BMW M3 Review

Overall Rating

Power, Brakes, Power, High Spec, Power and Power.

None.

Just been for a test drive in M3 SMG. If you've never been in a car with this sort of power before, prepare to be shocked. The amount of power available is unbelievable. I drove the M3 back to back with a 330 for an easy comparison. The 330 is a quick car but seemed very sluggish after getting out of the M3. My current car is a 318Ci and I would say that the difference between the 318 and 330 is no where near as much as the difference between the 330 and the M3. Mind you, don't underestimate the 318Ci if you havent tried it. It sounds better than a 330 and has a similar amount of low end torque.

The suspension is firmer than the standard 330 coupe but not too firm to spoil a leisurely ride.

The SMG gearbox takes a little getting used to because it does not change like an automatic. The change is not as smooth as an auto box.

I'll let you know more when I get it :)

Members' Comments onPaul.'s Review

• poopsicle. on 5th Feb 2003

  m3 are nice but if you are looking for performance get a supra.

• Paul. on 6th Feb 2003

  Are u saying the Supra is faster ? - I can't imagine wanting to go any faster !

• wingyb. on 7th Jun 2003

  Fair enough, you must have be smitten with the test drive of the M3 but you may have lost your mind to compare your 318 to either of its 6 pot bigger brothers.
  
  As for the engine sound! It may be that you're not audiophile but you're amongst a very small minority who prefer 4 cylinders appose to 6.
  Most will agree what you mean to say is, the 4 pot is sounds far gruff instead of smooth.
  
  All the best to getting your M3, drive safely too.

• Tommy. on 13th Jun 2003

  Why are you lot talking about a german piece of rubbish!
  I am a MG Rover fan and i suggest you begin to talk about the BMW M3 AND M5 beater. And that is of course the new MG ZTR which is equiped with a Ford mustang V8.
  So stop buying German!!! Buy British

• Craig. on 13th Jun 2003

  "So stop buying German!!! Buy British"
  
  Ha ha ha ha ha.......Buy British he says, and it has an American engine in it.

• dave quick. on 25th Jun 2003

  Where a car is made should not be taken into consideration when spending your hard earned cash,
  only important vital issues about a performance car matter - M3 Coupe
  
  Performance - Mind Blowing
  Braking - would stop a train
  Handling - that rear end just won't drift
  Engine & Exhaust sound - Don't bother with the Harman Kardon, you won't want to turn it on !
  Comfort - 4 large 6ft chaps will be stuck to the back of their seats and have leg and headroom to spare!
  Value for money - Forget a Porsche or Ferrari, power for pound no comparison - watch depriciation though !
  Dealership back up - Superb, except for their tyre prices !
  Country of Manufacture - Who cares !
  Summary - For power, comfort, looks, practicallity, value for money there is not a car to match the M3 - and Clarkson this car is cool, get back in your Escort Cosworth !

• don. on 3rd Jul 2003

  people who have negative points on this car are just jelous because they cant afford one!

• Chumley. on 16th Jul 2003

  My pocket will only stretch to the 318Ci Sport (expected September). It's nice to know it's going to sound better than a 330 (!!!!) but I think I'll be keeping the HK turned up nice and loud.
  I took my mate's M3 for a spin and I was blown away, but I couldn't justify the extra £400 a month even if I had it spare (he lied).

• samm on 19th Feb 2004

  M3's are brilliant especially the engine but it simply won't keep up with the modern jap cars- Mitsi EVO 6/7/OR8 Impreza STI- Supra TT or Skyline R34. Some may say the M3 is more stylish but you will get far more respect with one of these Jap monsters.

• G60 Dude on 29th Jul 2004

  "M3's are brilliant especially the engine but it simply won't keep up with the modern jap cars- Mitsi EVO 6/7/OR8 Impreza STI- Supra TT or Skyline R34. Some may say the M3 is more stylish but you will get far more respect with one of these Jap monsters."
  
  I agree with the M3's brilliant engine, but I know I respect German cars more! The M3 is simply awesome with its styling, performance, and other factors. I don't see how you will get more respect in a Japanese car! Sure it's got the performance to guard it, but Germany's cars are so much cooler! Just to let you know, I'm happy with my car which is a 1991 VW Corrado G60.

• xtranaut on 1st Apr 2005

  Good old raw fun is a vette (if you can deal with the mazda center instrument console) BUT
  if you really want to learn how to drive and drive well...the trick pony is M3. I had an 04 with SMG. It takes a good five months to know what you can do and how to do it with that transmission but you won't regret the choice
  especially if you have to drive in the city.