This channel is getting better and better, always looking forward to new videos! Oh, and the E46 M3 is irreplaceable :D

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 KZfaq auto journalism. Personable, informative, humorous and clever. All the while, not overly slick and commercialized. Brilliant! Thank you sir.👍😉

MITS U BISHI

youre forgetting one thing: beauty. the e46 m3 is beauuuuutiful.

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.

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

Nothing will ever replace the E46 M3

A really enjoyable and brutally honest viewpoint. Thanks.

I like your channel. Yesterday I saw the lotus video and today this, so I have decided. I'm subscribing!! Keep making videos mate :)

10:51 accidentally drives on 'wrong' side of the road in Germany xD

Really good video! Great comparisons and fair review of the M2.

Really enjoyable video. Thanks👍

The M2,s subframe doesn't fall apart neither !

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.

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)

Can you try a 335i/340i next? Excellent review as always

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.

great video! I think you pissed off all the Getrag geared old BMW guys though, haha

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.

Nah, the e46 M3 is the best M3 there will ever be. Period!

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 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

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!

Boring body lines e46 m3 all the way they look so much more aggressive

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

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

another quality review James, very informative & watchable. Cheers!

What are you talking about? Nice to see you on the right side of the road 😂

I agree with you about the M2 sounding better than the current M3/M4. M2 is good performance use car value imo.

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 KZfaq. 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.

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.

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.

Those wheels are wank

...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....

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 :(

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.

The more I learn of E46 M3s, especially from owners, I think 'why put myself through that stress'

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

E46 M3 has a bad manual transmission? It’s a fantastic transmission, very similar to the M2s just more mechanical.

E46 M3 H N R full suspension set up is the ruler of The Mpire 🏆😎 I am describing my car 😂

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!

M3 E46 anyday!!!

Hi Jay, understood in the past you had a Z4M Coupe, would love to see it reviewed ! Keep up the good work !

Bmw m2 drives like thrash

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.

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!)

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 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

E46 M3 was way more expensive than current M2.

Great review am very close to buying one with 6MT

Another great video :) Certainly sounds a lot louder than my M235i

I always wanted the Mitsubishi rally art jacket from the Tommi Makinen days..

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

BMW M3 33% more expensive in Australia than England.

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!!!

........ 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?

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.

Maybe in Europe that works, but in the US a 20k great condition e46 is a way better deal than a 60k base M2

He lost me when he said.. "Its time to move on" not cool dude...

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.

Please try and review a Lexus RC200t. NB if you ever come to Glasgow, you can have a go in my GT86

Awesome video!

Love the channel mate.

Most irritating thing is that jacket! Second is the smee150 impressions

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.

couldn't agree more!

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.

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

"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!!

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

E46 M3 for life.. I prefer that instead of this plus you can customize your ride with great goodies.

the e46 M3 will never be replaced. unless BMW would start production again

Would you take an M2 or e46 M3 on this road? kzfaq.info/get/bejne/hdyBeMuTnavRmpc.html Which is the better Sunday B road car?

BMW M2 in Australia appears to be about 6% more than German price.

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.

10:45 - that's what is known as a Jay-Turn :)

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.

How about a car that is arguably better than both the E46 M3 and the M2. The 1M??

You didn't mention that while the official designation is a N55 engine, it is a highly modified N55. Dry sump lubrication, and several S55 parts inside to handle hard driving and track days, so its essentially a single turbo S55 engine, albeit with one less turbo, but a larger turbo.

I am going to see if my car wants to throw me into a tree or two.

Appreciating Apples and Depreciating Oranges...Stop schilling for Munich.

BMW M2 17% more expensive in Australia than England.

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.

i dont like these wheels

Wow this man didn't even show the dash head-on even once!

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.

The steering wheel on the left side is the right side

Auto rev match is an absolute deal killer.

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.

Damn, that is one tasty looking BMW. I also agree with you, the rims are really fitting very nicely.

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

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.

its not the wrong side its the correct side of the car , RHD is wrong.

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

Mercedes interiors are not that nice.

Fun fact, the same engine of the bmw 235i

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.

THOSE WHEELS ARE DROP DEAD AWFUL !

Closer to the 1M than the E46 M3 but I can see the comparison. I love the smaller BMW cars compared to the bloated whales the New M4/M3 is.