[zgood4u]

I currently own both the E86 M coupe and the E46 M3 and I would not trade either of them for any of the current BMW models. They are so much more connected to the driving experience that one seeks. Yes, I test drove the M2 when it came out and getting into that car from the Coupe was a bit of a let down. It's a fine auto but it seems to be missing a bit of the BMW DNA that I look for.

[duder13]

Originally Posted by 10"

I've driven both...much prefer the Z4M.

Almost 10 inch difference In wheelbase. The Z4M is a riot. Never cared that much for the E46 M3 myself...it's good but not for me.

Yeah, I think the choice is really between your 1M, if going more modern, or the E30 M3. As cool as some of the Z cars are, that’s always been the domain of Porsche to me, so I can’t really think of a Z model that I wouldn’t choose a Porsche over, outside of maybe a Z8. BMW’s strength was always in small, practical coupes/sedans that compete in performance with sportier cars, and the 1M is really the only BMW M to carry on that tradition since the E30. The M2 is the closest thing there is currently, but it still feels big and dead compared to an E82 (I’ve not driven the Competition version, yet, though.)

[JAhmed]

Man, that induction noise from the M3 CSL never gets old...

[G80indy]

None of the above.

My vote:
ZCP E92, light build, 6 sp

[10"]

Originally Posted by duder13

Yeah, I think the choice is really between your 1M, if going more modern, or the E30 M3. As cool as some of the Z cars are, that's always been the domain of Porsche to me, so I can't really think of a Z model that I wouldn't choose a Porsche over, outside of maybe a Z8. BMW's strength was always in small, practical coupes/sedans that compete in performance with sportier cars, and the 1M is really the only BMW M to carry on that tradition since the E30. The M2 is the closest thing there is currently, but it still feels big and dead compared to an E82 (I've not driven the Competition version, yet, though.)

Have driven the M2C didn't care for it really. M2C is no real improvement over the M2 IMO. More power is not what that car needed; more agility and spirit is what it needed and the M2C just felt dull to me, personally. Not sure I understand the hype at all.

I honestly don't think BMW will be able to get back to an agile small coupe again...and yeah I agree with you that the essence of BMW is in the small 2 door coupe that can do it all! We haven't really seen that since the E8X 1-series IMO.

[///M TOWN]

Originally Posted by 10"

Have driven the M2C didn't care for it really. M2C is no real improvement over the M2 IMO. More power is not what that car needed; more agility and spirit is what it needed and the M2C just felt dull to me, personally. Not sure I understand the hype at all.

I honestly don't think BMW will be able to get back to an agile small coupe again...and yeah I agree with you that the essence of BMW is in the small 2 door coupe that can do it all! We haven't really seen that since the E8X 1-series IMO.

Agreed.

The Original Gangster M2 has so much character, it's almost perfect just as it is.

[duder13]

Originally Posted by ///M TOWN

Agreed.

The Original Gangster M2 has so much character, it's almost perfect just as it is.

FWIW, I believe we were both saying that the M2 and M2C are a bit dull, so the 1M would have been a more interesting option in this comparison.

[///M TOWN]

Originally Posted by duder13

FWIW, I believe we were both saying that the M2 and M2C are a bit dull, so the 1M would have been a more interesting option in this comparison.

I actually wasn't really debating that fact.

I just think the M2 was almost perfect the way it came.

As far as the 1 M Coupe, I agree it would have been great for comparison sakes.

[buckybadger]

They need to compare with the M2 CS. Incomplete review.

[duder13]

Originally Posted by buckybadger

They need to compare with the M2 CS. Incomplete review.

That car isn't released yet, right?

[19x]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

Wish that CSL came in MT. Otherwise it's a great car.

Easily swapped in nowadays. And well documented.

[Brake_Late]

My kinda metal
Heavy or not

🏎🏁💦

[Brake_Late]

Originally Posted by ///Mac

Easily swapped in nowadays. And well documented.

Plus one for quality kleen swaps

[Brake_Late]

Originally Posted by 330indy

None of the above.

My vote:
ZCP E92, light build, 6 sp

#speedcloth

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by ///Mac

Easily swapped in nowadays. And well documented.

I'm sure that's the case, and I would take one.

[buckybadger]

Originally Posted by duder13

That car isn't released yet, right?

Right, he is comparing the most fancy M3 CSL to a common M2. The review is already setup for the M3 CSL to be crowned winner.

[Moupe]

Sorry sweethearts, I think this says it all

[enigma01]

Originally Posted by duder13

Yeah, I think the choice is really between your 1M, if going more modern, or the E30 M3. As cool as some of the Z cars are, that’s always been the domain of Porsche to me, so I can’t really think of a Z model that I wouldn’t choose a Porsche over, outside of maybe a Z8. BMW’s strength was always in small, practical coupes/sedans that compete in performance with sportier cars, and the 1M is really the only BMW M to carry on that tradition since the E30. The M2 is the closest thing there is currently, but it still feels big and dead compared to an E82 (I’ve not driven the Competition version, yet, though.)

I don't agree with your assessment of the Z. Have actually driven the Z3M/Z4M? It's almost nostalgic to think about how wild some of these cars were as compared to today's civilized/isolated M lineups. Here's a comparison done (vs. Boxster S) by TopGear.

[duder13]

Originally Posted by enigma01

I don't agree with your assessment of the Z. Have actually driven the Z3M/Z4M? It's almost nostalgic to think about how wild some of these cars were as compared to today's civilized/isolated M lineups. Here's a comparison done (vs. Boxster S) by TopGear.

A Z3M is the first BMW I ever drove, as my uncle has owned one for over 20 years. I’m not saying they aren’t great cars. I’m just saying, like the guys in this video also said, if you’re picking the best BMW M car ever, you want to go with BMW’s traditional “do everything” formula and pick a car with a backseat. BMW’s strength was always building practical cars that compete with sports cars. If you’re looking at outright sports cars, the competition is very different.

[allthatisntnow]

Would love to own any of them to be fair. Or all of them even.

[G80indy]

Originally Posted by duder13

A Z3M is the first BMW I ever drove, as my uncle has owned one for over 20 years. I’m not saying they aren’t great cars. I’m just saying, like the guys in this video also said, if you’re picking the best BMW M car ever, you want to go with BMW’s traditional “do everything” formula and pick a car with a backseat. BMW’s strength was always building practical cars that compete with sports cars. If you’re looking at outright sports cars, the competition is very different.

I agree... I've had a Z4M, it was fun....
However my answer was....
A Z3 5speed with a low maintenance M52TUB25
Plus
A custom ordered ZCP e92M 6 speed.
And if weather is shotty I have my e46

[BigBear2016]

Originally Posted by 330indy

I agree... I've had a Z4M, it was fun....
However my answer was....
A Z3 5speed with a low maintenance M52TUB25
Plus
A custom ordered ZCP e92M 6 speed.
And if weather is shotty I have my e46

Originally Posted by 330indy

I agree... I've had a Z4M, it was fun....
However my answer was....
A Z3 5speed with a low maintenance M52TUB25
Plus
A custom ordered ZCP e92M 6 speed.
And if weather is shotty I have my e46

In 5 years people will miss the M2C with manual that could be had with 400 HP. Eventually all cars will be autos, smg etc. Cars become more desirable as years go by. Is it possible to get a e30 m3 in great shape for under 75k? I imagine the CSL isn't cheap or really purchasable now. 1M, M coupe, and a regular e46 M3 would be a better comparison. Except for the M2C, the others are more dream cars.