Just another fantastic video! I’m on a definite binge of your videos this evening. Your channel is the perfect template of everything I love about UA-cam auto journalism. Personable, informative, humorous and clever. All the while, not overly slick and commercialized. Brilliant! Thank you sir.👍😉
Excellent review. I owned an E46 M3 for 3 years, selling it last year. It was a great all-rounder but it was 15 years old when I sold it, and using it daily, through winter etc. started to feel unfair to the car. It's starting to feel more like a modern classic rather than a car you can use year-round without worry. I'm very interested in getting an M2 in a couple of years when they're a bit cheaper.
@@stewester lovely car the Nd I had an NB for 5 years I bet the 2.0 nd would feel quick compared to that especially the updated 180bhp one. But I want something turbocharged next. I was looking at m2's myself but I'll be honest even the cheapest ones are just a bit out of my budget now and I don't wanna go finance route.
I suppose auto rev matching might be considered a safety feature as it'll prevent the back end stepping out if you do a hard downshift while on the brakes
Rev matching is a safety feature, prevents "locking up" the rear wheels and sliding off the road in a fast curve when shifting to a lower gear. Without rev matching the rear wheels have to speed up the engine when releasing the clutch and this creates a slight braking effect. Similar to pulling the handbrake a bit.
Just bought a 15' F83 and LOVE it...owned an 05' E46 for about 3 years and loved it as well but just really like the changes they made to the interior and tech upgrades made to the F83
Do you drive puddings to see if they turned out alright? That's weird, how do you drive a cheesecake? What about custard, or jelly? G force testing? Bring a mop. (Don't mix metaphors, they don't make sense)
yes, finally a car that feels like the e46m3 in recent years cars just getting bigger, heavier, more complicated, is nice to see bmw still have something in the line that simple and nice to drive
This car is just as complicated as a 3/4 series and not far off a 5/6, and it's actually only like 30Kg lighter than an M4 when actually filled up and ready to drive away. The e46 M3 wasn't all that light either, it was around 100Kg difference which is the weight of a decent sized man in the passenger seat, hardly what will make or break the car's handling.
Well, Cletus, my old lad, this is an excellent video. You give your own opinion, without deference to outside influences; and this is, in itself, very rare on UA-cam. So, much kudos for that. I really like you questioning the rose tinted recollections of cars long gone and how much power does a car actually require. Again, much kudos. Now, if I may, I would like to make a couple of observations. When you are outside the car, your movement reminds me of Kryten, and your coiffure, sans the triangular, is a great improvement. The absence of Clovis in the video is, presumably, to prevent you scaring the more delicate members of your audience.
+MrKeyboardCommando Clovis was behind camera, also my Kryten like movements will have been the result of a horrific cold and 0 deg weather. Suffice it to say I did not feel great while filming this. Thanks for the comments
I'm distraught to learn of your ill health, and sincerely hope you have managed to assuage the more distressing symptoms. I would suggest the time honoured panacea of single malt whisky, manuka honey, lemon juice and hot water if you are still suffering. Hopefully, Clovis has not succumb to the ague. I'll keep an eye on your Krytonisms, and advise you of their progress. Please accept my best wishes for the best of health in the future.
Hey fella, nice honest review. Thanks. I particularly appreciate what you said re the E46 M3. Wonderful but in all honesty, it is getting classic. Having said that, that's its appeal to me. My rule of thumb on interiors? Basic is often better. Ask any professional pilot if he wants a simple cockpit or a complex cockpit and the answer will always be, without hesitation, the cockpit that does the most for the least fiddling by the crew. Likewise, I think too much time looking inside the car = not enough time spent looking outside the car enjoying what you're actually there to do. Drive. Don't get me wrong, modern connectivity and tech is awesome and I love it but, if you're dropping the cash for anything with this much performance, you're about the DRIVING, right? FFS, if all you want ultra tech, go buy a Tesla and let it do the driving while you play with the widgets.
Personally, I don't give an f' about tech. I'd prefer a base model built for performance. I don't need electric seats, seat warmers, electric windows/moonroof. I prefer the music of the exhaust over any stereo.
Wish BMW remake the e46 models 318i,320d etc in 2020 with same shape & better technology & emissions. BMW E46 M3 REMAKE will kill all new shit Cars.E46 will always be the best.
@@Krasshirsch Salt resistant? Where do people hear such things? I drove mine through a hell of a lot of salt. One wheel unfortunately even has a rash so the paint coating is gone. No corrosion at all. Zero.
I never find it at all weird driving on the other side. Occasionally, I smack the door when changing gear for the first time, but that's about it (there's also the hand over the wrong shoulder to grab the seatbelt where it isn't, which isn't a problem). Linking rev-matching with the traction control is beyond stupidity. Sounds way better than the M3/4. Great review.
People need to stop comparing " modern-day sports cars" to the E46 m3! that car was king in its own era SUFF SAID! If you had a bad experience with your E46 M3 that's YOUR FAULT lol, this coming from 2004 E46 M3 CSL owner! I love my E46!
good video, but still you simply can't replace an e46 m3... it was ruthless, aggressive, and most importantly built as good as it can be... not built to fill in the market
Cool ! Looking forward, thanks ! If you need one I can arrange one, but it's in the Netherlands so you will be shifting with the door handle :-) (just saw your vid on the 2M)
You comparison between the two cars is fair and balanced, and I agree with most of it; however comparing a brand new $60,000+ M2 to a 17 year old design mostly serves to punctuate just how great the E46 was in its day. All still is. Most of the flaws you point out about the old car, like the Getrag gearbox for instance, were state of the art for cars in its class at the time. Just the fact that you're comparing them speaks volumes about how good that car was. And is. I'm on my second, and it's my daily driver.
Nunez Barbarossa - Never said it won't have problems. But the engine, drivetrain, and suspension have all been taken from previous platforms and have had a good track record thus far - all that being said, it has already proven substantially more reliable as those components have been around for much longer than 2 years. Simply put, the new M2 is the closest M car we will get to the E46, and it has already shown to be better in every single way..... As it should.
The CSL only has 20bhp more than the standard m3. I have a z4m which has csl headers and front brakes from factory although is still only 340bhp. Manual and lighter than the standard m3, I believe it's a different gearbox too I have no issues with it. Stiffer too I believe. That's a fun car.
When I moved to Germany and got a left hand drive car for the first time the thing I found worst wasn't the gear shift or even getting used to driving on the wrong side of the road; it was that I kept punching the side window whenever I tried to wave to people in the rear view mirror when they let me out. I actually bruised by knuckles :(
@@JayEmmOnCars For the money you can get them for now, I think they are a great car. If I had a bigger budget I'm a bit predictable and would go for a Cayman R or a 911 if I had a bit more, but I just couldn't stretch to £40k. Thanks for the honesty though, I think after the past 6 years of you driving some extremely capable machines, you'd probably find the OG M2 a bit underwhelming now 🙂
I still don’t understand people getting so upset about the Rev matching feature! Yes there’s less driver involvement etc, but it makes the car a better daily, as it stands the m2 in manual is the best of both worlds, and if you really want to heel toe, strap on your watermelon testicles turn off all the safety features and enjoy yourself, my only advice to you! This car is made to hoon, and this is the best way to do! You can still have mental amounts of fun in the m2 without needing to heel toe, in the corners it’s amazing. Great review, loved it, new subscriber
JayEmm on Cars it’s a fair point, but inevitably it will be to protect their warranties they offer, and also their reliability, because as you addressed in the video, how many people who drive the car know what rev matching is and can heel toe. Still an amazing car, currently the only Bmw I would own... except maybe an X5m lol.. get a review of that if you can, what a car!
Great stuff James - the real key to an E46 is how it feels in its transitional phase between grip and spin - I have only driven one on loose gravel (don’t ask!) and it was amazing how easy and connected I felt despite it moving around beneath me. I wonder if the M2 (and modern tyre dynamics) allow for that...? I guess you can’t tell unless it’s a press car (and that comes with baggage too!)
The E46 was never that progressive. The E92 was, for me, the most progressive and controllable via the throttle. My current M2 is a close second to that but can get snappy in low gears when the turbo comes on strong I'd you've prodded the throttle too hard.
It's funny how all the comments saying the E46 cannot be replaced probably have never owned it, and all the people who have actually owned the car mention how problematic the car is. Personally, I'd rather have an M2 for a refined daily modern equivalent over the E46. Also, if I wanted to have a more raw, carefree experience, I'd go with a cheap non-pristine E36 and do whatever the heck I want to it. Though, the E46 does look really nice, but other than that, it's kind of the middle child of the small BMW coupes in my eyes.
I feel the same way driving in the UK. Going on the left side is fine - no problem whatsoever -, but sitting on the wrong side of the car is not, so please let it be my regular left-hand drive car.
I think it's a common misconception about m3/m4 handling that they are 'lairy', once you have some temperature in the tyres even on a cold day they become very good handling. On a cold wet day with cold tyres yes, you have to be careful as with any rwd car on performance summer tyres, or you end up in a ditch!!!
+Vikram Jeyagopal I've driven one on warm tyres in the warm, they are still "interesting". For me these cars will be used all round though so their winter performance is a consideration
My E34 M5 was a bit of a handful in the wet until I discovered Uniroyal Rainsports, which it wears all the time, even when it isn't raining, which isn't much of the time in the U.K. I did, however, do a full 360-degree pirouette at about 20 MPH in the snow. Everyone was very considerate and drove around me! Oh BTW JayEmm, do you want to drive it? I am in Sussex. I'll email you if you do.
...in 1994 BMW 850CSi had 380hp out of 5,6l V12...if you are one of those who find this 370 hp 3,0l R6 in M2 car of 2/3 weight not powerful enough....EAT YOUR SHOES and travel by bus!.....why? Because next gen M2 will be laptop battery with roller skates on sides, USB cord hanging in the back and front fascia of chernobil dog....
Two issues with the M2, the stock brakes aren't very good n I've had two sets feel like they're warping. Also I feel like the roof line could have been shallower to make it look a little sleeker but I'm sure it's all for regulations. Would be nice to see ya drive one with DCT & summer tires. See what ya think of the sport plus DCT shove up the ass and see what ya think of the differences. Also the M Performance Exhaust transforms the car into a proper beast!
+InstaltechCarAudio Which bit do you think is Shmee-esque exactly? Also, that jacket was toasty warm and I was very ill during filming. Thanks for watching!
It's a little sad for the sake of tradition that it doesn't have an S-class motor, although the N55 apparently doesn't suffer the same crank hub bolt failure that the S55 does... wonder if its simply due to the fact the bolt in the N55 is of stronger grade than the one used in the S55, which can withstand the vibrations that cause the hub bolt threads to dissolve? This is a problem even in my S54B32 motor in my 2004 E46 M3... the cam hub bolts, if you have the wrong type and thus lower strength grade (usually pre-2004), the threads dissolve from vibrations and eventually cause the bolts to snap! Luckily when I bought the car, I wasted no time in rebuilding the Dual VANOS unit completely via Beisan Systems.. I really hope BMW can learn from these awful mistakes with their next M car!!!
I special ordered a 2012 135i. I had it for a little over two years. I had to visit multiple dealerships for the same problems during ownership, my car was the reason for a few service bulletin updates, nothing BMW did would solve the major safety issue I was experiencing, I had meetings with BMW USA representatives, and ultimately I ended up suing BMW USA due to their lack of concern for the safety of their customers.
The engine would shut off randomly. You couldn't tell when it happened because it wasn't violent like stalling the car. At first, it happened only once every two months. Then it progressed once a month. When I decided to sue, it was happening 3x a week. It would usually happen when coming to a stop out of gear, but a few times the engine turned off on me when I was making a turn. So I lost power of course, but also lost power steering and power assisted brakes. I gave BMW many chances to solve the problem, but it ended up wasting hours of my life.
That's a real shame, and hearing stories like that always makes me wonder how it is companies like Lotus that wind up with the reputation for unreliability!
JayEmm on Cars Ok, so you're going to be sarcastic to a genuine criticism, however expressed. Allow me to tell you something: You have a great channel going with plenty of hard work put into it but maybe you are not aware that dashboard shots are critical in giving a feeling of being in the car. It's not that difficult and adds so much to the viewer experience. I can also watch Top Gear but that isn't the bloody point as neither is looking at an internet picture, as you well know. Hope you do that in future videos and please change your crap attitude as happiness and success doesn't last forever .. mate.
How much dash do you want in the video, are brief shots in the interior enough or do you want shots of it "in action". The latter is tricky, and deliberately left out for fairly obvious reasons. If you watch some more recent videos eg. AVENSIS rant, Aston Martin Vantage review, I am already toying with angles showing more dash. That work for you?
JayEmm on Cars What it is, what it should be, is head-on shots showing the dash of the car, showing the revs, the feeling of being in motion on curves or straight lines. You can't imagine what that does, in combination with the sound of shifting gears, to actually put the viewer in the driver's seat and get a feel of the car. It actually helps with the decision of a purchase, especially with a good camera such as yours. How you execute it is up to you. As I mentioned your camera skills are brilliant. This particular car is quite ironic as are many of the ones you review. It will indeed help, although understood that some shots are tricky exactly head-on.
I'll look into it, I do take all feedback on board. The two logistics hurdles in doing this shot are where to park the camera, as it can be perilously close to an airbag - and the fact the numbers being shown during "spirited" driving may not be publishable! I'll give it some thought for some reviews in near future, it's not impossible.
It's funny, turbo's were something of the 70's, and yes, again they're back, just like the economic crisis. So, we just have to wait, until the engines are too powerful, and then they get rid of the turbo's. Again.
Turbos in the 70's were God awful. Technology has come a hell of a long way since then. Pretty sure they stopped back then because most turbo cars caught on fire.
Hey Jay, got a question for you. I've been debating on grabbing an 06 Exige here in the US, and I've found a great deal on one. My question is, given the fact that the 06 Exige is the only N/A exige in the US currently (or were 2007s and up just offered with the supercharger but available without it?), the fact that it is highly likely that there are less than 1,000 of them in the US, and the the potential for Geely to add quite a bit of weight to the new vehicles, do you think they will go up in value here? Also, the the one I'm looking at is sorta celebrity owned lol.
........ you mean the E92 M3 brilliant engine that has mass action lawsuit for constantly failing rod bearings due to recommended oil too thick for street and too slow to heat up for track, right?
BMW interiors are unfortunate; they seem to have stuck to the same general layout since the late 90's. The quality is fine but they are--to me--simply uninteresting and bland.
Not 100% unfortunate I'd say. I recently sold my M3 e46 and bought a LCI M2, the layout is rather similar and I'd say thats a good thing, because the M3 e46 is one of the best interiors from that era, aged just as well as the exterior, which the M2 can't beat.
"An uncomfortable truth for you" Oh, fucking NEWS FLASH! The E46 M3 boxes aren't that great. Wow, thanks for the oh so original revelation. I think some people miss the point of owning an SMG E46 M3. The bloody point is, it's a piece of history representing a move by BMW towards something new i.e decent modern gearboxes. They were giving something new a crack and you have to give BMW kudos for that. Fuck me, if people can't grasp the significance of that, we're a lost cause!!
Sorry bud, just because you don’t like your E46 M3 manual gearbox, doesn’t mean it wasn’t good. The gearbox was great. The shifter assembly not so great. All it takes is an aftermarket shifter and weighted shift knob in the E46 M3, and voila, amazing shifter and amazing gearbox
JayEmm on Cars which kit did you have, if you can remember? Did you have an aftermarket shift knob? I had AutoSolutions, and accompanied with the M Performance weighted and illuminated shift knob, as well as Royal Purple transmission oil, it was almost as great of feeling than my friends Dads manual Porsche 911 Turbo.
Doesn’t sound anything like as good as the S54 though does it. That was half the fun wringing it all the way to limiter screaming like a banshee. I can honestly say I pine for that engine back in my life. Still M2 is the nicest thing Bmw have made since.
On the topic of ‘how fast do cars need to be’, super cars have been quicker then the M2 since the f430, maybe even 360. I think saying the car you own is ‘fast enough for the road’ is a cop out. Cars have been about fast enough for the road since the e46 m3 but people won’t get a 230 over an M2. And you’re wrong about the m4, yes it’s plotting to kill you but as long as you know that, you’ll be fine. Get the tail out before it snaps out.
+Mizan215 A 360 is definitely slower than the M2. A daily and a supercar are quite different things though. The M4 is an evil car. It's what I would expect from a C63 or a Holden, not a BMW
JayEmm on Cars With traction control on you can take liberties with it. The MDM mode on the first gen cars were basically 99% off but on the comp pack, CS, GTS and I think facelift, it’s far more progressive. Bmw have also changed the power delivery, you get less torque lower down and it’s more progressive to stop it being so twitchy but still with traction control is fine. Mine has 500bhp and I drive in mdm in the wet, it’s far more entertaining
+Mizan215 I agree that the first gen MDM mode really didn't inspire confidence. What also didnt help was the DCT box being too violent, the car I first drove tried to break traction in a straight line
That warranty you are referring too is fake, just a marketing tool, because none of these cars would develop any kind of issues in first 24 months of your ownership.
You do have the numbers, but I’m afraid you don’t have the style, blink and unless you know it, this looks like nothing more than a BMW mini saloon with flash wheels and spoilers… This design just doesn’t have the stance
Im half tempted let you review my 718 Cayman, il think about it ;)I looked at the M2 when I got it, nice car but couldn't get away from the interior, just don't like it. Ive driven a E46 M3 also.
I'm thinking the auto rev match ensures you don't lock the rears in low grip environments when you don't know how to downshift. So it stays active until all aids are turned off, makes sense given most peoples actual knowledge of manual transmissions.
The AC part are tacky as hell and always have been they do nothing for any Bmw they’d re attached too but I think the M2 is closest your get to the E46 in terms of size/weight but still worlds apart. The E46 is highly regarded for a reason
Turbos sucks, including all the resonance from that straight 6 engine, modern M cars have lost the key essence of the M power all for the good reasons when it comes to emissions, power and efficiency. The last great M car is the E46 but the E86 is a little bit greater, most Great sport cars are going through the turbo revolution. If want performance and Morden features then go for the new generation turbo charged lifeless cars, if you want a nostalgic old style of BMW or Porsche for that matter, that you want to drive and not be driven then E46 is your car.
Get over the fact that the e46 was NA which is the main attraction and that thing you're talking about doesn't look anywhere near as good as the e46 so that's why people like the e46.
Mate price always go up value goes down, standard from manufacturers the E46 M3 has better value better quality than what you just showed us, more power etc incomparable
This channel is getting better and better, always looking forward to new videos! Oh, and the E46 M3 is irreplaceable :D
+sphession Thanks!
old school limewire don
Just another fantastic video! I’m on a definite binge of your videos this evening. Your channel is the perfect template of everything I love about UA-cam auto journalism. Personable, informative, humorous and clever. All the while, not overly slick and commercialized. Brilliant! Thank you sir.👍😉
youre forgetting one thing: beauty. the e46 m3 is beauuuuutiful.
Yes I agree with you. However, among the modern beemers, the M2 is a goood looking thing.
i guess I'm quite randomly asking but does anyone know of a good place to watch new tv shows online ?
@Javier Marcellus Flixportal =)
@Nathanael Diego Thank you, signed up and it seems like they got a lot of movies there :) I appreciate it !!
@Javier Marcellus No problem xD
Nothing will ever replace the E46 M3
Excellent review. I owned an E46 M3 for 3 years, selling it last year. It was a great all-rounder but it was 15 years old when I sold it, and using it daily, through winter etc. started to feel unfair to the car. It's starting to feel more like a modern classic rather than a car you can use year-round without worry. I'm very interested in getting an M2 in a couple of years when they're a bit cheaper.
Did you buy one?
Not yet, but I still think about them regularly! Currently in an ND MX-5.
@@stewester lovely car the Nd I had an NB for 5 years I bet the 2.0 nd would feel quick compared to that especially the updated 180bhp one. But I want something turbocharged next. I was looking at m2's myself but I'll be honest even the cheapest ones are just a bit out of my budget now and I don't wanna go finance route.
The M2,s subframe doesn't fall apart neither !
Chris Butler - This!
Whats the point then? No action no suspense no drama 🤣
A really enjoyable and brutally honest viewpoint. Thanks.
You're very welcome
I suppose auto rev matching might be considered a safety feature as it'll prevent the back end stepping out if you do a hard downshift while on the brakes
MITS U BISHI
LOL
PIECE O SHIT-EE
10:51 accidentally drives on 'wrong' side of the road in Germany xD
I like your channel. Yesterday I saw the lotus video and today this, so I have decided. I'm subscribing!! Keep making videos mate :)
+Ruslan Ivanov Thankyou!
Really good video! Great comparisons and fair review of the M2.
Rev matching is a safety feature, prevents "locking up" the rear wheels and sliding off the road in a fast curve when shifting to a lower gear. Without rev matching the rear wheels have to speed up the engine when releasing the clutch and this creates a slight braking effect. Similar to pulling the handbrake a bit.
@@nearlyretired7005 when you are in a 'double' bend it can be necessary to shift like from 4 to 3 or even further to 2.
another quality review James, very informative & watchable. Cheers!
+Mike Strickland Thanks!
Just bought a 15' F83 and LOVE it...owned an 05' E46 for about 3 years and loved it as well but just really like the changes they made to the interior and tech upgrades made to the F83
Boring body lines e46 m3 all the way they look so much more aggressive
Do you drive puddings to see if they turned out alright?
That's weird, how do you drive a cheesecake? What about custard, or jelly?
G force testing? Bring a mop.
(Don't mix metaphors, they don't make sense)
I agree with you about the M2 sounding better than the current M3/M4. M2 is good performance use car value imo.
great video! I think you pissed off all the Getrag geared old BMW guys though, haha
yes, finally a car that feels like the e46m3
in recent years cars just getting bigger, heavier, more complicated,
is nice to see bmw still have something in the line that simple and nice to drive
This car is just as complicated as a 3/4 series and not far off a 5/6, and it's actually only like 30Kg lighter than an M4 when actually filled up and ready to drive away.
The e46 M3 wasn't all that light either, it was around 100Kg difference which is the weight of a decent sized man in the passenger seat, hardly what will make or break the car's handling.
Can you try a 335i/340i next? Excellent review as always
Well, Cletus, my old lad, this is an excellent video. You give your own opinion, without deference to outside influences; and this is, in itself, very rare on UA-cam. So, much kudos for that. I really like you questioning the rose tinted recollections of cars long gone and how much power does a car actually require. Again, much kudos.
Now, if I may, I would like to make a couple of observations. When you are outside the car, your movement reminds me of Kryten, and your coiffure, sans the triangular, is a great improvement. The absence of Clovis in the video is, presumably, to prevent you scaring the more delicate members of your audience.
+MrKeyboardCommando Clovis was behind camera, also my Kryten like movements will have been the result of a horrific cold and 0 deg weather. Suffice it to say I did not feel great while filming this.
Thanks for the comments
I'm distraught to learn of your ill health, and sincerely hope you have managed to assuage the more distressing symptoms. I would suggest the time honoured panacea of single malt whisky, manuka honey, lemon juice and hot water if you are still suffering. Hopefully, Clovis has not succumb to the ague.
I'll keep an eye on your Krytonisms, and advise you of their progress.
Please accept my best wishes for the best of health in the future.
Hey fella, nice honest review. Thanks. I particularly appreciate what you said re the E46 M3. Wonderful but in all honesty, it is getting classic. Having said that, that's its appeal to me.
My rule of thumb on interiors? Basic is often better. Ask any professional pilot if he wants a simple cockpit or a complex cockpit and the answer will always be, without hesitation, the cockpit that does the most for the least fiddling by the crew. Likewise, I think too much time looking inside the car = not enough time spent looking outside the car enjoying what you're actually there to do. Drive. Don't get me wrong, modern connectivity and tech is awesome and I love it but, if you're dropping the cash for anything with this much performance, you're about the DRIVING, right? FFS, if all you want ultra tech, go buy a Tesla and let it do the driving while you play with the widgets.
Personally, I don't give an f' about tech. I'd prefer a base model built for performance. I don't need electric seats, seat warmers, electric windows/moonroof. I prefer the music of the exhaust over any stereo.
Wish BMW remake the e46 models 318i,320d etc in 2020 with same shape & better technology & emissions. BMW E46 M3 REMAKE will kill all new shit Cars.E46 will always be the best.
Those wheels are wank
James Smith I just think is a shame considering how nice the factory wheels are
Patrick, despite what the Roman Catholic church says, masturbation is a fact of daily life. Please learn to live with it.
First world problems
The factory wheels are not salt resistant and shouldn't be used during winter.
@@Krasshirsch Salt resistant? Where do people hear such things? I drove mine through a hell of a lot of salt. One wheel unfortunately even has a rash so the paint coating is gone. No corrosion at all. Zero.
I never find it at all weird driving on the other side.
Occasionally, I smack the door when changing gear for the first time, but that's about it (there's also the hand over the wrong shoulder to grab the seatbelt where it isn't, which isn't a problem).
Linking rev-matching with the traction control is beyond stupidity.
Sounds way better than the M3/4.
Great review.
Why not just buy a manual m3 in the States? Well, stupidly simple, they are lesser numbers and they are becoming harder to find in good conditions.
Good point! Also Smg's can be had usually 5-8k cheaper so if you invest 2k in a swap, you will still be ahead
People need to stop comparing " modern-day sports cars" to the E46 m3! that car was king in its own era SUFF SAID! If you had a bad experience with your E46 M3 that's YOUR FAULT lol, this coming from 2004 E46 M3 CSL owner! I love my E46!
M3 E46 anyday!!!
Nah, the e46 M3 is the best M3 there will ever be. Period!
some say it's the E30, or the E92.
good video, but still you simply can't replace an e46 m3... it was ruthless, aggressive, and most importantly built as good as it can be... not built to fill in the market
Hi Jay, understood in the past you had a Z4M Coupe, would love to see it reviewed !
Keep up the good work !
I'm working on it
Cool ! Looking forward, thanks !
If you need one I can arrange one, but it's in the Netherlands so you will be shifting with the door handle :-)
(just saw your vid on the 2M)
Another great video :)
Certainly sounds a lot louder than my M235i
+Tom90Y More pops and crackles Tom was the big difference
You comparison between the two cars is fair and balanced, and I agree with most of it; however comparing a brand new $60,000+ M2 to a 17 year old design mostly serves to punctuate just how great the E46 was in its day. All still is. Most of the flaws you point out about the old car, like the Getrag gearbox for instance, were state of the art for cars in its class at the time. Just the fact that you're comparing them speaks volumes about how good that car was. And is. I'm on my second, and it's my daily driver.
The more I learn of E46 M3s, especially from owners, I think 'why put myself through that stress'
InitialDreamer - Agreed. Subframe and VANOS. Enough said.
crxtodd16 do u actually thought that the new mw wont have problems?its barely like,2 years now since its launch,u wont hear any problems about it now
Nunez Barbarossa - Never said it won't have problems. But the engine, drivetrain, and suspension have all been taken from previous platforms and have had a good track record thus far - all that being said, it has already proven substantially more reliable as those components have been around for much longer than 2 years. Simply put, the new M2 is the closest M car we will get to the E46, and it has already shown to be better in every single way..... As it should.
Never been in a normal one but I have a CSL. They are great. I'm led to believe normal e46 M3's aren't as quick as people make out
The CSL only has 20bhp more than the standard m3. I have a z4m which has csl headers and front brakes from factory although is still only 340bhp. Manual and lighter than the standard m3, I believe it's a different gearbox too I have no issues with it. Stiffer too I believe. That's a fun car.
When I moved to Germany and got a left hand drive car for the first time the thing I found worst wasn't the gear shift or even getting used to driving on the wrong side of the road; it was that I kept punching the side window whenever I tried to wave to people in the rear view mirror when they let me out.
I actually bruised by knuckles :(
+Mr Jack Haha it's funny the little things.
If ever I drive a classic 911 I hit the windscreen doing the same as I forget how close they are
Jay, you should check out 996/997 911. In about 15-25k price range, I think that car is one of the best to buy right now :D
+Serpentina I'll do a 996 video soon. I was going to do it months ago but then everyone seemed to be doing 996 videos
E46 M3 H N R full suspension set up is the ruler of The Mpire 🏆😎 I am describing my car 😂
What are you talking about? Nice to see you on the right side of the road 😂
Re-watching these old vids, and I wonder if you are still as enthusiastic about the OG M2 6 years later James ?
I love mine.
Haven't driven one since this review I think!
@@JayEmmOnCars For the money you can get them for now, I think they are a great car.
If I had a bigger budget I'm a bit predictable and would go for a Cayman R or a 911 if I had a bit more, but I just couldn't stretch to £40k.
Thanks for the honesty though, I think after the past 6 years of you driving some extremely capable machines, you'd probably find the OG M2 a bit underwhelming now 🙂
I always wanted the Mitsubishi rally art jacket from the Tommi Makinen days..
I still don’t understand people getting so upset about the Rev matching feature! Yes there’s less driver involvement etc, but it makes the car a better daily, as it stands the m2 in manual is the best of both worlds, and if you really want to heel toe, strap on your watermelon testicles turn off all the safety features and enjoy yourself, my only advice to you! This car is made to hoon, and this is the best way to do! You can still have mental amounts of fun in the m2 without needing to heel toe, in the corners it’s amazing. Great review, loved it, new subscriber
+Topnotch 1998 Thanks!
I think the real issue here is just choice, Porsche made it easy to switch off so why not BMW?
JayEmm on Cars it’s a fair point, but inevitably it will be to protect their warranties they offer, and also their reliability, because as you addressed in the video, how many people who drive the car know what rev matching is and can heel toe.
Still an amazing car, currently the only Bmw I would own... except maybe an X5m lol.. get a review of that if you can, what a car!
The only time I don't like it is in town when I drive past pedestrians and they think I'm revving to impress them when I'm really just downshifting.
Love the channel mate.
+Auto Manuals Thanks!
Great stuff James - the real key to an E46 is how it feels in its transitional phase between grip and spin - I have only driven one on loose gravel (don’t ask!) and it was amazing how easy and connected I felt despite it moving around beneath me. I wonder if the M2 (and modern tyre dynamics) allow for that...? I guess you can’t tell unless it’s a press car (and that comes with baggage too!)
+Julian Carr The E46 never felt very smooth in transition to me on tarmac! Very snappy
The E46 was never that progressive. The E92 was, for me, the most progressive and controllable via the throttle. My current M2 is a close second to that but can get snappy in low gears when the turbo comes on strong I'd you've prodded the throttle too hard.
Awesome video!
Great review am very close to buying one with 6MT
How does the M2 compare to a MK7 Golf R? I have a stage 1+ R and am considering trading it in for an M2.
+flatratetec Better sound, better feel, better drive, better car
It's funny how all the comments saying the E46 cannot be replaced probably have never owned it, and all the people who have actually owned the car mention how problematic the car is. Personally, I'd rather have an M2 for a refined daily modern equivalent over the E46. Also, if I wanted to have a more raw, carefree experience, I'd go with a cheap non-pristine E36 and do whatever the heck I want to it. Though, the E46 does look really nice, but other than that, it's kind of the middle child of the small BMW coupes in my eyes.
I feel the same way driving in the UK. Going on the left side is fine - no problem whatsoever -, but sitting on the wrong side of the car is not, so please let it be my regular left-hand drive car.
E46 M3 has a bad manual transmission? It’s a fantastic transmission, very similar to the M2s just more mechanical.
10:45 - that's what is known as a Jay-Turn :)
E46 M3 was way more expensive than current M2.
+Anthony Kelmann You sure? I recall them around 40k
I'm in Australia where high end cars are blood expensive. I'll shortly send through some price comparisons.
couldn't agree more!
I think it's a common misconception about m3/m4 handling that they are 'lairy', once you have some temperature in the tyres even on a cold day they become very good handling. On a cold wet day with cold tyres yes, you have to be careful as with any rwd car on performance summer tyres, or you end up in a ditch!!!
+Vikram Jeyagopal I've driven one on warm tyres in the warm, they are still "interesting".
For me these cars will be used all round though so their winter performance is a consideration
My E34 M5 was a bit of a handful in the wet until I discovered Uniroyal Rainsports, which it wears all the time, even when it isn't raining, which isn't much of the time in the U.K. I did, however, do a full 360-degree pirouette at about 20 MPH in the snow. Everyone was very considerate and drove around me! Oh BTW JayEmm, do you want to drive it? I am in Sussex. I'll email you if you do.
+moviebod Would love to! I miss my E34
Jayemm89@gmail.com
E46 M3 for life.. I prefer that instead of this plus you can customize your ride with great goodies.
...in 1994 BMW 850CSi had 380hp out of 5,6l V12...if you are one of those who find this 370 hp 3,0l R6 in M2 car of 2/3 weight not powerful enough....EAT YOUR SHOES and travel by bus!.....why? Because next gen M2 will be laptop battery with roller skates on sides, USB cord hanging in the back and front fascia of chernobil dog....
Two issues with the M2, the stock brakes aren't very good n I've had two sets feel like they're warping. Also I feel like the roof line could have been shallower to make it look a little sleeker but I'm sure it's all for regulations. Would be nice to see ya drive one with DCT & summer tires. See what ya think of the sport plus DCT shove up the ass and see what ya think of the differences. Also the M Performance Exhaust transforms the car into a proper beast!
Most irritating thing is that jacket! Second is the smee150 impressions
+InstaltechCarAudio Which bit do you think is Shmee-esque exactly?
Also, that jacket was toasty warm and I was very ill during filming.
Thanks for watching!
JayEmm on Cars the jacket burns my eyes
Have you seen my shirts?
Damn, that is one tasty looking BMW.
I also agree with you, the rims are really fitting very nicely.
It's a little sad for the sake of tradition that it doesn't have an S-class motor, although the N55 apparently doesn't suffer the same crank hub bolt failure that the S55 does... wonder if its simply due to the fact the bolt in the N55 is of stronger grade than the one used in the S55, which can withstand the vibrations that cause the hub bolt threads to dissolve? This is a problem even in my S54B32 motor in my 2004 E46 M3... the cam hub bolts, if you have the wrong type and thus lower strength grade (usually pre-2004), the threads dissolve from vibrations and eventually cause the bolts to snap! Luckily when I bought the car, I wasted no time in rebuilding the Dual VANOS unit completely via Beisan Systems.. I really hope BMW can learn from these awful mistakes with their next M car!!!
Auto rev match is an absolute deal killer.
Bmw m2 drives like thrash
He lost me when he said.. "Its time to move on" not cool dude...
the e46 M3 will never be replaced. unless BMW would start production again
You're chatting so much shit about the e46 😂 I have an e93 335 now and miss the way my e46 made me feel But fair enough :p
I had a factory turbo'ed BMW, and will never have one again. E46 M3 and older are the only BMWs I will ever have after my experience with newer BMWs.
What BMW did you have Rex?
I special ordered a 2012 135i. I had it for a little over two years. I had to visit multiple dealerships for the same problems during ownership, my car was the reason for a few service bulletin updates, nothing BMW did would solve the major safety issue I was experiencing, I had meetings with BMW USA representatives, and ultimately I ended up suing BMW USA due to their lack of concern for the safety of their customers.
What issues did you have? I am curious if they are US specific
The engine would shut off randomly. You couldn't tell when it happened because it wasn't violent like stalling the car. At first, it happened only once every two months. Then it progressed once a month. When I decided to sue, it was happening 3x a week. It would usually happen when coming to a stop out of gear, but a few times the engine turned off on me when I was making a turn. So I lost power of course, but also lost power steering and power assisted brakes. I gave BMW many chances to solve the problem, but it ended up wasting hours of my life.
That's a real shame, and hearing stories like that always makes me wonder how it is companies like Lotus that wind up with the reputation for unreliability!
BMW M2 17% more expensive in Australia than England.
Anthony Kelmann how do u know this?
get a dog up ya
Wow this man didn't even show the dash head-on even once!
Pictures are available online
JayEmm on Cars Ok, so you're going to be sarcastic to a genuine criticism, however expressed. Allow me to tell you something: You have a great channel going with plenty of hard work put into it but maybe you are not aware that dashboard shots are critical in giving a feeling of being in the car. It's not that difficult and adds so much to the viewer experience. I can also watch Top Gear but that isn't the bloody point as neither is looking at an internet picture, as you well know. Hope you do that in future videos and please change your crap attitude as happiness and success doesn't last forever .. mate.
How much dash do you want in the video, are brief shots in the interior enough or do you want shots of it "in action". The latter is tricky, and deliberately left out for fairly obvious reasons.
If you watch some more recent videos eg. AVENSIS rant, Aston Martin Vantage review, I am already toying with angles showing more dash. That work for you?
JayEmm on Cars What it is, what it should be, is head-on shots showing the dash of the car, showing the revs, the feeling of being in motion on curves or straight lines. You can't imagine what that does, in combination with the sound of shifting gears, to actually put the viewer in the driver's seat and get a feel of the car. It actually helps with the decision of a purchase, especially with a good camera such as yours. How you execute it is up to you. As I mentioned your camera skills are brilliant. This particular car is quite ironic as are many of the ones you review. It will indeed help, although understood that some shots are tricky exactly head-on.
I'll look into it, I do take all feedback on board. The two logistics hurdles in doing this shot are where to park the camera, as it can be perilously close to an airbag - and the fact the numbers being shown during "spirited" driving may not be publishable!
I'll give it some thought for some reviews in near future, it's not impossible.
Maybe in Europe that works, but in the US a 20k great condition e46 is a way better deal than a 60k base M2
It's funny, turbo's were something of the 70's, and yes, again they're back, just like the economic crisis. So, we just have to wait, until the engines are too powerful, and then they get rid of the turbo's. Again.
Turbos in the 70's were God awful. Technology has come a hell of a long way since then. Pretty sure they stopped back then because most turbo cars caught on fire.
finally on correct side
BMW M2 in Australia appears to be about 6% more than German price.
Hey Jay, got a question for you. I've been debating on grabbing an 06 Exige here in the US, and I've found a great deal on one. My question is, given the fact that the 06 Exige is the only N/A exige in the US currently (or were 2007s and up just offered with the supercharger but available without it?), the fact that it is highly likely that there are less than 1,000 of them in the US, and the the potential for Geely to add quite a bit of weight to the new vehicles, do you think they will go up in value here? Also, the the one I'm looking at is sorta celebrity owned lol.
+7thGenGaming In the USA I would say an Exige is always gonna be a safe bet
JayEmm on Cars Awesome, thanks.
........ you mean the E92 M3 brilliant engine that has mass action lawsuit for constantly failing rod bearings due to recommended oil too thick for street and too slow to heat up for track, right?
+JurisKankalis My E46's bearings didn't look great when we rebuilt that
Please try and review a Lexus RC200t. NB if you ever come to Glasgow, you can have a go in my GT86
+amcluesent If I can I will
BMW interiors are unfortunate; they seem to have stuck to the same general layout since the late 90's. The quality is fine but they are--to me--simply uninteresting and bland.
Not 100% unfortunate I'd say. I recently sold my M3 e46 and bought a LCI M2, the layout is rather similar and I'd say thats a good thing, because the M3 e46 is one of the best interiors from that era, aged just as well as the exterior, which the M2 can't beat.
Jepp, Audi clearly is the benchmark these days interior-wise
Recently bought a BMW- agreed! The interiors are drab and boring. But I quite like the way everything feels familiar- really dull, but expected.
Yes, also rather duller interior + rwd manual than sexier interior + awd understeer DSG only..
Rather that than a huge ipad on the dash and no buttons
"An uncomfortable truth for you" Oh, fucking NEWS FLASH! The E46 M3 boxes aren't that great. Wow, thanks for the oh so original revelation. I think some people miss the point of owning an SMG E46 M3. The bloody point is, it's a piece of history representing a move by BMW towards something new i.e decent modern gearboxes. They were giving something new a crack and you have to give BMW kudos for that. Fuck me, if people can't grasp the significance of that, we're a lost cause!!
1:45 Wait... Did the M2 just get really big?
Sorry bud, just because you don’t like your E46 M3 manual gearbox, doesn’t mean it wasn’t good. The gearbox was great. The shifter assembly not so great. All it takes is an aftermarket shifter and weighted shift knob in the E46 M3, and voila, amazing shifter and amazing gearbox
+WeekEnd133 My M3 had a short shift kit already
JayEmm on Cars which kit did you have, if you can remember? Did you have an aftermarket shift knob? I had AutoSolutions, and accompanied with the M Performance weighted and illuminated shift knob, as well as Royal Purple transmission oil, it was almost as great of feeling than my friends Dads manual Porsche 911 Turbo.
+WeekEnd133 Rogue Engineering I think
JayEmm on Cars I can’t speak for that one, but not all the shift kits work well on it. Bummer u didn’t like it
BMW 330 ZHP...problem solved.
Appreciating Apples and Depreciating Oranges...Stop schilling for Munich.
2:57 "The 4G63" 😳
I am going to see if my car wants to throw me into a tree or two.
How about a car that is arguably better than both the E46 M3 and the M2. The 1M??
Doesn’t sound anything like as good as the S54 though does it. That was half the fun wringing it all the way to limiter screaming like a banshee. I can honestly say I pine for that engine back in my life. Still M2 is the nicest thing Bmw have made since.
If that sounds bad you’re gonna hate the comp
Fun fact, the same engine of the bmw 235i
On the topic of ‘how fast do cars need to be’, super cars have been quicker then the M2 since the f430, maybe even 360. I think saying the car you own is ‘fast enough for the road’ is a cop out. Cars have been about fast enough for the road since the e46 m3 but people won’t get a 230 over an M2.
And you’re wrong about the m4, yes it’s plotting to kill you but as long as you know that, you’ll be fine. Get the tail out before it snaps out.
+Mizan215 A 360 is definitely slower than the M2.
A daily and a supercar are quite different things though.
The M4 is an evil car. It's what I would expect from a C63 or a Holden, not a BMW
JayEmm on Cars With traction control on you can take liberties with it. The MDM mode on the first gen cars were basically 99% off but on the comp pack, CS, GTS and I think facelift, it’s far more progressive. Bmw have also changed the power delivery, you get less torque lower down and it’s more progressive to stop it being so twitchy but still with traction control is fine. Mine has 500bhp and I drive in mdm in the wet, it’s far more entertaining
+Mizan215 I agree that the first gen MDM mode really didn't inspire confidence.
What also didnt help was the DCT box being too violent, the car I first drove tried to break traction in a straight line
When you punch the door card going for second
That warranty you are referring too is fake, just a marketing tool, because none of these cars would develop any kind of issues in first 24 months of your ownership.
You state this as not having issues with a car being a bad thing somehow.
You do have the numbers, but I’m afraid you don’t have the style, blink and unless you know it, this looks like nothing more than a BMW mini saloon with flash wheels and spoilers… This design just doesn’t have the stance
Im half tempted let you review my 718 Cayman, il think about it ;)I looked at the M2 when I got it, nice car but couldn't get away from the interior, just don't like it. Ive driven a E46 M3 also.
The steering wheel on the left side is the right side
I'm thinking the auto rev match ensures you don't lock the rears in low grip environments when you don't know how to downshift. So it stays active until all aids are turned off, makes sense given most peoples actual knowledge of manual transmissions.
The AC part are tacky as hell and always have been they do nothing for any Bmw they’d re attached too but I think the M2 is closest your get to the E46 in terms of size/weight but still worlds apart. The E46 is highly regarded for a reason
Turbos sucks, including all the resonance from that straight 6 engine, modern M cars have lost the key essence of the M power all for the good reasons when it comes to emissions, power and efficiency. The last great M car is the E46 but the E86 is a little bit greater, most Great sport cars are going through the turbo revolution. If want performance and Morden features then go for the new generation turbo charged lifeless cars, if you want a nostalgic old style of BMW or Porsche for that matter, that you want to drive and not be driven then E46 is your car.
2020 bmw
M2 is the true official M2
Both are better than that mom sedan you drive
@@defyyourlogic487 oh boy did you use your "logic" to come up with that lol
Get over the fact that the e46 was NA which is the main attraction and that thing you're talking about doesn't look anywhere near as good as the e46 so that's why people like the e46.
Mate price always go up value goes down, standard from manufacturers the E46 M3 has better value better quality than what you just showed us, more power etc incomparable
But new cars aren't cheap... And it's not the same and never will be.
its not the wrong side its the correct side of the car , RHD is wrong.
How can you say RIGHT hand drive is wrong ?
@@ZxRx7 because BMW is German.. originaly LHD. RHD is wrong side.
i dont like these wheels
Wtf where they thinking???