2008 BMW M3: best 3 yet?

I've been enamored with the latest 3-Series ever since first driving the 2006 330i nearly three years ago. Adding a couple of small turbos to create the 2007 335i merely cranked things up a notch or two. And now, for 2008, we have the 414-horsepower V8-powered M3.

Like the E36 but not the E46 M3, this one is available in a more family-friendly sedan form. Since I have a family, this one is inherently of more personal interest. So I took one for a test drive to see if it's the most desirable 3 yet.

Styling

To my eye, the E46 M3, with its flared fenders, looked like a regular 3-Series coupe that needed to diet. The contours on that car were simply too round. The new M3 veers off in the same direction. Some people seem to really like the look, but I'd like some more chiseled lines.

Inside we've got a regular 3-Series. The car I tested has orangish-red leather, which lightened the atmosphere. But otherwise there's not much style to be found inside the M3.

Accommodations

The driving position is about where I like it in a sedan, not too low or t0o high relative to the road or the instrument panel. The seats are similar to those in a regular 3 with the Sport Package. So they're comfortable and, with power-adjustable side bolsters, provide excellent lateral support.

The rear seat is just large enough for two adults to sit in reasonable comfort. Three children should also fit as long as two are in boosters.

The trunk is about average for a compact luxury sedan. Unlike in many high-performance sedans, a folding rear seat is available.

On the Road

I almost didn't get to take this test drive, as the car was running on fewer than eight cylinders when first fired up. Probably a fouled spark plug or partially flooded engine, I was told. But it cleared up.

First thing I notice is that the clutch effort is much lighter than in the E46 M3. This one would be bearable in all but the heaviest city driving. Still, smooth shifts are hard to execute. Because the clutch engages too abruptly, or because of a light flywheel that lets engine revs drop quickly? Either way, with a little practice this shouldn't be much of a problem.

The shifter is standard BMW issue, with light, moderate throws but too little of a satisfying snick as it engages each gear.

Next thing I notice is that the steering effort is also very light. The salesperson and I fuss with the "normal" vs. "sport" adjustment for the steering in the optional "M Drive" system. I never noticed a difference, so maybe we didn't do it right. A regular M has heavier steering (especially with the optional active steering) while the new 1 has much heavier steering. Unless the standard steering is better or we just failed to find a satisfying "sport" mode, this would probably be a deal-killer for me. I simply wasn't able to connect with this car like I had--easily--with lesser 3s.

The engine makes nice noises, especially when revved, but doesn't sound as exotic or soulful to my ear as the V8 in the Audi S4 (and I've heard that the V8 in the RS4 sounds even better). Better than the twin-turbo six? Sure, but it's a bit muffled.

The engine makes serious power when revved--peaking with 414 horsepower way up at 8,300 RPM--but in the driving I was able to do this power wasn't very accessible. Nor did the engine feel eager to rev in the manner of many highly-tuned engines. Unlike some of those high strung engines, this one was happy to putter about. (Not necessarily a bad thing for those owners who will spend much of the time stuck in traffic.) At moderate RPM the 335i mill is just as strong, and at low RPM the twin-turbo six is stronger--and feels it.

I've mentioned the steering. Otherwise, the handling is similar to that of the 3 with Sport Package. Very likely the limits are higher, but good luck getting anywhere near them when driving in populated areas. Similarly, the new M3 like most BMWs probably feels better the harder it's pushed, but unless you live in an area with challenging roads you're unlikely to experience much of what the car is capable of.

Much like the Sport Package 3, ride quality is very firm, but short of punishing. The M Drive has three suspension settings. I didn't experiment with them much. Noise levels are low unless you're dipping deep into the throttle.

The first M car I drove, the breadbox-shaped late 1990s M Coupe, was notable for its raw quality. I remarked at the time that that car put the M back in BMW. Well, the new M3 is anything but raw. Everything feels and sounds smooth and polished (well, except for the clutch engagement). I remarked to an incredulous salesperson that it felt much like a downsized 550i, rather than a highly-tuned track machine. Yes, the M3's cabin is cozier. But the M3 in typical suburban driving has a heavy, substantial feel to it. (Check the scales, and you'll find that, with a curb weight over 3,700 pounds, the new M3 is just a couple hundred short of the 550i.) Put more bluntly, when not pushed the car almost feels bored--as if it says to wake it up when you're ready and able to really drive it.

BMW M3 Pricing and Price Comparisons

The new M3 sedan's price starts in the mid-50s. Not bad, I suppose, for a V8-powered 3. But the car I drove was loaded up, and had a price just under $70,000. Ouch. Best go easy on the options.

In the M3's defense, an Audi RS4 is even more expensive, by over $6,000 even after adjusting for its all-wheel-drive.

On the other hand, a BMW 335i runs about $14,000 less when it and the M3 are comparably equipped.

Prices change frequently, and differences will vary based on feature level. To quickly generate these and other comparisons with the specific features you want, visit my Web site, www.truedelta.com. (It's the only site that provides true "apples-to-apples" price comparisons.)

TrueDelta's page for the BMW M3:

http://www.truedelta.com/models/3-Series.php

Last Words

I have little doubt that the new 2008 BMW M3 sedan would be a blast to drive on a challenging road, or on the track. But in around town driving, I found it surprisingly unsatisfying. I've enjoyed lesser 3s more.

I must wonder whether BMW, feeling a need to compete with the V8-powered luxury-oriented Audi RS4 and Mercedes-Benz C63, has not created an overweight, over-insulated, and simply overdone M3.

Personally, I'd opt for the much less expensive 335i. Or maybe, this fall, the diesel-powered 335d. Either has much power at low RPM than the M3, is more fuel efficient, and costs much less. All while being at least as fun to drive in the driving even most enthusiasts do.

A Note on BMW M3 Reliability

I cannot practically cover reliability within the context of this review. However, many people are interested in such information, so I've started collecting my own data. Results, once they are available, will be posted to my site, www.truedelta.com, with updates every three months.

Unlike other sources, TrueDelta will clearly identify what difference it will make if you buy a BMW M3 rather than another vehicle by providing "times in the shop" and "days in the shop" stats (among others). You will be able to specify the number of years, annual miles, and types of repairs to include in BMW M3 reliability comparisons.

Before I can report results, I need reliability data on all cars--not just the BMW M3--from people like you. To encourage participation, those who help provide the data will receive free access to the site's reliability information. Non-participants will have to pay an access fee.

For the details, and to sign up, visit www.truedelta.com.

A link to this website and alphabetized links to my other vehicle reviews can be found on my profile page.