This is an automated archive made by the Lemmit Bot.
The original was posted on /r/cars by /u/peetak on 2025-07-14 22:20:45+00:00.
Introduction:
Ever since seeing an E92 M3 ad for the first time, I was hooked. Playing it in Need for Speed: Undercover made me want it even more. Since graduating high school in 2009, I've had a few fun BMWs (E34 540i, E39 540i) but never an M. Anyway, I got older and life responsibilities come up so I stopped with the fun cars and got things that were more "adult and responsible" (Tacoma and X3). Well recently, I've hit some life goals and did a lot of the responsible things so decided I could treat myself and scratch the itch of having a fun weekend car once again and so began the hunt for a car.
My list comprised of: 987 Cayman base/S, E39 M5, E46 M3, E92 M3, Z4M (E86) and the 996 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S. Basically cars I thought were cool in my teens lol. No real rhyme or reason besides that.
First, the 996 was thrown out of contention simply because I could not find one that met my requirements (budget, manual transmission, coupe, decent mileage, good condition). Similarly, the Z4M, I could not find any in my province.
Eventually, for various reasons, I also eliminated the E39 and E46 (sacrilege I know, but most in my area were clapped out or in SMG or a convertible).
So I was down to choosing between a Cayman base/S or E92 M3 and I hummed and hawed at this for a good while. I test drove a Cayman base and a S and they are excellent cars. Small, nimble , balanced, fun. I didn't end up buying the ones I test drove because for the base the history wasn't great and I thought the seller was asking for too much and the S had non existent service history. But I was sold on a Cayman, preferably an S if I could find a good example.
So...why did I end up with the M3? Simply put, the sound of the V8, nostalgia and coming across a really good example. Found a dealer that had it listed and went to check it out. Checked all the boxes: full service history, rod bearings and throttle actuators done, 6 speed, carbon roof, EDC, decent mileage, stock. Then I drove it. And I remembered why I wanted one so desperately back in the day. The V8 induction noise is simply amazing and I was sold.
Styling:10/10 totally biased
Completely subjective category and completely biased but I think the E92 M3 is the best looking M3. The subtle differences between the M3 and the regular 3 series is what appeals to me. The hump in the hood (bonnet) because the S65 was too big. The flared fenders. Not so subtle but the quad exhaust tips. Just beautiful.
Interior: 7/10
Again subjective but it's a BMW interior. Nothing flashy, but comfortable. Mine is boring as interiors get as it's black, so not much to really write about. Good quality, no rattles or squeaks and everything has held up well.
Tech/Features:5/10 (it's from 2008, what are you expecting)
I didn't get an M3 from 2008 for the tech lol. Mine is a "double hump" which means it comes with the ancient iDrive system. Ideally it would have been a single hump but was not a deal breaker. Surprisingly, I don't hate the iDrive system. It's obviously outdated but it's easy enough to use to set my custom settings.
Also included in mine is the premium audio (individual audio) and the speaker quality is amazing. Not really an audiophile but I can noticeably tell the difference in quality from my X3 (regular audio) and the M3. Again, not something I was looking for but a nice to have.
Car came with the comfort access which lets me unlock the door without having to use the fob. This is noted because neither of my newer cars have that so I found it hilarious. Also I don't have to put the fob in the slot and then push the ignition button which is nice (common for mid to late 2000s cars).
Ride/Handling:8.5/10
Take this with a grain of salt because I'm not a race car driver and the M3 is the sportiest car I've owned and the second sportiest car I've driven (after the Cayman).
The EDC (electronic damper control) option gives me the option to put the suspension in various settings: comfort, sporty, sportier. The car is comfortable in comfort setting; rides like a a sporty luxury car. Sporty in middle setting and sportier but not quite harsh in the sportiest setting. I tend to leave it in the middle setting for most drives and switch it to the sportiest on some more spirited drives...as expected, no surprise there.
The handling didn't surprise me but surprised me at the same time? If that makes sense? I expected it would handle well, being an M car, but being an older car I tempered my expectations (especially after driving the Cayman) and I guess that's why I was a bit surprised. Obviously, it won't match the Cayman, but the M3 is planted through corners and on 180 degree highway ramps. It is an amazing handling car for the type of driving I do (aka nowhere near the limit) . It feels stable, predictable and honestly, probably flatters my actual abilities. The steering is hydraulic and solid. It's communicative and feels good. Obviously leagues better than my X3 and Tacoma but also much better than my old E34 and E39 (predictably as they're older cars and not M cars). The Cayman's steering felt less numb in my opinion but the M3's is no slouch.
Engine:10/10 totally biased
Basically the reason I fell in love with the car. Oh my god this engine. "Only" 414hp and 295lb-ft of torque. Low numbers for the current age when the current generation M3 puts out 473hp and 406 lb-ft.. A big complaint about the engine is the relatively low torque numbers. Well...the car is still fast. I think the way cars have been developed really desensitized us to hp figures. The engine is amazingly responsive, even for a NA engine. The individual throttle bodies make the response damn near instant (in perception). The induction noise coming through the cabin when you step on the throttle is simply one of the best sounding things I've ever heard. The engine pulls hard and pulls smooth. At almost an 8400 rpm red line, the engine screams when you let it get into the higher ranges and boy does it love to be in the higher rev ranges. This engine wants to be there and if you drive it there you're rewarded for it.
One of the big issues with the engine is the reliability; most serious are the rod bearings. Throttle actuators are also an issue. Thankfully both had been addressed on my car by the previous owner. Even then, I'm diligent in letting the engine warm up to proper temps before opening it up.
Transmission: 8/10?
Full disclosure: my only experience with manual transmissions are my old BMWs and the Caymans I test drove and some old beat up army trucks.
People complain about mushy BMW transmissions. I don't really get it because..well limited experience with different types of manuals. The M3 has a better transmission than both my old BMWs and thankfully old army trucks. Feels precise and goes into the gears easily. The clutch is super easy to use. Now in comparison to the Porsche I would say it's less precise, but not by much. For the clutch I prefer the BMW clutch but that's probably because it's what I am used to.
Conclusion:
It is not a perfect car. It's a car that has been driven. It's got some faults in the paint. Whoever initially put on the front plate bracket put it on crooked. One of the emblems is a bit tarnished. The stupid seat belt helper doesn't actually give you your seatbelt (I coded this out). It has 155000 km on it. It's been in a minor-moderate accident which will effect the resale. But I don't care, I'm keeping it forever if I can.
I'm a terrible photographer but here's a pic: https://imgur.com/a/VkXQyeh
Also I know I see the hood gap too. Common ish on the E92s? I have to adjust the hood and/or bumper.