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2008 BMW M3 Quality Review

July 8, 2008

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Top-notch build quality
Edmunds

The interior of the BMW M3 has always been a place designed for performance driving
Autoblog

Oozing testosterone
Cars.com

BMW has always been known for high quality and great interiors, and the 2008 BMW M3 is certainly not an exception.

The design of the front seats in the BMW M3 is "aggressive" says Edmunds, noting that they are "multi-adjustable (under thigh, side wings)" and how they feel "custom-made to your body once you've dialed in your adjustments." The adjustable backrests keep you situated in the M3 BMW "when slicing through narrow canyons," says MyRide, and even though the cockpit is "snug," it's deemed "roomy enough" by Cars.com. However, when it comes to the rear seats in the M3 BMW, only two adults can fit--just. In the words of Motor Trend, it has a "useable (occasionally) rear seat." Car and Driver is a little more generous, saying, "Rear seat-space with two adults is tight but livable."

Storage is OK in the BMW M3, according to Cars.com, but "access is a little narrow." However, you can use the "folding split rear seats" if you'd like, according to MyRide.com, and Car and Driver finds trunk space to be "more than adequate."

Reviewers consulted by TheCarConnection.com had mixed--though still mostly positive--opinions about the M3 BMW's fit and finish. "Build quality and materials inside the M3 are excellent," says Edmunds. The placement of controls is "ergonomic," according to Autoblog, and the materials used in the BMW M3 are top-notch. Even so, Edmunds finds room for complaint when it comes to the interior, finding it "monotonous" and "subdued."

Noise is "unobjectionable" in the 2008 BMW M3, according to Cars.com, except when you're driving on "porous pavement," which really brings out the whine from the tires. Automobile adores the sound of the M3’s V-8: “Mash the loud pedal, and the quiet V-8 turns into a screaming demon,” they write. “It sounds angrier and more ferocious than any V-8 you've ever heard this side of Maranello.” Edmunds reports that the M3’s optional 19-inch tires are noisemakers: “these sticky tires are prone to generating noise ranging from a slight hum to a somewhat annoying drone.”

Conclusion

The 2008 BMW M3 has top-notch build quality, comfortable front seats, and usable backseats.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Top-notch build qualityEdmundsThe interior of the BMW M3 has always been a place designed for performance drivingAutoblogOozing testosteroneCars.com BMW has always been known for high quality and great interiors, and the 2008 BMW M3 is certainly not an exception. The design of the front seats in the BMW M3 is "aggressive" says Edmunds, noting that they are "multi-adjustable (under thigh, side wings)" and how they feel "custom-made to your body once you've dialed in your adjustments." The adjustable backrests keep you situated in the M3 BMW "when slicing through narrow canyons," says MyRide, and even though the cockpit is "snug," it's deemed "roomy enough" by Cars.com. However, when it comes to the rear seats in the M3 BMW, only two adults can fit--just. In the words of Motor Trend, it has a "useable (occasionally) rear seat." Car and Driver is a little more generous, saying, "Rear seat-space with two adults is tight but livable." Storage is OK in the BMW M3, according to Cars.com, but "access is a little narrow." However, you can use the "folding split rear seats" if you'd like, according to MyRide.com, and Car and Driver finds trunk space to be "more than adequate." Reviewers consulted by TheCarConnection.com had mixed--though still mostly positive--opinions about the M3 BMW's fit and finish. "Build quality and materials inside the M3 are excellent," says Edmunds. The placement of controls is "ergonomic," according to Autoblog, and the materials used in the BMW M3 are top-notch. Even so, Edmunds finds room for complaint when it comes to the interior, finding it "monotonous" and "subdued." Noise is "unobjectionable" in the 2008 BMW M3, according to Cars.com, except when you're driving on "porous pavement," which really brings out the whine from the tires. Automobile adores the sound of the M3’s V-8: “Mash the loud pedal, and the quiet V-8 turns into a screaming demon,” they write. “It sounds angrier and more ferocious than any V-8 you've ever heard this side of Maranello.” Edmunds reports that the M3’s optional 19-inch tires are noisemakers: “these sticky tires are prone to generating noise ranging from a slight hum to a somewhat annoying drone.” ConclusionThe 2008 BMW M3 has top-notch build quality, comfortable front seats, and usable backseats.  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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for a 2008 BMW M3 near you

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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