BMW M3 Part 1: Design Review

The recipe for the BMW M3 has been around for some time: take the cooking version of your best-selling car and add Tabasco liberally - both to the design, and even more so, to the drivetrain. Over the years, several manufacturers have used this recipe to cook up their own versions of BMW's hot rod, even sprinkling some letters on the trunk-lid as a finishing touch: think AMG, RS, V or even F. But none have had the impact or earned the respect of the cars with the letter M.

That solitary consonant stands for Motorsport, but could just as easily stand for magnificent in terms of the BMW M3's performance. But what of it's design? To some, the fourth generation of BMW's all-star is a touch too conservative, while to others, certain elements are a bit much. To my eye, the E92 M3 - as the coupe version is known - is the best-looking current production BMW.

Most noticeably separating the M-version from the standard 3-series coupe are the fender flares that lend the M3 its athletic stance. More subtle than those on the last generation E46 M3, they give the car a more mature and refined look. Significantly less subdued is the car's mean stare and angry-looking lower intake, as well as the bulging and vented aluminum hood.

Around the side, the rocker panel that ends with a slight kick adds a dynamic touch, as does the body's main character line that originates in what has got to be the most copied design element in recent years: the M3's signature fender vent. Unlike most imitator's, this one is functional and well integrated. Also noteworthy are the gorgeous forged-alloy 19-in. wheels that are carried over from the last-generation M3 - although now they're a half-inch wider front and rear.

Dominating the back of the M3, the quad tailpipes look the business and are a signature M-model design feature. Unfortunately, the surfacing of the lower bumper around the exhaust pipes is rather busy, with indentations on either side that look slightly unfinished - as if they didn't get around to cutting them out and fitting the grilles that the designer probably intended. Finishing off the trailing edge of the M3 is a trunk-mounted spoiler that is tasteful and discreet and perfectly inline with the car's subtle, ass-kicking demeanor.

But without question the design highlight of the coupe version of the M3 has got to be the carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic roof that saves weight where it really counts - on the highest point of the body, significantly improving the car's center of gravity. As a bonus, the roof is as sexy as it is functional with a deep clear coat that highlights the material perfectly. The bad news is that if you opt for the no-cost, optional sliding glass moonroof, you give up the sexy carbon for heavy steel and glass.

Perhaps not as extroverted as previous models, the newest M3 coupe still uses the same delicious recipe as its forbearers - seriously spicing up the 3-series both mechanically and aesthetically. The end result may not be to everyone's taste, but there is simply no denying that the 2009 BMW M3 is worthy of that magical, mythical and magnificent letter adorning its trunk lid.

Watch the video
Read Part 2: Interior & User Experience
Read Part 3: Performance

BMW M3 Coupe

Performance
- Acceleration: High revving nature of the 4-liter V8 means that it doesn't feel quite as quick as it actually is... more bottom end would help
- Handling: Perfect balance means you can dance like Mikhail Baryshnikov
- Braking: Perfectly potent brakes... until you really tax 'em on a track - why can't we get four or six piston calipers BMW? - the single weak point of the M3

Design
- Exterior: Not as aesthetically pleasing as its E46 predecessor, but still the best looking current BMW - especially in coupe form
- Interior: Minimalist design works best with aluminum interior accents - not the best interior design in its class however

Utility
- Comfort: Very comfortable for front passengers, and completely acceptable for those in the back seat as well
- Space: Completely adequate given its coupe layout -- Front seat headroom is compromised by tall seat height though

Safety
- Dynamics: Athletic moves and excellent agility means evasive maneuvers are a cinch
- Technology: Everything you'd expect, plus M Dynamic Mode for fun with safety

Value
- Price: Base price is not sky-high, but by the time you get the must-have options you're looking at the far end of $60K or even $70k
- Mileage: Not as good as the 6-cylinder E46 M3, even when you stay off the throttle - then again, that's the price of V8 power

Emotional Appeal
- Heart thumpin' factor: The M badge alone will get your heart racing... and when you fire up the V8 your pulse rate will jump again
- Fun to spank: Ah... yeah, you could say that. Or you can watch our Director's Cut video for a visual demonstration...

SPECIFICATIONS

Layout: Front engine / Rear-wheel drive
Engine: 4.0 liter, V8
Power (SAE): 414 hp @ 8300 rpm
Torque: 295 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm
Gearbox: 6-speed manual
Curb Weight: 3650 lbs.
0-60 mph: 4.3 sec.
1/4 mile: 12.7 @ 112 mph
Top Speed: 155 mph (electronically limited)
Mileage: 14 city / 20 highway
Base Price: $56,500
Competitors: Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, Cadillac CTS-V, Lexus IS-F