[gbelton]

@ 414hp, 295ft./lb. of torque, this 3700lbs Monster is a true personal pleasure to drive.

Driving the 6-Speed MT brings back memories of me power-shifting my 1999 BMW 540i-Sport some years back. By no means am I suggesting these two cars are similar, because they are not-but their tranny (Driving) styles are very, very close IMO. Note: The transmission shift stick is high and gritty when shifting 1st to 2nd and sometimes 3rd at lower RPMs (2500-3000).

For those who have not owned or spent driving time in a 3 Series, there are some clear interior differences when compared to the 5, 6, and 7 Series but a BMW it is just the same. So enough about that, let me get to the reason why you are all reading this post. Below you will find a few snip-its of my M3 experience over the past few months:

The M3 is RAW, (Ready And Willing). Acceleration for its weight is punchy. Press the pedal and you'd better be ready to shift because this Ultimate Driving Machine will power through each gear with ease! I especially like 2nd and 4th gears to reach 130MPH in mere seconds. Yes, I can easily reach +125MPH in 3rd gear with a 8450 rpm red-line but I am not on the track, so I save that for another day.


The M3 is balanced-yeah, yeah the books say that too, but it really is. You can steer it into and around turns just like a go-cart and with its frame being so rigid you can do a great deal in the twisties and use the available torque and horse power to pull you through any rear wiggles one might experience...


The M3 has a nice internal and external exhaust note. It's not a deep throaty sound but it has the M sound distinct to the M3.

The M5 exhaust beats the M3 (2:1), based on my person-to-person poll. I am sure you will find others seeking more sound to impress others and for themselves by changing their exhausts pipes. To each his own off course, I'll stay stock for now.

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Additional thoughts:

Love the CF roof. I am thinking of getting the CF Rear Diffuser, and kidneys.
Love the leather-color and feel.
Gas mileage is as I remember from my earlier referenced BMW.
Side view mirror folding and unfolding at 20MPH is cool.
Enhanced sound system is worth it, IMO. I tested on other BMW systems and you can hear the differences.
The ride is M3esq... But not as rough as the E46 (M3 version). I appreciate that because I am not on the track; though I know some people like it rough all day everyday.
Wind noise is up a few decibels, so I turn up the radio to avoid the NOISE...
Seating for all the ladies is definitely appreciated. I could not do that in the 6er (650Ci) but the M3 does have the win in that column.

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Comparison to the M5:

M5 is the Ultimate Super Sedan with gobs of POWER, Rumble-Grumble, Softness, Luxury, SqeezeMeSeats, and SMG that nothing or no one can beat, IMO.

M3 is the Ultimate Sports Coupe with a fun factor all small cars enjoy. This Utlimate Sports Coupe has everything going for it: Looks, Lines, Aggressiveness, POWER, Roughness, Sportier Seating, and the fun factor of a manual... All of course is IMO.

For day-to-day cruisin' I prefer the M5 (.45mm Magnum). I am not a racer boy, though I play one on TV, and though the M5 is heavy, that V10 @ 500hp, 397ft/lb. of torque just does it for me...

BUT!!

When I want to be or drive extra sporty, I pull out the M3 (9mm Glock). It's fast, gusty, and does damage like a big boy but in a small boys' framework. I really like the M3 in the V8 variant form. If you are someone looking for sportier fun everyday when driving, you have stamped the right card and it is called, "The All New M3" Trust me on this one guys, it's a V8.

In summary, the M for Motorsport is the best compliment of Performance and Luxury, IMO. I will surely buy other BMWs but an ///M will always be in my garage.

So, this would explain I bought both the ///M5 and the ///M3 , if you were curious. Thanks for listening...

[lvwirelessguy]

Awesome write up!

I couldn’t agree more. I have tried to come up with the one I favor over the other and haven’t been able to do so. That speaks volumes about how good both cars are.

Just depends on the kind of mood I am in

[F1-Slayer]

wicked write up and nice rides man

[Year's_End]

The M5 felt porky to me during the driving school. I'd take an M3 over it just for the weight difference.

[VDPHB]

Nice write up! Now I'm going to have to go borrow someone's M3 and compare it to my 335i and my buddy's M5....

Anyone in California care to share?

[gbelton]

LOL.

[gbelton]

Thanks for the compliments.

[Big Windy]

Interesting analogies...liked the write up. Thanks!

[nusevad]

Great writeup! I agree with the exhaust notes, the M3 could use a more throaty sound.

[gbelton]

Thanks gents. Do you find you drive your M3 aggressive than as a crusier?

[yazz]

congrats on your cars man, that's awesome