The BMW M3 is a GREAT Car. But Is It The GREATEST? C&D Thinks So...

A car has got to be pretty spectacular to win over the curmudgeons here at 1585 Eisenhower Place, especially when familiarity sets in over the course of 40,000 miles. But our Sparkling Graphite Metallic M3 did indeed win us over. For less than $70,000, the M3 bolts from a standstill to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds and turns the quarter-mile in 12.7 seconds at 113 mph. It pulls an exceptional 0.96 g on the skidpad, stops in 147 feet from 70 mph, and reaches a governor-restricted 161 mph. On a racetrack or a back road, it’s a beautifully balanced and hugely entertaining machine.

Aside from performance, the M3 is comfortable on the highway and has plenty of space for four adults. It has a full complement of luxury accouterments and yet is very practical—even the trunk is commodious. It has muscular, raked looks and a handsomely dark interior. A bonus is that regular service doesn’t cost a cent, thanks to BMW’s full-maintenance program, which lasts for four years or 50,000 miles. (The gas bill, however, wasn’t cause to rejoice, given this BMW’s 17-mpg thirst.)

B7FAN - 1/4/2010 7:39:56 AM

+4 Boost

the M3 is the complete sports car for your money package.....this car has been perfected in each generation and Yes there is room in back I sat in an M3 before and I am 6'1 and there is room in the back....and how would you like to pay the ultra high maintenance for the first five years of service because there is no other car manufacturer in the world that is offering that kind of a package. and so what it would be high maintenance after 5 years peopkle are ready to trade the car in by that time anyway for a new one. try get getting a Mercedes E-63 coupe or E63 sedan or a C63 or any sports audi and tell me how much you pay for maintenance after 5 years then look and BMW's bill then come talk your non-sense

SHOWTIME - 1/4/2010 10:01:39 AM

+6 Boost

Badwhore, looks like you're the one on crack...U think the GTR is reliable? Do you know that if something breaks while you drive aggressively in the street or track, they void your warranty?

Also, the Cayman S isn't the same type of car...2 seater vs 4 seater...M3 IS faster than Cayman S...Cayman S is too loud in the cabin for most people and has rougher ride...I also think the M3 looks better...oh, and if you include the same options on both cars, the Cayman will cost 10-15k more.

enthusiastx11 - 1/4/2010 10:47:31 AM

+3 Boost

ok, so what's a BETTER car for the money?

dlin - 1/4/2010 11:33:29 AM

0 Boost

414hp FR M3 is faster than 320hp MR Cayman S?

http://www.motortrend.com/features/laguna_lap/index.html

It's not, unfortunately.

PerformanceGuy - 1/4/2010 1:19:02 PM

+1 Boost

While I agree with you Badge, the GT-R is in a different league than the M3, so you can't really compare them. However, like you I would go with the GT-R over anything else available on the market.

NannerPus - 1/4/2010 1:27:52 PM

+1 Boost

"“Based on our experience, the current M3 is the world’s all-around best car for the money."

"A car has got to be pretty spectacular to win over the curmudgeons here at 1585 Eisenhower Place, especially when familiarity sets in over the course of 40,000 miles. But our Sparkling Graphite Metallic M3 did indeed win us over. "

NannerPus - 1/4/2010 1:28:47 PM

+1 Boost

"the M3 bolts from a standstill to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds and turns the quarter-mile in 12.7 seconds at 113 mph. It pulls an exceptional 0.96 g on the skidpad, stops in 147 feet from 70 mph, and reaches a governor-restricted 161 mph. On a racetrack or a back road, it’s a beautifully balanced and hugely entertaining machine."

NannerPus - 1/4/2010 1:29:53 PM

+1 Boost

"Aside from performance, the M3 is comfortable on the highway and has plenty of space for four adults. It has a full complement of luxury accouterments and yet is very practical—even the trunk is commodious. It has muscular, raked looks and a handsomely dark interior. A bonus is that regular service doesn’t cost a cent, thanks to BMW’s full-maintenance program, which lasts for four years or 50,000 miles. "

KZ258 - 1/5/2010 10:40:09 AM

+4 Boost

For less than $80,000, the GT-R bolts from a standstill to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and turns the quarter-mile in 11.7 seconds at more than 120 mph. It pulls an exceptional 0.96 g on the skidpad, stops in 98 feet from 60 mph, and reaches a governor-restricted 192 mph

why is the M3 so great again?

pcar4evr - 1/4/2010 8:06:13 AM

+2 Boost

The best car Porsche makes is not the turbo, but (for the street) the C2S. Equipped with the following: sport suspension, sport exhaust, 6 speed manual sport shifter (or PDK, if you're so inclined) adaptive sport seats, you have the sweetest sports car known to man. The turbo is far faster, but not more fun. And if you track, of course there's the GT3.

enthusiastx11 - 1/4/2010 10:48:42 AM

+6 Boost

what about a better car for $70.000? yup, didn't think so.

linequality - 1/4/2010 2:55:18 AM

-2 Boost

I love m3.

aarononymous - 1/4/2010 11:36:07 AM

+3 Boost

I killed a guy with a trident

B7FAN - 1/4/2010 12:44:55 PM

+4 Boost

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!LOUD NOISES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

pcar4evr - 1/4/2010 8:01:08 AM

0 Boost

I was hoping to hear better news about the DCT. DCT owners have had alot of complaints about the transmission and even though there have been software updates, for some reason these tend to be temporary patches and the owners report that the problems return. If you're going M3, go for manual.

enthusiastx11 - 1/4/2010 10:49:48 AM

+2 Boost

truly one of the greatest cars out there....looks, handling, power, thrills, comfort, convenience, a blast on the track, tame for the daily commute...and a hell of a lot of car for the money!

chris357 - 1/4/2010 11:52:04 AM

+3 Boost

also anyone care to comment on the maintenance cost of the nissan GTR? I've heard its more expensive than a 911.

Willis - 1/4/2010 11:57:13 AM

+4 Boost

Doesn't surprise me. C&D is now called "BMW and Driver" on many forums.

PerformanceGuy - 1/4/2010 1:08:19 PM

+3 Boost

It is a good car, but no where near being the greatest available on the market.

Sam1 - 1/4/2010 2:24:06 PM

+4 Boost

I've had my 2009 M3 almost a year. Here is my 2 cents.

Pros:

Handling & Power
Sound it makes when you get above >4k RPM's
DCT
Navigation System (a must because i'll get lost out here on these roads)
Rear Seat Room
Luggage Space
Respect on the Autobahn!

Cons:
-Small Fuel Tank
-Road Noise
-Europeans always want to race
-Comfort Access (doesn't work at times when I need it to or when I don't)
-Stereo/Radio shuts off after a few minutes (while I'm washing/detailing) Hate that sh*t!
-Winter Months in Germany (Can't drive it too much).

I can't really say it's the best vehicle in it's class, because I haven't driven all them, but it's a damn nice ride. :)

Yonder7 - 1/4/2010 2:32:15 PM

-1 Boost

Well, it is a good car but not in the way as C&D put it......But well we all know they love BMW....However for the one that complaint cause it is to stiff...try C63 with AMG Premium Sport Package you'll have to drive beyond 130 mph at least to feel better. Regarding the Engine Sound, Like no other (for now)....power ..weak. Nimble than the C63 in twisted roads but slower in open road...soft design compared to the C63...However I like it for a coupe....it is great. The engine is not as good as the incoming Turbo enhanced v8s but the sound is pure music to my ears. Position of the driver is to high but still it have one of the best gravity centers of the class. Regarding Maitenance...I think is the best program but as soon as the warranty is over, get rid of that car cause the reliabily will fall so quick that you won't have money to get the next M3.

hensta - 1/5/2010 12:00:36 AM

0 Boost

Even for people making $250k a year, the price of $70k for the M3 is barely affordable. Thus, 95% of the population is excluded from purchasing the M3. Perhaps a car under $55k would be more suitable, like the A5 or 335i. The 335i has more low-end torque making it a pleasure to drive around town, yet still has plenty of power higher up in the Revs. Then there's a stage II GIAC flash which will get you up to 400 wheel hp.

nguyenvuminh - 1/5/2010 1:56:50 AM

0 Boost

It is a great car in how well it delivers on a variety of seemingly conflicting fronts (space accommodation for 4, stylish without being flashy, handling, engine and transmissions working together, reasonable comfort, etc.). But to call it the greatest is a stretch and a clear sign of bias based on narrow preference. But then that has always been the mantra of Car & Driver, 85% weight on performance, 15% on everything else, whereas we mortals who breath oxygen, drive to work and to play, sitting in traffic and occasionally driver a twisty road, don't have money to burn and do pay attention to fuel cost, seem to have a different % weighting. And with that, this mortal says the M3 is ONE of the great ones out there.

vman1013 - 1/5/2010 12:23:48 PM

+1 Boost

i haven't read one post that provides an alternate winner of best in class! all i read is people bitching about bias! hands down the M3 is the best in its class - premium 4 seat sports car for around $70k. find another car in its class with the same performance and cost of ownership, etc then we can talk!