Have you driven any modern BMW's? If size is your issue the M2 Competition is far superior to the E46 M3, and the F80 M3 is far superior to the E39 M5 and E60 M5.

For the first two years of ownership. https://www.bimmerboost.com/content.php?7348-BMW-ignores-the...

If you want to cherry pick isolated issues in an attempt to downplay how much better performing modern BMW's are overall I can make a huge list of performance cars that have notable issues

* E36 M3 upper shock tower cracking

* E46 M3 subframe cracking

* C6 Z06 valve guides

* 996 and 997 Porsche IMS bearings

* GT-R transmission failures (had to have mine replaced)

* W204 C63 AMG head bolts

Happy to provide more examples.

Breaking aluminum bolts is another one that is surprisingly common in some brands. They also tend to live just long enough for the warranty to expire.

https://rennlist.com/forums/porsche-macan/1085919-cautionary...

IMS bearings are an issue until 2009, engines produced after that point starting with the 9A1 no longer have an IMS.

I work in automotive repairs and i can assure you that all makes are in a fast race to the bottom. Is the conditions they created by brainwashing the consumers over a long time now they have to figure out what is the next “bankruptcy-saving” innovation all while keeping the price point, they choose to go the consumer electronics way but with >$30K “gadgets” so no wonder why you can call yourself lucky if your shiny machine lasts more than 5 years.

E46 subframe issue affected more than just the M3... ;(

Superior is an opinion just like mine.

I’ve not driven a modern M but I’ve driven the 330d and 420i loads and they’re incredibly dull. I’m sure the Ms are more fun and advanced and the fake engine noise pumped in to the cabin is exciting and all .. ;-)

>Superior is an opinion just like mine.

The increased performance is the only reason to buy an M over a lesser trim. Performance metrics are as objective as you can get and modern BMW's are far superior in that regard.

You're really over interpreting my initial comment and not wanting to believe people have preferences.

People like different things. E.g. some people might prefer cars that sound louder but are slower over a quiet cabin and faster.

Some people might think the engine is the only important aspect and prefer older engines.

And who said we're only talking M?

Chill...

Why else would you buy an E46 M3 over another E46 3 series if you didn't care about performance? According to you it's the last good car BMW made. The M2 Comp is an objectively better car than the E46 M3 if you care about performance, which you certainly do. Stop playing the victim because you suddenly don't want to have a discussion about a comment you made on a public forum.

I laughed when I read “victim” but I guess yes you are being an aggressive jerk.