Now in its fourth generation, the M3 Coupe once again sets the performance benchmark for its class. After a one-year absence, the M3 returns with a completely new look inside and out and, for the first time ever in a production car, a 414-hp V-8.
Produced in the same Landshut factory as the BMW Formula One engine, the M3’s all-aluminum 4.0-liter V-8 produces 414 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of peak torque. This engine has a truly remarkable 8,400-RPM redline.
All of this power is translated into forward thrust by a 6-speed manual via the variable M differential lock. Rear-wheel-drive, as well as the powertrain concept, is an integral part of M’s product philosophy and was chosen for its distinct handling and performance advantages.
i like older bmw better. e36 was a little on heavy side, e30 m3 is best drivers m ever, and the e21 3 series is one of the better “base” drivers. the 03 m3 pat had i thought was a piece of shit. interior was chincy, not a real nice fit and finish. engine was ok, but not all that.
mercedes, now thats different. im on the benz band wagon. fit and finish is still top notch.
I disagree, I dont work on them… nor do I care how hard it is to work on them, but the older benz are ugly and slow, the new 65AMG’s are fucking pimp and with 739lb of torque, you really cant say they are going downhill.
i’ll give you that, the new benz have more quirks than older ones did. but compare them to all new german cars, and imo they shine above. interior is still a mb interior, not cheap plastic-y feeling.
old benz is where it is at though. for what they were back in the day, the cars rode and quality were way above par.
The new M3 is trash. Way too heavy, no torque. And I’ll be surprised if that motor proves reliable. I was reading that the piston speeds (in feet/minute, I’m not talking pure rpm) approach those of F1 cars. And if it’s anything like the last gen it’ll be plagued by stupid problems, so much so that it ruins the ownership experience. I have a few buddies that have had E46 M3s and all but one got rid of it because they were tired of it always being f-ed up (that and they weren’t waiting around for the rear subframe to tear out). The one that still has his just is a BWM junky and is willing to put up with the BS.
E36s were the last //M3s worth having. They’re still light, and very direct. Power isn’t too bad given their weight and the balance is amazing. They are one of those “if I had to have only one car” type of cars. You can DD it in class/luxury and track day the piss out of it. The E36 was pretty reliable too. Sure, you can consider the cooling system a disposable part (rad, water pump, the whole thing) that needs changed every ~60k or so but the parts are cheap. Fuel pumps go, and the rear lower control arm bushings and shock mounts go. But all well known/documented cheap fixes. On the E46 doors stop opening, it won’t start if it’s too hot outside, and all sorts of other random weirdness. Oh, the front fascias never stay aligned as well.
I think Merc has it right, going with some very American cubes! Though I’d still prefer a 55 or 65 AMG motor (SC’ed V8 and TT’ed V12 respectively) to the new 63 AMGs (NA V8s). Not really sure why Merc went away from boost.
I was referring to the overall quality with the downhill comment. I do agree overall the new AMG’s are badass performance wise-- they’re just not my type of car, but that’s irrelevant in this particular discussion.
There were some badass Mercedes in the 60’s, 70’s & 80’s. There was a V8 Mercedes in the 60’s that hauled ass-- I’ll have to look it up. AMG Hammer in the 80’s, etc.
