written by Graham2410 on 29/12/2006
My wife has a BMW Z3, which I drove to collect my second hand E36 M3 EVO. All the way home I drove the M3 normally and changed gear at about 5000rpm. Although the handling and comfort was far superior to her Z3 I was disappointed with the performance. When we got home I took her for a little spin to confirm my disappointment. We joined the dual carriageway and I put my foot down, this time instead of changing gear at 5000 rpm I listened to that sweet exhaust note - Next thing I knew, I was thrown back into my seat and it took off. I had never smiled so much in my life. Try keeping me below 6500 revs now! Fuel consumption... who cares. Tyres... who cares. I smile every time I drive it. Followed a Maserati down the motorway a while ago, he tried to loose me but it was his nerve that got the better of me not his £80000 car.
written by jonathan kelly on 11/07/2006
BMW M3 2dr is a six cylinder machine. The expensive version of one of the most popular cars ever made; the 3 series BMW. It has some interesting features for the more experienced driver like a 6 speed manual gearbox. Also a top of the range built in satellite-navigator so you know how to get to where you are going a TV a compact disc changer all as standard as most 'extras' are included in the price like air conditioning an out side temperature gadget. The seats are red leather in the racing style. It's also got a locking fuel tank that holds 20 gallons, 19" alloy wheels which cost £120 each to clean, radar locks, and an alarm.
As for the performance it is electric a 155 mph top speed is limited. 0-60 in 5 seconds and 0-100 in 11 seconds means it can really move fast. It is motorbike quick. With a hard sports car ride this will not suit everbody.
At £44000 it is rather expensive and BMW show rooms are used to gross over charging of their customers it is then highly expensive to buy but this is not a problem as a company car all expense is covered and none is spared. The cost is £1 per mile to run for an average drive my brother has now covered 50,000 miles that is equal to £50,000 in running costs. Stage 2 service has just been done for £960 plus a few extras it was £1200 it total
It is then a quality product offering excellent performance and handling. Speeding can be a problem however as speed cameras have flashed 15 times on last count but not one had film in it. It will however cost a small fortune if it is run privately. Recommend to all those in the money.
written by Blueworld3 on 09/09/2005
Lets get things straight, the BMW M3 Coupe is a four (adult) seat car with boot space, which can challenge a 996. It's bored out, tuned engine, and suspension, would leave any boy racers envious. Expect to have some come and speak to you at the gas station. Very quick, great leather (much better than all usual BMW coupe's). M series are a different breed there is little relationship between normal and M. Don't believe the dealers, worse residuals than BMW (normal) and Porsche. This, bought 2nd hand is for the wealthy, no such thing as cheap super cars. Watch the tyres and the depreciation.
Given the fact that this car will cost in the region of £10K to drive for one year (and ignoring that aspect), Its brilliant!!!! But I just tried part-exing mine, and was going to get another, until I realised how much they drop in value. I bought mine at 2 years old with 17K on the clock. It had dropped £17k in value (to £30K), I thought that was the bulk done, however I have just shopped mine for £20K for 47K that's £10K for another 30000 miles but £27k in three years for 47000 miles?
This type of motoring is not cheap, and it's arguable that if you don't have kids get a 996, however if you do get one of these... They are slightly uncool, but you will not care as they drive so well.
Be prepared for people wanting to race you, and for them to be ungracious. If you can handle it, buy this snorting, tyre shredding, adrenaline pumping big boys toy and enjoy. Everyone should have one at least once... I can't wait to get my hands on the M5.
written by b19gcm on 15/08/2005
Just bought a BMW2003 E46 M3 coupe with SMG, TV, Sat Nav and in individual atlantis blue (never seen another one in that colour). I have driven a lot of fast cars in my time but this is special ! 346 bhp through those 255/35/19 tyres is great fun. Having driven both the Manual and SMG versions the SMG comes out streeks ahead. It is one of, if not the best Paddle shift systems you can get. Gear changes in 0.4 of a second with the traction control switched off and on driving programe 6. It makes driving it more safe because your hands are always on the wheel plus you feel like Jenson Button. You will be faster than the manual. Tha auto is great to. you can alter when you want it to change gear to save fuel or let the misses drive. Ive had 165mph out of it and the limiter still didnt kick in. there is a chip available for it that increases the torque, bhp, improves the SMG system and best of all it de-limits it and she will go all the way to 198mph. It is a beast. Get yourself down to the bank and beg for the cash and go buy one. you'll love it.
written by xtranaut on 27/04/2005
I can't believe how many amateurs have this notion that because some cheap Nippon names that are totally void of quality and class, and for that matter, nothing impressive but an engine - would begin to compare cars like EVOs and WRXs to an M3.
You have to look at the big picture and the long term. Some of the things that the children miss in these equations are "will the car be worth fifty cents when I go to sell it?" and will it exude as much staying power class in a year as the Bavarian Bad Boy? Why screw around unless you just dont have the money? Then a JETTA is actually more fun than a EVO and looks better - otherwise boys, put your money where your foot is and don't forget to have the carboard in your spokes!
Written on: 09/09/2005
M3 is 343bhp......
Written on: 27/02/2008
The BMW M3 with 343bhp in a heavy 6 cylinder car with rear wheel drive... Where my "nippon" Impreza STI (WR1) is happily running 348bhp and 356lbft.
<br/>Residual value, Who cares.... If you can't afford the depreciation and running costs of a performance car, don't buy one!
written by wexell on 06/08/2003
The BMWW m3 Coupe is the best bmw made in 2001 and 2002
1.Very Durable
2.Stylish
3.Stable
4.fast
TDS
They dont sell them anymore
Written on: 01/04/2005
Sure the 01 is great. All M3s are. The 04 HAS THE JUICE though. No mods. It's all packed in there. Now, this new 07 Body style blows as far as I am concerned and so does the interior. All new bimmers look like Maytag washing machines inside now. I don't get it. But I will drive a new Maytag when BMW puts 400 horses under the lid because..nothing touches a BMW. Never has.
written by racer. on 15/04/2003
jeremy clarkson wrote the m3 convertible was rubbish in the sunday times. but then he also wrote that the murcielago was rubbish, and the mini cooper s was rubbish...and he sold his ferrari and bought a mercedes, oh and hes almost 90 years old.
i have recently bought one, its a brilliant car. if you are going to take it on a track, then i suppose you should buy a coupe, but if its for every day driving on normal roads then its perfect.
put the roof down, slot it in third gear, and drive it through a tunnel! the noise it generates is amazing! i raced it with a 355 spider f1, all the way to 110 mph, and i promise my m3 was glued to the back of the ferrari...
i saved 2000 pounds on my car, and its a uk car, bought from a local dealer. look for a cancelled order and you could save yourself some money.
and if you do buy it, then run it in properly, otherwise you will have problems.... ENJOY !
Written on: 01/04/2005
Who is the idiot, Jeremy Clarkson? He just has too much money and not enough sense. The M3 is the best blast for anybody's money in any country. Feraris can sniff my exhaust pipes.
<br>I have owned vettes, vipers, cobras, and a few other fancy names with similar prices. The BMW is a pro driver's car.
written by Paul. on 30/01/2003
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 :)
Written on: 05/02/2003
m3 are nice but if you are looking for performance get a supra.
Written on: 01/04/2005
Good old raw fun is a vette (if you can deal with the mazda center instrument console) BUT
<br>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
<br>especially if you have to drive in the city.
Written on: 29/07/2004
"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."
<br>
<br>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.
Written on: 19/02/2004
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.
Written on: 16/07/2003
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.
<br>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).
Written on: 03/07/2003
people who have negative points on this car are just jelous because they cant afford one!
Written on: 25/06/2003
Where a car is made should not be taken into consideration when spending your hard earned cash,
<br>only important vital issues about a performance car matter - M3 Coupe
<br>
<br>Performance - Mind Blowing
<br>Braking - would stop a train
<br>Handling - that rear end just won't drift
<br>Engine & Exhaust sound - Don't bother with the Harman Kardon, you won't want to turn it on !
<br>Comfort - 4 large 6ft chaps will be stuck to the back of their seats and have leg and headroom to spare!
<br>Value for money - Forget a Porsche or Ferrari, power for pound no comparison - watch depriciation though !
<br>Dealership back up - Superb, except for their tyre prices !
<br>Country of Manufacture - Who cares !
<br>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 !
Written on: 13/06/2003
<i>"So stop buying German!!! Buy British"</i>
<br>
<br>Ha ha ha ha ha.......Buy British he says, and it has an American engine in it.
Written on: 13/06/2003
Why are you lot talking about a german piece of rubbish!
<br>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.
<br>So stop buying German!!! Buy British
Written on: 07/06/2003
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.
<br>
<br>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.
<br>Most will agree what you mean to say is, the 4 pot is sounds far gruff instead of smooth.
<br>
<br>All the best to getting your M3, drive safely too.
Written on: 06/02/2003
Are u saying the Supra is faster ?
- I can't imagine wanting to go any faster !
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Jonathan Kelly's Response to jonathan kelly's Review
Written on: 08/02/2007
A new BMW M3 is on the way, with four exhaust pipes and a V8 420hp engine. It sounds wild!