BMW E46 M3 vs E92 M3

The E46 M3 scores higher, by more than the range either could move.

BMW E46 M3

96Guide Score for 2006Exceptionalabout $2,715 a year to own

2nd of 69

BMW E92 M3

84Guide Score for 2013Excellentabout $3,493 a year to own

About 16th of 69, likely 5th to 41st

The seven parts and acclaim, side by side, each with its share of that car’s score
Part	E46 M3	E92 M3
Heritage	66 counts 16 of 100	57 counts 15 of 100
Engine	89 counts 16 of 100	81 counts 15 of 100
Drive feel	80 counts 21 of 100	80 counts 19 of 100
Analog connection	95 counts 11 of 100	100 counts 10 of 100
Weight	87 counts 11 of 100	77 counts 10 of 100
Long-term value	not measured	not measured
Ownership	50 counts 10 of 100	23 counts 18 of 100
Acclaim	87 counts 16 of 100	36 counts 15 of 100
Chance of a bill over $10,000 in five years	0.4%	11%
Cost to own a year	$2,715 ($1,845 to $4,131)	$3,493 ($2,444 to $4,994)
The bills that decide it	Rear subframe mount cracking; VANOS wear; SMG hydraulic pump (SMG cars)	Rod bearing wear (S65); Throttle actuator failure (S65); M DCT mechatronic unit (DCT cars)

Guide Score method v5-final.14; each score is shown with its cost to own (about $2,715 a year to own and about $3,493 a year to own at each best year). How it works.