There are two models from BMW that have market its entire evolution for good, and these “bastards” are no other than the legendary E93 M5 vs. E46 M3. The video below also puts the two of them face-to-face in an interesting comparison, with both models packing supercharged kits.

These two models have indeed influenced the future generation BMW models, coming at that time with the best technology available and the sheer performance that made them outstanding models.

And the best part of these two models is that their performance can be easily upgraded. So stop complaining about their lack of performance and instead try to appreciate the engineering that made them a benchmark in the auto industry.

In the video below, Vehicle Virgins have put them “head to head” and tried to find out what made them so special – or not – back in the old days.

The cars` main highlight is the similar power they come with, even if their supercharged kits are quite different, meaning an S52 against an S54.

The E39 BMW M5 comes in this case with an ESS VT-560 kit, capable of 550 horsepower and 630 Nm of torque, while the E46 M3`s VF570 kit packs 570 horsepower and 515 Nm of torque.

The M3 is evidently more powerful and also has the upper-hand of being lighter than the M5, but even so, which one do you think is faster and more impressive? In case you`ve placed your bets, then go ahead and push the play button and find out!

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post Video Compares E39 BMW M5 vs. E46 M3 appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

The BMW M3 in its previous generation has proven its impressive performance and exquisite design, making it a wanted model, at the right price.

Even if the E46 M3 generation is long-gone, the model is still considered a top notch and quite expensive, and that makes it unaffordable for some.

Indeed, it came out with a massive 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine, developing 331 horsepower and sending the power to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission.

On the other hand, the M3 was also available in a much cheaper version, in the shape of the E46 330Ci, which came out with rather the same body styling but less power under the hood.

The BMW 330Ci came with a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, with 231 horsepwoer and 221 lb-ft of torque, hooked to the same six-speed manual transmission. The performance figures made it much cheaper than the topper E46 M3.

Car Throttle magazine has created a video which explains the differences between the 330Ci and the top of the line E46 M3, which is a sort of a guide on what to choose best: a powerful M3 or a much cheaper alternative in the shape of the 330Ci?

Feel free to watch the video and tell us what you would prefer!

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post Video: Which One Would You Have: Cheaper E46 BMW 330Ci or More Potent BMW M3? appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

In a word, “performance.” The E46 BMW M3 delivers outstanding performance with one of the most highly praised modern BMW powertrains. Snag an older BMW M3 for sale to enjoy a superior brand and build worth your budget and road hours. A decade after its release, the E46 M3 continues to seduce with a rush of sound and swagger. Bank on this Bimmer to enjoy nimble engineering, sexy and impressive from the ground up.

On the Powertrain

On BMWs, another “M” means “Motorsport.” So, don’t be cautious. Send 333 horses running straight from the E46 M3 3.2L I6 with 262 lb.-ft. of torque. Drivers hit 8,000 rpm on demand and enjoy one fast 0-60 before reaching the governor at 155 mph. Yeah, you’d definitely like to top that number.

Count on BMW to always complete the package. Two transmission options accompany the E46 M3 engine – one pinned with mix reviews, the other a hands-down dream. The former, an SMG automated manual (SMG II and our friends from Car and Driver tested it), eagerly pushes through the gears without a clutch. Unfortunately, this makes switching to automatic a necessary function in town. By contrast, the 6-speed manual propels drivers at a pace perfectly synced with what’s screaming under the hood.

A Driver’s Dream

If you’re going to compare handling specs, it’s nearly pointless to do so across earlier M3 installments. The E30, E36 and E46 all grip the black top with differing curb weights and response times, leaving driver/owner subjectivity to rule. Of course, all remain incredible to drive, and necessary to drive if you want to weigh in on the debate. In the meantime, know the E46 didn’t – and doesn’t – slouch. Swipe a BMW M3 for sale to revel in smooth steering, plus the power to pedal down post-drift. Corners, curves and straightaways come all on your terms.

The Bang for Your Buck

Once a bit pricey, the E46 BMW M3 now shines as a great consumer value (minus the gas money and oil changes). Legroom and storage turn this sporty racer into a practical daily driver with undeniable panache. In fact, these features on a better-built machine make the E46 M3 an investment worth any performance car buyer’s attention. Surprisingly available under $20,000, you shouldn’t pay more than $18,000 (stock). Cut a check and blast.

10 Years Later

Spin a E46 BMW M3 from any production year (2000-2006) to realize, ten years later, you’ve still got a winner. It’s raw power pressed inside a compact hub, classy both inside and out. Now time’s tipped the scales, leaving low mileage Bimmers, tuned and stock, available for the taking. Fortunately, E46 looks still compete, complementing every performance feature to the finish line.

If you prefer reliability, fuel economy, and other family-oriented details to performance, you’ve definitely been on the wrong page. But, BMW M3s tends to change minds, taste and the importance you place on “driving pleasure.” Expect nothing less than a machine made to race.

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post Why the E46 BMW M3 Remains a Great Car to Own Even 10 Years Later appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

If you asked me to take my whole family out for a drifting session in an E46 BMW M3, I would definitely say you are crazy, but it seems that this has become the latest trend out there.

And this funny video I recently came across, is showcasing former pro drifter Calvin Wan taking his wife and two kids out for a drifting in the legendary E46 BMW M3. I have to admit that the video just blew my mind away, as it is the funniest way of having fun.

Even if some stated that the kids weren’t properly wearing the safety equipment, they were as safest as they could be, and their laughing is absolutely insane! If we made you curious enough, than you got to see the video below! I guarantee your happy dosage for today!

Surely that the E46 BMW M3 is a fun car to drive, the iconic model being built from 2000 until 2006 and leading the way to the latest and high-performance 2016 BMW M3.

It came under the hood with a 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine, hooked to a six-speed manual transmission, and developing 330 horsepower and around 350 Nm of torque. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h was done in 5 seconds. In its latest generation, BMW dropped the 3.2-liter and replaced it with the 3.0-liter twin-turbo straight-six engine, with 431 horsepower and 550 Nm of torque.

About Post Author

Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post Funny Video Showcases Family Drifting Session in E46 BMW M3 appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

We all enjoy a nice drag race, and if you are a BMW enthusiasts, chances are that when a Bimmer beats another brand, you immediately display a smile.

But what happens when both sides of the confrontation sport a model from the German car maker? Who do you root for?

The video below will give the chance to find out exactly that. And to make sure it’s harder still, both BMW models are M3s, albeit different generations. This drag race was arranged between the older E46 BMW M3 and the relatively new E92 BMW M3.

In stock form, guessing the winner would not be that hard, but, as luck would have it, both of these cars have see some work done to them, and now develop some impressive amounts of power. The newer E92 BMW M3 churns out some 711 Hp, and if you think that is a lot, keep in mind that the E46 BMW M3 is actually more powerful, with 800 Hp under the hood. Luckily, power isn’t everything in a drag race.

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post Two BMW M3s duke it out on the track appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

With the winter here, the discussion against RWD vehicles is again brought into play, a discussion most Bimmer owners are already tired of.

And while I have personally experienced a near crash with a BMW last winter, I never condemned the vehicle or its drive system.

Fact is that for all the downsides of a rear wheel drive, today BMW produces cars fitted with enough safety systems to keep them on the road just as well as any other car. And two of the more important factors are the tires and driving skills of the one behind the wheel.

Still, the skill of the driver is hard to present nearly in a video, but a head to head against various other vehicles sporting summer tires is a piece of cake. And that is exactly what the next video entails. The E46 BMW M3 is rides on Michelin Pilot Alpin 4 winter tires and gets away from a range of other vehicles thanks to the rubber and in spite of the rear wheel drive.

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post E46 BMW M3 coping with snow appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.