Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW M3 Edition

Ultimate M3 gets uprated suspension and raft of styling changes to mark it out

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your BMW 3 Series
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

It’s not quite the hardcore alternative fans of the previous M3 CSL were looking for, but that doesn’t make the M3 Edition a bad car. The lowered suspension is a useful addition if you intend to use your M3 on track, otherwise the difference is barely perceptible. But the visual changes have real impact – especially if you opt for the white paintwork and black wheels on our test car. The fact that it can claim to be the ultimate incarnation of the current M3 should be enough to tempt plenty of buyers to part with their cash. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

BMW has turned up the heat with a white-hot special edition of the M3. Unfortunately the current model has missed out on the hardcore CSL makeover that its predecessor received, but in a bid to keep M3 aficionados happy, the M3 Edition is the next-best thing.

While the majority of special editions deal exclusively in cosmetic changes, BMW have delved a little deeper here and added a lower suspension setup, helping the car corner flatter and faster than the standard model. However, you’d be hard-pressed to notice any difference in the car’s behaviour unless you were flat-out on a track.

Distinguishing features include a choice of three colour combinations – Alpine White, Dakar Yellow and Monte Carlo Blue. Stripes matching the exterior colour are added to the leather sports seats, as well as coordinated contrast stitching throughout the interior. A chequered flag motif decorates a plaque on the door sill, while 19-inch wheels – available in black gloss as an option – and a dark chrome finish to the grille, side vents and four exhausts finish off the changes.

The only problem with this car is that anywhere other than a track it's performance is barely useable. There's a sense that it's constantly straining at the leash to show you what it can do.  But if you can resist the urge long enough to keep your license, you’ll discover the steering is sublime – light but brimming with feedback, and the rev-hungry V8 is an event every time you fire it up.

Our test car was fitted with the seven-speed double-clutch M DCT transmission, which is undoubtedly great technical achievement, sliding through the ratios smoothly in auto mode, and swapping cogs in the blink of an eye when you take control of the paddles. But we’d still recommend the manual box which gives a better sense of connection to the M3’s raw and intense driving experience.

Rival: Lexus IS-F
The most outrageous car Lexus has ever built follows the M3's example with a thumping V8 up front, and power sent to the rear wheels. If you're not put off by the lack of heritage in the badge, the IS-F makes a compelling alternative to the German performance saloons from Germany.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £2,911 off RRP*Used from £16,700
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,075 off RRP*Used from £14,448
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £3,331 off RRP*Used from £9,600
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £8,094 off RRP*Used from £13,199
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025