![]() 05/10/2014 at 17:58 • Filed to: test drives | ![]() | ![]() |
Today:
S52 M Coupe
E46 M3
Another E46 M3
228i
The day started off with one quick drive in an S52 M Coupe clownshoe that I was interested in purchasing. Some Bimmerheads say the S52 feels nearly as quick as the S54. Well I've driven a few S54 cars before and can't say I agree. But in order to get a back-to-back butt dyno comparison, I decided to go and test drive a private sale E46 M3. This one had an SMG transmission that I've never driven before and it was extra jerky. I wasn't sure if they're all like that so on the way home I decided to drop by a BMW CPO lot and drive yet another SMG E46 M3. With lower miles, this one was a bit smoother but still jerky at times. I guess that's just the nature of SMG. Then as I was about to leave, I decided I might as well go check out the new 2-series since I was already at BMW. Took a base 228i for a 15 min spin and thought that while the power from the turbo 2 liter is impressive, the throttle response even in the sportiest setting was nothing to write home about.
Verdict: In my opinion, the S54 still holds the throne of being the purest little BMW engine so far even if these newer turbo cars yield quicker numbers.
![]() 05/10/2014 at 18:08 |
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N/A M engines FTW!!!
![]() 05/10/2014 at 19:27 |
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The S54 was God's gift to the automotive world. I myself am going to set up an appointment for a E46 M3 this week at a dealer a few hours away. Good luck with your search.