2011 BMW M3

Ladies and Gentleman, BMW is back. Please raise your glasses as we toast to this modern marvel. Please remain standing as we honor the BMW M3. Now BMW ( Bayerische Motoren Werke) which translates to Bavaria Motor Works in English know a thing or two about motors. I am not going to tell you how the company logo came to be, because you already know that BMW started off as an aircraft company in 1929 and the blue and white represent a propeller cutting through the blue sky. Catchy indeed.
Before this model there was the BMW M3 e46 and on this one I was convinced they could not do anything beyond this. It will be crazy right? Graceful and yet looked like a beast that is untouchable and cant be brought to heel. Very domineering indeed, ask the guys at Mercedes, Audi and Lexus in that order.

Now I am talking about the M3 e 46, the rest were pretty ordinary, disappointing actually.The model that came after the M3 e 46 was even worse, so bad I did not look at a BMW 3 series for a time. The designers had taken the BMW 3 series back to the stone age. I am hoping the designers and the whole team were put out of the equation.  The New M3 speaks volumes for BMW. Personally I think this is the best car in the BMW kitty.

These guys had to come back to reality, and what a way to make another grand entrance. The curves show innovation on the part of the design team. A sports car on the streets. Not saying when behind the wheel, go crazy, be advised this car will get you carried away and serious bother with. Inside the M3 is a whole array of BMW really.

Tell me , is there ever going to be a time when BMW will change that ghastly steering wheel? Think this is the time to do it , does my box in Still, it blends in well with the new look interior. Now is you are looking forward to having too much room in this car, I am afraid you will have to look elsewhere.The seats are well cupped to take you all in and fit one's curves. Very small gear shift on the driver's side, changing up is literally pushing the gear knob forward and then down is backwards.Or you can go Formula 1 on the M3, and start changing gears on the wheel with both hands on the steering, tapping the silver gear shift on the right up to change the gears upward and then the gear shift on the left for down shift.Or just let the rpms to below 1000 and the gears go down automatically. I have to say , there is a bit of congestion on the steering  wheel, because aside from the gearshifts, there is the  indicators and the wipers. Too much clutter. Not good guys
The engine of course,4.0, V8 and 414 horsepower.

The M3 is a small car, so its not carrying too much power, this means there is a few horses just hanging around to give it the extra kick. This car does 0 - 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. Blistering pace. Not out of the ordinary for a sports sedan but nonetheless impressive. Fuel economy, none at all, get ready to carry a gas station in the back of the car 13mpg City and 20mpg highway. I suppose you know what you are getting into when you purchasing this motor.
I drove the M3 hard top convertible. This one is a lot heavier than the coupe of course because structurally there has to be compensation for the lack of a solid top. Naturally one would assume sluggish driving, far from it. Nice and solid, suspension  very firm. The driver and the car are one in this baby. Very sporty feeling. Sitting in the driver's seat all I could have was that Hamilton feeling,  " I am ready, bring it on and I will give you some lemon." Now the old 3 series was very deceitful, you can put pedal to the metal and it response with a lot of noise, but that was not translated to distance traveled , if you follow my my drift. I was feeling in control and there was a soft purr under the hood. I felt content and put the car to the test. Respond it did, and in such fashion, I could not have imagined. I was satisfied with myself. Now bearing in mind the M3 engine has to be run in to 1200 miles before you can open it up, this baby had no problem making other drivers look like they had their reverse gear engaged. Handling was spectacular. Now I am not a BMW fan at all but, I have to give these guys their dues, because this car is out of this world. Handled like a true BMW darling, and people were serious when they put it out there. Just like the 750 Li and such the BMW has Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) which continuously monitor such variables as speed, steering angle, brake pressure and traction , and corrects them immediately if they are not insinc. This really works and where else would this be more desirable than on a luxury sports car. BMW are the only manufacturer with a Head Protection System(HPS),  which is an inflatable tubular structure that, on top of the airbags provides protection for severe  side impact for the front occupants. Stops the occupants from  hitting the side window and object penetrating from the sides.. Bravo BMW , Bravo.
Now if you want to have all this goodness, you can agree with me there is a price to pay and it is not a small one. The convertible is retails at just over $67000.00, the Coupe at $58 400.00 and the Sedan $55 400.00. Personally I think , when you get to such a range you should go all out. Maybe it might help during a mid life crisis. Now ladies and gentlemen again, please help me toast to this car of our time.You may take your seats.

http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Content/Vehicles/2010/M/M3Sedan/Default.aspx