BMW M3 coupe

The new BMW M3 coupe is available with bodywork by € 75,000 and four-door car (M3 Saloon) from € 73,000. Prices and equipment that accompany this article relating to the 2008 range, which is still sold.

The range of 2009 differs from the previous changes that affect the aesthetics and functionality to the equipment (more on changes in the range 2009).

Both versions share the engine body, which is petrol, naturally aspirated 420 hp and maximum power. There is also a version of the M3 convertible.

Other models of similar characteristics are the Audi RS4, the Lexus IS F and Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG (all three have four-door car, the Audi and Mercedes-Benz also have family). An Audi RS4 costs € 82,200, the Mercedes-Benz C63 will be priced similar to BMW, the Lexus is still not known how much it will cost. Later, have a version of the Audi A5 called RS5, which is a possible alternative to the M3.

The M3 is a derivative of a sports tourism, with regard to changes resulting from that model and affect the engine, the suspension (to be specific) and the structure to make it lighter. This is the fourth generation M3, first appeared in 1986 (images of all BMW M3) and the second time it has a BMW M3 four-door car (the E36 was the first of 1995).

If you value their qualities as a sport and at the same time, a car to use in day to day, is one of the best: it is exceptionally fast without being uncomfortable.

In fact, the M3 comes with greater softness to the occupants that the 335i Coupe I tested at the time (more of the 3 Series Coupé range), which also had the tires of 19 "to mount the optional M3 of this test. This comfort is, at least in part to the suspension with variable damping can be optional and that the M3 had our unit test. We have not had the opportunity to try a normal M3 suspension.

An M6 is just as comfortable and faster, but lacks the agility of the M3, as well as more expensive. An Audi R8 can provide the same sensations as sports but is more cumbersome, less expensive and more practical.

Any coupe or convertible Porsche, at least until the Panamera, is exceptional as sports but does not provide the same comfort level of M3, a 911 Carrera S (355 hp) has a performance similar to M3 but requires more skill the driver in certain situations, for example by slowing down sharply with the car supported, and it is much more expensive. The Cayman S is a bit more agile and in vivo changes in support (much lighter) and hold your brakes a little more heat, but its benefits are lower (it has 295 hp). What is clear is that these two cars, the M3 and the Cayman S, are the best sports that you can buy up to € 70,000.

The M3's engine is a naturally aspirated eight-cylinder V, 4.0-liter displacement and 420 hp. A spindle motor is faster than required to maintain above 6000 rpm to give the response you expect from a car of this power. Despite this, we can move in a traffic jam at 1000 rpm in second gear without pull or make strange noises. Its consumption is high (more on driving impressions)

The M3 Saloon is approved for five seats instead of four of the M3 Coupé. The saloon version is heavier (1,680 kg, instead of 1655 kg). Therefore, its acceleration capacity is somewhat lower speeds up to 100 km / h in 4.9 s, instead of 4.8 s it takes for Coupé (as reported by BMW).

Part of this weight difference is due to the number of doors and the roof is made from carbon fiber. Consumption is approved the same in the two versions are identical developments in transmission and brakes. The M3 Saloon has a volume slightly larger than the trunk Coupé and in both cases the rear seat backs are hinged.

The M3 Coupe's cabin is very similar to any other 3 Series Coupe (more impressions on the interior).

In the body of the M3 are some changes, some for aesthetic and other, mostly functional (more on the technical information section). Among these changes are a mirror of two branches: the superior is not attached to the bodywork and, in our unit, was not perfectly aligned (image).

In addition to the colors of paint available in the 3 Series Coupé, there are some exclusive versions of M. Some versions of the M3 Coupe and 4p, there are differences in the shape of the gills of the front fins, plus many others from the middle of the body backwards.

The equipment of the M3 Coupé carries items such as leather and fabric upholstery, Limited slip differential, dual xenon headlights, air conditioning and automatic connection of lights and wipers, six airbags and stability control.

Optionally, you can add a package of exterior lighting, a few more seats with adjustments, various audio equipment or browsers, among others (listing all the equipment available). The roof of the coupe carbon fiber can optionally be replaced by a surcharge and without conventional roof with a glass practicable.