I thought this was an interesting conversation where the G80 came up on top of Doug’s list.
Admin addendum – AI summary added:
Summary
E46 M3 as Benchmark for BMW’s Golden Era
Doug puts the E46 M3 at the top of his list, calling it the quintessential BMW M car. He celebrates its S54 high-revving, naturally aspirated inline-six engine, describing it as the finest six-cylinder the brand has ever made. The E46’s design, handling, and alignment with M division’s philosophy from the early 2000s are key reasons for its superiority, despite lacking a sedan version.
E9X M3: Controversial But Charismatic
Surprisingly ranked second by Doug, the E9X M3 with its V8 engine (S65) breaks BMW tradition. Though unexpected, Doug appreciates its performance and unique engine character. He notes that while it’s not “inline-six purity,” it has a special personality that distinguishes it within the M3 lineage.
E30 M3: Motorsport Pedigree Meets Street Legend
Doug places the E30 M3 third, praising its balance and handling but criticizing its lack of power and high price tag. While it’s revered as a motorsport icon, Doug suggests it’s not as usable or exciting by modern standards and offers less performance for the money compared to newer generations.
Kenan’s Surprise Pick – G80 M3 as Best Overall
Kenan upends expectations by putting the G80 M3 at the top, citing its manual gearbox, six-cylinder engine, and thrilling modern performance. Despite being maligned for its looks, he believes it represents BMW’s last true enthusiast M3, likening it to once-criticized legends like the Carrera GT that later became cult classics.
Practicality Debate – Coupes vs. Sedans
A recurring discussion centers around whether the M3 should be a coupe or a sedan. Doug favors the coupe heritage of the M3, while Kenan leans toward the sedan’s practicality. This debate frames the E46’s lack of a sedan as a flaw, whereas the E36 sedan gets praise for balancing performance with everyday usability.
Ranking Dilemma: No Easy Answers
Both hosts agree that ranking M3s is extremely subjective, especially since none are inherently bad cars. They reflect on how audience reactions often include both vitriol and spirited counter-rankings, emphasizing that everyone’s “worst” M3 is still a remarkable machine.
F80 M3 – The Missed Opportunity
The F80 generation consistently ranks at the bottom. Doug criticizes its numb steering, synthetic sound, and the start of BMW’s increasingly sanitized driving experience. Despite its good looks and power, it failed to emotionally connect like earlier models.
⏳ Future Classic Theory – G80 as the Last of a Breed
Kenan strongly believes the G80 will age into a classic, much like the analog supercars of the early 2000s. As BMW shifts to electric and automatic-only powertrains, the G80 might be remembered as the final manual, rear-wheel-drive M3—an embodiment of a dying breed of performance cars.