The BMW M3 is a legend, regardless of which one you are talking about. This one is the last of the V8-powered E92 coupes and it may prove to be more of a legend than most.
The noise and fury of a V8 M3 on full song was remarkable when it first came out and time has not lessened its impact. If anything, it has increased, existing, as it does in a world of turbo-charged engines that mute the glorious howl of a high-revving V8 at full throttle.
But then, of course, there is the way that it handles: beautifully predictable, incredibly aggressive and just slightly feral. It will bite if you are not respectful, but treat it right and it will reward like no other car. This is one we will truly be sad to see go…
Outside
Likes: Looks hard. Like it wants to smash your head in. All the scoops and bulges are in just the right places. Carbon-fibre roof looks spectacular. Mirrors are gimmicky, but utterly cool.
Dislikes: Is a generation old now.
Inside
Likes: Spectacular seats. Everything laid out just right. Last-generation 3 Series interior seems strangely better quality then new one. Little stubby DCT shifter is particularly cool.
Dislikes: Shiny wood trim looks vastly out of place. Cupholders that pop out of dash look brilliant in action, but are particularly useless as actual cupholders.
Under the bonnet
Likes: Freakin’ spectacular 4.0-litre 309kW/400Nm V8. No turbos to restrict monstrous sound. Stunning power delivery and instant throttle response. Remarkably flexible engine. Dual clutch transmission stupidly fast and satisfyingly mechanical feeling. The sound… Dear God, the sound!
Dislikes: As good as the DCT is, we would still prefer a manual. It IS thirsty…
On the road
Likes: Utterly predictable, but only to a point. Go silly and it will still bite. Which is what makes it such a satisfyingly great car to drive. The nose dives into corners with startling alacrity, while the rear can simply be controlled on the throttle, using the monstrous torque. The chassis feels alive and communicative, while the amazing throttle response works with that to make a car that is constantly telling you what is going on.
Dislikes: Which is what makes the steerings slightly distant feel so frustrating. In any other car it would not be worth pointing out, but here it is a slight let-down. Only slight though. And it’s the only thing.
Verdict
The BMW M3 is a special car. Always has been since it was first conceived. But this incarnation is particularly special – it is the first and, in all likelihood only, V8-powered M3 (the next-gen car will revert to straight six power, albeit turbo-charged) and it is also likely to be the last M3 coupe (with the switch to 4 Series designation for 3 Series coupes in the future).
While those facts alone conspire to make it very special, its sheer performance, noise, ability and hint of slightly feral danger make it a true legend. While the steering isn’t perfect, this small fault is far from a deal-breaker and you soon get used to taking all the information in through other channels; the car is just that communicative.
The 3999cc naturally-aspiriated V8 is unlike anything else currently in the BMW line up, with ferocity and immediacy that the (admittedly brilliant) turbo V8s lack, plus a high-revving scream that is sadly becoming an endangered species.
The fact that it is all bellowing fury and aggression when you really stand on it, the M3 is still remarkably docile at lower speeds and very easy to live with around town.
While the fuel consumption can be quite terrifying at times, the sheer feeling of occasion every time you fire up the spectacular V8 makes it all worth it. A true legend and still a benchmark car, even at the very end of its life.
If you can afford it, rush out and buy one now – a white manual would be the go – love it as an everyday driver for a few years then tuck it away and watch it increase in value as its legend grows.
Price: $167,000
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 petrol
Power/torque: 309kW/400Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual clutch
0-100km/h: 4.6 seconds
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
CO2 emissions: 263g/km
You must be logged in to post a comment.