The "M" designation has long been BMW's way of telling those sharing the road that this is not just a run of the mill version of the popular cars from Munich, Germany.
While past iterations of the breed have been identified by little more than the subtle "M" logo, the 2008 M3 features a substantially more muscular appearance than its more sedate 3 Series stable mate. Each of the body styles; Sedan, Coupe and Convertible display a lower, more aggressive stance beginning with the lower front air dam and bulging hood line, punctuated by Xenon adaptive headlamps.
The sculpted side profile includes fully radiused wheel openings, "M" exclusive side air vents in the front fenders and an upswept rear deck topped with a subtle spoiler.
The standard 18-inch Double-spoke light alloy wheels were uprated on our test "M" to 19-inch shod with low profile performance rated tires.
The "M" displays an equally aggressive rear profile highlighted by dual, twin-tip stainless steel exhaust pipes.
Exclusive to the "M" is a 4.0 Liter, V-8 engine that produces 414 horsepower and 295 pound feet of torque. Power is routed to the rear wheels via a 6-speed manual or Dual Clutch 7-speed automatic transmission that can be shifted sequentially from either the center-console mounted selector or with paddles on the multi-function steering wheel.
Large, ventilated ABS disc brakes reside at all four corners and are supported by a long list of electronic driver aids...all part of BMW's M Drive system...including traction control, electronic shock dampening and dynamic stability control.
The EPA estimates fuel consumption for the M3 at 14 City/20 Highway.
Inside, the cloth and leather trimmed interior with seating for four can be upgraded to full leather throughout with your choice of wood or brushed aluminum trim.
The basic audio system includes a 10-speaker, AM/FM stereo/CD player that is upgradeable to include premium hi-fi, HD radio and navigation system.
State of the art, multi-stage air bags are supplemented by an inflatable tubular Head Protection System that protects both front and rear seat occupants.
Base MSRP for the 2008 BMW M3 Sedan is $53,800 with a fully optioned model carrying a sticker of nearly $72,000.
The 2008 M3 carries a 4 year/50,000 mile standard warranty with 4 year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance.
The 2008 BMW M3: State of the art performance and clean, aggressive styling...BMW's latest iteration of its "Ultimate driving machine."