BMW's most popular car is the 3-series, which is the most awarded car that BMW produces. It is a perennial favorite at Car and Driver winning the 10 Best Award 18 years in a row. That tells you something about the degree of automotive excellence that BMW builds into this car.
The pick of the liter is the BMW M3 which was revised in 2008. The car is produced both as a coupe, a sedan and a convertible. Check out the Motor Trend review!
Under the bulging aluminum hood is a V-8 that makes 414 horsepower. BMW had to increase the horsepower to compete effectively against the Audi RS4 and the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG which both feature V-8 power. When stepping on the gas you realize there is a powerful beast lurking under the hood!
The roof is made of carbon fiber and saves 11 pounds compared to the steel top of the regular 3-series. The brakes are cross-drilled brake discs to stop the M3 in record time.
Overall the car is well balanced between the front and rear weight. It handles exceptionally well with great breaking. The M3 is an car that can be used as a daily driver. The handling is exceptional, you can take corners like your on a rail.
Visually, there is no confusing the M3 with the standard 3-series. The M3 shares the doors, windows, headlights, taillights and trunk lid. The differences are in the hood, the roof which is carbon fiber, the fenders flare out to handle the 19 inch optional tires and includes four exhaust pipes and a small spoiler to the trunk.
The cost of admission starts at $54,850 for the sedan, $57,850 for the coupe and $66500 for the convertible version. Check out the Car and Driver video.
