The 3 Best BMW M3 Generations (And the One That’s Overrated)
While I’ve not always been the biggest fan of BMW, the carmaker has made some awesome vehicles over the years. None of them stand out as much as the M3 though. Throughout its eight generations, there have been several that really stood out though. I’d even go as far as to say that some of the generations of M3s have reached “icon” status. So, here are three of the best BMW M3 generations that enthusiasts love (and one I’d steer clear of).
1. E30 M3 (1986–1991)
The E30 M3 is where it all began, and it remains one of the most celebrated M cars of all time. Originally built for homologation purposes in touring car racing, it quickly became a road-going icon. Under the hood, the high-revving 2.3L four-cylinder S14 engine made 192 horsepower, which may seem modest today but was groundbreaking in its era. Its lightweight design, near-perfect balance, and razor-sharp handling made it a dream for driving enthusiasts. Unlike later models, the E30 M3 offers a raw, unfiltered driving experience that many purists still chase today.
2. E46 M3 (2000–2006)
After the OG M3, I’d say the E46 was another great generation of this car. It was made from 2000 to 2006 and it is often considered a “sweet spot” of the M3 lineage. The car is equipped with a 3.2L inline-six S54 engine producing 333 horsepower, delivering an intoxicating mix of power and response. Whether paired with the six-speed manual or the SMG automated transmission, the E46 M3 offers a thrilling driving experience. The chassis tuning and 50/50 weight distribution give it an almost telepathic connection with the driver. Not to mention, the overall style intrigued many enthusiasts into buying one.
3. F80 M3 (2014–2018)
From 2014 to 2018, the F80 was in production. It had one significant difference: its twin-turbocharged 3.0L inline-six. Producing 425 horsepower (or up to 444 in the Competition Package), it introduced turbocharging to the M3 lineup while maintaining BMW’s signature driving feel. While some feared that forced induction would dull the experience, the F80 delivered blistering acceleration and track-ready handling. Its aggressive styling and technological advancements, like adaptive suspension and improved traction control, made it a modern masterpiece.
The Overrated One: E90 M3
While the E90 M3 has its fans, it often gets more credit than it deserves. Powered by a 4.0L naturally aspirated V8 producing 414 horsepower, it was the only M3 to feature a V8 engine. While that sounds exciting on paper, the car’s high-revving nature and lack of low-end torque made it feel sluggish in daily driving. Additionally, the E90’s weight gain over the E46 made it less agile, dulling the precise handling that M3s are known for. The SMG transmission in previous generations was replaced with a dual-clutch, but it still wasn’t as engaging as a true manual.
The Best M3s Are Timeless
It’s true that the best BMW M3 generations are timeless. The M3 has evolved over the last four decades, but there are undoubtedly certain versions of this BMW that have made a stronger impact than others. At the end of the day, if you want an M3, you would do well to find the E30, E46, or F80. They are among the best of the best.
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Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.