Hey everyone! I’m the owner of the E46. A couple of clarifications: The transmission conversion will run you a lot closer to $4k (sometimes cheaper depending on who you go to). That $6k number came from all of the preventative maintenance you can do, like RMS, new clutch & flywheel, throttle & crank position sensors, etc. The car is still a work in progress 😅 I’m still sorting out a couple of quirks so it’s not at 100% at the time of filming. I have a couple of ideas for the clunk coming from the rear diff, but it’s not really hurting anything at the moment. As mentioned in the video, being smooth with the inputs really helps. The suspension needs work for sure. My dampers are set up extremely stiff and my goal for the next month or two is to get the suspension dialed while maintaining ideal fitment. I’m also throwing on a set of track pads next month. As for the steering, it isn’t all that great on-center. Loaded up mid-corner is where this rack really shines. I’m not sure if that’s just my car or all E46s. I’ve driven a couple of E9Xs and their on-center feel is amazing. Thanks for the review, Fenton! I’ll shoot you a text when the car is fully sorted and closer to my vision for a complete build.

Can't stop watching the loose C pillar trim bouncing around. There is a reason the E46 M3 has been a trackday favorite for over 2 decades now.

As an owner of an e46 M3, I am thrilled that you ended up choosing a 20+ year old car over a fully capable, brand new sports car! Great video and review.

I think you're exactly right in your opinion. The BRZ is a phenomenal car. The fact that in 2022 we have a affordable, quick, light, tossable, RWD coupe that can still be daily driven is something that's not to be taken for granted. However, going back and driving the high revving motorsport derived NA engines of the past and you realize the critical flaw in the BRZ -- the engine just not being very exciting. That isn't the fault of Subaru and it's just a victim of the times, but how I wish we could have a S54 in a BRZ with a warranty.

Enjoyed the video thanks. My only criticism, is that you are not really comparing a 2022 BRZ with a 2004 E46 M3 at all. You are comparing an almost brand new BRZ which has been significantly modified to handle much better than it did when it left the factory, against a 20 year old car which has also had significant modifications to try and make it feel like a much newer car. Any car can be the fastest most amazing handling car with enough money spent on it. What would have been a true comparison, would be to take a completely standard BRZ, and compare it to a standard but well maintained, low mileage E46 M3. Only then would you get a true comparison.

Always loved ur comparisons and reviews. Been watching since the beginning. Ur channel back then. Should have gotten a lot more recognition. U do a great job explaining everything to real drivers. That truly understand what ur saying. I appreciate ur vids keep doing ur thing! And having E46 ownership since 2003. And I’ll never sell. One of my favorite cars ever and an M5.

I had an e46 m3 and all your points are right on with what I was thinking. I loved the car but it ended up being one of those don’t meet your hero situations.

A mint, no excuse C5 Z06 would be my 30-35K choice.

As someone who owns an E46 M3 and has had it since 2010, and someone who has rented a BRZ to drive in Hakone, Japan. They're very similar feeling cars and they both have their pluses and minuses. The BRZ feels more solid in the canyons, and the BMW feels more solid on expressways and smooth flowing country roads. Both are excellent cars.

The z4m is even better. You gotta do a bit of work to realize the e46 potential

I’ve always loved the E46 but your track prepped video convinced me to sell the E90 and move into one of these. The E90 is amazing but, to me, the E46 better represents what a BMW should be. Great video.

Love the new vs used comparisons. I voted with my own wallet in the segment very recently and picked up a 987 Boxster. I don’t think there is a new car anywhere near the price point of a used Boxster that I would enjoy nearly as much. The BRZ/86 or Miata would be the closest, but I’m happy with my choice. As a 4th car, it doesn’t have to be super practical, and it is nowhere near the fastest, but it’s easily the most fun to drive.

keep up the comparisons! Great content as always. I am placing an order for a 23 'BRZ 6mt largely because of you and TheTopher

So basically this e46 is semi-broken and you chose it for comparison :(

It's amazing to think in today's world, the 46M is considered a "momentum car"! I get passed all day on the straights at Laguna by RS3's, M2's, and even modded Evo's and STI's, but who cares! The E46 still possesses enough analog feel blended with just enough modern tech that makes it arguably the greatest M car ever. The legendary S54 engine is just icing on the cake. I almost sold mine when I picked up an R8, but I'm so glad I didn't! It's staying in my stable forever!

Video got a like for the right choice at the end... from a fellow E46 M3 owner 🤣. I might see you at the track one of these days, I'm also in norcal. Cheers!

I went from an E46 M3 to a GR86. I agree with you on all points in the video, 86/BRZ definitely feels lighter and sharper but that S54 is magic. I will say though the M3 always felt to me like a sporty luxury car rather than a true sports car, which makes sense given its 3 series underpinnings. At the end of the day though my main reason for switching was maintenance costs lol, the E46 M3 gets very expensive to keep on the road, everything is literally double the cost or more on the M3 than on the 86

E46 is an appreciated asset as well, but it certainly won’t be trouble free.

Man you are in my head. I have a GR86 and I’ve very recently been considering buying an E46 too. Haha perfect vid and perfect timing!

Would love to see a BRZ with a small-turbo Honda K24 hybrid swap up front. That would elevate the 86's driving experience up above the M3 for my money.

My dad got a 6 speed manual BMW e46 M3 for $8000 in 2016 with 125,000 miles on it. It was a salvage title but the frame was fine and the rear subframe was reinforced. Talk about a steal! And I just got a 5 speed 330i for $1200 with 125,000 on it. If you know how to work on these cars and you don’t need it to be your daily, you can find some deals out there. People are scared to maintain them but it’s so easy

Damn these two are my dream cars. Except I want the GR86 instead of the BRZ.

As a first gen86 owner, the chassis is so capable. I put an Edelbrock on top of it. I thought the chassis would be overwhelmed, but it's amazing!

Great review and video. I came from a '15 BRZ and currently own an '02 M3. Your comparison was spot on from what I remember of my BRZ!

BRZ/GR86 any day of the week. Especially if you need a single car to do it all.

That clunking is usually the subframe tearing out of the unibody frame rails in the rear my e46 was really bad i ended uo getting rid of it. Its a common thing in e46s companies make reinforcement kits but its alot of work or money to pay someone to do it. I can say i have no regrets selling mine and now i have a 180sx with an sr20 black top and i am pleased with it on the street and the track.

Two amazing driver's cars! I've tracked my friend's S/C e46 M3 and the handling balance instantly reminded me of the 86. Playful yet super friendly. I told myself I'd take it easy with his car, but after a few laps I found myself pitching it into corners and countersteering on exit. So easy to get sucked into driving it hard. My gripes were the stock seats (way too slippery for track), slow steering and the vague shifter feel. It's a hard choice between the two, but I'd take E46M3 if doing more street driving and BRZ if doing more canyons/track use. Can't go wrong either way though.

I love that you always have the most unique comparisons.

BRZ videos are the best!!!

I love 86 comparisons

I would love to see a comparaison between the BRZ and Elantra N from you.

That clunking is the rear subframe. I’m sure someone has commented about this since all of us e46 lovers know about this. Hopefully your friend has gotten this fixed. You should always check this before doing anything else to the car.

"If clothes make the man then the engine definitely makes the car." This comparison really highlights something that is being more and more recognized lately as cars from these eras past become so desirable. A great chassis makes a great car and a great engine makes a legend. The S54 really punches high to be able to elevate a pretty heavy though capable car to something that leaves a lasting impression. The BRZ is hitting almost every box. It's modern, it's super rigid and super light, it's in the fun zone of wheelbase lengths, it's even NA. I'm curious if it really is just sound that's it's missing or if the drama of the S54 or a F20C comes from just that slight edge of boundaries being pushed. I think that if someone make an intake that took the FA24's induction noise up a couple notches, it would go a long way. Anyway, thanks for the video!

Review the new 230i vs the BRZ! I’m seriously considering the 230i instead of the GR/BRZ.

Great video! Can’t wait for that GT4 video!

I would like them both, my pick M3 if long distance driving is a reality along with adverse weather. German cars seem to cut through downpours with ease and even through surprise standing water at midnight while traveling 90 plus. On long drives the BMW is less fatiguing. I used to carry spare parts and followed all PMs, ex If i remember correctly 75k radiator and water pump changes, etc. However the BRZ is a great modern car that a person can obtain brand new.

That on center issue is the guibo. Swap it for poly and it's night and day !💪

I drive a BMW Z4 M Coupe and there's no way that BRZ could keep up in a straight line or in the corners ,That BRZ is a performance car on a budget. You seem to have a lot more fun driving the BMW M3 then you did the BRZ.

Which one would you rather own and maintain, driving dynamics not considered? E46 can be a nightmare from maintenance/unscheduled-repair standpoint.

they're the same price to buy, but the cost to own is much lower on the newer car

Thanks for posting this. Ive had the exact same question

The biggest caveat of the e46 m3 is that (on top of the purchase price) you should be ready to spend another 10k or so to bring it back to life. Whereas the BRZ will most likely be worry free out the box. But if you are willing to spend the extra money to renew the e46m3, it rewards you.

Good vid, man. Keep up the good work.

Yup, clunking has to be my most improvement priority on the list currently, whatever is different from new is what i gotta figure out? Differential bearings?Thats what i want, the new feel. The steering is the steering coupler, my 330 needed it but my M3 doesnt, so yeah your test vehicle is sloppy. The weird rubber shifting? Yeah not my fave but worth having one lol. I was debating on selling mine but ran across this video. I think I'll keep it a lil longer. Theres a favorite 1/16th of a mile here on the way home from work that has a 90 then a 45 then a hairpin. My favorite time to test the vehicle. Good vid 👍

@zygrene would you be able to review or compare a street / lightly track prepped s550 GT Mustang to the BRZ? Unusual comparison but it is one of the cars on my short list, GR86 is at the top. I need a car with a back seat, so the Mustang is one ive also considered. thank you

Thanks for the comparison. For a track car, BRZ or a C5 Z06?

For $30K-$35K, there are plenty of options. S2000, Corolla GR-Four, 370Z, Camero SS, Mustang GT, STi, Z06, Exige, SLK55, and the list goes on.

e82 spanks the e46m3 for almost half the money. I have an n55 e82 with a hybrid tubro, fbo and e40 tune with sts XTA's, I'll be in the bay in 2023 if you have interest in a drive.

To me it seems like the car needs alot of bushing upgrades.

I wish I had a canyon like this that wasnt two hours away.

How much heavier is the M3's steering than the BRZ?

There was a saying I heard once: if you can’t afford a new BMW or Audi, you can’t afford a used one.

Thanks, I enjoy the comparison as well.

What kind of upgrades have you done to your biz?

That S54 is indeed glorious!

I'd love to see a comparison to the BMW Z3 M Roadster/Coupe - specifically the S52. I had one and stupidly sold it but I ended up missing it so much I got a BRZ!

9/10 times the clunk is coming from the chassis structural floor specifically the contact points where the rear subframe cradle bolts to the chassis. Yes the car shears its self apart.

Do an e36 m3! A well kept street car though, not the track prepped one you compared the rx8 and S2k to.

Hi mate, may I know what pads and coilover you installed on your BRZ

The E46 M3 is not for someone living paycheck to paycheck, the BRZ you can get on payments with warranty.

That m3 needs minor tweaks for sure. Headers for one if not already installed. C pillar, headlight trim, etc. That bucking, I had to replace my driveshaft to get rid of that.

So….. E46 M3 manual from factory 130k miles $23k VS Z4M convertible manual 32k miles $33k VS Brand new GR86 / BRZ $31k What’s your pick 😂

Don't forget you have to reinforce the rear subframe in your E46 m3 if they haven't done it yet ,and that's a big issue for the E46 m3 , and btw I'm not so sure but I think I raced you on 405 north Fwy near century Blvd like a 2 months ago ,not so sure it was you butt I raced a BZR in my E46 😂

The 2022 BRZ is the better sports car, but that doesn't really say or mean much, given the fact that the E46 M3 is not a sports car (that's the Z4m ). But I would personally rather daily drive the M3, as imo it's more of an all rounder. A really good comparison to your 2022 BRZ, would be with a new Z4 Sdrive 30i with the 2 litre turbo engine.

Just curious how the car rigidity between this 2 cars? Are the new jdm car can get close rigidity compare with 20 years old German cars?

Horrible example of e46 m3

Is that Mines Road? If so, one of top "canyon carving" roads...

Love the videos. Have you had any issues with the rtv silicone in the engine and oil yet?

Do a s54 z4mcoupe vs supra

These cars aren’t even close. The BRZ is a disappointment as the S2000 is/was a much more series and better car and engine (in fact the S2K had better engine, shifting, steering and suspension and chassis, maybe the brakes one could argue either way) and that is a car design of 22+ years ago. The E46 M3 is a step above an S2K, The weight is done with driver and fluids and 90% full tank, so it isn’t as heavy as the numbers tell you. The engine is a master piece, the piston speeds are insane on this engine (long stroke) and the ITBs are a rare item and show how serious BMW was about extracting every last ounce of HP out of the car. The BRZ is a detuned kids car by comparison. It’s cute, but until it gains another 100HP, no one will take it seriously. The downsides of the M? Vanos failure, sub frame cracks and SMG pump (I never considered an SMG anyway). Oh, and yes, the shifting isn’t as precise or bolt action feel as some of the best shifters out there, but it’s not horrible.

7:32 that clunk means the owner need new subframe bushings

Hey what's that phone mount that you have if you don't mind?

Does this mean you're selling the brz for an e46 m3?

How can you even compare a subaru to the BMW E46 M3?

M3 ALL DAY Even 20 years later M3’s S54 great for what it is

Is that suspension weirdness typical with m3’s or something that can be fixed?

228i/230i vs brz! Chip tuned to 320hp stage 1

A modified 330i would be better then both and cheaper especially after dealer markups and BMW Tax on the used market

I would like to see m2 competition

Love your video! What is your wheel and tires setup for the brz?

all things equal it's probably better of course. but this isn't equal, and that is what makes this comparison interesting. I think the BRZ wins this, all things as they are. you have a warranty, zero emergency maintenance, and it's lighter

M cars from that era have the best engines. In my opinion anyways. A screaming straight six with individual throttle bodies? Yes please. I had the E36 M3 and I currently have the 2013 FRS but if I had to guess The new car is probably closer to the e 36.

That inline6 sound 🎉❤Can you do e36 vs e46 m3?

ahh gotta love the classic M clunk

“2-300lbs lighter” Sounds like you’d enjoy driving an S54 swap E36.

I have one (M3) and it’s effing fantastic!

E36 M3 is miles ahead of a brand new BRZ and those cars came out in 1995. Let alone an E46 M3. That new boxer engine comes from the factory about to blow up.😂

Great comparo!

Are you an owner who has some extra disposable income and the patience of a saint, or do you want a new Japanese sports car with reasonable cost of ownership and maintenance? The car should fit the type of owner you are. I don't have the patience anymore (currently dealing with an old RSX), so I would choose the BRZ, if all things were equal.

That bmw is way lightweight compared to modern bmw and any sports coupe or sedan

This guy needs a Miata or lotus. Low power, lightweight. For most of us power and comfort are important too and bmw is the better all around package.

Got to disable that fake engine noise. Sounds so much better without it.

How much faster is the m3 in a straight line?

NA Miata my Fav :)

Value wise, the E46M3 will only go up in the years to come. The BRZ will only depreciate as a new car would.

Next you will compare your mom with your wife . Don't worry one is almost 20years older .

Reliability I’m going with Subaru.

There is no comparison really.

Japanese > German All day. Every day. $30k for that BMW will cost another $5k minimum for every year its on the road. Meanwhile the subaru will need gas and oil.

I love my e46 M3.