BMW M3 Part 3: Performance Review

Most car tests are subjective affairs delivered from the reviewer's perspective based on his or her personal experience with that particular car. And that's good, because while we want some objective data, what we really want to know is what it feels like. Unfortunately though, most reviews don't really break it down for you - this is why it sucks, or even better, this is why it's great.

So with that in mind, I give you the top 10 reasons why - in my opinion - the BMW M3 is... wait for it... the perfect car.

10. Practicality: Available as a two-door coupe, a four-door sedan, and even a hardtop convertible for you salon owners, the M3 allows you to select your weapon based on your needs. Which is quite practical.

9. Looks: It is arguably the best looking current BMW. Which I know isn't exactly an amazing achievement with the E60 5-Series and the controversial 6-Series still lurking in the lineup, but still...

8. Build quality: One listen of the "thunk" made by the door when you shut it will convince you that this is one well-made car.

7. Size & Space: You can actually put people in the back seat. Even in the coupe. And I'm not talking about just your in-laws either, but people that you actually like.

6. Subtlety: Let's face it, most cars this fast look a bit over-the-top. Like your drunk friend who walks into a party, pulls his pants down and yells, "HEY, LOOK AT ME!" They're just immature. The M3, on the other hand, is much more grown-up, with a subtle menace to its surfacing that suggest you shouldn't mess with it.

5. The M-Mode: Which allows you to custom tune your M3 at the push of a button. Running your boss to the airport? No worries; set the Electronic Damper Control to "comfort", the throttle mapping "power" setting to "normal" and pretend you're driving an everyday, sensible 3-Series. And when it's time to break off some punk in an AMG-whatever on the way back home, press the M-button and unleash the beast!

4. The Noise: Or more appropriately, the music. The sounds from the high-revving 4-liter V8 are like an erotic massage for your inner ear. But rather than just reading about it, you should watch the video and hear it for yourself.

3. DSC & M Dynamic Mode: In the last generation M3, you had two choices: keep the DSC on and be aggravated by the constant nagging of the stability control system anytime you suggested a poke at the throttle; or, turn it off completely and put your faith in your driving skills alone. Now, with the M Dynamic Mode, you can tell the systems to back-off a bit while still retaining your safety net.

2. Pace: With 414 horsepower and the choice of a six-speed manual or a seven-speed M Dual Clutch Transmission, the BMW M3 has ballistic, near-supercar pace.

1. And finally, the number one reason the BMW M3 is the perfect car is that it's the most fun and rewarding car you can drive at anything near its price. With its trick M-Differential, tons of steering lock and near-perfect balance, the car is just a dream to drive. Whether you like going through corners sideways or on the perfect racing line, the M3 is indeed, the perfect car.

Watch the video
Read Part 1: Design
Read Part 2: Interior & User Experience

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