I'm with you - I love the E92 M3 and previous series - I have zero interest in all this turbocharged nonsense - which is more of a response to government green regs than it is a progression of motorsport.

 

Impressive car and lap but ugly as sin.

 

RIP e92 v8.. Gone but not forgotten

 

Put that motor in a truly lightweight sports car and you would have had a legend. That engine was brilliant (if possibly flawed with bearing clearance issues). As it was - a disappointing car, IMO.

 

Agree. Perhaps the most special engine in its generation.

 

Never ever liked the E92 and the resale value shows on this Gen M3

 

S54 in the E46 M3 is a sweet engine. Over 100 hp/liter (333hp/3.2) beginning in 2001 was ahead of its time.

S65 in E9X M3 is special also (8,000 rpm V8).

Unfortunately for enthusiasts, BMW has gone in another direction, and not only are the engines uninteresting, the cars have lost the pre-Bangle esthetics and dynamics. BMW doesn't even have candidates for "best" cars anymore...

I've had the last three versions of the M3, and have no interest in the F80.

 

They gave the e89 Z4 a very large front end and then never mounted anything they would call "M" something or other inside. Looking at the e89 proportions I bet they had the option of a new M Z in mind when deciding on making the e89 larger. Then it all went to hell in the economy crisis and the lack of interest in 2-seaters.

Would be half as bad if the v8 was available with a soft top but no it had to be a 4-seats spanning hard top high anchor.

 

e46 m3 S54 with manual...sweet spot for looks, fun, power, handling, weight, reliability...

BMW has moved upmarket and gone digital with M3/M4 (and pretty much all their cars)

The new M2 will the rightful successor, but still not as good looking

I miss simplier and unfiltered feel of older manual cars even if they don't have 500-600 hp...

 

991 GT3RS driven by factory drivers have recorded 7:20 ring time on a WET track.

 

I'm crossing my fingers that I'll be able to snag one via the help of a friend who's a big consumer of bmws. For some reason it is more interesting to me than a 991. Can't put my finger on it. if I don't swing it, maybe a 996 cup or a viper acr.

 

Source?

 

Agree on all counts (except for that little issue of rear subframe shearing...). I think this was the last great true M3. It's been downhill ever since. To me, the latest M3/M4's don't resemble the early generations in any way except name.

 

Not sure about that, but there's a verified lap time of 7:20 for the GT3RS posted, and Timo Kluck set a 7:25 in a regular GT3.

 

E46 CSL was last great M3. E92 and F80 were/are quick but left me a little cold; neither lasted long in my garage.