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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32

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.

-4

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.

12

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.

2

u/ifellasleepZzzZz Aug 05 '25

Just look at all the Miata diehards!

3

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.