BMW M3 Best review

Background
Reinterpreting an icon is never easy, and BMW knows this better than most. While the first M3, launched in 1986, created a legend, the follow-up in 1993 was criticised for being too big and heavy to match the precision and agility of the four-cylinder original. But this didn’t dissuade 7421 people in the UK from buying one. The criticism hurt BMW, which vowed to create a new M3 with both pace and involvement; a much purer machine.

Design
The bulging wheel-arches, massive chin spoiler and gorgeous 18in alloy wheels aren’t just for effect. The front and rear tracks have been extended, and the front of the bodyshell has been substantially stiffened. The 18in aIloys wear 225/45 (front) and 255/40 (rear) Michelin Pilot Sports. Beneath the aluminium bonnet the 3.2-litre straight-six shares only five components with the old engine. An increase in bore has raised capacity to 3245cc and each cylinder has its own composite intake duct and butterfly throttle control. The result: 343bhp at 7900rpm and 269lb ft of torque at 4900rpm. That power is handled by a six-speed Getrag ’box channelling power to the rear wheels via BMW’s new variable M3 differential. Naturally, the brakes and suspension have been uprated to match, with 325mm ventilated front and 326mm rear discs, backed up by anti-lock.

On The Road

The M3’s ability to both gain and shed speed is striking. Launched successfully, it scorches to 60mph in 4.8sec, touches 100mph in 11.5sec and covers the quarter-mile in 13.4sec. In short, quick enough to sit on the tail of a Porsche 996 Carrera: dig deep into the M3’s power and it will whip from 30-70mph in 4.1sec.If the M3’s ability to gain speed astonishes then its brakes are little short of heroic. Really stand on them and they haul the M3 down from 60mph to a standstill in just 2.6sec. Despite its massive performance, the M3’s on-road behaviour strikes an almost perfect balance between supple tourer and hard-edged racer – the chassis and suspension play strong supporting roles to that astounding engine. This balance means the M3 can be pushed very quickly and confidently down virtually any road. There’s little roll even in the most aggressively taken corners, and body control at all speeds is exceptional.The combination of the chassis’ beautifully neutral balance and the generous footprint translates into a phenomenal level of grip. The steering supplies your hands with a constant flow of details.

 LIVING

The restrained and subtle layout of the M3’s cabin is the perfect counterbalance to the pumped-up exterior. Its atmosphere is perfectly suited to the M3’s no-nonsense character. The leather-covered seats, electrically adjustable in every direction, are fabulous – both supportive and comfortable, and the fully adjustable three-spoke steering wheel has to be one of BMW’s most tactile units.The M3 may be a hothead at heart but, as befits its flagship status, the M3 is still an opulent car to sit in. The list of standard equipment is extensive and includes an excellent sound system, leather trim, cruise and climate control.For a car capable of humbling all but a handful of supercars, the M3 returns some impressive fuel figures. Driven enthusiastically, it returned 21.7mpg, rising to 25.7mpg over our touring route, giving it a range of 356 miles from the 63-litre tank.


Verdict

The M3 is a return to form that rekindles the excitement of the original M3. The intimacy and involvement that charmed us in 1986 is now joined by unprecedented levels of performance married to exceptional refinement. Ultimately, what makes the new M3 such a special car is its ability to appeal to the core enthusiast. For us, it’s the best M car yet.

Data

How much ?

• Price as tested £42,450
• Price as tested £38,500

How fast

• 0-30mph 2 sec
• 0-60mph 4.8 sec
• 0-100mph 11.5 sec
• 0-150mph no data
• 0-200mph  no data
• 30-70mph  4.1 sec
• 0-400m  13.4 / 107 sec/mph
• 0-1000m  23.7 / 139 sec/mph
• 30-50mph in 3rd/4th  3 / 4.5
• 40-60mph in 4th/5th  4.1 / 5.4 sec
• 50-70mph in 5th  5.4 sec
• 60-0mph  2.6 sec
• Top speed  160 mph
• Noise at 70mph  72 dbA

How thirsty?

• Test average  21.7 mpg
• Test best/worst  25.7 / 10.9

Government figures

• Combined/urban  23.7 / 15.8 mpg
• CO₂ emissions  287 g/km

How big?

• Length  4492 mm
• Width  1780 mm
• Height  1372 mm
• Wheelbase  2725 mm
• Weight  1577 kg
• Fuel tank  63.0 litres

Engine

• Layout 6 cyls , 3246 cc
• Max power 343 bhp at 7900 rpm
• Max torque 269 ft at 4900 rpm
• Specific output no data
• Power to weight no data
• Installation F
• Bore/stoke no data
• Compression ratio no data
• Valve gear no data
• Ignition and fuel no data, Unleaded

Gearbox

• Type 6-speed Manual
• 1st 4.23 / 5.1
• 2nd 2.53 / 8
• 3rd 1.67 / 12.8
• 4th 1.23 / 17.4
• 5th 1 / 21.4
• 6th 0.83 / 25.8
• Final drive 3.62

Suspension

• Front MacPherson struts, lower wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bar
• Rear Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar

Steering

• Type Rack and pinion, power assisted
• Lock to lock 3.20

Brakes

• Front 325mm ventilated discs
• Rear 326mm ventilated discs

Wheel & tyres

• Size front 8.0Jx18in in
• Size rear 9.0Jx18in in
• Made of Alloy
• Tyres front 225/45 ZR18
• Tyres rear 255/45 ZR18