http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Featu...photopanel..1.*

 

The E46 M3 is an amazing car. The E46 M3CSL is and astounding car. The m3 with the competition package really isn't that much better than the "base" M3. It takes a very skilled driver to see the differences in the form of faster lap times. Not to mention it doesn't have cruise control (but hey, paying more for less works for lotus, porsche, etc).

This new m3 however should be more on par with the e39 m5's performance (but with better gas mileage!). I'm looking foward to spending some time in a friend's when he gets his. If it lives up to the hype, that'll be sweet.

As for the best M3 ever, they haven't spent nearly enough time in, on, or around an E30 (late 80's, early early 90's) M3. That is a fantastical car.

 

Nice write-up. Count me in the camp that goes "eh" when BMW announced the V8. I've owned a couple of high output V8's and I still think the I6 is something special. So smooth and its own unique roar. I know, get over it and give the new M3 a try, right?

 

Sure seems like a slow zero to 60 time...5.5 secs?

Anyway, as an S2K-to-M3 owner, I have to say I'm lucky to have driven two awesome cars with fantastic engines.

 

I was thinking the same thing. The US spec E36 M3 could do that. Car & Driver got the following #'s from the '03 E46 M3(non-Comp package obviously): 0-60 MPH - 4.8 seconds, 1/4 Mile - 13.1@105 MPH. I'm not a fan of the Comp Package look. It actually looks like it raised the ride height of the M3.

 

IIRC, all M3's from 2005 on received a revised suspension supposedly reducing understeer but resulting in increased body roll. That may be where the raised appearance is coming from.

 

I know the E46 M is an amazing car, but if I had to pick I think I would still elect the E30 as the Icon of all M3's. There are a lot of us out here who think the bigger/heavier/costlier M3s are moving themselves away from the original concept by just too much.

My close friends running Targa Newfoundland

 

E30 M

 

I love the E46 M3, but I went ahead and bought a 2007 S2000 instead..

 

^ Wise man!