[bimmerdriver2]

This year, after owning my 2002 M3 6MT Coupe for almost 10 years, I decided it was time for a change. For the past 5 years, I had been driving a 2018 X2 as my daily driver, because I didn't want to put rush hour miles on the M3. I wasn't happy with the X2 and I don't have a three car garage, so I decided to sell both the M3 and the X2 and get one car to replace them, so it could live in the garage. In May, I traded in the X2 for a 2020 M2C DCT and put the M3 on the market. It sold in September.

I couldn't be happier with the M2C. In addition to the E46 M3 6MT, I've driven an E92 M3 DCT, an F80 M3 6MT and a G80 M3 CS DCT. I enjoy driving the M2C more than all of them. I think it's an absolute blast to drive. I love the combination of the torque of the S55 and the rapid shifting of the DCT. I especially like how quickly the torque of the S55 comes on and coupled with the DCT, the way the car switches from docile to breathing fire in a heartbeat. Of course, if you own an M2C, you already know this.

I've always thought of the M2C as the reincarnation of an E46 M3 and now that I've had an opportunity to get to know both, I think it's definitely true.


Car | E46 M3 | F87 M2C | F82 M4
Length | 176.8 in. | 176.2 in. | 184.5 in.
Width | 70.1 in. | 73.0 in. | 73.6 in.
Height | 54 in. | 55.5 in. | 54.4 in.
Wheelbase | 107.5 in. | 106.0 in. | 110.7 in.
Front Track | 59.4 in. | 62.2​ in. | 62.2​ in.
Rear Track | 60 in. | 63 in. | 63.1 in.
Horsepower | 333 hp @ 7,900 rpm | 405 hp @ 5,230 rpm | 425 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 4,900 rpm | 406 lb-ft @ 2,350 rpm | 406 lb-ft @ 1,850 rpm
Weight | 3,415 lbs. | 3,600 lbs. | 3,625 lbs.


If you compare the specifications of the E46 M3 and the F87 M2C, the size of the cars is very similar, except the M2C is 3" wider and has 1.5" shorter wheelbase. The F82 M4 is substantially longer, which is why I wasn't interested in one.

The biggest difference is in the horsepower and the torque and it's very noticeable when you're behind the wheel. Even though my M3 had a 4.10 diff and TMS underdrive pulleys, a stock M2C is much quicker. In particular, the performance of the M2C is much more accessible. Unless you are driving an E46 M3 hard, it's relatively sluggish, compared to an M2C

The M2C interior isn't as nice as an M4, but it's a huge improvement over an E46 M3, so I'm happy with it.

It's fair to say that the S54 engine sounds much better than the S55, especially with an aftermarket exhaust, such as the Eisenman that I had on mine. It's possible to improve the sound of the S55, but I don't think it will ever sound as good as an S54.

The E46 M3 also has better steering, since it's hydraulic, rather than electric. However, the M2C handles better, even stock. Even compared to my E46 M3 which had PSS9s and TMS front and rear sway bars, the M2C handles better.

The thing I disliked the most about the E46 M3 was the transmission. Even with an AutoSolutions 30% reduction shifter and CDV delete, it was nowhere near a modern manual transmission. I also really disliked the cheap materials in the interior and I was tired of the clunky drivetrain.

In this Autocar video, BMW E30 M3 vs E46 M3 CSL vs M2 Competition - what is the best M Car of all time?, they decided that the best M3 would be an E46 M3 CSL with the torque and DCT of the M2C. If you could get S55 torque from an S54, combined with a modern DCT, there is no question it would be a nice car, but outside of some highly modified cars, such cars don't exist. Of course, the E46 M3 CSL was never available in North America, so it's even more unobtainable.

I think the M2C is a very worthy successor to the E46 M3. Other than the sound of the S54, and the hydraulic steering, I can't think of anything even my modded E46 M3 did better than my M2C.

Side by side, the M2C is more chunky compared to the M3, but they have a lot of similarities.

[(K)]

It's funny you mentioned it, because I think the best M3 is actually the M2C lol.

[Distinct]

I actually just did the same thing this weekend, gave up my E46 M3 and picked up a M2C. I agree with you on all your observations. Having some new modern technology also helps the positive commuting experience. I had installed a GROM unit in my M3 and that helped but having wireless Apple Carplay and touch screen are a simple contrast the 20 year difference between my two cars.

[m2ss]

Originally Posted by (K)

It's funny you mentioned it, because I think the best M3 is actually the M2C lol.

To me it feels a lot like my 1M did.

Always angry and looking to let loose...

[BigKutta]

Those side by side pics show just how timeless the e46 design is. Amazing

[Distinct]

[bimmerdriver2]

Originally Posted by BigKutta

Those side by side pics show just how timeless the e46 design is. Amazing

It really has aged well, even the interior.

[drp087]

Wow my dream car 20 years ago and my current car! Would have been awesome to have owned the E46. Welcome!

[DanG]

I owned an E46 M3. The M2 I feel is a much improved car.

[Distinct]

Originally Posted by DanG

I owned an E46 M3. The M2 I feel is a much improved car.

I completely agree with you. That's what I noticed, everything is better (especially the immediate availability of power). I think the one thing that isn't as great is the steering feel but it's really not that bad in comparison. I think the E46 M3 is more lithe and elegant in external body shape.

[kiznarsh]

Congrats! I have an E36 M3 and considering an M2 as an eventual successor. Obviously it’d be a bigger jump compared to your E46, especially the interior upgrades. 🙂

[bimmerdriver2]

Originally Posted by kiznarsh

Congrats! I have an E36 M3 and considering an M2 as an eventual successor. Obviously it’d be a bigger jump compared to your E46, especially the interior upgrades. 🙂

My first BMW was an E36 328is. It was a great car, but it wasn't an M3. No question it would be a big jump from an E36 M3 to an M2C. If you want to get convinced to do it, just take one for a test drive and you will be hooked.

[gnx]

i have never liked the steering feel of the e46 M3. That was my second M car and driving it after my e86 M, that dead feel around the center position was a shock initially.

The M2C has, in my opinion, a much better feel. It can get more granular with the F82 M4 GTS steering rack coding. With that it is almost as good as the e93 M.

[ThreeStripes]

Originally Posted by gnx

It can get more granular with the F82 M4 GTS steering rack coding. With that it is almost as good as the e93 M.

Until you drive the E92/3 back to back with the F8X and then you realize it’s still miles off. After a few days your brain resets though.