Doesn't matter if you have the fastest 335i in the world, the M3 4.0 V8 in manual or DCT is truly special and is a perfect example of everything enjoyable about a driving.
2007 to 2011 really was the best time for sports saloon enthusiasts. At the lower-end of the market you got V8-powered E9x M3, C63 with its nuclear bomb of an engine and RS4 and RS5 with that R8 V8 engine. On the mid market we got V10 M5 E60 (with whatever nuclear problems it had but let's pretend it's not a problem), E63 with its 6.2 V8 and later the bombastic 5.5 V8 biturbo, and V10 biturbo RS6 plus the VXR8 Bathurst S. And let's not forget the S63 and S65 basically sharing the big supersaloon throne only with the Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed. It was a great time.
Great time for hot hatches too, just the sheer variety of engine and driveline combinations, Golf GTi, Golf R32, BMW 130i, Audi S3, Audi A3 3.2 Quattro, Mazda 3 MPS, Alfa Romeo 147 GTA, Honda Civic Type R FN2, Astra VXR, Focus ST and RS, Volvo C30 T5, Subaru WRX STi hatch and there's probably more I'm forgetting too.
I would say the 2000s were peak auto. The cars looked great, had great handling, great engines and still a lot of manual gearboxes. After that cars surely became faster but not necessarily with more feel or character.
@@obi9065 Corvette C6 ZR1, Focus RS Mk.2, Alfa 8C, Maserati Quattroporte GT S (the one James of JayEmm on Cars used to own), Aston DBS and V8 Vantage S, 430 Scuderia, 599 GTO, Panda 100HP, all Fiat 500 variants, Gallardo 570SL, Murcielago LP640 and SV, McLaren 12C, Lexus LFA and IS F, FD2-gen Civic Type R, R35 GT-R VSpec... yeah those are great times. Not to mention Mercedes-AMG SLS, Audi R8 V10 and R8 GT, and both Porsche 997.2 GT3 RS and Cayman R.
if you want a car similiar to the e90 M3 that isnt american or german with all their issues, lest not forget the v8 lexus rcf! i made that switch and been ever so happy!
Great review Jack. I've daily driven a manual E92 Monte Carlo M3 for 13 years and 125k miles and it's a keeper. Especially in the new techno mad, hybrid EV future.
For those saying the 'reverse lights are coming on when braking - @ 1:46 ' ...they are not - As an E92 M3 owner for 11 years now, - that's supposed to happen - part of the BFD (Brake Force Display function when braking very heavily. Watch the brake lights on the rear quarters activate first, then those activate under very heavy braking. It's in the owners manual, but plenty of questions about it on the net and owners forums.
I've had a 2013 E92 for 5 years now. One of the very last ones produced, one previous owner who ticked pretty much every option. I originally wanted a manual but ended up with DCT and haven't regretted it for a single second. Before that I was in a B7 RS4 for 8 years and absolutely loved it. Just the perfect blend of practicality and performance for our Cornish roads. But eventually I had to scratch the M3 itch! Fortunately for me, neither car has so far suffered any of the common problems you read and hear about. They are very different animals for obvious reasons but I'd love to be able to afford to run one of each.
I had the ‘cooking’ 320 version of the E92 coupe - it was a lovely, lovely car. Graphite grey with a coral red leather interior. I really liked this era of BMWs - just before they got ugly and over complicated. The build quality was utterly superb.
The E92 M3 and the E36 M3 IMHO are both future classics and two of the best models in the M3’s history. The E30 and E46 round out the other 2 “real” M3’s for me.
The only sad thing about E36, is that it is the only M3 not having wider arches compared to non-M models of E36. I'm genuinely curious why that happened.
@@SupraTompan Agreed. It was a cost cutting move based on the low sales of the E30 M3. But if you have the opportunity to drive one you’ll see why it’s now coming into its own and becoming a collector.
So cool to see that back then this car was still available with a manual. Nowadays the top engine variants always come with a bloody automatic transmission.
People wrongly claimed the S54 in the E46 wasn't as high as 340hp What actually happens is that people put 95ron fuel in them, the ECU retards timing as it's crap, then eventually holds the settings regardless as to what fuel you put in. Reset the adaptations and ONLY run it on super. I bet they'll happily make the standard HP then
@bekabeka71 of course it ****ing won't. Who on earth told you that? And trust me, high performance cars for decades have been set up to only ever make their peak HP on the highest grade pump fuel you can use.
@@gianniarduini3644 I had a 90s MR2 turbo. Japanese fuel is all good. When they came to the UK, if you didn't put super in, they used to knock so hard it would break the knock sensors 🤣
My favourite M3 probably. Melbourne red E90 with black interior, flat dashboard and a sunroof. Who are they kidding with a carbon fibre roof on a 1.7 ton car. It’s all about induction noise, and working the engine with the 6 speed. Great review!
Great review Jack. I also own a 57 plate manual E92 M3 with EDC. Have had it 9 months and love it, especially that mega V8. I did consider a C63 AMG which is a real muscle car but felt the E92 M3 was more of a drivers car and the RS4 is certainly desirable but all the weight up the front tends to mean too much understeer.
As a former owner, Jack - well summed up. Their fuel consumption is absolutely ruinous if you drive them in their power band. And if you don't they really have a bit of that Honda S2000 no torque sensation. They are heavy, the steering is a bit dead and the brakes are rubbish. Oh, and the gearchange is ponderous. On the right day on the right road they are brilliant but most days...
I had an E92 M3, sold it to fund my youngest’s karting habit. Brilliant cars,I’ll have another at some point. Mine was a high mile daily and I loved it to bits, felt special every time you got in it it also showed 428hp with induction and exhaust mods on the dyno (all dynos are different I know) even with 165k on it. Much as the C63 is a nice car with a great engine it’s nowhere near as special. To address the rod bearing stuff,I had the originals changed at 160k ish and they didn’t need doing. A well looked after car rather than a low mileage thrashed one is the one to buy.
You mention the Lexus IS-F, I’ve had two and considered the M3 before buying my first. The video on YT of an M3 blowing up racing a white IS-F sealed the deal for me. The M3 is the better drivers car but the IS-F will do 200k to 300k with no issues without opening up the engine.
Bought my E92 in 2016 with 16k miles. Last month i had both actuators fail at 36k miles. Jason at Rebuild is the go to for these. He is pretty much the only one in the world supporting this issue. Only car i've ever owned that still makes me smile every time i drive it.
As an E92 M3 owner for 11 years now, I hate to correct you when you're trying to help - but that's supposed to happen - part of the BFD (Brake Force Display function when braking very heavily. Watch the brake lights on the rear quarters activate first, then those activate under very heavy braking.
@chiganuggoo9929 Yeah, I've seen BMWs have that, didn't know it was called bfd. Reading up on it now, it shouldn't light up reverse lights, only secondary brake lights or fog lights, depending on model. Sometimes the lights can pulse too. I'm wondering if he has a bad earth or wrong bulbs in, double filament where it should be single and its gone a bit wonky. I guess it could also be light bleed into the reverse light cavity?
Love my E92. Yes, it's a pain in the ass sometimes, idiosyncratic and not great for the wallet, but the chassis and steering is absolutely nailed on and nothing drives or sounds like it.
I got to drive a few of these when I used to sell cars in Johannesburg, I found the DCT gearbox the better one to use, that engine and gearbox were such a perfect pairing!
Had a DCT one for 2 years. I’m a manual man but the DCT suits this engine better no doubt. Fuel costs were pretty horrific - a gentle motorway run would see 26MPG. 14 - 18MPG is the norm. Absolutely loved it and will probably have another once I have got an M2 Comp out of my system.
M3 was not meant to fight against the IS-F as the IS-F was never planned when the 07 Lexus IS was on the drawing board. The IS-F exist because engineers worked in the back and after they got the green light for production.
I have the e93 with some light mods (KW springs, engine and dct tune) and yes the engine is sublime (cat delete too). With the roof coming down it does add 200kg!!! But I consider it a GT, so I’m fine with that
Yet another reivew praising this amazing car! Prices in the USA are increasing on manual E92 M3's and the driving enthusiasts are taking notice of this front V8 engine RWD timepiece. Another car we adore today that will simply be a - "I told myself I should have bought it when they were less than $50K USD."
I sold my E92 M3 after 5 years of ownership last November and replaced the car with a 20 Reg M2 Comp. Absolutely thrilled to bits with the M2 but I'm not going to lie Jack, your video made me miss that S65 so much! 🥲
Had 2 over 8 years. Amazing cars, drive a giulia quadrifoglio now and despite being a quicker car I will always miss the screaming NA S65 V8 at 8300 rpm..nice road BTW. Harrys old haunt !
I have a supercharged E90 M3 and the supercharger really gives it what it was missing. Still feels stock down low in the rpm range but gets going when you want it to. Great car for sure
Great review as always. You mentioned the bearings etc. the merc amg63s we get through the auction room at about 100,000km the camshafts wear and in some cases the lobes are round. Again its spot on re warming up before giving them a squirt
Identical to mine :). The manuals are a bit lighter than the DSG's also, 1580kg, no lightweight but not especially heavy either, especially compared to modern cars.
Best sounding M3 for sure, even better with the 2 pipe modification or in this case the aftermarket back boxes. Miss mine, E92 M3 with Competition package in Ruby black and individual full rust brown leather
It's worth mentioning that unlike the M5s these also suffer from main bearing failure from time to time. I believe it had something to do with the timing chain exerting too much tension in the are of the frontmost cylinders. And replacing those requires disassembling the entire engine, unfortunately.
Great looking cars! I had an E92 330d back in the day, but had to replace 6 wheels in less than 3 years due to cracks and buckles from potholes & the rears were £550 each! Not sure if the M3 wheels are as easily damaged, but avoid potholes!
Great review, and had one in black and manual in 2008 to 2010, only reason sold it was putting 30K miles a year on it sound great and went really well.
M spec Beemers have always been top end power in my experience Jack. I've wanted almost every non turbo version (and got scammed on an E92 a couple of years ago). Look at Becky Evans' channel for more on one of these, she's got one. DCT is a set price swap out (done on telly). These cars were built to expensively fail. We've had 3 BMWs, no issues (ABS pump aside on our X5), but the way that I use cars, never another BMW again. A good one is great, poor ones make some of your projects look affordable!?). Alfa vs BMW? Alf and recovery for me please (I've had a couple 20+ years ago). Good work Jack.
I was at Nick's Pizzeria in West Houston. I met this Major Dude with an M5 V-10, with a freaking Heads Up projection display on the Windshield. He invites me in, & fires HIS BEAST UP. We both are talking enthusiastically about his wonder of automotive technocracy. I HAD TO ASK, "What is the Miles Per Gallon ?" He says, "11mpg, and yeah, you can actually see the needle move." 😮 Seriously, I am happy for guys like him and guys that own AMG, V-8, Bi-Turbos. But DEFINITELY too rich for me. I also enjoy the rarefied presentations of Iain Tyrrell on YT. WOW !
One of the key benefits of M3, compared to working class models, is the limited-slip-differential. I have an E90 325i and you have to absolutely flick it in to corner to have some rotation despite it would got enough power.
Owned a 58 plate convertible for some years; proper dragster with a beauty of an engine. Roof down with that V8 screaming as it rocketed from 5000-8000 revs, yeehah! Loved it, loved it! ps it did love a roundabout!
Thanks Jack for the great review. It reminded me so much of my beloved 2005 330i-MSport 6-speed. I didn't have the same power but the driving experience was very similar if you drove it assertively. I miss the car so much and I should never have sold it. Car guys just have to move on to the next one I guess [like you] .
Absolute cracking review mate, always a bit dubios watching these, as it's one car im truly obsessed with! I tend to get annoyed when people talk c@#p or mis-quote information. But a bloody cracking review.
Once again, the conception of the air intake and the fact that it's a NA engine makes that the real power produced in real conditions (meaning with a massive 200+kph air flow) is in fact about 420hp.
People just don't get that NA engines don't make their quoted power figures in typical dyno conditions. This one doesn't because none of them do. This M3 is every bit as fast as an RS5 of the day which quotes 450hp.
Great review, if you like the E92 M3 V8 but don’t like the cars weight you should try my 1M V8 it’s around 100kg lighter than the E92 M3 and with the shorter chassis it’s just a match made in heaven..
I like the E92 M3, although my preference is for the older E46 M3. However, my bug bare is the the very poor quality BMW plastics and rubber components - which has also afflicted VW/AUDI and Mercedes of the same era. What a shame.
I’m an AMG guy. But I’ve been known to have a wandering eye. The M3, especially the E46, has always had the potential to be the other woman. Just brilliant cars. They appeal to my adventurous spirit. But the AMG has always satisfied my caveman brain and my American need for a big motor and crazy power. I may buy an M3 one day. Just a great looking car. 👍🏻
Could some of the engine failures be attributed to people replacing rod bearings "one size fits all" without measuring the journals and, often, using ARP rod studs instead of OEM bolts without accounting for how studs ovalise the big ends unless it's line honed? Would these engines survive just fine if they didn't do anything to them? But then the engine from M539 Restorations failed with the factory OE parts in it IIRC, so I dunno.
The S65 is an incredible engine, yes it has its issues but my god the noise is incredible. Biggest issue with the E92 is the seating position which is just too high. It drove me up the wall in mine. Personally I think the E90 is way cooler and has much better rear arches. Don’t forget the Lexus IS-F as a competitor as well.
I’ve always thought that this looks like a properly designed coupe, unlike predecessors that looked like modded 2 door saloons. Personal taste thing I guess.
I think the engine on the c63 is better and if you get a facelift with ppp and lsd then you're sorted. I do adore my m3 and it's a great car but I'm not sure it's the best of that bunch
@@ianjenkins4641 I mean, I remember an old E39 gearbox being fine with me (ironically pretty much the same looking shifter as in the E90😅). But like I said, all that matter is that it suits you. Love the RS4 too. I think BMW crossed over to V8 mainly because of the C63 and RS4, not Lexus.
Is the E92 V8 flat or cross plane? Sounds like an Italian flat plane to me. Flat plane would explain the lack of torque. Yes, Merc's M156 6.2 is torquier, but you still need 4K revs for peak torque to arrive. Direct injection TTV8s deliver peak torque much earlier eg I get 800nm at 2K revs from my M278 TTV8 with stage 1 map.
For the money buy an f80/F82. At 15-20k I think these are expensive. I have had an e46, e92 and now a manual F82. The F82 is winning on every level for me, except maybe steering feel and noise which aren't always as important as is made out.
Doesn't matter if you have the fastest 335i in the world, the M3 4.0 V8 in manual or DCT is truly special and is a perfect example of everything enjoyable about a driving.
To me the E92 M3 is possibly the best looking BMW of the last 20 years, close with the Z4m coupé.
It was peak BMW
E46 M3 best looking IMO, followed by F80.
@@cthis4786 no f80 rear end looks NPC af
I have the E90 and it's awesome, the best car for the money, the perfect family car. Never had an issue with mine and it's done 120,000 miles.
2007 to 2011 really was the best time for sports saloon enthusiasts. At the lower-end of the market you got V8-powered E9x M3, C63 with its nuclear bomb of an engine and RS4 and RS5 with that R8 V8 engine. On the mid market we got V10 M5 E60 (with whatever nuclear problems it had but let's pretend it's not a problem), E63 with its 6.2 V8 and later the bombastic 5.5 V8 biturbo, and V10 biturbo RS6 plus the VXR8 Bathurst S. And let's not forget the S63 and S65 basically sharing the big supersaloon throne only with the Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed. It was a great time.
Great time for hot hatches too, just the sheer variety of engine and driveline combinations, Golf GTi, Golf R32, BMW 130i, Audi S3, Audi A3 3.2 Quattro, Mazda 3 MPS, Alfa Romeo 147 GTA, Honda Civic Type R FN2, Astra VXR, Focus ST and RS, Volvo C30 T5, Subaru WRX STi hatch and there's probably more I'm forgetting too.
I would say the 2000s were peak auto. The cars looked great, had great handling, great engines and still a lot of manual gearboxes. After that cars surely became faster but not necessarily with more feel or character.
What were your favorites from USA, UK, Italy and Japan during that period, if any?
@@obi9065 Corvette C6 ZR1, Focus RS Mk.2, Alfa 8C, Maserati Quattroporte GT S (the one James of JayEmm on Cars used to own), Aston DBS and V8 Vantage S, 430 Scuderia, 599 GTO, Panda 100HP, all Fiat 500 variants, Gallardo 570SL, Murcielago LP640 and SV, McLaren 12C, Lexus LFA and IS F, FD2-gen Civic Type R, R35 GT-R VSpec... yeah those are great times. Not to mention Mercedes-AMG SLS, Audi R8 V10 and R8 GT, and both Porsche 997.2 GT3 RS and Cayman R.
if you want a car similiar to the e90 M3 that isnt american or german with all their issues, lest not forget the v8 lexus rcf! i made that switch and been ever so happy!
I think the E92's shape is just perfect.
Great review Jack. I've daily driven a manual E92 Monte Carlo M3 for 13 years and 125k miles and it's a keeper. Especially in the new techno mad, hybrid EV future.
You are carrying the passion, while aimed slightly different, of the late Alain de Cadenet. R.I.P. 1945-2022
For those saying the 'reverse lights are coming on when braking - @ 1:46 ' ...they are not - As an E92 M3 owner for 11 years now, - that's supposed to happen - part of the BFD (Brake Force Display function when braking very heavily. Watch the brake lights on the rear quarters activate first, then those activate under very heavy braking. It's in the owners manual, but plenty of questions about it on the net and owners forums.
I had to go back and watch @1:46. Interesting I never knew. Thanks
I've had a 2013 E92 for 5 years now. One of the very last ones produced, one previous owner who ticked pretty much every option. I originally wanted a manual but ended up with DCT and haven't regretted it for a single second. Before that I was in a B7 RS4 for 8 years and absolutely loved it. Just the perfect blend of practicality and performance for our Cornish roads. But eventually I had to scratch the M3 itch! Fortunately for me, neither car has so far suffered any of the common problems you read and hear about. They are very different animals for obvious reasons but I'd love to be able to afford to run one of each.
be it in video games or real life, the exhaust note of this thing is unmistakable
I had the ‘cooking’ 320 version of the E92 coupe - it was a lovely, lovely car. Graphite grey with a coral red leather interior. I really liked this era of BMWs - just before they got ugly and over complicated. The build quality was utterly superb.
The E92 M3 and the E36 M3 IMHO are both future classics and two of the best models in the M3’s history. The E30 and E46 round out the other 2 “real” M3’s for me.
The only sad thing about E36, is that it is the only M3 not having wider arches compared to non-M models of E36. I'm genuinely curious why that happened.
@@SupraTompan Agreed. It was a cost cutting move based on the low sales of the E30 M3. But if you have the opportunity to drive one you’ll see why it’s now coming into its own and becoming a collector.
@@duck748r I had one in 2006, 3.0 -94. Awesome car.
So cool to see that back then this car was still available with a manual. Nowadays the top engine variants always come with a bloody automatic transmission.
Yep and the take rate for the manual was actually high asf too. It’s very easy to find a manual e92
Number 27, I loved this video so much, I had to hit the like button!
I do love my E92 M3. Fantastic motor and really quite a usable car.
Lovely. I have been daily driving an E92 for the last twelve years and hope to keep it for a good while to come.
People wrongly claimed the S54 in the E46 wasn't as high as 340hp
What actually happens is that people put 95ron fuel in them, the ECU retards timing as it's crap, then eventually holds the settings regardless as to what fuel you put in.
Reset the adaptations and ONLY run it on super. I bet they'll happily make the standard HP then
Running on super if the car is not made for it will damage the engine
@bekabeka71 of course it ****ing won't. Who on earth told you that?
And trust me, high performance cars for decades have been set up to only ever make their peak HP on the highest grade pump fuel you can use.
@@matthewnicholas6365 Elvis told him while remapping his n/a Corsa
In my s54 I’m tuned for 94 octane if I put anything less than that trust me I feel it
@@gianniarduini3644 I had a 90s MR2 turbo. Japanese fuel is all good. When they came to the UK, if you didn't put super in, they used to knock so hard it would break the knock sensors 🤣
Since the original M3 was powered by a 4cyl with a manual transmission exclusively and had minimal creature comforts isn't it the last true M3?
The E30 was a homologation car too. Nome of the rest have been actual race cars. Or at least, built to go racing.
@@matthewnicholas6365 E46 was
Arguably the E30 is the oddity in the line up. Of its time and a shame they're so stupidly over priced today
No mate
100%. It's the only sports car. The rest are GTs. It also had the stiffest unibody chassis until this E92.
My favourite M3 probably. Melbourne red E90 with black interior, flat dashboard and a sunroof. Who are they kidding with a carbon fibre roof on a 1.7 ton car. It’s all about induction noise, and working the engine with the 6 speed. Great review!
Great review Jack. I also own a 57 plate manual E92 M3 with EDC. Have had it 9 months and love it, especially that mega V8. I did consider a C63 AMG which is a real muscle car but felt the E92 M3 was more of a drivers car and the RS4 is certainly desirable but all the weight up the front tends to mean too much understeer.
Proper car, gorgeous engine and none of that Auto/DCT/SMG gearbox nonsense.
the auto of e92 is a dct lmao
@@madhunter6420 I know it was. The manual is just so much more fun to drive. Later M cars are very hard to find with a manual.
A naturally aspirated V8 with a manual gearbox, so the answer is YES!
As a former owner, Jack - well summed up. Their fuel consumption is absolutely ruinous if you drive them in their power band. And if you don't they really have a bit of that Honda S2000 no torque sensation. They are heavy, the steering is a bit dead and the brakes are rubbish. Oh, and the gearchange is ponderous. On the right day on the right road they are brilliant but most days...
Had mine 15 weeks and spent 13 of those trying to sell it. Just wasn’t for me
Thank you I had one, the balance brilliant, other than that an overrated money pit that drinks fuel and gearbox can't be rushed , it was rubbish.
The tired narrative of them being heavy was valid when they came out but reciting now is laughable. They weigh less than the new M2 for god sake. 🤣
Agreed … had a e90 expenses were ridiculous.. but the sound was well worth it
I love mine - I've had it for coming up to 6 years, and - all being well - never plan on selling it. Supercharging it made it even more special 😄
I had an E92 M3, sold it to fund my youngest’s karting habit. Brilliant cars,I’ll have another at some point. Mine was a high mile daily and I loved it to bits, felt special every time you got in it it also showed 428hp with induction and exhaust mods on the dyno (all dynos are different I know) even with 165k on it. Much as the C63 is a nice car with a great engine it’s nowhere near as special. To address the rod bearing stuff,I had the originals changed at 160k ish and they didn’t need doing. A well looked after car rather than a low mileage thrashed one is the one to buy.
what year was your M3?
@@deol1 2007 dealer launch car
You mention the Lexus IS-F, I’ve had two and considered the M3 before buying my first. The video on YT of an M3 blowing up racing a white IS-F sealed the deal for me. The M3 is the better drivers car but the IS-F will do 200k to 300k with no issues without opening up the engine.
Bought my E92 in 2016 with 16k miles. Last month i had both actuators fail at 36k miles. Jason at Rebuild is the go to for these. He is pretty much the only one in the world supporting this issue. Only car i've ever owned that still makes me smile every time i drive it.
01:46 The reverse lights are coming on with the brake lights. Best let the owner know Jack.
As an E92 M3 owner for 11 years now, I hate to correct you when you're trying to help - but that's supposed to happen - part of the BFD (Brake Force Display function when braking very heavily. Watch the brake lights on the rear quarters activate first, then those activate under very heavy braking.
@chiganuggoo9929 Yeah, I've seen BMWs have that, didn't know it was called bfd. Reading up on it now, it shouldn't light up reverse lights, only secondary brake lights or fog lights, depending on model. Sometimes the lights can pulse too. I'm wondering if he has a bad earth or wrong bulbs in, double filament where it should be single and its gone a bit wonky. I guess it could also be light bleed into the reverse light cavity?
@@gazcolman9184 the video makes it look white but it's actually red in real life... these are pre LCI lights as well.
59mph never sounded so good!
Nor took so long and so many gears to get to.. 😇
@@paulcruse I used to have the same problem with my old 996, 4th gear, 6k rpm just to listen to the sound, but I could never get it to 60.......
@@SteeeveO 😂 but you must never give up trying 😅
@@paulcruse sadly I did. Now have a Citroen that very quietly gets to 61mph.😄
@@SteeeveO 😢
Love my E92. Yes, it's a pain in the ass sometimes, idiosyncratic and not great for the wallet, but the chassis and steering is absolutely nailed on and nothing drives or sounds like it.
Have you driven the newer cars?
@@megaprimegamer1184 M5 F10, M4 F82. Haven't driven any of the G's.
I got to drive a few of these when I used to sell cars in Johannesburg, I found the DCT gearbox the better one to use, that engine and gearbox were such a perfect pairing!
I always yearned for an M3.... just fantastic cars, cracking stuff as always jack buddy 👏
Had a DCT one for 2 years. I’m a manual man but the DCT suits this engine better no doubt.
Fuel costs were pretty horrific - a gentle motorway run would see 26MPG. 14 - 18MPG is the norm.
Absolutely loved it and will probably have another once I have got an M2 Comp out of my system.
M3 was not meant to fight against the IS-F as the IS-F was never planned when the 07 Lexus IS was on the drawing board. The IS-F exist because engineers worked in the back and after they got the green light for production.
Spot on.
I have the e93 with some light mods (KW springs, engine and dct tune) and yes the engine is sublime (cat delete too). With the roof coming down it does add 200kg!!! But I consider it a GT, so I’m fine with that
That was me struggling uphill on the bicycle ! I do follow your reviews (& like that road), especially when there's an Alfa
Yet another reivew praising this amazing car! Prices in the USA are increasing on manual E92 M3's and the driving enthusiasts are taking notice of this front V8 engine RWD timepiece. Another car we adore today that will simply be a - "I told myself I should have bought it when they were less than $50K USD."
I sold my E92 M3 after 5 years of ownership last November and replaced the car with a 20 Reg M2 Comp. Absolutely thrilled to bits with the M2 but I'm not going to lie Jack, your video made me miss that S65 so much! 🥲
Had 2 over 8 years. Amazing cars, drive a giulia quadrifoglio now and despite being a quicker car I will always miss the screaming NA S65 V8 at 8300 rpm..nice road BTW. Harrys old haunt !
I have a supercharged E90 M3 and the supercharger really gives it what it was missing. Still feels stock down low in the rpm range but gets going when you want it to. Great car for sure
Great review as always. You mentioned the bearings etc. the merc amg63s we get through the auction room at about 100,000km the camshafts wear and in some cases the lobes are round. Again its spot on re warming up before giving them a squirt
Especially important for a direct injection V8!
Identical to mine :). The manuals are a bit lighter than the DSG's also, 1580kg, no lightweight but not especially heavy either, especially compared to modern cars.
Best sounding M3 for sure, even better with the 2 pipe modification or in this case the aftermarket back boxes. Miss mine, E92 M3 with Competition package in Ruby black and individual full rust brown leather
Standard they sound boring and quiet , inductions good but the exhaust isn’t . They need modifying to release the noise
Jack great video, let me know if you want a drive in my E46 M3 - Anytime Sir!
It's worth mentioning that unlike the M5s these also suffer from main bearing failure from time to time. I believe it had something to do with the timing chain exerting too much tension in the are of the frontmost cylinders. And replacing those requires disassembling the entire engine, unfortunately.
Absolutely love the e92. Have an e92 335i myself, it’s a forever car, would love to compliment it with a M3 one day
I had one and wish I kept it. It was an amazing car. Best M3 for me, hands down.
Great looking cars! I had an E92 330d back in the day, but had to replace 6 wheels in less than 3 years due to cracks and buckles from potholes & the rears were £550 each! Not sure if the M3 wheels are as easily damaged, but avoid potholes!
Great review, and had one in black and manual in 2008 to 2010, only reason sold it was putting 30K miles a year on it sound great and went really well.
Wow, that sound brings a tear to my eyes 😊
You captured the sound of this perfectly at the start 👌😮💨 I’ve always lusted over one of these
M spec Beemers have always been top end power in my experience Jack. I've wanted almost every non turbo version (and got scammed on an E92 a couple of years ago). Look at Becky Evans' channel for more on one of these, she's got one. DCT is a set price swap out (done on telly). These cars were built to expensively fail. We've had 3 BMWs, no issues (ABS pump aside on our X5), but the way that I use cars, never another BMW again. A good one is great, poor ones make some of your projects look affordable!?). Alfa vs BMW? Alf and recovery for me please (I've had a couple 20+ years ago). Good work Jack.
I was at Nick's Pizzeria in West Houston. I met this Major Dude with an M5 V-10, with a freaking Heads Up projection display on the Windshield.
He invites me in, & fires HIS BEAST UP. We both are talking enthusiastically about his wonder of automotive technocracy. I HAD TO ASK, "What is the Miles Per Gallon ?" He says, "11mpg, and yeah, you can actually see the needle move."
😮
Seriously, I am happy for guys like him and guys that own AMG, V-8, Bi-Turbos. But DEFINITELY too rich for me. I also enjoy the rarefied presentations of Iain Tyrrell on YT. WOW !
And I think the lack of torque is a good thing along with the linear power delivery, makes it very controllable
One of the key benefits of M3, compared to working class models, is the limited-slip-differential. I have an E90 325i and you have to absolutely flick it in to corner to have some rotation despite it would got enough power.
1:40 - Bullet Mustang soundtrack.
I owned the 335ci version and it was amazing… more torquey and useable than the M3 version and pretty much as fast.
Great review as always. It certainly didn’t sound like that when I recorded one for a video game in Munich back in 2007.
Owned a 58 plate convertible for some years; proper dragster with a beauty of an engine. Roof down with that V8 screaming as it rocketed from 5000-8000 revs, yeehah! Loved it, loved it! ps it did love a roundabout!
Lol
Thanks Jack for the great review. It reminded me so much of my beloved 2005 330i-MSport 6-speed. I didn't have the same power but the driving experience was very similar if you drove it assertively. I miss the car so much and I should never have sold it. Car guys just have to move on to the next one I guess [like you] .
Absolute cracking review mate, always a bit dubios watching these, as it's one car im truly obsessed with! I tend to get annoyed when people talk c@#p or mis-quote information.
But a bloody cracking review.
Once again, the conception of the air intake and the fact that it's a NA engine makes that the real power produced in real conditions (meaning with a massive 200+kph air flow) is in fact about 420hp.
People just don't get that NA engines don't make their quoted power figures in typical dyno conditions.
This one doesn't because none of them do. This M3 is every bit as fast as an RS5 of the day which quotes 450hp.
Love manual cars
Thank you for this video! Very interesting car and history.
That sound ❤
Never used to like this at the start but Chris Harris changed my mind
Great review, if you like the E92 M3 V8 but don’t like the cars weight you should try my 1M V8 it’s around 100kg lighter than the E92 M3 and with the shorter chassis it’s just a match made in heaven..
I like the E92 M3, although my preference is for the older E46 M3. However, my bug bare is the the very poor quality BMW plastics and rubber components - which has also afflicted VW/AUDI and Mercedes of the same era. What a shame.
I went from E46 m3 to the E90 and regretted it and pretty much hated it for the 15 weeks I owned it
I think I’d like it more now that I’ve had a break
Maybe your best review - technically and emotionally ❤️
I’m an AMG guy. But I’ve been known to have a wandering eye. The M3, especially the E46, has always had the potential to be the other woman. Just brilliant cars. They appeal to my adventurous spirit. But the AMG has always satisfied my caveman brain and my American need for a big motor and crazy power. I may buy an M3 one day. Just a great looking car. 👍🏻
With ya; love the burble and torque from yank and merc v8s...
Sorry Jack, did you mean the issues with throttle actuators or VANOS VVT actuators on this engine?
throttle actuators...
Great Review ! Would love to see a review of the Z4 M Coupe'
Nice review. For me the E46 is the best M3 overall closely followed by the E92. Still, i wouldn't swap my tuned S5 for either!
Nice one. Thank you No.27
Everyone dissing the dct, but the dct is just superior and is a match for the engine.
It's the only M3 I'd buy.
It's a shame that the quality started stopping with the 90 series, this one looks and sounds great though.
Competition White owner here 😎
Excellent review
Could some of the engine failures be attributed to people replacing rod bearings "one size fits all" without measuring the journals and, often, using ARP rod studs instead of OEM bolts without accounting for how studs ovalise the big ends unless it's line honed? Would these engines survive just fine if they didn't do anything to them? But then the engine from M539 Restorations failed with the factory OE parts in it IIRC, so I dunno.
The S65 is an incredible engine, yes it has its issues but my god the noise is incredible.
Biggest issue with the E92 is the seating position which is just too high. It drove me up the wall in mine.
Personally I think the E90 is way cooler and has much better rear arches.
Don’t forget the Lexus IS-F as a competitor as well.
My brother has a 2016 M4 competition, this thing is a rocket, any you guys been in one ? Of memory it has a 3.0L twin turbo 6
Noughties M Power / M Sport models manual Blue Chip Buys
Enjoyed that. Nice looking car...
Sounds amazing
Looking to buy an e92 m3 but hard to find the right spec in a manual not sure about dct myself
I'd love to see a review of the comparable Audi RS4....
So would I. I understand that the B7 RS4 is one of Audi's best.
This and the RS4 v8’s are marvels, give me a big ole yank/Merc V8 for the road however.
Are you testing in Harry's Metcalf bit of roads?
I’ve always thought that this looks like a properly designed coupe, unlike predecessors that looked like modded 2 door saloons. Personal taste thing I guess.
For me the e90 4dr version is the best looking m3 of all time.
I think the engine on the c63 is better and if you get a facelift with ppp and lsd then you're sorted. I do adore my m3 and it's a great car but I'm not sure it's the best of that bunch
Question is m3 or a 997?
According to Ben Collins, its also the first!
TY Jack! 🙏🙏
I daily drive my F82 M4 Comp. Leave it on Sport Plus all the time. A bit too powerful for public roads
The DCT box is better suited to the S65 engine.
Performance wise, I agree. But at the end of the day: Engine-gearbox-person. There are three things that have to suit each other
If the manual box was any good I would agree. But it’s a terrible gearbox.
Drive the RS4 and it’s a much better gearbox.
@@ianjenkins4641 I mean, I remember an old E39 gearbox being fine with me (ironically pretty much the same looking shifter as in the E90😅). But like I said, all that matter is that it suits you. Love the RS4 too. I think BMW crossed over to V8 mainly because of the C63 and RS4, not Lexus.
Would have an ISF over one of these, any day of the week
Is the E92 V8 flat or cross plane? Sounds like an Italian flat plane to me. Flat plane would explain the lack of torque. Yes, Merc's M156 6.2 is torquier, but you still need 4K revs for peak torque to arrive. Direct injection TTV8s deliver peak torque much earlier eg I get 800nm at 2K revs from my M278 TTV8 with stage 1 map.
It's a crossplane crankshaft
For the money buy an f80/F82. At 15-20k I think these are expensive. I have had an e46, e92 and now a manual F82. The F82 is winning on every level for me, except maybe steering feel and noise which aren't always as important as is made out.