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2008 BMW M3 Features Review

July 8, 2008

FEATURES | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Navigation system brings with it exasperating iDrive
Edmunds

Fewer standard features than competitors
MyRide.com

iDrive remains, but we've beaten that dead horse enough already
Car and Driver

The 2008 BMW M3 sports so many features, they can become a distraction from the essential driving experience.

The BMW M3 comes in one trim level, as either a coupe or sedan, says Edmunds, and includes "18-inch alloy wheels with performance tires, xenon headlamps, cruise control, automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated and power-adjustable sport seats...split/folding rear seats and a 10-speaker audio system with a CD player and auxiliary audio jack." Even though this is quite an expansive list, MyRide.com mentions there are "fewer standard features than competitors" on this M3 BMW.

If you choose to add the Premium Package on your M3 BMW, you will get to enjoy "power-folding mirrors, BMW Assist and enhance interior trim," says Edmunds. With the Technology Package, you will be adding the M Drive--"a feature that allows the driver to adjust the throttle and steering response/feel"--to your BMW M3, along with a bunch of other features like "keyless entry/start and electronically controlled dampers." The Technology Package also adds the navigation system, which requires “BMW's unintuitive iDrive multifunction controller.”

Options on the 2008 BMW M3 include 19-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, and rear park assist. Satellite radio, HD radio, and iPod connectivity are offered. A sunroof is a no-cost option on the sedan, Edmunds adds.

Conclusion

The 2008 BMW M3 has a liberal dose of features, with great options for audio systems—as well as the unfortunate iDrive system.

FEATURES | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:Navigation system brings with it exasperating iDriveEdmundsFewer standard features than competitorsMyRide.comiDrive remains, but we've beaten that dead horse enough alreadyCar and Driver The 2008 BMW M3 sports so many features, they can become a distraction from the essential driving experience. The BMW M3 comes in one trim level, as either a coupe or sedan, says Edmunds, and includes "18-inch alloy wheels with performance tires, xenon headlamps, cruise control, automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated and power-adjustable sport seats...split/folding rear seats and a 10-speaker audio system with a CD player and auxiliary audio jack." Even though this is quite an expansive list, MyRide.com mentions there are "fewer standard features than competitors" on this M3 BMW. If you choose to add the Premium Package on your M3 BMW, you will get to enjoy "power-folding mirrors, BMW Assist and enhance interior trim," says Edmunds. With the Technology Package, you will be adding the M Drive--"a feature that allows the driver to adjust the throttle and steering response/feel"--to your BMW M3, along with a bunch of other features like "keyless entry/start and electronically controlled dampers." The Technology Package also adds the navigation system, which requires “BMW's unintuitive iDrive multifunction controller.” Options on the 2008 BMW M3 include 19-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, and rear park assist. Satellite radio, HD radio, and iPod connectivity are offered. A sunroof is a no-cost option on the sedan, Edmunds adds. ConclusionThe 2008 BMW M3 has a liberal dose of features, with great options for audio systems—as well as the unfortunate iDrive system.  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.

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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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