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2008 BMW M3 Review

July 8, 2008

STYLING | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Sophisticated Styling
MyRide.com

neat carbon-fiber roof
Cars.com

Resembles a family sedan even elderly Republican grandparents would find nonthreatening
Car and Driver

more aggressive body styling
Edmunds

Available in coupe and sedan styles, the 2008 BMW M3 transforms the usual 3-Series silhouette with lightweight body pieces, deeper front and rear fascias, and discreet “M” badging—all of which telegraph messages that this is no ordinary Bimmer.

"The BMW M3 appears as a 3 Series Coupe or Sedan that's been to the gym," explains MyRide.com, "not like a dude on 'roids but rather someone who's been doing twice-a-days and eating nothing but chicken and tuna." The front and rear fascias are "revised," the hood has "rippled aluminum" with vents, plus "additional vents on the fenders," they add, summing up its styling as "an exquisite machine that doesn't require exaggerated body kits to draw attention." Edmunds agrees that it has “more aggressive body styling” than the usual 3-Series coupe or sedan. Car and Driver observes its “bulging aluminum hood,” and says “visually, there's no confusing the M3 with a standard-issue 3-series, even though both cars share doors, windows, headlights, taillights, and trunklid.” The other panels have been massaged, and BMW replaces the normal steel on top with a "carbon-fiber roof," says Cars.com; it’s the "the flared fenders and nose-low, hunkered-down profile that suggests a nearly audible snarl." Autoblog points out the "M-specific quad pipes" that "let Bimmer cognoscenti know that they're behind something special."

“The M3's interior has undergone fewer alterations than the exterior, but there are a number of significant changes,” Car and Driver says. “The usual M treatment includes sportier seats with deep torso and side bolsters, a thick leather steering wheel, and a new M-badged tachometer.” The "aggressive design of the front seats" in the BMW M3 is what captured the attention of Edmunds. "Heavily-bolstered," the seats "feel custom-made to your body." Plus, the "thick-rimmed steering wheel" gives the driver a "sporty feel," while cruising down the highway. Additionally, "leather trim" and "door sills with the M logo" round out the interior of the "high-performance" M3 BMW, says MyRide.com, with the added comfort typically left out of such sporty vehicles.

Conclusion

The 2008 BMW M3 makes its thundering performance known with bulges, vents, slits, and badges.

STYLING | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:Sophisticated StylingMyRide.comneat carbon-fiber roofCars.comResembles a family sedan even elderly Republican grandparents would find nonthreateningCar and Drivermore aggressive body stylingEdmunds Available in coupe and sedan styles, the 2008 BMW M3 transforms the usual 3-Series silhouette with lightweight body pieces, deeper front and rear fascias, and discreet “M” badging—all of which telegraph messages that this is no ordinary Bimmer. "The BMW M3 appears as a 3 Series Coupe or Sedan that's been to the gym," explains MyRide.com, "not like a dude on 'roids but rather someone who's been doing twice-a-days and eating nothing but chicken and tuna." The front and rear fascias are "revised," the hood has "rippled aluminum" with vents, plus "additional vents on the fenders," they add, summing up its styling as "an exquisite machine that doesn't require exaggerated body kits to draw attention." Edmunds agrees that it has “more aggressive body styling” than the usual 3-Series coupe or sedan. Car and Driver observes its “bulging aluminum hood,” and says “visually, there's no confusing the M3 with a standard-issue 3-series, even though both cars share doors, windows, headlights, taillights, and trunklid.” The other panels have been massaged, and BMW replaces the normal steel on top with a "carbon-fiber roof," says Cars.com; it’s the "the flared fenders and nose-low, hunkered-down profile that suggests a nearly audible snarl." Autoblog points out the "M-specific quad pipes" that "let Bimmer cognoscenti know that they're behind something special." “The M3's interior has undergone fewer alterations than the exterior, but there are a number of significant changes,” Car and Driver says. “The usual M treatment includes sportier seats with deep torso and side bolsters, a thick leather steering wheel, and a new M-badged tachometer.” The "aggressive design of the front seats" in the BMW M3 is what captured the attention of Edmunds. "Heavily-bolstered," the seats "feel custom-made to your body." Plus, the "thick-rimmed steering wheel" gives the driver a "sporty feel," while cruising down the highway. Additionally, "leather trim" and "door sills with the M logo" round out the interior of the "high-performance" M3 BMW, says MyRide.com, with the added comfort typically left out of such sporty vehicles. ConclusionThe 2008 BMW M3 makes its thundering performance known with bulges, vents, slits, and badges.  2008 BMW M3 STYLING | [9 out of 10] MyRide.com: "Sophisticated Styling" Cars.com: "neat carbon-fiber roof" Car and Driver: "Resembles a family sedan even elderly Republican grandparents would find nonthreatening" Edmunds: "more aggressive body styling" Available in coupe and sedan ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

Though the BMW M3's reputation brings a legion of fans with it, the new 2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG may actually be faster, though like the Audi RS4, it comes only as a four-door sedan. The Audi supersedan also offers standard all-wheel drive, but it's slower and its price tag is nearly $10,000 higher than that on the BMW M3 or the Benz C63. Lexus's IS-F is a new entrant in this battle; its 416-hp V-8 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission give it a technical edge on the M3 and the others, but loyalty counts in this crowd.

Next Steps:

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See the BMW M3 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2005 | 2002 | 2001

Comments (3 total)

  1. By  Liz #1, Posted: 10/9/2008

    BMW Sydney

    Love the new M3.
    How do you are my chances of getting one in pink though?

  2. By  Matthew Lloyd #2, Posted: 12/11/2008

    BMW M3 Seats

    I recently sat in the new M3 and as highlighted in your full review, the seats are excellent. I found them incredibly comfortable and supportive. Love the M3!

  3. By  Moto1 #3, Posted: 1/14/2009

    BMW Performance

    I've driven a lot of cars, including AMGs and my preference is definitely the M3. I think it's style is reasonably understated for the performance it delivers.

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