BMW M3 Quick Test

The top 10 reasons why - in my humble opinion - BMW's new fourth-generation M3 is the perfect automobile:

No. 10: Practicality: Available as a two-door coupe, a four-door sedan and even a hardtop convertible, the M3 lets you select based on needs. Which is eminently practical.

No. 9: Looks: Not as aesthetically pleasing as its E46 predecessor, it's still the best-looking current BMW - especially in coupe form.

No. 8: Build quality: Hear that "thunk" when you shut the door? This is one very well-made car.

No. 7: Space: Real people can sit in the back seat - even in the E92 coupe version. (And not just your in-laws; real people that you actually like.)

No. 6: Subtlety: Let's face it, most cars this fast are over-the-top if not downright immature.

The M3, on the other hand, is a grown-up—subtly, menacing in a way that suggests, "Don't mess with me."

No. 5: The "M-Mode" which lets you custom tune your M3 at the push of a button. Taking your boss to the airport? Set the Electronic Damper Control to "comfort", the throttle mapping to "normal" and pretend you're driving a sensible, everyday, 3-Series.

And when it's time to shake off some punk in an AMG-whatever on the way home, press that M-button and unleash the beast!

No. 4: The noise - or more appropriately, "the music": The sounds from the M3's high-revving 4-liter V8 are like an erotic massage for your inner ear.

No. 3: The addition of DSC and 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 poked at the throttle; or, turn it off 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 a safety net.

No. 2: Speed. With 414 horsepower and either a six-speed manual or seven-speed M Dual Clutch Transmission, the BMW M3 has ballistic, near-supercar pace that you revel in through one of the best steering wheels in the business and the perfect placement of its pedals.

And finally, No. 1: The number-one reason why the BMW M3 is the perfect automobile? It's the most fun, most rewarding car you can drive at anything near its $60-70K price.

With its trick M-Differential, tons of steering lock and near-perfect balance, the M3 is simply a dream to drive.

Over the years, several manufacturers have cooked up factory hot rods using the M3's recipe: Start with a best-seller; add Tabasco liberally to the design and drivetrain; and lightly sprinkle with letters on the trunk-lid—AMG, RS, V, F.

None, though, have had the impact or earned the respect of those with the letter "M". That solitary consonant stands for "Motorsport," but it could just as easily stand for "Magnificent."

Watch the video
Read Part 1: Design Review
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: $58,400
Competitors: Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, Cadillac CTS-V, Lexus IS-F