Like all 3 Series models, they pack a tremendous amount of electronic wallop: advanced Dynamic Stability Control, optional electronic damper control for the shock absorber settings, different power steering and throttle control modes, and an optional feature call M Drive that allows a driver to tailor the electronic settings to personal taste. There's another optional feature called M Drive, and it allows the driver to preset all of the engine, steering, shock absorber and other electronic systems to personal taste. A separate compartment under the trunk mat, measuring 1. The M3s are also distinguished by things that aren't obvious to the eye, including more extensive use of lightweight materials like aluminum and carbon fiber in both the body and chassis. These cars will appeal most to enthusiast drivers who look forward to track day.
This is called dramatic tension, and it's created by discussing the relative merits of each vehicle -- Mustang first. On the plus side, my Jersey shore bronze is looking extra choice right about now. The M3 interior looks racy from every angle. It has eight individual throttle assemblies, like racing engines. Your doubt is understandable, but check the specs. The current M3 is a technical tour de force, with all the latest high-performance technology baked in. Despite upping the piston count by a third and providing 25 percent more displacement, the V8 weighs seven percent less than its in-line six predecessor.
There's something very different about the way this M3 behaves, and most of that difference is under that menacingly domed hood. Dual front, side, and curtain airbags are standard; so are anti-lock brakes, as well as stability and traction control. The Comfort Access option makes everything automatic, and the thinking here is more obvious. They're easy to park in crowded city centers, and easy to drive casually in nearly all circumstances. But that's not the reason we are loath to call the Mustang America's M3. The front sport bucket seats offer plenty of room, but thigh support is lacking, and there's not much room in the footwells on either side.
The M3 offers optional Automatic High Beams. Visibility in all three versions is good, with convertibles suffering a bit to the rear quarters when the roof is raised. We've created a convenient proprietary M3 0-60 time calculations that we base on the most accurate sources, including the manufacturer's manuals. With performance that borders on the supercar descriptive, in a subtle color - and to the vast majority of the population - the M3 isn't all that distinguishable from the 328. For those preferring we summarize numerically: 0-60 in 4.
But for the driver who doesn't typically do the work or seek that extra performance, the M3 might not seem worth the substantial price premium over the standard 3 Series cars. Moving away from the straight six to a 414-horsepower, 295-pound-foot 4. The front fender gills remain, as do - in the rear - the prominent exhaust outlets. Cornering grip is brilliant, and well balanced, though biased like most production sports cars toward understeer at the limit. Optional trim upgrades of carbon fiber, wood, or aluminum allow customization but don't much brighten the somber experience.
Where the M3 stands tall is in hitting the 160 mph mark in 26. You may compare M3 0-60 time evolution across all the trims and years. Make sure to check back soon for updates to this convertible car 0 to 60 specs category. We're not sold on its benefit over a conventional key. All have decent trunk space, and can be equipped with the full menu of luxury amenities.
Met with both controversy and applause, the latest generation of M3 has become more familiar over the last three years. The M3 coupe's roof is exactly the same size and shape as that on the standard 3 Series coupe, but it's made of carbon fiber. That lid is hinged both front and rear, so that it can open toward the back to swallow the folding top, and from the back to load the trunk. Find 0-60 mph and quarter mile times for hundreds of new and old convertibles. And with the optional double clutch with Drive Logic, eleven different shift programs - five automatic and six manual - are designed to suit the needs of individual drivers and any driving situation. Optional trim changes, a wide range of available options, and a strong base spec make the M3 worth the price. Because this Munich versus Motown matchup has never been done before.
And yet, at the test track, the 5. The wide, grippy tires can drone on some surfaces, though for the most part it's nothing to complain about. Additional efficiency potential is now tapped into with the Auto Start Stop Function. The M3s are more practical than most exotic sports cars. A long press activates the M Dynamic mode which suspends the entire stability control. Most of them have those cars cause it is like a sign of status quo.
All New Car Test Drive prices are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices, which do not include destination charge and may change at any time without notice. The power plant is now equipped with an innovative Auto Start Stop function as well as an optional M dual clutch transmission with Drivelogic as well as the standard six speed manual. The convertible gains some thickness and heft with the loss of the roof, but likewise is among the best lookers on the market. To keep things fair, we spec a brand-new 2011 M3 Coupe with only 1300 miles on the clock. In all, it's one of the most attractive M3 lineups ever.
The weight gain does impact handling and braking, most noticeable in the convertible, but high-tech electronics help extract more performance for the average driver. Sure, the Mustang's antiquated live rear axle is fine at the strip and skidpad, apparently , but the M3 must be faster where it counts: on a racetrack, against the clock. We'd prefer a traditional key, but that isn't an option. A rearview camera and adaptive cruise control are options. While all the other 3 Series cars use six-cylinder engines, the M3 features a hand-built, high-tech 4. The name of the package says it all: This one is for folks who plan to unleash the M3's full prowess on a race track. It weighs in some 440 pounds higher than the lightweight coupe.