For All the ferocious performance of the M3 coupe but with slightly more sober-suited looks and even greater practicality. A useable, fine riding supercar-rival for the family man.
Against Just as thirsty as its coupe relative, the M3 saloon’s small fuel tank needs regular filling. If anything it’s too fast, its performance so high it’s almost impossible to exploit on the road.
What Car? says
The discreet M3, until you press the accelerator that is. A practical performance car that’s so wickedly quick you’ll be in constant fear for your driving licence.
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Buyer's notes
Target Price team says:
To many, the combination of the letter M followed by the number 3 represents the absolute pinnacle of BMW M Division’s expertise. It’s difficult to argue against that, the M3 offering quite sensational pace allied to remarkable day-to-day usability.
Trick electronics and its clever differential can all be tailored to suit the particular driver via the iDrive controller, and the M button on the steering wheel allows you to turn the M3 from pussycat to feral tomcat with the prod of your thumb.
The 4.0-litre V8 engine is fast at low revs but keeps piling on the pace as you head up towards its high 8,500rpm redline. Three models are offered, a coupe, saloon and convertible. The purists will balk at the drop-top; it’s not quite as fast and sharp as its closed relatives. The coupe is very showy with its carbonfibre roof, while the saloon perhaps offers the best all-round M car experience possible.
Reader test team says:
BMW M3 Saloon 4.0 V8 4dr
Great car but then again I have always been a fan…
4
out of 5 stars
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