Interior
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There are subtle interior differences between the M3 sedan, coupe and convertible, but the essentials, including dashboard, console and front seats, are the same across the three body styles. 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 M3s share basic interior layout and design with corresponding models in the standard BMW 3 Series line, though the M cars add some extra-racy features and special trim. There's only one interior color choice with the M3, however. Whatever you want, you get dark anthracite, a scheme that fits the M3's all-business attitude and helps minimize driver distraction, according to BMW.
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 temperature. This feature is intended to prevent premature engine wear on cold days.
The M3 has no keyed ignition switch, relying instead on a slot-type key fob and a starter button. We're not sold on its benefit over a conventional key. The fob slides into a slot next to the steering column, and you push the button to fire up. The Comfort Access option makes everything automatic, and the thinking here is more obvious. With fob in pocket, the doors unlock automatically as the driver approaches, and the seats are waiting in their proper position. The driver just pushes the start button, and pushes it again when it's time to get out.
For 2010, the M3 offers Automatic High Beams. These sense oncoming traffic and switch between standard and high beams without driver interventions.
The center console in the coupe and convertible goes all the way to the rear seats, and wraps around the driver seat to make a cozy, comfortable cockpit. The rear accommodations are actually a little better in the M3 coupe than in the sedan, though access is more difficult in the absence of rear side doors. There's decent legroom and more shoulder room. It's almost like sitting in a little limousine. There are even buttons on the outside edge of the front seats, in the shoulder area, so those in back can reach up and power the front seat forward to ease exit from the rear of the car.
The trunk is largest in the sedan, though still smaller than many comparably sized competitors (12 cubic feet capacity). The 3 Series coupe's trunk is smaller still (11.1 cubic feet). A separate compartment under the trunk mat, measuring 1.75 cubic feet, adds some space for small items that won't slide around.
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