2009 BMW M3 Features Review

May 2, 2009

FEATURES | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

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

Fewer standard features than competitors
MyRide.com

Navigation system brings with it exasperating iDrive
Edmunds

Even though performance clearly ranks above all else in the 2009 BMW M3, it has many—perhaps too many—technology and convenience features. Reviewers generally love the audio options but loathe the unfortunate iDrive system, which hasn’t become much friendlier in recent years.

Although the M3 has an expansive list of features, MyRide.com mentions there are "fewer standard features than competitors" on this M3 BMW. According to Edmunds, the BMW M3 comes in one trim level, as either a coupe or sedan, 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 ten-speaker audio system with a CD player and auxiliary audio jack."

By adding the Premium Package, you gain, "power-folding mirrors, BMW Assist and enhance interior trim," says Edmunds, while the Technology Package includes 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.”

Edmunds further notes that options on the 2009 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.

Conclusion

The 2009 BMW M3 sports so many features that they can become a distraction from the essential driving experience.

FEATURES | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:iDrive remains, but we've beaten that dead horse enough alreadyCar and DriverFewer standard features than competitorsMyRide.comNavigation system brings with it exasperating iDriveEdmunds Even though performance clearly ranks above all else in the 2009 BMW M3, it has many—perhaps too many—technology and convenience features. Reviewers generally love the audio options but loathe the unfortunate iDrive system, which hasn’t become much friendlier in recent years. Although the M3 has an expansive list of features, MyRide.com mentions there are "fewer standard features than competitors" on this M3 BMW. According to Edmunds, the BMW M3 comes in one trim level, as either a coupe or sedan, 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 ten-speaker audio system with a CD player and auxiliary audio jack." By adding the Premium Package, you gain, "power-folding mirrors, BMW Assist and enhance interior trim," says Edmunds, while the Technology Package includes 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.” Edmunds further notes that options on the 2009 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. ConclusionThe 2009 BMW M3 sports so many features that they can become a distraction from the essential driving experience. 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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