M3EvoBR

I have to disagree with you. Is it the fastest M3 ever ? for sure... best ??? Well the car is the most modern out there, so is only natural, that the car was improved, but for someone that has BMW's for more than 15 years, and actually had them in the family, is known fact that those cars lost their character and became pigs.
30K miles is the beginning of life for a car in europe.... when they go thru 100K without an issue, or without a major issue and beated to death, than yes they are good cars.
For a car that is heavy and have no feel anymore, I keep the comfy torquey C63

senna

The E92 M3 is too heavy, and underpowered. It feels like too soft too, my previous M3 was a better handiling car.

montoya

No question reliability is over the long haul, but much fewer issues with this car than the e46. The e46 had such lovely things like the rear sub floor failures, bad crank bearings, premature rear spring failures and if you had SMG almost a guaranteed hydraulic control unit failure and clutch at around 50K. The e92 has none of these design flaws and there are owners running them hard on the track with high mileage and no issues. Of course it's heavy, but so are most modern sedans, the m3 is well balanced and has excellent feel at the limit. Have you ever tracked one?

Wow you are in a very small minority of people who have owned both. Stock vs stock the e46 under steers like mad and the e92 is just faster everywhere. You can spend $$ fixing it, but without major power or lightning efforts the e46 is slower on the track. No question it's a lighter machine for racing and is preferable to the e92 as a racecar, but as a non modded car street or track th e92 is superior.

kk2

It might feel that way, but it is definitely not true. The e9x m3 is better in every measurable category than its predecessors.

Feel is subjective, but performance isn't. When it was time to upgrade from my e46 m, I went to the gt3 because of what you described. It might be faster than the 6GT3, but not as fun in my opinion. I'd love to have both though!

CBejbl

Also just recently bought a '12 M3 coupe, with plans to use it as a DD. Now is the time to commit to the last remaining NA V8s. This car is much more comfortable than other "sports cars". Can't really call the current M3 a sports car, but it is an incredible sporting GT car.

Just picked it up yesterday from its first service and look forward to hanging out in the 8000 rev range.

The Greek

I had a E46 M3, and test drove a E92 before moving to a Carrera S.

E46 had more character to it than E92, but E92 handled better and was faster across the board. E92 was a better everyday car, plus you can make them quick.

lowside67

I daily drive a 2010 335i 6spd coupe and periodically steal my dad's 2011 M3 SMG competition package. I love my 335 but that M3 is absolutely, hands down, the best daily driver I have ever driven. The motor sounds PHENOMENAL, the 7-spd DCT is incredible, and the package is comfortable yet capable on regular roads. Combine that with the new style I-Drive which I really like and you have a serious thumbs up in my books. For a daily driver in a place that doesn't get snow, I simply don't think you can do better.

Mark

Riz

I did the same, ordered and got one of the last MY11 V8 sedans a couple of months ago. Great car, great engine.

Riz

The 996 gt3 is the most fun for me compared to my 997 rs'. It's limits are lower than the 997 versions so you can really toss it around on regular roads as well as the track. On the track the 997.2 rs is much faster though.

Larry Cable

+1 order a manual, and do european delivery

Larry Cable

+1 on weight, the handling and the brakes are not up to tracking, eNannies are also a little to intrusive IMHO

Ive driven the E92 and E46 CSL at the ring, along with a 996.1 and 997.1 GT3s ... the CSL is better than the E92 ... but niether is a match on that track for a well driven GT3!

AGO

I still have my E46 M3 (which I love). While I got an M6 (before trading it for the GT3), I really enjoyed the V10 and the luxury ride. Not being really happy with the chassis of the M6, I looked at many E92 M3, in different configurations, all felt different (19' wheels, DCT, diff suspension setups, 4 door, coupe, conv). Finally I think they got it right with the Comp Package and is a great GT car very comfy for DD. Got close to buying one, but I kept my E46 happily.
I still think about getting one of the last V8 (with european delivery)... but agree with some of you, BMW is not what it used to be...

Larry Cable

you could spec a 6sp coupe + comp pack for around 66k ... euro del is a MUST!

DO IT!

AKA930

I would get the E92 M3 rather than wait for the turbo. In any other case I would go turbo over NA, but I'm kinda iffy on BMW's turbo cars. Especially since they had so many problems with the 335's. Plus if you throw headers and exhaust on the E92, it just sounds SICK (in a good way)!!!

I have a E39 M5 and just love it! I have a E36 for my daily and it handles great....

Would it be asking too much to post pictures of your M's? hahaha

Sean in Texas

As another who has owned both, I've had a LOT few problems with the E92 than the E46. Also found that the E92 is a lot easier to get to rotate than the E46 was.

Power delivery....no comparison, the V8 wins. The E92 should have had a more aggressive exhaust note.

Brakes...I think I've gotten it down to BMW's stock brakes are crappy for track use, but on the other hand, their wheels are pretty lightweight in comparison to what Porsche gives you. Either way you're going to end up spending about $5k-$6k in an upgrade.

All that being said, I still see E46's on the road and wonder why I ever got rid of that car.