There is a funny thing I have noticed about myself and a lot of readers here. Over the weekend I posted a story summarizing the long-term test that Motor Trend recently concluded on the Lexus LS460. Numerous comments were posted ranging from sheer criticism of MT, to criticism of my assertion that cars made by Lexus really have no soul.
The fact is there is a huge benefit to readers when a magazine or website has had substantial long-term exposure to a particular car. The real world usage and results are made known versus the typical test that includes a couple of hundred miles of driving along with testing done on a closed circuit. The long-term test really is the litmus test for a car, and manufacturers who offer up their offerings to the various magazines and websites really are putting their money where their mouths are in that a lot can be learned during a year long test. Be it good, bad or ugly, a cars true traits will become apparent over the long haul.
Which brings up my own personal experience with BMW’s latest M3. Agent 001 and I were speaking over the weekend, and I commented that my own personal M3 sedan would be surpassing the 10,000-mile mark this week. He was shocked to hear how much mileage I had already accrued in the 4 short months I have had to car, and told me that with the possible exception of BMW engineers, I have probably spent more time behind the wheel of the new M3 than anybody else in the United States.
This morning the milestone was reached, 10,000 miles. And I can honestly say of all the cars I have ever owned, this car is by far my favorite. If you check out my agent space page, you will see I have posted the cars I have owned in the past, including my Porsche Carrera S which was sold to acquire the M3.
From the onset, as most of you know I am a huge BMW fan. I have owned a number of 3-Series BMW’s starting from the first in 1999 all the way to current. If there ever was a perfect car, quite frankly I think the BMW 3-Series is that car. The power, performance and balance are above reproach. This car rewards a great driver, but more importantly it gives confidence to a less than great driver, making them feel like a better driver than they actually are. That is part of the reason it has been documented that competitors to BMW’s 3-Series have actually bought and torn down the cars to try to discover what exactly it is that makes the 3-Series so magical in its abilities.
And therein lies the secret behind the M3. Using an already great starting point with the current 3-Series platform, the changes made to upgrade a 335i to the M3 serve to only enhance and make even greater. While the straight twin turbocharged six cylinder in the 335i is turbine smooth, the 4.0-liter V8 in the M3 is just as smooth, and with a menacing roar that lets those within earshot know that they truly are in the midst of automotive greatness.
And does it sing. Allow it a few minutes to warm up in the morning (because it is a little jerky when cold) and watch as the variable redline moves from a humble 7000 RPM all the way to the smile inducing 8200 RPM and you know you are in for an adventure. If there is a criticism to be found with this car, quite frankly it stems from the fact that this car is thirsty. I have averaged about 15 MPG with this car, I have seen as low s 13 MPG, and as high as 19 MPG on a trip to Atlanta with all freeway driving (90 MPH+ most of the way). You will note in the pictures I am showing an average of 18.6 MPG after just filling up and driving a few neighborhood streets to get to the magic 10,000 miles on the odometer. After getting these few pictures, I got back on the gas and that number has since dropped back down below 17 MPG.
To not get on it and drive the snot out of the car is to disrespect the BMW M Engineers who worked so hard to make this car so rewarding. If you don’t routinely run this car to its redline, you are missing out on what makes the M3 great. This car was born to run, and run it will if you allow it. Smooth and seamless power that builds a head of steam so quickly you will find yourself driving 10-15 MPH faster than normal simply because it just doesn’t feel like you are really going as fast as you really are.
Sadly the gas gauge is directly linked to the amount of fun you are having with this car. Drive it like a granny, and the gas needled descends slowly, drive it like you stole it and it will drop like a rock.
And if you don’t have a smile on your face the entire time, stop reading, you really aren’t a car enthusiast.
In the end the true test for me is simply this, would I buy this car all over again. The simple answer to this question is, “Yes, I would buy this car all over again.” But therein lies the complication. My M3 was priced just shy of $67,000. It is a lot of money, $1300 alone worth of gas-guzzler tax. I think the better question to ask right now is would I buy another BMW. The answer to that is still a resounding yes, however I would seriously consider the smaller 135i probably loaded with all the options. Why you may ask? Having driven the 135i back to back with the M3 I can tell you that you really don’t lose much in terms of performance in going to a 135i, but you gain a lot with economy. Furthermore with a savings of almost $20,000 in prices (again assuming a $40k+ 135i) there is a lot of money to leave in the bank.
A little side note here, my company leases the M3 for me and has leased every car I have driven for the last 10 years. Granted I own the company so in a round about way it cost me either way, but like I said I would have to think long and hard if I was forced to replace the M3 today. Would the 135i replace the M3, I would have to say a strong maybe. Would another BMW replace the M3, to that one I can simply say, without a doubt.
In the end a lot will probably chime in here to offer their 2 cents. To the naysayer I will simply say, unless you have actually driven the M3, shut up. If you haven’t driven it, you really have no basis for any argument against the M3. For those of you in the Nashville area who want a first hand experience with the M3, drop me a line through the contact area and we will see if we can’t meet up sometime for a personal experience.
I will say that I hope the next 10k miles don’t come as quickly as the first 10k did or else I will have to be buying additional mileage. I would also recommend not buying this particular M3 when I turn it back in as this one has been driven like it was meant to be driven, hard and fast!