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BEST M3 Generations & Are New Cars Ruining Future Enthusiasts?

BEST M3 Generations & Are New Cars Ruining Future Enthusiasts?

MartiniWorks Podcast Apr 03, 2026 68 min
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About this episode

The MartiniWorks crew debates why modern cars may ruin future enthusiast DIY: integrated screens, constant software/firmware support, and the risk of features being discontinued (CarPlay/Android Auto included). They connect that to rising mod costs, expensive sensors/ADAS recalibration, and the shrinking pool of “cheap” platforms. The conversation then turns into a spirited ranking of BMW M3 generations—E30 nostalgia, E46 “sweet spot” with known issues, and the G80 as the top pick—plus practical advice on buying reliable, well-maintained cars. They also discuss BYD/Chinese competition, car brand naming, and paint-color trends.

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Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Company

Martini Works

"If you guys are looking for car parts, be sure to mod your car with your friends at martiniworks.com. [42.3s] We actually got a cool set of work wheels here that we're going to be throwing some"

Martini Works is a company that sells car parts. In this episode, they’re basically telling you where to get the wheels and performance upgrades they’re talking about.

Car

BMW M3

"So we're going to get into the best BMW M3 generations because you caused a stir on the internet last week."

The BMW M3 is BMW’s high-performance version of the 3 Series. Each generation feels a bit different, so people argue about which one is the most fun or best overall.

Car

Chrysler PT Cruiser

"... in the beginning, right? Like, so I picked up a PT Cruiser or Gels had a Neon or a Colbald. Alex, was your ..."

The Chrysler PT Cruiser is a compact car with a retro-style design. The podcast is talking about someone buying one and comparing it to other cars. It’s mentioned because it’s a distinctive-looking vehicle.

Car

Mercedes-Benz Mercedes 300

"...00 GT or was it? No, my very first car was an 89 Mercedes 300. Okay."

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3 (W109) is an older luxury sedan. The podcast is mentioning it as someone’s first car. It’s known for having a very large engine and a big, comfortable feel.

Term

integrated into one system

"Well, nowadays, that's not a thing at all anymore. [175.5s] Yeah, it's all integrated into one system."

These days, a lot of car functions are connected together in one computer system. So changing one part (like the screen or audio) can be more complicated than it used to be.

Term

LS's

"LS's used to be even cheaper. Like you could go and you get junkyard 350s from, from, you know, old, old Chevy trucks."

“LS” is a type of GM V8 engine that’s popular for swaps. People used to find them cheaply in junkyards, so they were a common choice for budget builds.

Term

four bolt

"You get a four bolt and you could throw them in anything you wanted for like 400 bucks. And now a lot of stuff has gotten really expensive."

“Four bolt” is a way people describe a stronger engine bottom end on some older Chevy V8s. It matters because it can handle more power than the simpler versions.

Term

horsepower

"And it was like upper 200, like 270-ish horsepower. And I remember thinking to myself, I was 16 or 17 at the time."

Horsepower is basically how strong the engine is. More horsepower usually helps the car feel faster, but it’s not the only factor.

Term

intake

"How much was the intake for your Supra? I did get a carbon HKS one, but yeah, it was damn near 800 bucks."

An intake is an aftermarket air-flow system that replaces or modifies the factory intake to improve airflow and sometimes throttle response. The segment highlights how intake prices for modern cars can be surprisingly high.

Term

exhaust systems

"And the exhaust was like 1000 over a thousand a dollar. Sam, dude, that is just gnarly."

An exhaust system is the parts that route exhaust gases out of the car. They’re saying exhaust upgrades cost a lot of money now.

Car

Nissan 350Z

"in like the 350Z because there's so many different brands that support that chassis"

The Nissan 350Z is a sports car that a lot of companies make parts for. That means you can upgrade it in different ways without needing a huge budget.

Term

bolt pattern

"[1124.4s] And sometimes also the bolt pattern too. [1126.9s] It was absolutely horrendous."

The bolt pattern is how the wheel’s lug holes are laid out. If it doesn’t match your car, the wheel won’t fit correctly unless you use adapters.

Concept

reliability

"Also, I think reliability is underrated. Looking at the problems vehicles have. Get something that you can drive because no matter what car you have, ... If it's on jack stands all year, they ain't fun to drive."

Reliability means the car doesn’t constantly break. If it’s always being repaired, you won’t get to drive it and enjoy it.

Term

ECU

"Oh, right. Just completely swap out the ECU or something. Yeah."

ECU is the car’s main computer for controlling things like the engine. Changing the ECU (or replacing it) is one way people try to fix or improve how the car runs.

Company

Motegi Racing Wheels

"what one of the partners of the Martiniworks podcast, Motegi Racing Wheels... If you guys are looking to get a good set of good old wheels, Motegi's actually been killing it... great fitment, great finishes."

Motegi Racing Wheels makes aftermarket wheels. They’re saying Motegi has good-looking wheels, good fitment, and they’re reasonably priced—especially when you buy wheels and tires together.

Term

fitment

"They've got really cool stuff, great fitment, great finishes."

Fitment just means whether the wheel fits your car properly—clears everything it needs to and sits right. Good fitment helps avoid rubbing or needing extra parts.

Concept

Chalk Zone

"If you guys and gals don't know, we do a little fun series called Chalk Zone. Yeah."

“Chalk Zone” is a recurring segment where the hosts make a list (like a ranking) and explain why they chose those cars. It’s meant to be fun and easy to follow.

Term

inline six

"Inline six, analog enough to be really fun and enjoyable, digital enough to still be comfortable."

An inline-six is an engine layout with six cylinders in a straight line. People often like it because it can feel smooth and characterful compared with some newer engine designs.

Term

rust

"But some cons on the E30 rust, obviously, at this point. Getting a clean example is hard to find."

Rust means the metal is corroding, usually from water and salt. On older cars, it can be expensive to fix and can hurt the car’s value and safety.

Car

BMW M5

"I got to drive the M3, the M3, the M4, the M5, the M2. They drove all the new ones, and they were all really good. ... But no, the new M5 and the new M8 share a lot of similarities"

The BMW M5 is BMW’s fast, luxury sedan from the M division. They’re pointing out that the newer M5 and M8 are related in design/engineering, even though they look different.

Part

lowering springs

"Just the lowering springs and the wheels. And I know it was golden."

Lowering springs make the car sit lower. That usually looks better and can help handling, but it can also make the ride harsher and may require alignment.

Company

Fortune auto

"They make coilovers. They do. Fortune auto 500s. Fortune auto 510s. They're over at Martini Works."

Fortune Auto makes aftermarket suspension parts, especially coilovers. People use them to improve ride quality and handling, and you can usually choose a setup that fits your exact car.

Brand

BYD

"So I'd be interested to see where BYD comes out and how it compares or how it how it how it battles against some of the guys..."

BYD is a big Chinese company that makes electric cars. The speaker thinks BYD will come to the U.S. more and compete with other electric-car brands.

Brand

Jaguar

"Honestly Jaguar is kind of sick. It's a bit on the nose."

Jaguar is a car brand from the UK. People associate it with sporty, stylish cars, so the name itself feels “cool” even if you’re not talking about a specific model.

Brand

Ferrari

"I like Ferrari. Yeah that's a cool Lamborghini. Yeah that's cool too. Like you just say those are they don't mean anything but they sound like something"

Ferrari is a famous Italian supercar brand. Even if you don’t know the cars, the name alone usually makes people think “fast and exciting.”

Brand

Lamborghini

"Yeah that's a cool Lamborghini. Yeah that's cool too. Like you just say those are they don't mean anything but they sound like something"

Lamborghini is an Italian brand that makes flashy, high-performance cars. The name is so well-known that it instantly signals “exotic car” to most people.

Brand

Cadillac

"I do think I think Cadillac is a good name. Okay yeah. I think Cadillac is like a good like just strong. It like starts with a C ends with a C."

Cadillac is an American luxury car brand. People often think of it as “big and premium,” and the name also lends itself to nicknames like “Caddy.”

Brand

Chevrolet

"[3053.1s] It's italicized Chevy. [3055.7s] Chevrolet. [3056.2s] And then it's spelt Chevrolet."

Chevrolet is a big car brand from the U.S. It’s part of General Motors. Here they’re just talking about how the name/logo feels to them.

Brand

Porsche

"[3405.0s] Porsche also had some good nicknames like this was the [3407.8s] hammer."

Porsche is a German company that makes sports cars. People in car communities sometimes give Porsche models nicknames based on how they look or feel.

Part

Fittipaldi two piece forged wheels

"[3686.0s] It's interesting. [3687.2s] Well like Becca wanted to put because we have Fittipaldi two piece forged wheels on it. [3690.8s] Sure."

Two-piece forged wheels are made in two parts and then put together. They’re often chosen because they can be strong and allow more options for how the wheel looks.

Part

double D brushed and a single brushed lip

"[3687.2s] Well like Becca wanted to put because we have Fittipaldi two piece forged wheels on it. [3690.8s] Sure. [3691.1s] And their brush double D brushed and then a single brushed lip."

“Brushed” refers to a finish that makes the metal look textured instead of mirror-smooth. The “lip” is the outer edge of the wheel, and different brushed patterns can make the wheel look more detailed.

Company

Continental Tire

"[4033.3s] We do want to say thank you to Continental Tire for being a sponsor. [4036.7s] Conti Conti."

Continental Tire is a big tire brand. They’re sponsoring the podcast here, and they also offer roadside help if you buy their tires.

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