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      04-08-2017, 10:44 AM   #1
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Would you regret skipping an E9x for an M2?

Would any of you that have (or have not) owned an E90/92/93 (be specific) M3 regret skipping it, and going directly to an M2 instead? Why?

Little bit of background: I've driven and loved my e36 M3 for close to a decade so I do tend to hold onto my cars. Was looking to pick up an e90 (those four doors are wicked and it looks so muscular), and to play with that heavenly s65. When I test drove a few e90's they sounded great but felt a little heavy and bulky. Though that could be a symptom of being being used to the e36 M3 being relatively minuscule in size. I'm not a large person either so I don't need the size, but 4 doors is a bonus.

On the other hand I tested an m235i and it just blew me away, it felt like I was in a modern version of my beloved e36, so I can only imagine the M2 is even better.

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      04-08-2017, 06:10 PM   #2
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I had the E90 for 4 years and 160 miles. Loved the car but it's a beast and hard to get into its sweet range and keep it under 100 mph. The M2 is an amazingly well balanced vehicle and made to be enjoyed every day. Just a couple weeks into ownership and the handling is much more nimble and the smaller size wonderful. I'll never forget the engine in the E90 as a true marvel but I'm beyond thrilled with the M2 and wouldn't trade knowing both. To be fair, my E90 was a DCT which is its own odd wonder.
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      04-08-2017, 06:23 PM   #3
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      04-09-2017, 10:02 PM   #4
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I owned an E92 M3. It didn't make a lot of sense anywhere except for the track. It was a reasonably comfortable grand tourer but utterly unexciting unless pushed very hard in which case you were breaking every traffic law in existence. My E36 M3 was a maintenance nightmare. My E39 M5 was beautiful and an amazing car but way too much motor for day-to-day. Ultimately I miss my E46 M3 the most.
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      04-10-2017, 12:01 AM   #5
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I think every BMW enthusiast should own an E9x M3 for a little while but to answer your question, no you won't regret it. The E9x M3 and M2 are equally great in very different ways. They are both winners.
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      04-11-2017, 12:20 AM   #6
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Thanks for all your points of view everyone! Interesting to hear where everyone is coming from
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      04-11-2017, 06:25 PM   #7
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I came from the e46, I've owned a couple of them (SMG & 6mt). I moved to the e92 in 2011 and have been in love since, more so than the e46. I passed on the F8x when they first came out after a couple of test drives. Fast, nice looking but missing character. I almost jumped on the M2 but nah, not yet...I'm going to enjoy my e92 for at least a few more years if not longer. Love, love this car! The e92 still puts a big smile on my face, very satisfying as an overall package. Here's my current one.

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      04-11-2017, 09:45 PM   #8
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I'll say it like this to answer your question: Yes, I would regret skipping my E93 M3 6MT. (RIP Trinity!)

The main reason is the engine. It is worth to own an S65 powered M car and experience that power plant, the sound, the racecar-like high revving nature of it, and did I mention the sound?

I drove the E93M "spiritedly" as they say, including unfortunately not as much track time as I would.have liked. It was exciting to drive hard and wring out the motor and felt like it had race car DNA due to the high revving, minimal low end torque nature of that beast.

I initially fell in love with BMW for their I-6, and after 2 V8 Bimmers, the S63tu and especially the S65, I have gained a huge appreciation of the BMW V8.

That being said, the M2 is an amazing car. I just got it last week, drove it from Los Angeles to Miami, and am loving every minute driving the little beast. I called it The Honey Badger.

My dream BMW is an S54 M Coupe, the most raw M car ever made in my book. I've not driven one, but have driven several S54 E46 M3 6MTs and the M2 (my M2 is also 6MT) feels like a better, more modern version of the E46 M3.

Finally, consider that one cannot truly regret something they have never experienced. So in a roundabout way, what I am saying is, I am grateful I got to own my E93M and had the opportunity to enjoy the S65 both on street and track, and now from my early experience it looks like I will enjoy the M2 even more in every way save for the sound of the S65.
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      04-12-2017, 02:52 PM   #9
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Have owned a E90 M3 since 2013 and it was a great experience. I had a lust for the e9x M3 ever since I first saw one at the welt back in 2008 and took me 5 years to finally get one. The car excites the emotions when you unleash it, but that is if you unleash it.

Around town after the years, the visceral rev enducing nature became a chore especially coupled with the M-DCT low speed driveability. The maintenance has finally caught up to it and the reward factor is diminishing.

One will never know unless you own one as to what will be missed. Sometimes its best just to experience the car to get it out of the system to materialize the characteristics.

If I were given the chance again to own a M3, I would go for it again. At the time there was nothing else that was remotely entertaining for the pricepoint imo.
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      04-12-2017, 02:57 PM   #10
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Have owned a E90 M3 since 2013 and it was a great experience. I had a lust for the e9x M3 ever since I first saw one at the welt back in 2008 and took me 5 years to finally get one. The car excites the emotions when you unleash it, but that is if you unleash it.

Around town after the years, the visceral rev enducing nature became a chore especially coupled with the M-DCT low speed driveability. The maintenance has finally caught up to it and the reward factor is diminishing.

One will never know unless you own one as to what will be missed. Sometimes its best just to experience the car to get it out of the system to materialize the characteristics.

If I were given the chance again to own a M3, I would go for it again. At the time there was nothing else that was remotely entertaining for the pricepoint imo.
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      04-12-2017, 10:01 PM   #11
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Completely different cars, one is low torque high revving V8 one is compact, torquey turbo car. I'd get a M2 daily driver and a cheap E9x beater track car. If you want a E9x for a street car I'd say get a E39 M5, feels similar but way torquier N/A motor that actually feels like a big V8.
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      04-15-2017, 04:03 AM   #12
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      04-15-2017, 04:39 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by scope951 View Post
Thanks for all your points of view everyone! Interesting to hear where everyone is coming from
I currently own an E36 M3, E92 M3 and a Z4M Roadster. As someone mentioned, an M2 would be a completely different car. E9x is downright comfy compared to my other Ms, and as you know, the sound is glorious. Mine is a 6MT, so I personally find it entertaining even at low speeds. Did I mention sound (I've got catless Eisenmann Race)?

I think these cars are holding their value rather well. Maybe consider getting one now, and then get an M2 towards the end of their cycle. The M2 is currently my favorite BMW and would consider adding one, but my E92 M3 is the keeper. You just cannot buy this kind of experience anymore
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      04-15-2017, 04:44 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by W/// View Post
E9x is downright comfy compared to my other Ms, and as you know, the sound is glorious. Mine is a 6MT, so I personally find it entertaining even at low speeds. Did I mention sound (I've got catless Eisenmann Race)?

Indeed, I Miss this.
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      04-25-2017, 11:56 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ddk632 View Post
I'll say it like this to answer your question: Yes, I would regret skipping my E93 M3 6MT. (RIP Trinity!)

The main reason is the engine. It is worth to own an S65 powered M car and experience that power plant, the sound, the racecar-like high revving nature of it, and did I mention the sound?

I drove the E93M "spiritedly" as they say, including unfortunately not as much track time as I would.have liked. It was exciting to drive hard and wring out the motor and felt like it had race car DNA due to the high revving, minimal low end torque nature of that beast.

I initially fell in love with BMW for their I-6, and after 2 V8 Bimmers, the S63tu and especially the S65, I have gained a huge appreciation of the BMW V8.

That being said, the M2 is an amazing car. I just got it last week, drove it from Los Angeles to Miami, and am loving every minute driving the little beast. I called it The Honey Badger.

My dream BMW is an S54 M Coupe, the most raw M car ever made in my book. I've not driven one, but have driven several S54 E46 M3 6MTs and the M2 (my M2 is also 6MT) feels like a better, more modern version of the E46 M3.

Finally, consider that one cannot truly regret something they have never experienced. So in a roundabout way, what I am saying is, I am grateful I got to own my E93M and had the opportunity to enjoy the S65 both on street and track, and now from my early experience it looks like I will enjoy the M2 even more in every way save for the sound of the S65.

I agree 100% about the M coupe. I would kill for it. I haven't driven it but I drove the M roadster. It rattled like crazy and it wasn't refined or confortable but wow you almost could take turns with just the throttle. It was unbelievable. I bet the coupe gets rid of some of the rattles but I'll bet some would still be there. I don't care. That car was something else.

I currently drive the E92 M3 and IMHO yes I think the OP should. It's the last of a breed. I prefer smaller cars personally and I have a real soft spot for my former 135 and would love a 1M. But the S65 engine must be experienced by any BMW enthusiast. Even just a test drive or a track event. Otherwise it's a whole era of the M3 one would have missed out on. That era where they didn't want to turbo it so they went with a V8. Turbo cars are more practical and one could easily argue more fun in that the fun just comes without any work but that engine needs to be experienced to understand how crazy and desperate those M engineers got when they had to get 400+ hp in it with no turbos. Linear throttle response was a priority and the car actually has a "sport" throttle setting that emulates a turbo somewhat it just makes the throttle non linear which makes the car more fun on the street but not good for the track where control and linearity are most valuable.

The M2 has far superior numbers and I actually totally agree with those who said the E9x M3 needs to driven hard and in a way that can and will get you in trouble with speed laws. It's just irresistible to push it. If you don't push it honestly the turbo cars are much better for that driving style. That includes the even the non M cars and the M2. That's where the 135 was better. It was just a better commuter. It was small enough that the sensation of speed and acceleration happened at sub ticket speeds.


The M2 seems like the perfect car for me and really the performance is excellent but the feel is gone. It may never come back and E9x M3 is your last chance to taste it. Just my opinion. I would still get the M2 but now at least I know what's missing. It just seems like everything needs to be electronically controlled in these new cars. The steering, the suspension, the traction. It's almost like an emulation.

As far as that goes even there they've short changed us. The US version of MDM on the M2 apparently doesn't allow any powerslide I heard. How terrible to hear this. The M roadster was practically controlled 90% with the throttle and 10% with the steer. That is dead for sure but I don't see why they gimped the US MDM vs the Euro MDM. What's left anymore?

I suppose everything on the road is a compromise for someone who likes the older BMW feel. I don't mind getting with the times as much as I lament it. However, the availability issue really is something that to me breaks the camel's back. I will not get anything the size of the current M4 either. Seems like more of a child hauler to me. The E92 is as big as I care to go.

Bottom line don't skip it if you can help it. Maybe drive one while your M2 waitlist spot comes up.

Last edited by JRMorgan; 04-26-2017 at 12:06 AM..
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      04-28-2017, 05:07 PM   #16
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The original thing that drew me to the M3 is the looks and size. IMHO the E92 is the perfect example of a car that is muscular & manly, yet sophisticated and feminine. I find the E46 M3 and M2 a tad small, slightly 'chickish' while the M4 too long and elderly. E92 was my happy medium

The thing about that car is its a contradiction. Race bred motor, but with a heavy body, plush interior, and shabby breaks. It handles surprisingly well, but you start to realise it just does a damn good job of hiding the weight. You defiantly notice the loss of HP between the S65 to the N55, especially at higher speeds. Also it felt at its best at the redline, while the M2 feels like its being suffocated (or something I just can't quite put my finger on). Ultimately I got rid of it due to the maintenance costs. And the nightmares of a $25000 motor replacement.

It cost me several thousand dollars to own one for a year, but I do not regret it one bit I like my M2 and IMHO its the best production M car right now, but I still find my self dreaming about the feel, the emotion, the vibrations of the analogue of the not so distant past.
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      05-14-2017, 02:44 PM   #17
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      05-15-2017, 10:41 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by stefan View Post
I owned an E92 M3. It didn't make a lot of sense anywhere except for the track. It was a reasonably comfortable grand tourer but utterly unexciting unless pushed very hard in which case you were breaking every traffic law in existence.
this is very well said, my e93 is especially heavy and you can feel it, but i'm not a track guy and wanted something fun to drive, it fits the bill. not a very practical vehicle in any sense of the word.

trading it in soon when my m2 gets here, will definitely miss the vehicle.
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      05-20-2017, 04:25 AM   #19
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      05-20-2017, 03:42 PM   #20
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Nick Murray really seems to like it... For whatever that's worth.
Not much. Confirmation bias 101
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      05-22-2017, 09:14 PM   #21
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I've had an E36, E92 and E90 M3. I loved them all but when its time to move on. I was eyeing a lower mileage E92 but I wanted a brand new one and I could not appreciate the new M3's and M4's and I was apprehensive with the M2 but as soon as I got the opportunity to test drive a slightly use one, case closed! It's really the M3 of old in a new package. It's a keeper!
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      05-25-2017, 09:40 AM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by scope951 View Post
Would any of you that have (or have not) owned an E90/92/93 (be specific) M3 regret skipping it, and going directly to an M2 instead? Why?

Little bit of background: I've driven and loved my e36 M3 for close to a decade so I do tend to hold onto my cars. Was looking to pick up an e90 (those four doors are wicked and it looks so muscular), and to play with that heavenly s65. When I test drove a few e90's they sounded great but felt a little heavy and bulky. Though that could be a symptom of being being used to the e36 M3 being relatively minuscule in size. I'm not a large person either so I don't need the size, but 4 doors is a bonus.

On the other hand I tested an m235i and it just blew me away, it felt like I was in a modern version of my beloved e36, so I can only imagine the M2 is even better.

Your initial impression " heavy and bulky " is spot on. I've never owned an E9x but they are a great car and fun drive. I've driven them on and off track and even as a pace car for a BMW CCA club race.

However, as others like @mwho have mentioned , if your dance partner is light on its feet for the size , or "gets out of the way surprisingly well" those are just euphemisms that explain that the weight really is an issue.

If You didn't get that " just right " feeling on your first few times driving an E9x, it's not likely that will change. The E9x marks the point at which the M3 really aspired to be more like a 5 series. The 1M and of course the M2 are what the typical E30, E36, and E46 owner would appreciate more so than the typical E9x or F8x owner.

The S65 is glorious, and I could live with that engine note and sound for quite awhile, but ultimately I prefer a truly nimble car, not one that does pretty well at being nimble.
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