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2009 BMW M3 Review

May 2, 2009

STYLING | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

there's no confusing the M3 with a standard-issue 3-series
Car and Driver

an exquisite machine that doesn't require exaggerated body kits to draw attention
MyRide.com

more aggressive body styling
Edmunds

neat carbon-fiber roof
Cars.com

Whether it’s the coupe or the sedan, the 2009 BMW M3 makes its thundering performance known with bulges, vents, slits, and badges.

Car and Driver observes the 2009 BMW M3’s “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 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.

"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. “The M3's interior has undergone fewer alterations than the exterior, but there are a number of significant changes,” Car and Driver proclaims. “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 captures the attention of Edmunds.

Conclusion

The exterior styling of the 2009 BMW M3 telegraphs the message that this is no ordinary Bimmer.

STYLING | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:there's no confusing the M3 with a standard-issue 3-seriesCar and Driveran exquisite machine that doesn't require exaggerated body kits to draw attentionMyRide.commore aggressive body stylingEdmundsneat carbon-fiber roofCars.com Whether it’s the coupe or the sedan, the 2009 BMW M3 makes its thundering performance known with bulges, vents, slits, and badges. Car and Driver observes the 2009 BMW M3’s “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 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. "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. “The M3's interior has undergone fewer alterations than the exterior, but there are a number of significant changes,” Car and Driver proclaims. “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 captures the attention of Edmunds. ConclusionThe exterior styling of the 2009 BMW M3 telegraphs the message that this is no ordinary Bimmer. 2009 BMW M3 STYLING | [9 out of 10] Car and Driver: "there's no confusing the M3 with a standard-issue 3-series " MyRide.com: "an exquisite machine that doesn't require exaggerated body kits to draw attention" Edmunds: "more aggressive body styling" Cars.com: "neat carbon-fiber roof" ...

Read More of this Review:

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

Other Choices:

Loyalty counts heavily in this crowd, and the BMW M3's reputation brings a legion of fans with it. This is a hotly contested field, and each of the three rivals has also been completely redesigned in the past year or two. Lexus's IS-F has a 416-hp V-8 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission, which gives it a technical edge on the M3. Then there’s the new Cadillac CTS-V, which might actually be the most fun to drive of these sedans, with especially communicative steering and great body control at the limits. The Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG may be faster, but it doesn’t have the same frisky feel of the Cadillac or Lexus.

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See the BMW M3 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2005 | 2002 | 2001

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