By
LATEST ARTICLE
Chevy Volt Vs. Nissan Leaf: Compare Cars
For now, they're the only two mass-market electric vehicles on the road. So, which one should you... Read More
Chevy Volt Vs. Nissan Leaf: Compare Cars
For now, they're the only two mass-market electric vehicles on the road. So, which one should you... Read More
- #12LEADERBOARD RANK
- 4885ARTICLES CONTRIBUTED
- 96COMMENTS POSTED
84,860 views
See What the
Rest of the Web Says We've gathered reviews from Edmunds.com, Cars.com plus live Tweets on this car. See What We Found »
Rest of the Web Says We've gathered reviews from Edmunds.com, Cars.com plus live Tweets on this car. See What We Found »
The Basics:
TheCarConnection.com’s car experts researched road tests of the 2008 BMW M3 two-door from across the Web to write this definitive review. TheCarConnection.com also drove the new BMW M3 in Europe and in the U.S. to provide an expert opinion to guide our review, to add more information where necessary, and to help you by choosing reputable reviews and by explaining where they might differ in opinions.
The 2008 BMW M3 is the first M3 in history to sport a V-8. That's double the number of cylinders it had when it first arrived in the United States some 20 years ago. Thanks to the twofold increase, the 2008 BMW M3 has supercar-style performance in a $57,000 package.
The heart of the new M3 is its 4.0-liter V-8, which kicks out 414 horsepower through a delightful six-speed manual transmission. This tarted-up 3-Series coupe (a sedan is also offered) will claw its way to 60 mph in only 4.8 seconds, and rushes to a 155-mph top speed.
Along with the stunning straight-line performance, it's the M3's stupefying handling and traction that draws in enthusiasts. The M3 grips corners firmly, while the body stays tightly in line like a race car. BMW's added too many electronic aids that can interfere with the driving experience--adjustable shocks, steering, and stability control among them--but fortunately, they can all be turned off for maximum fun.
Its price tag is now a stunning $57,000, but the 2008 BMW M3 handily turns in the kind of performance that brought Porsche 911s and Chevy Corvettes fame on the racetrack and on the streets.
Likes:
- Stunning V-8 power
- Precise manual transmission
- Supercar levels of traction
- Grippy sport seats
Dislikes:
- Techno overload with adjustable steering and suspension
- Hefty, hefty, hefty curb weight
- Cool interior -- maybe a little too cool
- A bargain in its class, but no bargain
