is also really inflated. They should be closer to high 30s low 40s, but may or may not get there due to electrification panic.

The "special" feeling of the s54 and s62 is what I love, but finding the right chassis and motor combo is a challenge for me. I love high revving NA stuff, but the looks and features of more recent stuff that's mostly turbo.

[Aeko]

The EPS in the F82 doesn’t feel great. Sure it’s precise etc but it has nothing on the weight and feedback of an E46 or E92. I had a day in one at the BMW performance center along with the M2 and M5 in late 2019, felt good to be back in my E46 and E39 even though all three newer cars were faster and more capable.

E46+E39 to an E90 sedan is a tempting proposition for a one car solution. Haven’t driven a 997 though but the styling and dbag factor rules it out for me.

On the one car solution, I honestly had this thought. I honestly wished I liked the styling more but the Bangle era stuff makes me gag. Unfortunately I am just as big on looks as driving feel so it makes finding the "right" car for me very difficult. And I feel you on the p-car egotism...

I dunno the 3.8 in the CS is pretty great, and sounds amazing. And if automatic is important to you, then I'd for sure go PDK (although I can't speak to the F80 DCT, personally).

They do sound pretty damn good and I got to ride in a PDK car. The shifts are great