Has BMW slipped? Is Mercedes now the German performance enthusiast brand of choice?

[Stahlgrau]

Not a car approached by the M division in the same way. The end result does not mean how you went about it is the same.

Opinions may vary. I think it's a good entry-level M.

[Sticky]

Opinions may vary. I think it's a good entry-level M.

We respect differing opinions.

No matter how wrong they are

[Stahlgrau]

And if you want more? What if you want 700 whp? Best to stick with the E46.

Yeah, there are other options. Different strokes. Different folks.

700whp wasn't available for the E46 M3 until well after the model was discontinued.

[Sticky]

Yeah, there are other options. Different strokes. Different folks.

700whp wasn't available for the E46 M3 until well after the model was discontinued.

But it was possible? And what kind of HP did the S54 reach when it was available? The N54 has been available for how long? How long until the N54 reaches S54 levels?

Personally, the S54 is a superior motor and it will never be surpassed by something like the N54 so enjoy the epitome of BMW 6 cylinder development.

[Stahlgrau]

But it was possible? And what kind of HP did the S54 reach when it was available? The N54 has been available for how long? How long until the N54 reaches S54 levels?

Personally, the S54 is a superior motor and it will never be surpassed by something like the N54 so enjoy the epitome of BMW 6 cylinder development.

Yes, it was possible with a built motor. Who's to say what will come of the N54 with a built motor and bigger turbos? Time will tell.

Thanks, though. I'll enjoy what I have. Of course, I paid almost as much as the 1M to get to 700ish whp.

[Sorena]

^ man i still enjoy watching your car's pictures ,that's the sickest E46 out there, i'm jealous

[Stahlgrau]

^ man i still enjoy watching your car's pictures ,that's the sickest E46 out there, i'm jealous

Haha...I'll trade ya. Thanks man.

I just wish it didn't sit in storage for 11 months out of the year.

One more month...

[Sorena]

Haha...I'll trade ya. Thanks man.

I just wish it didn't sit in storage for 11 months out of the year.

One more month...

Trade with 911 ? any man man , any day
may I ask why it's in storage ?

[Stahlgrau]

Trade with 911 ? any man man , any day
may I ask why it's in storage ?

You're crazy if you'd trade that 911TT for the M3. Still, I don't know if I could ever part with it.

It's in storage because I'm working overseas.

[JRCART]

dude that's why M is so especial , no lame cars with M badge for losers who just want to drive something with M logo on it.
on the other hand AMG really lost it with making AMG versions of some lame cars , like R63

LOL, the X6 M is as big of a joke as the R63...nice try though

[Sorena]

LOL, the X6 M is as big of a joke as the R63...nice try though

man X6 M is a cool joke,i personally like it , but lately seems M division lost it's humor .
their future joke cars are retarded , like M3 GranTurismo , what a shame !!

[BK63AMG]

There is a reason why there is an AMG parked in my driveway and NOT an M car.

[Sticky]

There is a reason why there is an AMG parked in my driveway and NOT an M car.

Well, share what it is.

[BK63AMG]

Well, share what it is.

I know that from a track perspective, the M is generally the better "driver's" car...but I don't track my car. Personally, I'm into big displacement V8 with not just top-end HP, but TQ to boot. I was considering the E92 M3 coupe and the IS-F before I purchased my C63 but I couldn't reconcile the small displacement, low TQ of the M...I know it's a beautiful engine, but when I mash the throttle, I like to be thrown back into my seat. AMGs have the quality in spades. From a handling perspective, I didn't feel like I was giving up enough (I felt the power disparity btwn AMG and M was great than the handling disparity between M and AMG...make sense?)

Aesthetically, i feel that aMG vehicles tend to look the part more than M cars. I think there is incredible aftermarket and tuner support which helps remedy this but stock for stock, AMG cars look the part...the M aesthetic seem to have evolved in a less aggressive way. I think high performance machines should not only perform the part; they should look, sound and feel the part straight from the factory.

With that said, the M cars are nothing to sneeze at, but I can't say that I'm too impressed with the direction that the division is heading in re: smaller displacement and watered down styling...but that's just my opinion.

[Sticky]

I know that from a track perspective, the M is generally the better "driver's" car...but I don't track my car. Personally, I'm into big displacement V8 with not just top-end HP, but TQ to boot.

Then you definitely picked the right car. I'm starting to become a fan of the low end as well.

The M is all top end, and man, does it scream on the top end.

[BK63AMG]

But I will say that I really like the X5 and X6 M(s)...there is something about the concept of a twin-turbo AWD "truck" that I love!

[Sticky]

But I will say that I really like the X5 and X6 M(s)...there is something about the concept of a twin-turbo AWD "truck" that I love!

Probably because those truck are low torque monsters and more like a Mercedes than a traditional BMW.