2011 bmw m3 review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. Wicked fast, in practical wrapper. introductionthe bmw m3 is the defining performance car in bmw's sporty 3 series line, and possibly the purest in bmw's inventory. Using a small displacement v8, the m3 features a high-strung, high-revving engine that provides amazing power for its size. available in sedan, coupe and convertible versions, the m3s are quicker, faster and flashier than any regular 3 series model. while all the other 3 series cars use six-cylinder engines, the m3 features a hand-built, high-tech 4. 0-liter v8 that delivers 414 horsepower. An m3 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in as little as 4. 7 seconds, with top speed electronically limited to 155 mph. Those figures meet or beat numbers generated by a lot of pure-bred exotic sports cars. the m3s come with a 6-speed manual transmission or bmw's m double clutch 7-speed gearbox, which works like a conventional automatic in most situations but can be shifted manually and very aggressively. the m3s steer and handle like sports cars. 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. the m3s are more practical than most exotic sports cars. They're easier to get in and out of, and to see out of. All have a well-finished back seat that's comfortable for average-size adults. All have decent trunk space, and can be equipped with the full menu of luxury amenities. They're easy to park in crowded city centers, and easy to drive casually in nearly all circumstances. for 2011, bmw m3 is available with a competition package for the sedan and coupe, which lowers the suspension by 0. 4 inches and adds 19-inch wheels offset to widen the track (the distance, side-to-side, between the centers of the tires). The competition package includes electronic damping control and dynamic stability control with unique programming. 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. There are no other significant changes for 2011. The current-generation m3 was launched as a 2008 model. to be sure, the least expensive m3 costs substantially more than other cars in the 3 series line. It will appeal most to hard-core enthusiast drivers. Standard equipment includes leather sport seats with driver memory, automatic climate and headlight control, high-intensity xenon adaptive headlights, heated windshield washer nozzles, rain-sensing wipers, 10-speaker am/fm/cd with hd radio, and bmw's self-braking dynamic cruise control. Thanks to the top-operating mechanism, it also loses a couple of cubic feet of maximum trunk space, compared to the coupe. all m3s are available with bmw's m double-clutch transmission 2,900). Options are clustered in popular groupings, including the premium package, which adds power folding outside mirrors, universal garage-door opener, a digital compass on the rear-view mirror, bmw assist with bluetooth, a leather-upholstery upgrade and choice of interior trim. The technology package 3,250) is the big-ticket option group, adding gps navigation, electronic damping control variable suspension, comfort access proximity key, and driver-adjustable electronics integration. M drive allows the driver to tailor suspension, steering, and engine response to personal tastes and style, with almost 300 possible combinations, using a single button on the steering wheel. The racer-oriented competition package 2,500) lowers the suspension by 0. 4 inches and adds 19-inch wheels which are offset to widen the track, plus electronic damping control and dynamic stability control systems with unique programming. Most options, including electronic damping control 1,000), park distance control obstacle warning 380), and automatic high beams 250) are available individually. safety features include front-impact airbags that deploy at different rates depending on the severity of impact, front passenger side-impact airbags and full-cabin, curtain-type head protection airbags. Active safety features, designed to help the driver avoid collisions, include dynamic stability control and the latest generation antilock brakes. The abs preloads the brake pedal when the driver suddenly lifts off the gas pedal, and includes a feature that lightly sweeps the brake discs dry every 1. 5 seconds when it's raining. walkaroundthe m3 sedan, coupe and convertible are clearly based on their counterparts in bmw's familiar 3 series line but are suitably distinctive from just about any angle. 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. virtually all of the m3's forward frame and suspension components, for example, are constructed from aluminum. This design helps shave precious pounds from the car's overall weight, yet retains or increases rigidity in the chassis design. The m3 coupe and convertible shift overall weight distribution compared to the sedan, moving a bit more of the weight toward the rear of the car for sporting handling characteristics. the m3 front ends feature bmw's familiar double-kidney grille, with flat headlights housing high-intensity xenon lamps. The air intakes are larger than those on the standard 3 series cars, and the m3s forgo the foglights featured on other 3 series models. With the m3s, bmw uses this space for larger intakes that allow more air to flow into the engine compartment. one stand-out feature on all m3s is the power-dome hood, with a pronounced bubble that makes room for the v8 engine underneath. The hood dome is flanked by an air intake on each side, allowing still more air into the engine compartment. Yet the hood itself is stamped from aluminum, so it's lighter than that on standard 3 series models. all m3s have wider front fenders than the standard 3 series to accommodate wider tires. Those fenders are prominently flared, and fitted with the trademark m3 gill slits. A big air dam under the front bumper and a smooth, flat underbody contribute to excellent aerodynamics, with a drag coefficient of only 0. 31. 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. This lightens the body considerably, and lowers the m3's center of gravity for better handling and even more stability during quick left/right/left maneuvering at speed. in profile or front three-quarter view, the convertible closely resembles the coupe. Its front end, and the arc its roofline, are nearly identical. The top folds in three pieces and stows itself under the trunk lid. 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. thanks to the weight of the convertible's operating mechanism, as well as body reinforcements intended to maintain structural integrity when the top is open, the convertible is nonetheless the heaviest car in the m3 line. It weighs in some 440 pounds higher than the lightweight coupe. the m3 is available in fewer standard colors than what's available to the 3 series line. The soft vinyl and plastics improve on previous generations in both appearance and feel, and they put the finish on better footing with the best in class. the m3 interior looks racy from every angle. The special small-diameter, high-grip leather-covered m steering wheel has redundant controls for the audio system and optional telephone. Complimenting the steering wheel, the competition-flavored, body-gripping front bucket seats have special foam that increases upper body support in fast corners. There's the usual array of discreet red, white and blue m decorations on the seats, door panels, and instrument panel. The white-on-black instruments have red pointers, and the tachometer changes its yellow-line and red-line limits depending on engine oil te. Anti-lock Brakes✔ Tachometer✔ Bucket Seats✔ AM/FM✔ Cruise Control✔ Bluetooth

33,500 Warren, PAWarren, PA at autoshopper.com

2008 BMW M3

76,038
49 below average
25,000 fair
Warren, PA
easyautosales.com

25,000 2008 BMW M3

49 below average 76,038 red manual

Power Windows✔ Tachometer✔ Power Locks✔ Climate Control✔ Passenger Airbag✔ Cruise Control✔ Air Conditioning

25,000 Warren, PAWarren, PA at easyautosales.com