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- Power
- Balanced chassis
- Handling
- Daily driver usability
- iDrive is not user-friendly
- Light steering
- Heavy clutch, rubbery manual shift lever
Although the BMW M3 is based on the more-common 3 Series, more than 80 percent of the M3 is unique, reviewers say. It is designed and engineered for high performance, and few cars do it as well, they say. The M3 coupe, convertible and sedan all excel on the racetrack but are also comfortable on city streets. However, a few reviewers say the M3 is occasionally hard to drive smoothly, such as in stop-and-go traffic.
While the M3 earns raves for its nearly perfect balance and performance-oriented engineering, a few say that the steering feels light, the clutch feels heavy and the manual shifter feels rubbery. (Others say they are perfect.) The interior is well designed and attractive, although many reviewers strongly dislike the multipurpose iDrive controller that is mandatory with the optional navigation system. Ultimately, most critics conclude that for the money, it's hard to find a better four-seat high-performance car than the BMW M3 coupe or convertible. For a higher price, the Porsche 911 (*est. $73,500 to $191,700) offers a competitive sports car experience.
The BMW M3 is newly redesigned for 2008 and is widely reviewed. We've limited our search to those that cover the coupe or new convertible versions, as those are closest to our definition of a sports car. Car and Driver magazine has a comprehensive road test, as well as an insightful comparison test against two other sports cars. Edmunds.com also has a full road test complemented by a comparison test against the Audi S5 coupe.
Our Sources
1. Car and DriverDetails/Subscribe
Car and Driver's Mike Austin comments that the M3 "does everything well. Fast corners, slow corners, accelerating or braking." There's not much criticism, though Austin comments on a "rubbery" shift feel.
Review: 2008 BMW M3 -- Road Test, Mike Austin, Sept. 2007
2. Car and DriverDetails/Subscribe
The BMW M3 is the heaviest and least-expensive car in this trio of four-seat 400-plus-horsepower super sports cars. In this seemingly incongruous comparison, the BMW M3 scores a commendable first place over the 2009 Nissan GT-R and 2008 Porsche 911 Turbo.
Review: 2008 BMW M3 vs. 2009 Nissan GT-R vs. 2008 Porsche 911 Turbo, Tony Quiroga, July 2008
3. Edmunds.com
Winfield praises the BMW M3 for its excellent V-8 engine and "remarkable chassis stability for a car with such responsive handling." The review also notes that the M3 can be "challenging" to drive in traffic.
Review: Full Test: 2008 BMW M3 Coupe, Barry Winfield, Feb. 27, 2008
4. Edmunds.com
Edmunds.com compares the 354-horsepower Audi S5 Coupe with the 414-horsepower BMW M3. The BMW is the clear-cut winner for its blend of everyday usability and track-worthy performance.
Review: Comparison Test: 2008 BMW M3 Coupe vs. 2008 Audi S5 Coupe, Chris Walton, Mar. 23, 2008
5. Cars.com
Thomas says the BMW M3 "was extremely well-composed on the track" and "almost eerily capable." The seats are lauded, but one significant drawback mentioned is the "tall, rickety manual shifter."
Review: 2008 BMW M3 Review, David Thomas, May 14, 2008
Shoemaker calls the 2008 BMW M3 a "track day weapon and an everyday supercar." Still, several points of criticism are highlighted, including "meager fuel economy and commonplace design," light steering and a lack of smoothness with the new dual-clutch automated manual gearbox.
Review: 2008 BMW M3 Review, Jay Shoemaker, May 12, 2008
7. Motor TrendDetails/Subscribe
Motor Trend drives the new BMW M3 hardtop convertible in Europe, and the new DCT dual-clutch, seven-speed automated manual transmission earns praise. Ultimately, the M3 coupe or sedan is recommended over the heavier convertible.
Review: First Drive: 2008 BMW M3 Convertible, Paul Horrell, May 2008
Padgett says the BMW M3 "redefines the performance envelope for BMW's 3 Series range – but does it at a significant weight and price penalty."
Review: 2008 BMW M3 Bottom Line, Marty Padgett
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