RE: BMW M3: UK Review
Discussion
Guvernator said:
I think it basically comes down to the fact that people expect different things from an M car these days. There are some who feel that the M version should feel special but also make you work for your enjoyment with a unique engine that encourages you to "play" and then there are those who just think the M car should be the version which is the easiest to drive quickly, has the best figures\stats, give you a terrific thump in the back as you accelerate up that slip road from 30-70 without having to faff around with that old fashioned changing gear malarkey and is loaded with every conceivable toy.
I'm not sure how or why this division has occurred but it seems those in the former category are now in the minority and everyone wants the M car to be the biggest, bad-est daily commuter car on the planet. Weird when there are plenty of other cars in the BMW range that already fill that criteria like the excellent 335d but then they don't have the Kudos of that M badge to show off in the work car park.
To be fair this M3 would probably make an ideal family car in a few years when they've come down in price to a reasonable level but would I pay £70k for one now and is it likely to set my world on fire on a early morning drive when I had the chance to leave the family at home, probably not.
The door is wide open for the C63 to feel special and give you the thump in the back (by all accounts, based on the AMG GT it will sound great too).I'm not sure how or why this division has occurred but it seems those in the former category are now in the minority and everyone wants the M car to be the biggest, bad-est daily commuter car on the planet. Weird when there are plenty of other cars in the BMW range that already fill that criteria like the excellent 335d but then they don't have the Kudos of that M badge to show off in the work car park.
To be fair this M3 would probably make an ideal family car in a few years when they've come down in price to a reasonable level but would I pay £70k for one now and is it likely to set my world on fire on a early morning drive when I had the chance to leave the family at home, probably not.
A note on the as tested price of this car - looks like it has every option on as a press car. They are pretty well specced as standard with professional nav, heated seats, dimming and folding mirrors and parking sensors, xenon lights.
The options are there if you want them e.g. Head up display. Carbon ceramic brakes for £6.2k etc, sunblinds and Internet connectivity etc which really aren't necessities. If you throw a few grand at the basic car you can have a really well specced machine.
Saying that, BMW AUC has loads of cars in all colours between 5 -2000 miles and the lowest are hovering around £50k now before negotiation.
I just wish the press would try a manual as that's the one I'd like to go for...
Guvernator said:
You'd think that with all the techno trickery available these days with 5 different sport modes, multiple suspension modes and even modes for how quickly you want the car to change gear, someone could come up with a way to change the power map so that you could have a low down torque monster for commuting and then with a press of a button, move the power and torque further up the rev range, remove the plateau and make it more linear in it's delivery.
That way you cater for the commuters who just want the no fuss, no drama drive and also for the more enthusiastic driver who likes to work for their driving enjoyment or just those who like to switch between both as the mood dictates. They've made every other mode switchable, just really surprised no one has come up with programmable power map till now. Stuff like this is even available in the tuner aftermarket so not sure why the manufacturers haven't cottoned on. Then cars like M3 really could offer the best of both worlds.
That's a really good point. I suppose Ferrari are closest to this by artificially limiting torque in the lower gears at lower Rpms to give the impression of a linear power curve from a strong naturally aspirated engine. Got to be the way forward as you get that great rush to the redline, and may help the traction issues. That way you cater for the commuters who just want the no fuss, no drama drive and also for the more enthusiastic driver who likes to work for their driving enjoyment or just those who like to switch between both as the mood dictates. They've made every other mode switchable, just really surprised no one has come up with programmable power map till now. Stuff like this is even available in the tuner aftermarket so not sure why the manufacturers haven't cottoned on. Then cars like M3 really could offer the best of both worlds.
Schnellmann said:
I've had an E46 and an E93 M3. Much preferred the former. Currently have M135i as a run around. It is very quick but power delivery is not good. Without traction control it would be a liability as the wheels spin on very low throttle application (even with winter tyres). Don't recall having problems with the E46 (which would of course let go - but only if deliberately provoked).
LSD is the answer! I've got one on my 335i and the traction control light doesn't seem to intervene very much at all. Back in the day, Harris suggested that they might have developed the car with one in mind!http://www.birdsauto.com/editorial/editorial-autoc...
r11co said:
That kind of sums up the whole problem right there. Prostituting the brand! 'M' now means whatever you want it to mean.
EPAS? Turbo? SUV? You're barred!
I've owned the last three M3's and I now own the current M4 and yes I'm a fanboy, more so for the view that i've found BMW cars to be great fun to drive - feel free to shoot me now.
I was very worried when I read about the turbo M4 but I also had faith in BMW and held off voicing any concerns until I drove the car.
BMW make cars that are fantastic to drive. I loved the E46 and E92 and on both cases was sad to see those cars go but the M4 is another fantastic M car in my view. The traction is better than the E92 (even when the E92 has PSS on it) yes more torque from a turbo means more wheel spin for the clueless.
The sound I think is superb and even better with the M performance exhaust!
The steering is in my view the biggest asset the car has, it takes a little getting used to but after getting back into an E92 last week I am convinced its a step forward. The E92 got a huge amount of stick when it came out but now the world loves it, I believe the same will be true of the F82. If you have driven the regular 3 or 4 series then beaware that M binned the steering completely and redid it themselves, the M car drives and steers very differently!
Cheers,
Neil.
I was very worried when I read about the turbo M4 but I also had faith in BMW and held off voicing any concerns until I drove the car.
BMW make cars that are fantastic to drive. I loved the E46 and E92 and on both cases was sad to see those cars go but the M4 is another fantastic M car in my view. The traction is better than the E92 (even when the E92 has PSS on it) yes more torque from a turbo means more wheel spin for the clueless.
The sound I think is superb and even better with the M performance exhaust!
The steering is in my view the biggest asset the car has, it takes a little getting used to but after getting back into an E92 last week I am convinced its a step forward. The E92 got a huge amount of stick when it came out but now the world loves it, I believe the same will be true of the F82. If you have driven the regular 3 or 4 series then beaware that M binned the steering completely and redid it themselves, the M car drives and steers very differently!
Cheers,
Neil.
I have had three previous M3's over a period of ten years (e46/csl/e92). My current M4 is a worthwhile step up from the previous model on most fronts,braking,steering,suspension,seats etc..... the engine? Well you either get it or you don't. I
feel M division have produced a fine unit given current design parameters. Of course it's easy to end up in a ditch if you don't appreciate the power curve is radically different from say the e92 and act accordingly.
feel M division have produced a fine unit given current design parameters. Of course it's easy to end up in a ditch if you don't appreciate the power curve is radically different from say the e92 and act accordingly.
The cars have had mixed reviews, and what really puts me off are:
1. Performance is not accessible on the road, in that, its simply too fast; and
2. It sounds sh*t. There is no two ways about this; hence BMW desperate attempt at making it sound better in the cabin using speakers.
This is no way a future classic in the same way the NA engined EVO, CSL and GTS will be, so I can't see the appeal myself, either now or in the future.
1. Performance is not accessible on the road, in that, its simply too fast; and
2. It sounds sh*t. There is no two ways about this; hence BMW desperate attempt at making it sound better in the cabin using speakers.
This is no way a future classic in the same way the NA engined EVO, CSL and GTS will be, so I can't see the appeal myself, either now or in the future.
s m said:
MadDog1962 said:
I'm sure it's a great drive, but it looks awfully expensive and those options are outrageously pricey.
.
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I remember in a mag last century someone speccing a new E36 M3 EVO ( list price of circa 40k in 1998 17 years ago ) to around 54k and the same comment being made
My 2010 E90 M3 saloon was £57k!
NelsonM3 said:
Some pics. I'd love the new one to go with them but these cost enough as it is to run!
Love the fact you have both 
I didn't like my E92 much(chassis was great and the engine was great if you had a runway to use it) yet my favourite M3 of the lot is the E36 and I still lust after them like you wouldn't believe! 
Maybe its just me, but this seems like a lot of money for a heavy car. I thought this was supposed to be a sports car? If so, imagine what it could do if it went on a diet.
As it is, it reminds me of Kirstie Alley on a bad day - old, fat, and a disgraceful social climber wearing fake pearls. Does my bum look big in this?
As it is, it reminds me of Kirstie Alley on a bad day - old, fat, and a disgraceful social climber wearing fake pearls. Does my bum look big in this?
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