BMW M3 is upscale fun
By Marc Grasso
As an auto journalist, the opportunity doesn’t knock often enough. … Knock on what you ask? The opportunity to test a vehicle with a manual transmission, of course!
But for BMW’s M3, that opportunity is here and love is an understatement.
We have to talk about the powerful powertrain first and foremost. BMW’s 3.0-liter M TwinPower Turbo inline six-cylinder engine produces 473 earthshattering horsepower. Combining two monoscroll turbochargers with variable valve control and high precision direct injection, this four-door sedan is no stranger to power. Paired with a six-speed manual transmission and M adaptive suspension, we can’t get over how much we like this combination.
M Double Spoke 19” wheels on the front and 20” on the rear, match well with the carbon fiber accoutrements on the exterior. The Frozen Brilliant White metallic paint was also worth noting, coming in with a $3,600 sticker price, it sure was beautiful. An $8,000-plus ceramic brake option was also present which baffles me as the cost of the expense, but on some vehicles, the price could exceed $10,000, so for the M3, it was a bargain and did the job! The recent redesign of the front fascia is different as its oversized kidney shape grill is either loved or hated. BMW is catching some flack for the moderntype upgrade, but in Grasso’s Garage, it is accepted.
Interior design is typical of BMW as its basictype infotainment system is still the norm with its center console instrument wheel and standard push button options. We have always enjoyed the basicness of this and are actually surprised, they have not been pressured to upgrade it more technologically, which keeps me happy as a reviewer. Seats are comfortable in its piano colored trim package while we didn’t miss not having a sunroof.
In my opinion, BMW was the trend-setter for the alphanumeric naming convention such as M3 which is used in just about all fleets today. Yes, I realize that Ford and Chevy have certainly created it with their truck series, but for the sporty sedan market, tip your hat to BMW. With world recognition not only as a trend-setter, but as a world leader in everything sporty and design, BMW gets the nod with its longlasting M3; and for good reason.
MSRP: $69,900 As tested: $103,330 MPG: 16 city, 23 highway, 21.6 as tested