MMM MMM Good BMW's elite M division scores with zippy M3 August 12, 2001 BY DAN JEDLICKA AUTO REPORTER The BMW M3 coupe and similar convertible are among a growing number of modified production cars that showcase the best automakers can provide in the areas of technology, comfort, luxury and performance.
These M models are no less than four-seat sports cars that match autos such as the less practical two-seat Porsche Boxster S and Chevrolet Corvette Z06.
The first-generation 1988-91 M3 was essentially a race car tamed for road use and--like the current M3--was based on BMW's entry 3-Series model. It was a coupe with a 192-horsepower four-cylinder engine and was hot stuff for a small car of its era.
As time passed, there were hotter M road and race-going models from BMW's elite M division, which began in 1972 as BMW's motorsport division, responsible for making racing sedans. It eventually began producing high-performance versions of BMW production models.
The $45,400 M3 coupe and $53,400 convertible seem pricey, considering that they're small and that the 3-Series is BMW's least expensive line. Regular BMW 3-Series coupes and convertibles have list prices from $26,990 to $42,400.
But the M3 has a race-style 333-horsepower inline six-cylinder engine with a 9,000 rpm tachometer that offers seemingly endless power in any gear, while horsepower of other 3-Series models ranges from 184 to 225. The M3's tachometer actually has small warning lights at its upper end that tell you when the engine is warm enough to safely be revved high.
The M3 also is the only 3-Series model with a six-speed manual gearbox. Its notchy shifter takes getting used to, and it's easy to mistakenly shift into reverse gear instead of into first gear. The stiff, long-throw clutch is a heavy-duty unit designed to take the engine's considerable power.
No automatic transmission is offered because this car is designed for serious drivers--although the coupe has a more purposeful appearance than the more carefree-looking convertible.
The M3 convertible has a fully lined automatic top with a heated glass rear window and a rollover protection system that deploys bars behind the rear seats in case of an impending rollover. Rear seat side-impact air bags are optional for the first time in a BMW convertible.
The M3 features an aluminum sport suspension, extremely wide tires on big 18-inch alloy wheels and stability and brake control systems that help keep the car on the road during extreme driving conditions.
The M3 coupe and convertible have "M" badging, but mainly stand out from regular 3-Series models because they have a specially contoured aluminum hood with a "power dome," functional side air intakes, aerodynamic outside mirrors, widened rear flanks and special bumper-spoiler ensembles at the front and rear. The M3 also has no less than four chrome-tipped exhaust outlets.
Inside are a custom, easily gripped steering wheel, highly supportive front bucket seats and unique instrumentation, which could use larger numbers for the speedometer and tachometer.
There is decent room for four 6-footers in the quiet coupe, but don't count on getting as comfortable in the back seat of the convertible. The cupholders are decently sized, but the coupe's power rear windows swing out just a little instead of rolling down. The coupe's trunk has a low, wide opening, and its lid raises high on hydraulic struts that don't eat into its room. Also, rear seatbacks in the coupe fold flat to enlarge the fairly large cargo area. A clever touch is rear headrests that don't fold forward with the seatbacks--thus eliminating the need to remove them to prevent them from hitting the backs of the front seats when the seatbacks are pushed forward.
You can drive the 155-mph M3 like an economy car, if you wish. BMW is famous for docile high-performance inline six-cylinder engines, and the M3's smooth, quiet six doesn't protest when the car is in higher gears at 35 mph. However, the 3.2-liter engine is rather small, so it must be revved a lot despite its sophisticated design to get the best performance.
Performance is explosive. The engine snarls during hard acceleration and allows the rear-drive M3 coupe to hit 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds (or in 5.3 with the heavier convertible). It loafs at 2,700 rpm in sixth gear at 70 mph, which is why it can deliver 24-26 mpg on the highway despite its race-style design. City fuel economy, however, is poor at an estimated 16 mpg.
One reason for the low city figure is that the M3 is fairly heavy with all its comfort and convenience items; the coupe weighs 3,415 pounds, while the convertible is 3,781 pounds.
The power steering is quick and precise, but some may think it's too light at highway speeds. A BMW spokesman said the automaker has received complaints about the lightness but believes typical American buyers of the car wouldn't want it to be heavier.
The ride is generally supple despite the sport suspension, partly because the M3 has a rather long 107.5-inch wheelbase, but it occasionally gets jerky on highway pavement. The brake pedal is a bit soft, but can be easily modulated. And the M3 has incredible stopping power.
The M3 is such an outstanding performer that it stands far apart from the regular BMW 3-Series models, which are pretty good to begin with.
BMW M3
Price
$45,400-$53,400
Likes
Blindingly fast. Fairly roomy. Race-car-style handling. Docile.
Dislikes
A bit extreme. Notchy shifter. Stiff clutch. Occasionally jerky ride.