El BMW M3 is one of the living legends of world motorsports. Since her birth, back in 1986, she has become the object of desire of every four-wheel lover. His driving represents the best of a brand that knows how to develop sports cars like few others. A model that everyone wants to match and that has never lost its family essence.
We have tested this car:
Test BMW M3 DKG, you will love falling into excess (with video)Throughout its six generations, the M3 has been overcoming limits and expectations. Each new edition has been more powerful than the previous one, and what initially was not even 250 horses, today that figure has doubled. In September 2020 BMW launches the latest generation of the sports compact saloon with code G80, thus replacing the previous BMW M3 F80.
Unlike the rest of the generations, for the first time in history, the sports variant changes the appearance with respect to a BMW Serie 3 conventional. His image, like the BMW M4, is completely new. Both they premiere a design philosophy that in later years is applied to more models inside the house. In 2022 the launch of the BMW M3 Touring takes place, including for the first time in history such a familiar bodywork for the sports model. At the beginning of 2023 the family is completed with the M3 CS that reaches the maximum level of benefits.
Technical characteristics of the BMW M3
We must remember that we are talking about a new generation. When developing the BMW M3 G80 the development of the 3 Series has been taken as a basis, but with profound modifications in order to cope with such high performance. It is a derivation of the CLAR architecture used by other models of the house, such as the BMW 4 Series Coupe or BMW Serie 5, although in this last case on an enlarged scale.
For the first time in the model's history, the M3 will feature a family body. A BMW M3 Touring that will stand up to similar models like the Audi RS Avant 4 and Mercedes-AMG C 63 Estate. In the case of the M3 saloon we stay in measures similar to those of its conventional brothers. 4,79 meters long, 1,90 meters wide and 1,43 meters high.
To these exterior dimensions we must add a battle of 2,86 meters that translates into optimal interior space for five passengers, although the occupant of the rear central seat will be limited by a hard and narrow bench. As far as load capacity the BMM M3 announces a minimum trunk of 480 liters, 500 liters for the Touring body. Expandable by folding down the second row of seats in a 60:40 ratio.
Mechanical range and gearboxes of the BMW M3
Although the aesthetics say a lot about a sports car, what really matters is the heart that drives it. As usual, BMW uses its favorite mechanical architecture to drive the new M3 and M4. Although during the first months of launch the M3 had two versions with different features, Today that unit has disappeared, giving way to the Competition and CS models.
The block is shared in all versions. They have a configuration of six cylinders in line with 2.993 cubic centimeters, double overhead camshaft and turbocharger. The M3 Competition (including Touring) offers a performance output of 510 horsepower and 650 Nm of torque. Above him, including a more racing bet, is the M3 Cs that reaches 551 horsepower and 650 Nm of torque. Its top speed is 304 kilometers per hour and its time to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h is only 3,4 seconds.
For the first time in the history of the M3, power is not directed exclusively to the rear axle as BMW offers as an option to mount an all-wheel drive xDrive scheme. In terms of performance, the M3 shows a top speed of up to 290 km/h with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 2,5 seconds, 3,9 in the case of the rear-wheel drive M3.
Equipment of the BMW M3
As expected, the new BMW M3 receives the updated interior of the other versions of the 3 Series. That leaves us with a high-quality cabin where sporty touches are missing. Inside we can see the use of various materials such as leather, Alcantara or even trim finished in carbon fiber. The only one to put the discordant tone is the M3 Touring, which, being the last of the family to arrive, has a different interior layout with the usual united screen scheme. Digital instrumentation with 12,3-inch panel and multimedia system with 14,9-inch screen
As such, a range of equipment is not specified. The M3 family is divided into two categories, M3 Saloon and M3 Competition.. In addition to the performance differences already mentioned, each one has a slightly different appearance and superior equipment for the Competition units, which of course includes an extensive program of safety elements and driving aids.
As far as equipment is concerned, the M3 enjoy the latest advances of the Series 3. That leaves us with many technological details, where it is worth mentioning: laser headlights, keyless entry and start, carbon fiber roof, digital instrument cluster, multimedia system with connectivity for mobile devices, 3º 360D camera, induction charger , connected services, browser, and much more.
The BMW M3 on video
The BMW M3 according to Euro NCAP
When it comes to safety, the BMW M3 is governed by the same standards as the conventional sedan from which it derives. That leaves us with a high level of occupant protection. certified with the five Euro NCAP safety stars. It stands out mainly in safety for adult passengers with a score of 97 out of 100. It also scores well in child passenger and pedestrian protection with a score of 87 out of 100. These ratings also apply to the Touring body as there are no changes. on the platform.
The BMW M3 of Km 0 and second hand
With each new generation of the M3 that hits the asphalt we see prices skyrocket. Years ago the M3 was a sports saloon accessible to a more general public. Today, however, its high cost means that the units for sale in secondary channels are highly valued. Its depreciation value is lower than the average for its category, partly due to its high popularity and its reputation for performance and resistance.
With the BMW M3 the same thing happens as with many high-priced classics. The older a model is, the more expensive it is. If we take a look at the second-hand channel we see that the cheapest units are those belonging to the E36 and E46 generations. Their prices start at figures close to 14.000 euros. The Km 0 market is the most deficient, since dealers do not accumulate units due to the low demand for the product.
Rivals of the BMW M3
The M3 is a pioneer. It is the forerunner of a path that over the years more brands and models have been undertaking. Despite its exclusivity, the German sports saloon faces some serious competition. Some of them have already been mentioned, such as the Mercedes-AMG C 63 or the Audi RS 4. To them we can add other premium sport sedans such as the Alfa Romeo Giulia QV or Maserati Ghibli Trophy. All of them present the same approach, although for the first time in its history the BMW will be able to present a family body as they do the Mercedes and Audi.
Highlight
- Performance
- Equipment
- Quality
To improve
- High price
- Digital instrument cluster
- Rear seat access
BMW M3 Price
Considering the features, brand, power and performance of the M3, nothing suggests a low selling price. The starting price of the BMW M3 is 116.100 euros, without offers or promotions. That price is associated with the rear-wheel drive version. The most expensive in the range is the M3 CS with a starting price of 177.650 euros, without offers or promotions. The M3 Touring version starts its rate at 122.150 euros, without offers or promotions.
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