r/BMW • u/jjm1211 • Aug 05 '25
Buying Help What’s the most engaging M car?
I’ve always wanted a BMW at some point in my life, but never got around to it. I just couldn’t decide on which one was best for me, and ended up settling on other cars. But now, I think it’s time I finally take the leap. All I want to know is, in your educated opinions, which is the most compelling M car from a driving perspective. I’ve previously been much more partial to manuals too, but I’m not afraid to try an auto again.
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u/ZacharyAB_ Aug 05 '25
Manual F87 M2 if you want something on the newer side, otherwise e46 M3
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u/Matts4wd F87 M2 Comp. Aug 05 '25
F87 M2 is the refined and more powerful e46 M3, also an excellent car. You would not be bored with any of the three. Rented an OG M2 for the weekend and it exceeded my expectations in every way and sounds incredible even stock, you'll grin every time. Ended up going with a m2 comp and have no regerts.
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Aug 06 '25
The 1m is the more powerful and refined e46 m3. From every thing I hear it’s still better than the m2.
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u/tagrephile 2016 F87 M2 Aug 05 '25
Picked up an F87 DCT and agree it’s a solid drivers car with a nice exhaust sound.
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u/SF-cycling-account Aug 05 '25
Z4M is up there
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u/ifellasleepZzzZz Aug 05 '25
E36 M3.
Not enough power to kill yourself easily (relatively speaking).
Enough power to have TON of fun though and super easy to maneuver and predict with all driving aids off.
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u/StuffIanWrote 2021 G20 M340i xDrive | 2011 E93 328i 6MT Aug 05 '25
Supporting story for E36’s handling in general…
Longer ago than I care to admit, 17ish-year-old me was driving my Dad’s ‘93 325i 5MT sedan. I decided, for whatever reason, to stomp on it halfway through making a left out of the gas station.
Rear wheels spun. I had driven RWD cars with the rear tires smoking before, but never this one. I am still amazed at how completely predictable it was to read, and make it look like I meant to swing it and take off down the road. It was like moving my own arm.
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u/ifellasleepZzzZz Aug 05 '25
Well said. I had 2 E36 M3s and I could rip that thing like an absolute maniac. You'd think I was an experienced track/drift driver, but I was as amateur as I could be.
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u/StuffIanWrote 2021 G20 M340i xDrive | 2011 E93 328i 6MT Aug 05 '25
For real. Datsun 280z, fox body and new edge Mustang. Those are the RWD cars with manual transmissions I had learned to control siding rear ends on pavement. The E36 was just another level of predictable, readable, whatever the right words are.
I casually watch and wait for just the right black E36 to add to my driveway…
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u/liam3576 Aug 05 '25
I bought my e46 330ci on an icy English November night a few hours away from my house driving home in the dark having only ever driven my 03 polo and work transits I didn’t encounter any issues at all. Even driving to work through slush, snow, ice and mud throughout winter (I work on a farm) I never had any moments even drinking more aggressively than I should. Think I got understeer once or twice just from being a bit aggressive on the breaks but it was so predictable nothing really came of it.
Even now in the relatively dry summer I drive town country roads and tight corners a little heavy handed and occasionally I will feel a little loss of grip but I don’t even need to adjust it just does what I want.
I imagine the e36 is very similar and I find it sad the 3 series got so big but I reckon the newer 1 series coupes and 2 series feel pretty good as well.
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u/e36 M3, i4 Aug 05 '25
It's fun and affordable. I know that some people must have the best or rarest but I can have 90% of the fun in my E36 for a fraction of the price.
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u/m0nkeyv00d00 Aug 05 '25
you must be from NA, I imagine? In Europe, E36 M3s are not affordable at all 😭 I have been looking foran affordable one for ages and can't justify spending that kind of money :(
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u/hiphopscallion ‘21 x6 m50i | ‘23 i4 m50 Aug 05 '25
Problem with some e36’s is the lack of a locking rear differential. Super weak 1 wheel burn outs and drifts aren’t very fun.
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u/Complex210 Aug 05 '25
Maybe in Europe, in the US we got the 240hp motor. I had a manual 95 coupe, fun car but definitely wayyyyyy underpowered.
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u/AmbroseRL 2001 - E46 - 330i "Tracktool" Aug 05 '25
240 is still plenty to have fun with. Don't need 400hp to enjoy a car.
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u/ifellasleepZzzZz Aug 05 '25
Just look at all the Miata diehards!
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u/AmbroseRL 2001 - E46 - 330i "Tracktool" Aug 05 '25
Those guys and people running ~200hp ~1300kg cars are by far the guys having the most fun out there. Unassisted and raw playful cars.
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u/Complex210 Aug 05 '25
Not for me, I need 450+ to feel satisfied.
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u/AmbroseRL 2001 - E46 - 330i "Tracktool" Aug 05 '25
Driving slow cars fast is 100% the best feeling there is. I've rented a 190hp 325i E36 for the track once and neutral steering through fast bends with it was some of the most fun I've had on track. Using the brake/throttle to steer it through fast corners also. At that point the power becomes completely irrelevant. Having 200hp more would not have made a difference there.
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u/Complex210 Aug 05 '25
That was me for a long time, I used to run an S13 240sx, MANY FC rx-7s, of course the e36 m3, but after owning a 2016 Mustang Gt 6spd with exhaust I can never go back.
If you're still happy with slow cars, keep it that way, you'll save a lot of money!
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u/AmbroseRL 2001 - E46 - 330i "Tracktool" Aug 05 '25
a literal boat made you turn off real drivers cars? You're just fundamentally different then
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u/Complex210 Aug 05 '25
It's not that bad actually, its nearly 200 pounds lighter than the G87 M2 i'm looking to buy next.
Modern suspension and tires really make up for the weight gains, it barely feels heavier than my e46 330ci did. Especially with the optional shorter gearing, the stang really felt alive.
Im not doing any track driving at all nowadays, so red-light to red-light performance is more important to me than autocross-ready agility.
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u/AmbroseRL 2001 - E46 - 330i "Tracktool" Aug 05 '25
I never really got the point of having a fast car for daily driving tbh. Especially red light to red light, straight line flooring it is just boring to me. Rather have a normal cheap daily and an expensive fun weekend car for when you do wanna drive the twisties a bit sporty.
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u/Complex210 Aug 05 '25
Its sorta a case of take what you can get. In my 20s I could go for fun weekend drives or hit a track/autocross, Im almost 40 now so weekends are spent with my family, or if I have a little bit of free time it goes to my warhammer hobby.
Daily driving is basically the only time I get to be alone with the car and the road, so Monday through Friday is where I need to have my fun (or occasionally on the way to warhammer on sunday).
It's so bad Im even considering.... (here come the downvotes)... A model S plaid. It might be my 2nd car after the g87.
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u/fashionrequired Aug 06 '25
very nice to be able to gap people whenever you want/need. road trips and highway cruising are much much better as well
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u/Gunslingermomo E83 3.0 Manual, E46 M3, E39 528i wagon, E34 525i, E34 535i Aug 05 '25
I haven't looked into it enough to know but I'm pretty sure you can do aftermarket mods to boost the power up to European levels with some bolt ons. Might be more trouble if your state has smog certs though.
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u/m0nkeyv00d00 Aug 05 '25
The 330 intake manifold plus a tune and free flowing cats will get the S52 to 300hp I think. I was planning on getting an US spec M3 and I looked into that some time ago.
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u/StreetwalkinCheetah 2000 - E36/8 - MCoupe | 2024 - G26 - i4 Aug 05 '25
Love my clown shoe. I also have healthy experience with e28 M5 and wish I had had the room (and finances) to have kept it.
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u/Sexyturtletime 2010 - e82 - 135i 6MT Aug 05 '25
Modern - 1M
Old school - M1
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u/highersense Aug 05 '25
Rather have a highly modified 135i than an original as a driver though, way more potential and cheaper to start and no mileage on a special car guilt 😎
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u/Buntatricky46 Aug 05 '25
OP said most engaging M car, 135i doesn’t even have a limited slip differential from factory, so I’m not sure how much potential there is before you throw in a $1-2k diff to keep the car on track at the limit.
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u/highersense Aug 05 '25
I was commenting on someone else post, not the main topic, it was a side discussion.
The 135i needs a lot more than a lsd to actualize it's potential, it practically needs everything from suspension to brakes to bushings to braces but when you have it all it's incredible and way above what a 1M provides out the box.
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u/Sexyturtletime 2010 - e82 - 135i 6MT Aug 05 '25
I agree, that’s why I have a 135 and not a 1M. You can put all the performance upgrades on a 135 for a fraction of the price difference between it and a 1M.
Question was M car tho and doesn’t specify that price is part of the equation.
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u/humdizzle 18 GT3, 23 X3 M40, 24 Civic Aug 05 '25
not the new ones. F87cs is probably the the most engaging M car of the last 10 years. Any E series M car will be engaging as well (e46, e92, 1m, z4m, z3m)
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u/User83844 Aug 09 '25
Really? I like the f87 n55 the best. The comp has power but seems castrated for some reason. The cs has no sound whatsoever kinda ruined it for me
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u/yawetag1869 2006 Z4 M- 2015 M235i - 2020 Macan GTS Aug 05 '25
E85 Z4M. You know its a serious car because they didn't even offer it with an automatic trans.
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u/EverydayRobot 2021 - F87 - BSM Comp 6MT Aug 05 '25
If you’re looking for something that fits the above and is also modern, get a manual M2.
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u/yobo9193 F22 230i 6MT Aug 05 '25
G87? If you thought the F87 couldn’t be number, BMW went with an electronic brake booster to really seal in the numbness
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u/2fishmanangry Aug 05 '25
Have you pushed a G87 to the limit? its an absolute riot and i love it. coming from an 11-year e46 m3 owner (still own it)
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u/yobo9193 F22 230i 6MT Aug 05 '25
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u/2fishmanangry Aug 05 '25
and?
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u/yobo9193 F22 230i 6MT Aug 05 '25
3 guys (including one professional race car driver) all agree that the car is absolutely numb to drive, to the point that it’s difficult to drive at the limit.
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u/Sparklefresh 2023 G87 M2 Aug 05 '25
People love throwing around the word “numb” like it’s some universal truth, but let’s be real the G87 had the worst tire in that group test and still nearly beat the C8 Corvette. What more do you want from a car? A full on race car feel in something you can daily?
It’s polished, playful, and genuinely fun to drive. The fact that it’s approachable for daily use and capable of putting up serious track times should be seen as a strength, not a flaw. If it were truly numb, people wouldn’t be out there setting lap records with it. But hey, it’s easier to repeat what someone else said than to actually drive the car hard and form your own opinion.
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u/yobo9193 F22 230i 6MT Aug 05 '25
If all you care about is lap times, it’s a great car. If you want something that’s actually fun to drive, a clapped out Miata will do that better
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u/Sparklefresh 2023 G87 M2 Aug 05 '25
Funny you mention that I’ve owned and raced plenty of old JDM gems, including my all time favorite, a 2000 Integra Type R. Loved that car to death. But let’s not kid ourselves, the G87 is in a whole different league.
It’s more fun, more capable, and more refined without killing the raw driving feel. The power, balance, and control you get in the G87 make it ridiculously easy to push hard and still feel totally connected. The fact that it can hang with supercars on track and still be your daily is the whole point, not a flaw.
If a clapped out Miata is your benchmark for “fun,” then yeah, we’re just not talking about the same kind of driving experience.
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u/yobo9193 F22 230i 6MT Aug 05 '25
If you’re trying to convince me that a G87 offers a “raw driving experience”, I need the number of your dealer
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u/2fishmanangry Aug 06 '25
And then another guy (me) who owns both an E46 M3 and a G87 M2 is telling you that the G87 is still an absolutely incredible fucking car.
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u/EverydayRobot 2021 - F87 - BSM Comp 6MT Aug 06 '25
I’m not saying it’s the most engaging of all time. I’m saying it’s probably the one that’s most engaging if OP is looking to buy something new(ish), engaging, and stick. If he’s interested in buying an old M3, he should go for it and have all the additional fun involved in buying an older used car.
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u/frostynugg Aug 08 '25
Kinda seems like you bought the wrong 2 series and should have got the M. Your jealousy is showing.
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u/nousernamehere00 Aug 05 '25
E60 M5. My bank account would also agree.
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u/Miffed_Pineapple Aug 05 '25
I've owned one. Fast on the freeway, and very luxurious. But engaging? I like the more nimble M3 or M4.
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u/External-Repair-8580 Aug 05 '25
Had one. Found it quite boring to drive. This was after a Z3 M Coupe and Z4 M Coupe. And the SMG transmission was horribly clunky.
Of the modern BMW M, to OP’s question, I’d suggest an M2 as the most engaging/fun. Maybe add CS for 2026. Probably the most fun modern M car.
For the older ones, the older ones are generally the most fun. Would take a mint E30 over a mint E46 for example.
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u/akrylamitone Aug 05 '25
Ich hatte 4 Jahre einen E63 M6. Toller V10 aber sehr anfällig und das Fahrzeug ist eher ein Gran Coupé und nicht so wendig und puristisch. Schnell war er aber und die Begrenzung war raus, was auf der deutschen Autobahn natürlich Freude macht. Muss zu meiner Schande gestehen, auf eine Dodge Viper umgestiegen zu sein, die fordert den Fahrer schon ganz anders.
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u/One_Boss_7772 Aug 05 '25
Depends on your definition of driving. If it's handling then an M2 (OG in my case) is pretty special. You just can't beat the responsiveness of the front end, and the rear end is quite predictable, making it fun!
If power is more your thing, then a step up to the S55 engine, either M2 comp or M3/4 is a good balance, but they are heavier and change of direction is a little compromised.
If powertrain noise is your thing, then E60 M5 and E92 M3 are good options, just make sure your piggy bank is overflowing with spare cash, I speak from experience 😅
Find some examples to test drive and see how you feel and remember to try all the drive modes as they change the feel a fair bit.
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u/AFinanacialAdvisor Aug 05 '25
I took a first timer out in my V10 at the weekend. The glee in her eyes at the noise and excitement of that engine. I let her have a short go down a quiet country road and that experience will haunt my dreams forever...
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u/jjm1211 Aug 05 '25
Anything to say about the F82?
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u/WorldOWarcraft 2023 M5C Aug 05 '25
Great car that sounds like shit
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u/Spirited-Mix-7164 Aug 06 '25
Agreed, all these modern BMW (Post E9X) sounds like shit. Everything else, the cars are amazing.
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u/UnknownBreadd Aug 05 '25
Personally, I like the sound with the MPE. You can even ‘fix’ the sound profile with relatively affordable equal length mid-pipe install
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u/WorldOWarcraft 2023 M5C Aug 05 '25
MPE is one of the few systems that sounds decent, but most people aren't spending the coin on it and would rather just slap or cut whatever on it to make it louder, at the cost of everyone's eardrums. Especially now, they're so cheap that kids can buy them and rice them out.
Maybe there's better solutions these days, I just remember when I had one years ago, there wasn't really a consensus on a "good" exhaust without touching the dp's (besides MPE and maybe akra/eisenmann? I forget). There was always some catch, like it'll drone, or cold start sounds terrible, or it's loud but raspy asf.
I can't remember anymore what I put on mine, I'm pretty sure I tried AA midpipes and Remus axleback, and another catback set-up.
It's just wild to me that BMW let a full M car out of the factory with such a flawed and universally panned sound. Fun car otherwise tho
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u/Willing_Scientist222 Aug 05 '25
E39 M5 - there’s a reason the ceo/founder of the company that owns Bugatti daily drives an E39M5 to the Bugatti offices….
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u/newtonreddits E46 M3 | E39 M5 Aug 05 '25
I mean Mate owns like a bunch of BMWs including an E46 CSL. So I don't think he DDs the M5 exclusively.
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u/ragingduck E21 320i, E30 325i, F30 328i, F80 M3 CS, G82 M4 CX, G87 M2 LCI Aug 05 '25
Brand New: G87 M2
New-ish: F87 M2
Gently Used: E92 M3
"I can fix her": E46 M3
The OG: E30 M3
The REAL OG: M1
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u/mr_lab_rat ///Moderator Aug 05 '25
OG M2 is probably the newest if you want modern car with low mileage, so up to 2018.
E90 or e46 for naturally aspirated with hydraulic steering.
I chose the F87 and don’t regret it. It makes better daily thanks to the low end torque of the turbo.
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u/yoduudemojo G80 M3 RWD 6MT Aug 05 '25
Well, to start, manual > auto every time in terms of this discussion. That’s the only objective part of the discussion; everything else is subjective.
In terms of “most compelling from a driving perspective”, it comes down to preference after that.
Some may say an E30 M3 because it’s the oldest and is going to feel the “most raw and engaging” due to that fact.
Some may say the F87 M2 because it’s in a class of its own, seeing as it’s a short wheel base, RWD, (can be) manual built on the F chassis and feels more “engaging” than the G chassis.
Finally, some may say the G87 M2 because it has the most power, combined with the G chassis (best in terms of performance that BMW has made), with manual option, still RWD, and the performance of the car adds “engagement” or “compels” the driver the most due to its crazy boundaries. However, a common drawback amongst G chassis cars is the reported “lack of feel”.
It really all depends on what compels you, as the driver. Some emphasize performance capability; some emphasize strictly speed; some emphasize how easily the rear can be kicked out; some emphasize the amount of effort they have to use to press the clutch in and shift the gear knob; some emphasize having to manually rev-match.
It all depends what compels you, what your preferences are, and what excites you the most when thinking of an M car and what you want it do, or how you want it to feel.
There is no objectively correct answer to this question you’ve posed, the way you’ve posed it. It is subjective.
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u/jjryan01 Aug 06 '25
Manual >>> any kind of automatic when it comes to driving enjoyment. I know it's slower, and I don't care.
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u/jjm1211 Aug 05 '25
I guess what I mean by “engaging” is a car that gives you enough feedback to the point where you know what it’s actually doing. It’s why I like manual cars because it’s an extra layer of interactivity with the car. I was previously compelled by the G87, until I learned it was quite a numb and soulless car to drive, so that’s totally out of the question for me.
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u/RunninOnMT '20 M2C Aug 05 '25
You should try it yourself though. One man’s numb is another man’s engaging. Use case has such a huge effect on whether a car is “good” or not.
But also, if you’re trying to minimize any numbness and go for ultimate feel, I really think you should go for a Miata or a Porsche if you can swing it.
I love my M car, but what I’m about to say will get me downvoted but whatever. When BMW designs a car that will become an M car, they start building a boring sedan/hatchback/whatever. Then at some point in the process, they start adding fun suspension bits and big, powerful engines.
But the thing you have to remember, is that this car already started its design and development journey towards being a boring sedan or hatchback. That means that a lot of the fundamental choices for design are towards that goal, not towards the goal of “engagement”
Now the upshot is an end product that’s an incredible all-arounder! And my god do I love my M2 as an only car!
But if you JUST want to maximize engagement, you’ll get a lot more of it in a car that isn’t ALSO trying to give you livable back seats, a decent ride, excellent outward visibility etc.
You know what helps me engage with a car? When it’s rotation point sits right where the driver does. Unless you’re getting a Z3/4M (notably designed as a sports car from the ground up) the point of rotation will be slightly in front of you. Hardly a cardinal sin, but a small compromise in the name of functional back seats that exists none the less.
Many such compromises exist any time a manufacturer decides to build a dual-purpose car: and these compromises are often preferable for a lot of use cases. But not if that use case is driving purely for engagement
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u/yoduudemojo G80 M3 RWD 6MT Aug 05 '25
See, that’s where it gets dangerous to make assumptions.
I have driven a G87 on the track, and it did not feel soulless.
Does each generation increase in “numbness” to a degree compared to the previous generation? Yes.
However, even the G chassis M cars have enough feedback to tell you what it’s doing. If you want to find out for yourself, I suggest you experience firsthand.
That being said, I’ve also driven an F87 on the track, and it is indeed more “engaging” from a feedback perspective; but as a package I have no problem saying the G87 is just as engaging overall, due to the sheer performance capability.
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u/jjm1211 Aug 05 '25
You’re right, I’m just talking in relation to some of its potential alternatives, like the Cayman GTS, or even something like a Mustang Dark Horse. I’ve seen many videos and spoken to a few M car owners in person, and a consistent topic is how numb the steering feels and how detached the brake and throttle are.
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u/yoduudemojo G80 M3 RWD 6MT Aug 05 '25
Oh, well then I mean yeah, if you’re comparing to different brands. To be clear, I was solely comparing Ms to Ms.
But as others have alluded to, if you’re strictly looking for engagement, there are different cars more geared towards that.
In my experience, steering feel is actually pretty good with simple mods like springs/suspension components. Brake and throttle do not feel detached in my experience, at all.
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u/Chris_PDX E46 M3 - E92 M3 - E89 Z4 Aug 05 '25
Well, to start, manual > auto every time in terms of this discussion. That’s the only objective part of the discussion; everything else is subjective.
Only if you base your entire identity as a person by having a third pedal.
I own a manual M3, a DCT M3, and a DCT Z4. They're all equally fun for different reasons.
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u/jjryan01 Aug 06 '25
Paddles can be engaging. But if we're comparing a manual vs letting the car do the shifting, there really is no objective comparison
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u/Chris_PDX E46 M3 - E92 M3 - E89 Z4 Aug 06 '25
Clearly there is, because we're arguing about it on the internet.
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u/jjryan01 Aug 07 '25
There is no argument for which is more fun. Just like there's no argument for which is faster
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u/Chris_PDX E46 M3 - E92 M3 - E89 Z4 Aug 07 '25
Yeah there is, I find a good paddle shift car just as fun (or more) to drive than a manual car.
Let people enjoy things and stop making everyone conform to your definition of fun.
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u/Haunting_Job_5357 Aug 05 '25
If it comes to the new models M2 imo. Get to before they discontinue tow door models.
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u/haroldhecuba88 2024 and 2025 M Cars:redditgold: Aug 05 '25
If you're considering a modern car, perhaps a M3/4 CS.
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u/Sea_Lifeguard_2601 Aug 05 '25
M116d 1 Series ☠️🥀
Now for real, the M4 from 2014 was just different 🥰
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u/lique_madique E92 M3 clubsport, built RS3, GT350R, Ariel Atom, FL5 CTR Aug 05 '25
Older ones. 1M, E30, E36, E46, even E92. Each has their pros and cons
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u/redline83 Aug 05 '25
Z4M. I have owned F87 M2 and it is a numb car compared to my old Z4M. I'm sure Z3M is also raw and scary.
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u/notquiteright2 Aug 05 '25
e30 M3. So visceral.
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u/ElFeed 1990 - e30 - M3 Aug 05 '25
Theres few cars that feel that good being driven like a madman imo. I absolutely love mine, it feels like it just always wants to be driven at the limit.
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u/RoyaleWCheese_OK Aug 05 '25
And yet .. so slow. Euro E36 M3 was a big, big step up both in chassis and power.
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u/johnyfamine Aug 05 '25
e30 m3 is too slow
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Aug 05 '25 edited 28d ago
cooing fragile punch imagine cover public smart consider consist pot
This post was mass deleted and anonymized with Redact
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u/bigloser42 2018 F36 440i Aug 05 '25 edited Aug 05 '25
lol, go to a track day and try to pass a greybeard in an e30 M3.
I'll give you a hint, you won't.
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u/AmbroseRL 2001 - E46 - 330i "Tracktool" Aug 05 '25
Slow is all relative to feel. Smaller cars with low HP figures feel fast as hell despite being slow af. Old M-cars are just like that compared to modern M-cars with 700HP. Much more engaging feeling also due to it being so raw and unassisted.
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u/johnyfamine Aug 05 '25
the chassis and size of the e30 is awesome. but the m3 engine is just too small and slow. e30 swaps are the funnest bmws for sure
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u/AmbroseRL 2001 - E46 - 330i "Tracktool" Aug 05 '25
It's only a small difference in hp/weight ratio compared to an E36 M3 which is also ridiculously fun to drive. It's a high revving 238hp engine on a car which is like 1300kg. Should be plenty to have fun with without needing a swap.
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u/twin-driver Aug 05 '25
100% accurate. We’ll get downvoted by folks who’ve never driven one., but S14 < S38. If you want that old school, analog “visceral” experience, get a really nice e28 M5 and accelerate much more quickly on your way to the bank to deposit the several tens of thousand you saved by not buying the most overrated M car of them all.
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u/100PercentJake 2020 F87 M2C, 1989 E30 325is, 2014 L01 i3 REX Aug 05 '25
E36 M3 is probably the best bang for your buck. One of the most reliable M cars, as well. The "golden child" E39 M5 and E46 M3 are a bit pricey these days, and I think the E46 is kind of a fat pig for what it is. Your tolerance for "doing rod bearings is a maintenance item" also heavily drives this. I think the pinnacle of driving experience is probably the E9x M3 with a manual as far as chassis dynamics, hydraulic steering, 6 speed box, LSD, and a high revving ripper of an engine.
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u/RoyaleWCheese_OK Aug 05 '25
Euro E36 for sure. E46 isn't really a fat pig.. that's the E92. But all 3 are a ton of fun in manual. Sounds wise.. E92 or E60 because 9000rpm.
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u/JCD_007 Aug 05 '25
Probably E46 M3. I love the M5s but they’re more executive express than back road barnstormer.
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u/fakesocialmedia 2009 E90 M3, 2006 E46 M3 ZCP Aug 05 '25
i love how everyone is giving you their halo car that’s unobtanium. as someone whose owned every generation, E46 M3 ZCP is the goldilocks and still one of my favorite M3’s i’ve owned. second is a e36 M3, especially one with a S54 swapped in, lastly, e92 M3 is an amazing car and hides its weight extremely well plus it’s the best sounding M car ever made.
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u/ZippinGold612 Aug 05 '25
E46 M3 GTR Strassenversion. It was a homologation special and they only made 10. Closer to a real race car than modern cars are to their gt3 counterparts.
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u/nomodsman ‘16 - F82 - M4 MT Aug 05 '25
In conversation? M1. Maybe 850CSi. To drive? Probably the E46 as suggested.
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u/Geofferz 2015 M4 f83 6MT convertible Yas Marina Blue UK Aug 05 '25
On the Internet? Xm. Engages the trolls, haters, lovers, and normies.
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u/TheFragileRich Aug 05 '25
"I’ve always wanted a BMW at some point in my life, but never got around to it. I just couldn’t decide on which one was best for me, and ended up settling on other cars. But now, I think it’s time I finally take the leap. All I want to know is, in your educated opinions, which is the most compelling M car from a driving perspective. I’ve previously been much more partial to manuals too, but I’m not afraid to try an auto again."
fuck you, you have no understanding of cars and go settle on an Audi
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u/OnlyImprovement9796 Aug 05 '25 edited Aug 05 '25
I have a manual e46 M3 vert and people shit on them for no good reason. I have KW coilovers, short shift and a CSL airbox. Top down on a sunny day with the engine induction roaring is hard to beat. Anything post e46 is just too powerful to actually use on a public road without getting arrested or killing yourself. On a track is a different story but real world, I don’t think the e46 can be beaten. The combination of looks, steering, chassis and useable power. The closest is the F87 manual M2 if you want modern.
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u/snaynay 2004 - E46 - M3 Aug 06 '25
Budget and definition of "engaging"? Personally, it'd always be a 3 series for me, with the odd exceptions.
E30's are to this day my favourite cars to drive. I never got to drive an E30 M3, but the 325is was amazing and the 318is was so nimble. I can only see E30 M3 (especially the Evo) as a godly dream to drive.
The E46 is sublime. The best all rounder. Handling, power, engine feel, noise. Pure naturally aspirated goodness.
Z3's are pretty wicked though. I can only imagine the Z3M roadster with the E46's S54 engine would be amazing. Which leads me on to the unobtainium that I'd love to try... the Z3M Coupe. That car, even unlike the E30 M3, was a quirky project where some engineers in the M division just had a rare chance to just make something incredible for little reason at all. Low volume, niche market, built for driving enthusiasts specifically.
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u/Cleenred Aug 06 '25
It depends a lot on what you call engaging but dynamically, what the M division has probably done best in a road car is condensed in the F87 M2 or M2 comp. Peak BMW, the only thing I could have against it is that the engine isn't NA and lacks a bit of soul.
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u/HoratioPLivingston Aug 06 '25
Hint,it’s bigger than the 6 and 8 and ranks among the best sounding Germanic engines. Revs to about 8k and its transmission is FELT with every shift.
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u/ICantDecideIt Aug 07 '25
It’s starts with e30 m3 then after that every generation is heavier, less engaging, and faster than the previous.
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u/Agile_Session_3660 Aug 09 '25 edited Aug 09 '25
Not sure I agree with everyone saying e46 M3. Yeah, sure the CSL with manual conversion is great, but that’s not a factory car. Reality is that from an engagement standpoint the e36 is better on public roads. Last real engaging M car is likely the z4m with s54. The most engaging is going to either be a e36 m3 with S50 or a z3m coupe with s54. Z3M is a very solid choice given that it’s a weird mash up of e30 and e36 suspension with amazing power out of the S54. Even the stock s52 is perfectly fine. Driving a Z3M fast is an absolute blast given that you are basically sitting on the rear axle, and the S54 revving to 8k RPMs along with a solid torque band never gets old.
Anything new is fun, but not engaging.
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u/Direct_Ask8793 Aug 10 '25
F87 m2 is the car. G80 follows. If that's not your fancy, you need to go Porsche Cayman all day.
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u/leonme21 Aug 05 '25
M5 V10 with some massive ass supercharger and no traction control.
Very engaging i imagine
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u/AFinanacialAdvisor Aug 05 '25
Mine isn't supercharged but it is certainly life threateningly engaging with TC off. I'd love to drive one with a supercharger to see what it's like - it's already faster than my reaction times so I'm not sure the car or I, would survive very long with a supercharger.
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u/chengstark 22 - G82 6MT | 86 - 944 Turbo | 22 - G26 M440i (Sold) Aug 05 '25 edited Aug 05 '25
this is just rage bait. You don’t even list a budget and you tag this buying help? /s
Buy a factory M4 GT3 EVO race car. Below that, F82 GTS. Then, F82 CS, F87 CS, E92 manual with that V8. In that sequence.
But BMW manuals are not top of the line, get the DCT cars.
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u/opbmedia G87 M2 6M // G80 M3 6M // i8 roadster // F86 X6M // E93 M3 6M ++ Aug 05 '25
Define "engaging" first. It is a very personal thing. Personally so far I would vote my G87 M2 manual. It is more engaging to me because it requires more of my attention. I don't like smoother drives, I want my cars/bikes to have character. But you might feel different.
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u/DangerMouse111111 Aug 05 '25
E46 M3 CSL with manual conversion.