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Car Magazine Reviews The New 2008 BMW M3

Agent009 submitted on 07/06/2007 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 10:01 AM
from: www.carmagazine.co.uk

[81] user comments | category: Reviews

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Car Magazine Reviews The New 2008 BMW M3

Oh yes. The E92 model is the fourth generation of the M3, a car that first arrived in 1986. Back then it had a four-cylinder engine with around 200bhp. The new car doubles that with a V8 and 414bhp, but the basic ingredients remain the same: rear-wheel drive, a limited slip differential and a motorsport-inspired engine that revs to a whopping 8400rpm.

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Yonder7 - 7/6/2007 10:04:49 AM

-14 Boost

Weak torsion, and even an MB E550 match the acceleration of this car and is pig. BMW will not keep this car for too much time. The new players are a lot better tha it in several items that M3 was the top performer. well , only God is forever. I am very disapointed with both brands lately (MB and BMw) they have to work harder if they do not want to continue loosing market.

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Agent009 - 7/6/2007 10:47:28 AMView My AgentSpace

+7 Boost

You may want to look over your shoulder, cus whatever you are smoking has to be illegal.

enthusiastx11 - 7/6/2007 9:51:25 PM

-1 Boost

wow...you're clueless. and i doubt you've driven a M or AMG.

atomicbri - 7/7/2007 9:33:32 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Losing market?? You obviously do not pay attention to their sales numbers...

BMW4me4ever - 7/6/2007 10:10:32 AMView My AgentSpace

+8 Boost

yonder what are you talking about? losing market? how is BMW losing market? If you have been in a coma the last 5 years, then I would be able to understand.

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amazinBimmer - 7/6/2007 10:29:01 AM

-2 Boost

Yonder.. have you lost your mind?. BMW has steadily gained share on every rival in every class. Their designs are ground breaking and their engines are still the absolute best, expecially the M cars. This m3 will anihilate every other car in its class.

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rg12345 - 7/6/2007 7:55:57 PM

0 Boost

You better check on the MB C-Class AMG. About 460hp to kick your M3's ass. This days may be the best days of the new M3: before it's out in the real world. Once out, it will just loose every comparison to the new MB, maybe to others also.

enthusiastx11 - 7/6/2007 9:53:35 PM

+2 Boost

as usual, the AMG will outpower and out-accelerate everyone. having driven a number of AMG and M cars, i can say that--though they are seriously fast--M cars are A LOT better handling and much more fun to drive.

unfortunately, lexus doesn't play in this realm. maybe the IS-F will change that. but since nobody has driven it, it's an open question.

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 7/6/2007 10:46:14 AM

+4 Boost

"And the V8 does significantly alter the M3’s character. Where before a creamy straight-six throatiness was followed by the trademark metallic rasp towards peak rpms, now a nice woofly warble under lighter throttle loads precedes a hard-edged – if more muted – charge for the redline. The spine-tingling zinginess of the E46 car is gone, replaced by a more mature, if still exhilarating, progression."

I'm already missing the straight-six..

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7msynthetic - 7/6/2007 12:19:14 PM

+3 Boost

straight sixes rule!

Qwazywabbit - 7/6/2007 3:37:37 PM

-2 Boost

Dude, you havent even heard the engine in person, much less driven it. Why do you say you are already missing the I6. Don't get me wrong, that motor will go down in history. This is the next engine to go into history. Learn to love innovation and change, not cower from it.

7msynthetic - 7/6/2007 12:19:42 PM

+1 Boost

soaking wet!love it!

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rg12345 - 7/6/2007 7:57:35 PM

+2 Boost

No no no .. if it's wet you don't love it. You crash.

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enthusiastx11 - 7/6/2007 9:55:27 PM

+1 Boost

maybe because we actually love driving, understand what's under the hood and won't compromise fun-to-drive factor for a more reliable cup holder.

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mini22 - 7/6/2007 11:38:59 AM

+2 Boost

So basically it's a softer car to appeal to the masses. From a business stand point you can't fault BMW for this. That's why Porsche will continue to remain the enthuasists choice, however.

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Qwazywabbit - 7/6/2007 3:33:56 PM

-1 Boost

Mini22, what makes you think its softer? I can tell you that in fact it is not. It is BETTER than the E46 M3. In fact, look at the track record of the M3. See all those awards from races? There will be more, much more, with this M3. Softer? HA! I fart in your general direction.

henbmw - 7/9/2007 7:20:57 PM

+1 Boost

He says its softer because the reviewer said just that....

candywhite - 7/6/2007 12:00:49 PM

-2 Boost

this car is going to be siiiiiiiiick;
It will easily be the best handling and most fun out of all those "rivals".
Has been unbeaten for 20 years, i don't think the others are going to beat it now.
K maybe RS5 is going to have more Hp, but its about the whole package. And BMW never failed to deliver.
I cant wait to test drive this beauty, and im an Audi Enthusiast!
Here is why its the better then any of its rivals:
Audi - Tooheavy, better in rain or winter
Merc - Cant put power down, always lame autotrannys, not as sports tuned
Lexus - well lets just say they are more worried about having the car park itself

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d1sinfo - 7/6/2007 12:01:34 PM

+1 Boost

Interesting. I want to see what JC thinks of it, and maybe get a drive myself.

Josh

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henbmw - 7/9/2007 7:21:58 PM

+1 Boost

JC's opinion is good for a laugh; not for a purchase.

7msynthetic - 7/6/2007 12:17:42 PM

+1 Boost

I would say this incarnation is a bit of a dissapointment based on its predecessor, the E46, which set the bar real high. It is only one review but I think BWM left the door a bit open for the "others". Hopefully Lexus learns from this as the IS-F is still under final testing. Lastly, what did I say about the wimpy tourque figure a few months back - "I told ya so!!"

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GermanNut - 7/6/2007 12:40:06 PM

+1 Boost

Dissapointing review. The M3 did not get praised as being all around lauded like the E46 was.

With the E46, after the first review everyone knew that Audi and MB were left in the dust. There was no need for a CSL to pickup the pieces, but BMW made one anyway.

With this E92, BMW has no choice but to release a CSL version because the E92 has lost some of the purist needs like razor-sharp Porsche handling and extreme composure when being driven at 10/10ths.

The regular E46 M3 was more nimble and offered greater feedback. The E92 sure had to come with a free moon like Clarkson said to defeat the RS4.

I think the E92 M3 will defeat the RS4, but just as this review has stated, the competition has forced BMW to move to a V8 and the competition (RS4 and C63 AMG) has undoubtedly creeped up to uncomfortable levels for BMW.

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Agent63 - 7/7/2007 8:16:08 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

I don't know about the performance as it is very impressive. I think the design itself outside and inside should have been better. The E46 M3 I think is the best looking M3 to date even better than the upcoming M3. It's more aggressively styled compared to the E46.

The new v8 does sound great though.

henbmw - 7/9/2007 7:25:25 PM

+1 Boost

What really scares me is thinking about what Infiniti will do in the future. If they can build the spectacular new G35 that undercuts the 335i by 7-8k, I'm just trembling to think of what they can do in this class of cars.

d1sinfo - 7/6/2007 12:40:38 PM

+1 Boost

This is 1 review people. It also seems like it was written off of notes, weak notes.

Josh

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Yonder7 - 7/6/2007 12:55:53 PM

+3 Boost

Sorry boys, It was not my intention to make you feel so bad. CSl Should be the Standard Not an option. C63 is already better and over the regular car that is already good they offer an "Sport Package" and may be also a Black Series in the incomming future. Cry if you like but that will not change the fact: Crying and weak engine plus bland face and body. This is just a regular cupe with High reving engine that, even in acceleration is not what we or even you were waiting for. I realy want to see the compares....it will be very interesting, and is very easy for me to see whats going on due I do not smoke, but you...Should a very evil stuf and for sure, is not marihuana.. >;-)..and please we are adults, provide tech info defend your arguments, if you do not have those (and BMW is not giving you to much with this new car), then I understand why you prefer to bother people instead or even insult them. Something for all of you: http://www.autospies.com/images/users/Agent009/presskit_complete.doc. Enjoy BMW lovers I do need to to hate you and in fact we need you and BMW, If not, there is no challenge to improve the life and the cars of course.

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henbmw - 7/9/2007 7:34:14 PM

+1 Boost

"we are adults"

'adults' know how to use grammar.

SupraNeverBack - 7/6/2007 1:23:22 PM

+2 Boost

Not so impressive, the steering is too light, gear box is so so, and exhaust note tries to mimic RS4's but sounds a lot weaker...

M3 might have hard time to keep up with C63 and IS-F.

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enthusiastx11 - 7/7/2007 3:39:59 AM

+2 Boost

yeah. that must be why the M3 consistently outsells the AMG C-class and will surely outsell the tacky--and totally unproven--ISF.

Yonder7 - 7/6/2007 1:32:50 PM

+3 Boost

The only technical advantage for now is weight. SEDAN C63 is 3800, COUPE M3 is 3641, which is a good indication about an excelent egineering or a big sacrifice of the security to help the weak low torsion engine. May be it have another "Marginal" qualification on side crash tests as the regular coupe did on the NTTI. For now let say that is a big edge for the Bimer (160 pounds less is realy good).

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Yonder7 - 7/6/2007 1:32:53 PM

+3 Boost

SupraNeverBack - 7/6/2007 1:47:49 PM

0 Boost

Yeah, but the C63's truck engine has 37 more hp and 150 lb-ft more of torque.

hieneken - 7/6/2007 2:15:02 PM

+2 Boost

The 335i twin turbo engin V6 0-60 in 4.8 second with 300lb ft. The V8 M3 0-62 in 4.8 second with 295lb ft and probably cost an extra 10k more than the 335i. What a fucken insane retardate German engineer!!!!!

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bulldogz - 7/6/2007 3:49:32 PM

+2 Boost

formula1, the LAST M3 did 4.8, yet you want to quote 0-60s from a company website??!! Every company one is conservative at best, the 335 has already been tested at 4.8, heck they even got the IS350 in sub-5.0. This article just quoted a 0-62 of 4.8. Pull your head out of your ass...unless you like the view better.

supermoto - 7/6/2007 7:33:20 PM

+1 Boost

Yeah, I am guessing the actual time will be in the low to mid 4s. BMW is just going to let the tests speak for themselves/

Yonder7 - 7/6/2007 2:28:07 PM

+3 Boost

This Blog Will be realy short due Not to much arguments in pro of Bimmer. Again we do not hate you. Please bring smart arguments, as can anybody explain how the Brake Energy Regeneration.? looks to me as a very interesting tech.

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SupraNeverBack - 7/6/2007 2:31:04 PM

+2 Boost

Google Prius

henbmw - 7/9/2007 7:36:40 PM

+1 Boost

And hooked on phonics...

GermanNut - 7/6/2007 2:36:45 PM

+1 Boost

I expected more from BMW with this new E92 M3. The E46 was instantly the benchmark and blew away the competition. Every review praised the E46 for how it just out-handled everything and offered balance and poise that the RS4 and C63 could not match. The E46 M3 in the straights was also faster

Now, with the bulkier V8 and more competition in terms of speed and handling (all three cars RS4, C63 and M3 go 0-60 within .3 seconds of each other and all have improved handling) the M3 is still the favorite but not by much. Audi has achieved brilliance in terms of the RS4 handling and the C63 has improved immensely according to the new reviews.

The poise and balance with crisp exhaust from the E46 is now gone and the competition offers a much better sound (RS4) and even better dynamics with the C63 AMG.

BMW needs a CSL model sadly to set the E92 M3 apart from the RS4 and C63. The E46 set itself apart without needing any CSL massaging.

I expected more.

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Rupert - 7/6/2007 5:28:36 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

The "bulkier" V8 is lighter than the old I6.

Yonder7 - 7/6/2007 2:46:13 PM

+1 Boost

Never mind about Brake Energy Regeneration. Hieneken You can't be more clever. New M3 is a lot of Blablabla and that will be the way to sell it, Just with a lot of blabla. Also Most of the High Reving Engines does not have torque, and thats very important when you realy wants to push the outer limits. If do not know how to create high reving engine with a lot of torsion, then continue doing good low reving engines with lots of torque. And of course high reving engines have a shorter life than the low reving engines, any engineer will tell you that, the formula is more rpm= more fricion. May be thats why with the time Bimers exhaust a lot more white smoke than Mercedes.

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amazinBimmer - 7/6/2007 2:50:51 PM

-1 Boost

yonder.. the moron convention is forming at the audi site.. please sign up there. minimal education and achievement in life needed.

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Yonder7 - 7/6/2007 2:51:57 PM

+2 Boost

Il will drive excelent, but we know that it needs and engine already, if it wants to keep the legend alive.

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Yonder7 - 7/6/2007 3:05:32 PM

+3 Boost

amazingBimmer that is your tech info ja ja ja ,, you realy feel bad. Defend your point I am open mind, or may be you already quite?. Please give me some, if not. Thrust me, everybody will think that you are the moron. Do you know that wars begins when you losse your arguments and start to scream and only stupid people start wars?...get your point, if the only thing that you can say is that I am a moron, thats Sad because thats mean that you have nothing. Also I have a lot of good freinds that loves Bimers, But they are Smart and Educated people (with good arguments) hey read the comments of Hieneken and GermanNut. I like the M3, but just like them I expected more.

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utahnkid - 7/8/2007 1:04:32 AM

+1 Boost

If you ever tell another guy on this site to "Thrust me" im gonna have to lose a little bit of respect for ya

SupraNeverBack - 7/6/2007 3:16:48 PM

-1 Boost

BMW boys must be hiding in somewhere, crying... ^0^

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Johnel - 7/6/2007 3:31:46 PM

+3 Boost

Yawn, same old BS every time a new BMW comes out. Might as well copy and paste the reports with a new date.

The numb nuts that drive BMW can't even control the so called ultimate driving machine.

I'm not bashing BMW, but more the owners of the cars.

Just this week alone I have seen an M5 and a 6 series coupe collide at high speed.

I was at the traffic lights waiting for the light to turn green, and can see that the amber light comes on and the idiot in the M5 hammers the car to pass on the amber before turning red, mean while i see a 6 series coupe through my left hand side mirror picking up speed anticipating by the time he reaches me the light will then be green.

Well guess what, the M5 T-boned the 6 series coupe. Coupes driver had to be taken by ambulance. Naturally I stayed and answered the police officers question to what I saw, and quite frankly told them both were responsible, and that I laid blame towards the M5 driver since he could have easily stopped. This happened on Tuesday around 4 p.m.

Today July 6th, I am heading home after my dentist appointment around 1 p.m. when I see that up ahead the road is blocked by police cruisers. the road became a parking lot. So out of curiosity I got out and walked towards the intersection to see what happened, and there was a previous 3 series coupe that crashed into a childcare building.

I kind of eavesdropped on witness that was telling the officers what he witnessed.

It seems the BMW took a left turn at high speed, lost control hitting 2 teenage running over one of them killing her, before colliding against the building.

The other was rushed by amublance, and seems to be in a severe condtion according to what witnesses have told me.

I always pass by that child care building going and coming from work.

Usually around 2 p.m. I see the teachers who would take those kids to park nearby.

I am sure we all see these little kids who hold some kind of rope while be led by their care takers in front and another who walks behind the kids to look out for their safety.

Had this idiot been driving around 2 p.m. for sure there would have been much much worse cause quite a few of those kids would have been killed.

This guy needs to be thrown in jail for life for what he's done.

Anyways it was a sick sight to see. I may have not seen the 2 teenage girls , but i can certainly see the blood that was on the sidewalk, and that sure was not a pretty sight at all.

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Qwazywabbit - 7/6/2007 3:35:29 PM

+1 Boost

And your point is ......?

henbmw - 7/9/2007 7:40:13 PM

+1 Boost

His point is that the new M3 will kill children.

NARunner - 7/6/2007 4:17:16 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

BMW underestimates times. Look at the company specs on a 335i. Estimated time to 60 is 5.3 sec, but tests have consistently gotten 4.8-4.9. I bet the M3 will do it in 4.5-4.6. Somewhere between the M6/M5 and the 335i.

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enthusiastx11 - 7/7/2007 3:41:21 AM

+1 Boost

ditto on NArunner comment.

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Yonder7 - 7/6/2007 5:07:01 PM

+1 Boost

I think you are right MB and BWM does the same most of time. MB C63 estimated 4.5 and some of the reviers are doing 4.3-4.2.

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Htay7500 - 7/6/2007 5:57:20 PM

+1 Boost

hmm, I wonder what will it unleash.

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minimalist - 7/6/2007 6:02:51 PM

+1 Boost

almost all parts are nicer on the new m3 compared to the old, yet at the expense of its soul it seems.

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Yonder7 - 7/6/2007 6:32:52 PM

+1 Boost

Something for Bimers fans http://autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070706/FREE/70706014/1065 Is a good article that talks very well of the new M3.

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richardp996 - 7/6/2007 6:38:30 PM

0 Boost

I wonder how well the new 1-series will be received in North America and if the slated M1 would be a better buy thn the E92 M3?

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ashramboy - 7/6/2007 6:45:31 PM

+1 Boost

0-62mph 4.8secs? where is all that power going? not to mention ify design compared to slam dunk e46 m3 design. I think competition finally caught up with bmw. I dont think bmw has to worry about toyotas and hondas, but c63 just seems like a beast and audi keeps on getting better. only if amg made manual transmission cars, it might be a dooms day for m3. I am sure m3 has more upper end power to use at higher speed but it still lacks something magical with the recipe it had with e46. I think bangle and smg did it.

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Yonder7 - 7/6/2007 7:16:32 PM

+1 Boost

Hey I like the C63 but I have to say that is very easy to get a lot of power and torsion with big engine (In fact the one in the C63 is tammed version, like a safety net in case that they have arise the power). However the small V8 of BMW is not bad but defenitely is not up to the challenge. High reving, but honestly the torsion is so bad and to get that you need to spool the engine as a turbine. Those engines do not last to long, something that you can not say about AMG. AMG Says "We build engines that can drive Hard every day and in 5 year will be as fresh as the first day". That never happens to high reving low torque weak engines engines. Even the Infiniti G37 that may come with Twin Turbo could be a menace for this Bimmer. They will have to return to the drawing board.

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minimalist - 7/6/2007 7:26:09 PM

+2 Boost

not to mention there also will be the skyline in the same price range.

poor m3. poor bmw.

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Htay7500 - 7/6/2007 11:20:02 PM

0 Boost

oh yea, thts a tough decision.

enthusiastx11 - 7/7/2007 12:23:14 PM

+1 Boost

you're so well informed and aware for someone who's NEVER DRIVEN the new M3. whatever you've been saying all along is pretty much irrelevant.

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minimalist - 7/7/2007 4:33:29 PM

+1 Boost

lol.

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weaponX - 7/7/2007 6:01:18 PM

+1 Boost

I don’t like the fact that they kept the 6-spd from the E46, which I thought was already a weakness. Better wait for the DSG.

Interior-wise, I’m also disappointed that the E92 has just slightly evolved from the E46. I would’ve liked the new car to have been infused with a whole new interior. The inside of the M5 is a nice place to be, and not at all unattractive and cold in it’s so called hyper-tech presentation.

I figured that the E92 will lose some of it’s hard core edge, and would appeal to a more broader audience, as the E46 was barely adequate as a daily driver.

This is a great car nonetheless, and with the exception of one or two misses the M-division has always produced class-defining cars.

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MrGunFun - 7/8/2007 3:16:12 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Remember though, it was the BMW M3 that brought all the competitors to join the "Ultimate Driving Machine" party.

So no matter what you guys say, give it a credit to BMW's legendary M.

reply to this comment

BM3W - 7/9/2007 12:29:54 PM

+1 Boost

The 2008 BMW M3 isn't as hard edged as the previous E46 version - a cost of trying to hit too many targets - it's a well rounded junior GT that's set to take care of business against it's competitors - the door has been left open for the hardcore, track-focused, CSL version.

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