Visual Impact of the E46 M3 vs E92 M3

[BlackCat]

E46 M3 vs E92 M3 - Visual impact People, What are your opinions on the design aspect of the new E92 M3 vs the E46 M3? Though many have not seen the new E92 M3 in the flesh yet (only in mags) and I do not know if this is the full production version (probably is... anyone?), I must admit that I am bias to the older E46 version. The older E46 looks just 'right' while the younger E92 looks a little 'jappy' imho. Some design cues looks like an afterthought - the boot lid 'spoiler' thing is one fine example. What IS that!!! I would love to read your comments on the design/visual impacts of these two siblings. Do share your thoughts, likes and dislikes of both versions. BlackCat

 

[sithwarrior]

BC,

From what I've heard from the motoring journalists that had recently gone to Spain to test the car, It's is exactly like what you see in the magazine. All in all it is much more powerfull and has an absolute linear power bend. The thing is with all that juice under the hood, it was apparently a very refined M car. From what I have heard, the E46 sounds lke it has a lot more grunt and looks far more muscular. Not to say that E92 M3 does not look mean at all, but its isnt like you're gonna call for mummy when you see it charging right behind you when you look in the rear view mirror. The E46 how ever would look like a raging Pitt Bull. Saying that these guys loved the one thing any true M enthusiats would love... The Stick Shift.. So I guess the new M3 is far more superior in every way compared the E46 except in the looks department.

Sith

 

[Juan Powerblow]

In terms of looks, I must say the E92 M3 wins hands down and this is not cos I drive an E92. The E46 M3 looked like a re-hashed E46, even a 318i. The E92 M3 has incorporated so many provocative elements that make clear it's true intention. BMW's decision to make the E92 look a lot different than the E90 was a worthwhile one cos many coupe lovers are just drooling over the E92 worldwide, appreciating that it's no longer an E90 with 2 doors missing. Just my 2 sens. Don't flame me ah!

 

[dalcross]

funny you should mention this, i was in pj state the other night and i saw a white e92, as much as i hate to admit it, i thought it was a honda at first.

but its hard to say without seeing the e92 m3 in the flesh. the e46 m3 is still very distinctive and aggressive.

 

[INNOVATOR]

The E92 rear lights design - an inspiration from the Proton Waja.

 

[BlackCat]

Hmmmm....

For one, taste is very subjective. Two..., its personal.

IMHO, BMW is going thru a phase of a very radical design 're-branding" so to speak. Some more than others are quick to accept these 'new design breakthrough', others like me for instance, find it a bit hard to swallow.

I have always related that 'european/continental' cars were to have this design DNA that is somehow unique to their breed and so different to the more far-eastern originated cars (japs for instance) and even from the american muscle car designs.

With everything going so global nowadays, designs and DNAs are no exceptions to this trend. We are already seeing crossed designs, crossed DNAs cars otr now. Some more 'crossed' than others that at a glimpse you would not know the marque of the car. Individuality or the identity of these cars is somewhat 'grayed' now.

Individuality is slowly saturated with time. But is it not that what people strife for?Being an individual rather than being just one of the masses?

So maybe in the not so distant future... we may just have a single chassis design for ALL 4 wheel vehicles with single design bodywork. The only difference you may have is probably the seat to rest your weary butt as even the marque of these new 'global branding' cars is so crossed design and crosses DNAed wise that it may most probably not be branded anymore...

Hmmmmm... ever thought of that?


BlackCat

 

[vincent.m3]

i would say i still prefer e46 m3 than e92 m3. e92 m3 doesn't look aggresive as it suppose to be...

i think an outlook of the car do play an important part in decision making for the trend nowdays... anyway, can't say much yet till i've seen the real e92 m3...

 

[KL2DC]

:laugh:

I see this topic everywhere...change is hard to swallow for the die hard fans. Remember when the E46 M3 first came out and the E36 M3 boys were all balking at how absurd it looks (esp the quads), or when the E36 M3 came out and the E30 M3 boys were shaking their heads at the conservatism of E36.

History repeats itself...

 

[BlackCat]

Hi people,

Thank you for all your views. I have read each one and feel that your opinions reflect your love for the brand. We are after-all the ultimate users, and through the years with the marque, I am sure many of you will not disagree if I were to say that we sometimes feel that our blood runs thru these machines one way or the other.

Yes, I do agree with KL2DC...in some degree. History does repeat itself.

Having said that, the evolution of the M3's from the E30 to the present E92 (I am discounting the other Ms i.e 1's, 5's, 6's and 8's etc) have gone thru much design changes and breakthroughs. And as with every change and breakthrough, it comes with resistance. I am not resisting change and breakthrough, just disappointed that a marque that has earned respect through history is slowly losing its identity. And by this I mean of its design DNAs. I am sorry, but certain design elements on the current models does look 'jappy' to me. Even some of the detailing looks as if it was an afterthought (case in point - the E92 M3 boot lid spoiler!).

I could still spot a Porsche 500 meters away. Today, I may pass a BMW and not notice it... :31: :motz: :20:


BlackCat

 

[E46Fanatic]

I think if you park the cars side by side and look closeup, the E92 M3 will overshadow the E46 M3 lines. Having said that, they are both lovely cars which most people would love to have the keys to!

btw, anyone has a picture of these 2 cars side by side to post in this thread?

 

[han2u]

Digress a bit. I think the E46 M3 looks like a pregnant guppy. I am not saying its ugly but its not pretty either. Just aggressive!

 

[guru]

there is a 4 door e92 M3 ..anyone seen it?..it's great!

 

[acidburn]

Basically E46 M3 more fierce than the new E92 M3 if compare the exterior design. However the power and stability is more towards E92 M3 as what the magazines review said..ha ha ha

 

[tony5050]

guys,

me too used to have the thought of the E46 M is more aggresive looking from the outside...until i saw a 335i few days ago cruising along and i had a good look of tht car crusing on the road....now if its the E92 M....

both hands up for the E92 M...

 

[phas3r]

wuhuu..in fact ive never seen a E92 coupe flesh let alone e92 m3.. i think its gotten too big n heavy d, much bigger than e46 m3. especially when u compare to the original e30 m3.
hope the CSL version will be a lightweight and make it more racing feel

 

[naharnms]

phasr, ypur pics of the front M3s from e30 to e92 is nice !

as for me, performance wise for the new e93m3 is just phenomenal from its predecessor, but look wise.. not bad at all. you see, i notice that bm cars esp the newer models replacing the older ones need some times for us to comprehend.. the more you look, the better you could appreciate..

for me, surprisingly i kinda like the 1 series tii coupe concept though.. (from dec 2007 bmwcar mag front cover).