The new BMW E46 M3 is the next three-series to carry the Mlabel. This is a grocery-getting, track-pounding sports coupe thatisn’t afraid to push it through the corners or sit handsomelyin line at Whataburger. Wearing the M badge isn’t an easyjob. Traditional M3’s and other M motorcars from BMW havebeen rough riders, suited to those who don’t like tractioncontrol. The newest M3 is softer and more inclined to attract thoselooking for a fun yet nice automobile.
Holding up the tradition for M performance are the ergonomicallycorrect leather sport seats outfitted in the M3. You’ll feelremarkably comfortable, whether driving to the grocery store orsmoking the rear tires with the help of the Sequential ManualGearbox (SMG) race launch system. It’s quite a versatileautomobile. Oh yeah, two sets of sticks (golf clubs people!) willfit just fine in the trunk.
Driving the M3 just feels nice. The car is rather heavy at 3,415pounds, which we don’t like, but it will aid in protection inthe case of an accident (as well as the eight airbags). With aheavy car comes a solid feel, and the M3 surely shows it. Steeringthe M delivers a quick and tight response, only further aided bythe three-spoke leather sports wheel boasting the “M”logo in the center. There is not much room in the back seats, sofor the most part, this is a two-person party.
There is one problem. When you buy a vehicle that is as fast yetwell spoken for as a luxury car as the M3, a high price tag isgoing to be incorporated. Base for the German sports coupe is$46,500, and it only goes up if you want a convertible oradditional options (such as 19-inch wheels, navigation, SMG, etc.).The good news is there seems to be quite a market for used E46M3’s, so this might be a plausible option in the search forone of these hot rods from Munich.
Having past experience with BMW’s, notably the E36 M3(model year 1995-1999), the E46 M3 (model year 2002) boast’smore of a luxury car attitude. The older M3’s were moreattractive to a true driver’s driver, someone who appreciateda rougher ride and not-so-fancy interior. Traditional BMW motorcarsof the past sporting the infamous M badge from BMW have, until thelast few years, given priority to performance rather than comfort.We’re positive the newest M3 is not traditional. This car istough to describe. But, I think we hit the nail on the head: thenew M3 is Mike Tyson disguised as James Bond.
To prove this, just take a long, hard stare at the newest M3.The front bumper references Mercedes with a “classy”amount of chrome. A rounded nose and more subtle aerodynamicenhancements draw this new M away from its traditional role ofneighborhood bully. As well, tall stock ride height and softsuspension are not acceptable by traditional “M”standards. But, the new M3 does sport rather flared fenders, muchso suited to larger, wider wheels.
Don’t forget to factor in the quad chrome exhaust tipsetup. We don’t necessarily love the sound of the M3 exhaustas it is too raspy and does not have the normal throaty sound of anM.
The M3 comes from the factory with big 18-inch wheels, which isnice. But, the optional 19-inch wheels deliver the sportier look welike in the M3. We’re not saying the M3 solely pleases theeye, but it is a bit more sexy than usual.
Where’s the Mike Tyson part of this? Well, it lies in theknock out power-plant BMW chose for the new M3. Three-point-twoliters, 333 horsepower and an 8,500 RPM redline delivers the punch.Flexing its muscles, the M3 will reach an electronically-limitedtop speed of 155 mph while achieving a 0 to 60 time of 4.8 seconds.BMW offers the brand-new SMG transmission package with the M3, aswell. Technology taken directly from BMW’s Formula One teamis implemented in the SMG system. With no clutch, a simple toss ofthe wrist forward delivers shift capability faster than any manualtransmission in the world. The shifting is a bit rough in thesportier settings, which is good, as it brings the past alive inthe M3 in a whole new way.
Xenon headlights, a 10-speaker BMW stereo system and DynamicStability Control (DSC) round out a solid list of nice features onthe M3.
It’s easy to love this car, but it is even easier to driveit really hard and really fast all the time. The only thing thatwill get your foot off the pedal is the gas bill. This thing sucksdown more hydrocarbons in one day than a Honda Insight does in oneyear. But, not to worry, the fun factor makes up for it.
—Steven Hinterkopf also contributed to this article.
