2008 BMW M3 Coupe & Sedan
"I don't want to offend you but you might want to put it into 6th gear, you're going 80 mph in fourth. I know that the engine is so quiet that you can't hear the transmission," remarked my buddy Ashley. We were testing out the 2008 BMW M3 Coupe
in Northern California. Ashley is a skilled fast driver...
Take me off the racetrack and I will forever be a cautious slower mom-type driver. So it was very kind of Ashley to offer me his advice in such a non-threatening way. There are some people I won't test drive with because they make me feel insecure.
The M3 in my estimation is a guy's car. It just spells MAN. I am not being sexist, there are just some wheels that feel more feminine.
But not the M3. The stats on it are phenomenal. In fact, the engineering is so complicated that I won't even attempt to explain it, and even the most tech savvy auto writers might shy away .
But, suffice to say, every bit of interior and exterior surface is designed for speed. All the components from the ground up are constructed with the goal of exceeding the potential of the last generation of M3.
How did BMW do that? With exceedingly lightweight parts -- from the aluminum suspension to the alloy wheels to the air intake valves and the carbon-fiber roof. The engine is a 4.0 V-8 (414 hp) with a 0-60 in 4.6 seconds for the coupe and 4.7 for the sedan.
The interior is lean, track worthy and just what you would want from a vehicle meant to 'turn the tarmac into your playground'. You can opt for Novillo leather seats in Fox Red and accent the cabin with dark Anthracite -- a coal colored pinstriped trim.
The exterior --- all honed and sculpted muscle. The M3 is a portrait in power even when standing still. I expect that auto enthusiasts are going to go wild for these wheels.
- Posted by
- Holly Reich February 22, 2008, 2:25 AM
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Actually, Holly, from an enthusiast's point of view, the M3 is a waste of money......the 335i is far more worth it. The 335i, with just minor software upgrades, can get close to 400 hp and 421 lb-ft of torque! (A Vishnu-tuned 335i tested by Edmunds last year got the same 0 to 60 mph time as the M3: 4.6s).
The M3, not being a turbo, doesn't have much tuning potential.....so a seriously tuned M3 will probably be slower than a seriously-tuned 335i!
The long and short is that, for between $10k and $20k less, you can get a 335i that's equally fast or faster than the M3.......
There are only three reasons to buy an M3:
1. To impress others (major reason).
2. The M3, being high-revving, can be more enjoyable to enthusiasts than the torque-rich 335i (minor reason). But high-revving cars are tiring for everyday use and overall the 335i has way more value.
3. Some owners might be uncomfortable with tuning (minor reason). But the the 335i can be tuned by reputable companies (Dinan and Vishnu) that offer comprehensive warranties.....and it's just a software upgrade so they won't be modifying the engine.....BMW have a deal with Dinan to tune the 135i, so that's how reputable these companies are. Anybody scared of tuning their car is not a real enthusiast, anyway......
In short, I'll pass on the M3. So would most enthusiasts.
Good point and I respect your opinion. You are well-informed. However, the auto journalists I was with seemed to think it was pretty hot on the track.
I'm interested to hear what other people say.
I would have to run out of ideas on how to utilize money to purchase an M3. However, I suspect it is a completely different experience, with a lot of unique technology ported over from Formula 1. It's sorta like this - why would anyone purchase a premium mechanical chronograph timepiece? A beautiful quartz movement watch can do more, maintenance free, for under $100. Yet, people enjoy the aesthetic of tiny, high-maintenance gears on their wrist wrought by genuine craftsmen.
Yeah, you're right, jederino. The M3 (and all the M cars) are high-revving cars and they give different fun experience from a low-revving car that's fast. And there's also the prestige of the M badge (Point 1 of my earlier post). Then there's the technology you talked about, a lot of which is BTW optional. So, yes, there are reasons why a rich person would want an M3.
What I meant was that the 335i would appeal to enthusiasts more because it's far cheaper, easier to modify (very important to enthusiasts) and can be made as fast or faster than the M3 for (relatively) very little money. And I bet the 335i's handling is about the same as the M3. Basically, for an enthusiast who is most interested in maximum performance/handling for his/her money, the M3 makes little sense. Personally I'd choose the 335i.
For someone who wants yet more fun and little practicality and prestige, the 135i makes even more sense.
Hi again,
BTW, I am in Nice, France celebrating my birthday! I just drove the Jaguar XF in the mountains --love for you all to check out my blog and respond. I appreciate your feedback on the M3. I want to see what you all think after driving the new one. And if---paying the extra bucks makes it more like the Formula 1 inspired power plant that it's designed around.
Hi wiz, Happy Birthday!
Could you show us a link to your blog?
I have driven a 328i, read a lot from journalists about the M3 and 335i, and talked to some enthusiasts, so I know quite a bit about the current 3-series. I cannot say the same for the Jag XF....but I guess I can comment on what you say in your blog about it....
http://66.160.188.111/women/.eea3b47
You will see that I focus on design and comfort level--it's my thing...thanks for taking the time to look at it!
It's my blog on driving woman at edmunds.com
Au revoir!
Holly