BMW M3 Coupe 1000km Road Test

The 2001 titleholder in the Australia's Best Sports Car over $57,000 category, BMW's M3 Coupé is, quite simply, a superb performance machine. 

Value for money

Price

The M3, with a six-speed manual or SMG (Sequential Manual Gearbox) clutchless transmission, is $141,500 - a bargain, given that its direct competitor, the Porsche 911, costs nearly $200,000.

Warranty

Two years/unlimited kilometres; less than the three years industry average.

Standard features

Eight airbags, six-stack CD audio, automatic airconditioning, full leather upholstery, trip computer, rain-activated wipers, park-distance control and an alarm are standard.

Satellite navigation is a $2,700 option.

Retained value

58 per cent after three years, which is below average.

Design and function

Ergonomics

There is plenty of space up front; the dash is efficiently organised with everything close to the driver; audio and cruise control switches are also provided on the wheel.

The speedo is a bit small to display 300 km/h worth of increments. Oncoming drivers find BMW's gas-discharge low-beams hard on the eyes; they also have a sharp cutoff, but the highs are brilliant.

Innovation

BMW's 3.2 litre six is loaded with innovative engineering, while the SMG transmission, which uses wheel mounted paddles to shift gears, is also at the leading edge of technology, performance and shifting speed.

BMW's engine management system, for example, can now make 25 million calculations each second, so each cylinder is filled and emptied according to the exact engine load and running conditions.

The double VANOS system automatically varies both inlet and exhaust camshaft timing for optimum performance across the rev range. Responsiveness is enhanced by individual throttle butterflies, plus a switchable Sport mode, which increases the sensitivity of the electronic accelerator.

Safety

The M3 is packed with crash protection features, and its outstanding dynamics and brakes, plus traction and stability-aids including skid sensing and correcting technology, also contribute to a safe drive. The 3 Series rates four out of five stars in overseas crash tests.

Security

A sophisticated security system includes remote central locking, a rolling-code-engine immobiliser and an alarm.

Comfort

The driver's seat features long travel, an extendable cushion, substantial knee to shoulder bolstering, and beautifully soft leather upholstery. Power adjustment and three memories are provided. 

Space and practicality

 The M3 enjoys a considerable day to day practicality advantage over most other serious sports cars. It can carry four adults, for example, and the boot is big enough to hold plenty of gear.

The rear seat offers enough space for average sized adults to travel comfortably. Tall passengers may run out of headroom. Access is easy via a single lever mechanism on the front seats, and the side windows open for ventilation.

Tyre pressures are electronically monitored; if one falls to the point where it needs attention, a light/audible warning is given. If you get a flat, don't bother looking for the spare. BMW has saved 20 kg by instead supplying a compressor which fills the tyre with sealant goo and plugs the hole. Hopefully. 

Build and finish quality

 As good as it gets.

On the road

Fuel efficiency

The six-speed manual uses 8.9 litres/100 km highway, which is very economical for an engine of this capability, and 16.2 litres/100 km city, which is average. 98 octane unleaded is recommended.

Performance

The 252 kW 3.2 litre six produces 80 per cent of its 365 Nm peak torque at only 2000 rpm, so it pulls like a locomotive from just off idle, purrs through an effortless midrange, then delivers blistering top end performance to 8000 rpm. It covers the 0-100 km/h sprint in 5.6 seconds.

Smoothness and responsiveness are outstanding. The 3.2 is also quite docile and usable around town. The six-speed manual gearbox has a crisp, smooth action, with just the right resistance at each gate, while the clutch is not overly heavy or abrupt.

Ride

The M3 is not designed to be a limousine, but by pure sports car standards its ride is pretty good - firm, of course, but not harsh. The suspension absorbs bumps more efficiently at highway speeds than around town.

Handling and steering

The suspension incorporates some aluminium components to reduce weight.

Tyres are premium Michelins - 225/45 front and 255/40 rear - on 18-inch alloy wheels.

Weight is perfectly distributed 50/50 front/rear.

The new M3's handling limits are way beyond the ability of the average driver and the limitations of safe driving on public roads. The current model is superbly balanced, but feels a little heavier than previous M3's in the way it changes direction and communicates through the wheel, in part due to a longer wheelbase and wider tracks. Initial turn in is not quite as direct and tactile as the previous model either, but once into a corner the steering is beautifully weighted and responsive.

Braking

The brakes are progressive and easily modulated at all speeds, but when you require maximum stopping power the effect is like large claws being sunk into the road.

Smoothness and quietness

Outstanding by sports car standards, but the wonderful engine note is part of the M3 experience. If you want silence, buy a Lexus.