M3

[Seb928S@af]

From its very beginnings, the BMW M3 has been entirely devoted to redefining the sports driving experience. The new M3 now takes this dedication to a new levels. Power that previously could be found only in racing cars. Precision in design and engineering that makes the smallest detail into a work of art. Passion that radiates from every element of its sculpted surface, its spacious interior and its brilliant M engine. The M3 is a unique fusion of power, elegance and utility that pushes the boundaries of sports driving pleasure.

Like an athlete in peak form, the M3 is a fascinating combination of power and elegance. The design principle of the M3 was not "form follows function", but rather, "form is function." Every element of the M3 expresses the promise of high performance: the striking all-aluminium bonnet with its characteristic M3 powerdome; the wide, deep front skirting with its wide air dam and integrated fog lamps; even the sleek wing mirrors are precisely streamlined.

Even more responsive, even more powerful, even more thrilling: the third-generation M3 engine pushes the M high engine speed philosophy to the limits. The legendary M engineering precision has created a normally-aspirated straight six cylinder powerplant that sets new standards in its class. Red-lining at 8000 revolutions per minute, the brilliantly compact 3.2 litre engine propels the M3 from zero to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, without the sluggish, fuel-hungry turbocharger effect.

The perfect combination of high-performance sporting characteristics with outstanding day-to-day utility: the sophisticated new BMW M3 chassis. Precise, agile and responsive, the new chassis bears the unmistakable stamp of a thoroughbred sports car: extreme bodyshell rigidity and low unsprung masses provide superb roadholding and unequalled agility. But added to it are is the typical BMW sense of comfort, reliability and quality. A winning combination.

For all the sporting excellence of the M3, the first priority always remains the safety of the car's occupants. And here the M3 also excels: it passes the toughest European and North American road safety tests with flying colours. The rigid bodyshell, the crash-protected fuel tank, the sophisticated BMW M chassis control systems: they all add up to a top-performing sports car that makes no compromise when it comes to safety.

The technical data given refers to the German version. Due to certain legal regulations in different countries, deviations in the technical data described here can occur.

Wheelbase 2,731

Vehicle length 4,492

Vehicle width 1,780

Vehicle height 1,372

Track, front 1,508

Track, rear 1,525

City (ltr/100 km) 17.8

Highway (ltr/100 km) 8.4

Combined (ltr/100 km) 11.9

CO2 emissions (g/km) 287

Tank capacity ltr 63

No. of cylinders/valves per cyl. 6/4

Displacement acc. to ECE Reg. in ccm 3,246

Stroke/Bore in mm 91.0/87.0

Nominal power (kW) / rpms 252/7,900

Max. torque (Nm) / rpms 365/4,900

Tyre size front 225/45 ZR 18

Tyre size rear 225/40 ZR 18

Wheel size front 8 J x 18

Wheel size rear 9 J x 18

Drag (Cd) 0.33

Top speed km/h 250

Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s) 5.2

Acceleration 80-120 km/h (s) in 4th 5.4

Unladen (EU) 1,570

Max permissible 2,000

Permitted load 505

Permitted axle load, front/rear 970/1140

More info can be found at www.bmw.com

[Bean Bandit]

You guys and girls on the other side of the ocean have finaly received a piece of BMW masterwork. Enjoy it as we do it here in Europe for years

[Seb928S@af]

Yep I seen the powerful ones in Europe. Been in a few ones too but in Europe people drive Benz as a taxi. People here don't believe me can you back me up on that one?

[GOD]

If i had the money that would be the car to get . I read an article a couple of months back on the M3 and all i have to say is its sweet . The whole car is just so nice

[Bean Bandit]

Actualy the last Cab I took was a S 600. Seb928S is totaly right most cabs are Mercs 'cause theire durability is incredible if you treat it right. 2 days ago I saw on TV a guy who talked about women who can't drive and that they are horrible (he obviously didn't saw Paris-Dakkar) but he drove 750000+ km with his Benz.

[Seb928S@af]

Yea that is why I love Europe so much. People so its so good in America its a lot better there IMO. Like people live better, better foods, and as we all know better cars.

[Porsche]

Bean Bandit, what's the engine figures for the european model? The horsepower is always higher, but 333hp off an inline-6 is pretty damn good!

[Bean Bandit]

Already the E36 M3 had first 286 then 321 finaly the latest has 343hp here in Europe

[Seb928S@af]

Originally posted by Bean Bandit
Already the E36 M3 had first 286 then 321 finaly the latest has 343hp here in Europe

Lucky Europeans.

[NissanZ@af]

Seb, that's a really good article about the M3. People sometimes don't appreciate such a car as the M3, but that article should help.

[Seb928S@af]

Well thank you.

[qab5b]

An M3 with electrically folding mirrors? Give me a break! 3400 lb + curb weight? It needs the HP to moivate that much mass. Maybe the V-8 M3 (GTR or CSL, whatever they choose to call it)will remedy this crap. The M5 is meant to be the luxury leader of the M's, not the M3. The M3 used to be the racer of the bunch. I can't wait to see if the V8 M3 returns to the original roots.

Just give me an E30 M3 Sport Evo, and I will be the happiest person in the world.