Caporegime
I guess I've been spoilt over the years, as that sounds awful to me. Obviously the X3 popping is a joke, although does make me laugh. But I really don't like the sound of that e46 and never have. I have owned e36 M3s and did like the sound of those. But in all honesty my favourite sounding cars I've owned have been my mk1 Ford Escort 1.7 crossflow with twin 40s, followed closely by my old 3.0S Capri. I guess it's horses for courses.
Carbs vs injectors would be my guess for the sound on those beasties!