2008 BMW M3

By Benjamin Cyr

One more time

Each new generation of M series brings out the auto press en masse. You wonder how BMW will manage, once again, to improve the high performance Series 3, Series 5 and others. Well, as history often repeats itself, this Bavarian maker shows us even more of its wealth of know-how with the new 2008 M3.


M for Magic

The BMW Motorsport division has produced highly modified versions of many Beamers for 30 years now, since 1978. Whether it's, the M3, the M5 or the M6, these vehicles enjoyed an enviable reputation in auto sport. The reliability of engines pushed to the limit, the quality of the materials and the all-around expertise that goes into every M series machine makes them highly prized by sports car amateurs.

The previous M3 generation (code named E46) became a real success in units sold and in racing performance. Thanks to the in-line atmospheric six-cylinder producing more than 100hp per litre, it offered performances similar to the "true" two-seater sports machines. The M3's advantage, however, has always been its practical aspect with a good-sized trunk, fully useable rear seats and a high level of comfort for everyday driving. In conclusion, you wonder sometimes how such a vehicle can perform at that level.

Given the high marks accorded the E46, I waited impatiently for the new M3 E92 2008 based on the coupe version of the present 3. The task was not an easy one for the BMW because the current 335i equipped with a 3.0 litre twin-turbo offers top level performance.

At first glance, the new M2's body has certain notable differences; the first being the black carbon ceiling, the four rear tailpipes, distinctive rims, more aerodynamic mirrors, a revised front streamlining and a small bump in the middle of the hood to accommodate the new engine which replaces the 6 cylinder with the first V8 in M3 history. It is essentially a 5.0 litre, V10 from the M5 and M6 from which were subtracted two cylinders. The result sports a 4.0 litre V8 developing 414 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, and once more surpassing 100hp⁄ litre without a turbo. This V8 is lighter than the old in-line six. It's evident that expertise gained in F1 helps mightily in creating this motorization.

Road-test likes:

• driving pleasure taken to new heights;
• the V8's motor music when doing 8000turns/pm.;
• the retrospective effect of the mechanical elements in sink with the pilot;
• the M3's far superior performance when compared to the previous generation;
• the manual transmission which is a joy to use;
• the possibility of driving this vehicle on a daily basis.

Road-test dislikes:

• the steep base price and the wallet deflating options;
• the $20,000 difference between the 335i and the M3;
• the lack of certain features and accessories in the basic version;
• the much more serious and often less costly competition;
• once again, the BMW's lack of design originality and creativity.