BMW M3
The rapid BMW left us strangely unmoved when we first drove it. Would a long-term test help us warm to the ultimate 3-Series?
We were confused. It doesn’t happen often, but we’re happy to admit the new BMW M3 left us slightly cold after its launch in July.
A two-day group test on the North Yorkshire Moors a few weeks later (Issue 978) helped convince us it wasn’t as good as a Porsche Cayman or Audi RS4 – although the M3 was still perplexing us.
It was fearsomely fast, yet cruised well, suggesting it should be the ultimate all-rounder. But the driving experience was too detached to be truly involving and exciting. What were we missing?
When it comes to assessing a car, there’s no substitute for spending as much time with it as possible, so an M3 joined our fleet.
After a couple of months, 2,500 miles, plenty of long weekend trips and even a visit to the tip, is it still sending out mixed messages? Well, the styling certainly isn’t. Initially, some felt it was too bold, but growing familiarity with it has put most minds at rest – not least because it attracts so many envious stares from onlookers.
What’s more, several drivers have reported the M3 even gets let out at junctions – although we think this is only temporary while the car remains a novel sight.
But the cabin is underwhelming. Aside from the subtle M branding, it’s basically the same as in the standard 3-Series Coupé. Every driver has complained that the seat doesn’t adjust low enough, and the thick-rimmed wheel has also come in for criticism.
However, the 414bhp 4.0-litre V8 engine’s power, response, noise and exhilaration are utterly at odds with the plain interior. With so much performance on tap, nobody has complained about only getting 18mpg – although 23mpg is possible on a smooth motorway run. And the M3 does
such trips rather well. The ride is more cushioned than that of the other BMW on our fleet – a 535d M Sport Touring.
Comparing the two, road test editor Oliver Marriage reported: “The estate has a better driving position and purer steering. Engine aside, I didn’t enjoy driving the M3 that much more than the Touring.”
He wasn’t alone. Even with my motorsport background, I’ve found it hard to love the M3. Its limits are so high, they’re not accessible on public roads, so it’s less engaging to drive than it should be. It really is a case of technological overkill.
The hot BMW is hugely capable – simple to drive, equipped with a magnificent engine and surprisingly practical and easy to live with. Yet it’s had a lukewarm reception on our fleet. We’re not confused any more – the M3 is simply not quite as dazzling as we had hoped.
