Comments on: Review: 2009 BMW M3 Sedan

By: Z06ified

Z06ified — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 19:41:54 +0000

The M3 is a great car. But when you compare it to the CTS-V for the same price, it’s no contest – the CTS-V is the ONE.

By: Jon

Jon — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 05:06:08 +0000

Hi Mark,

I thought I’d chime in since I believe that I represent the target demographic for this vehicle. Several years ago, I was hoping BMW would offer a 4-door E46 M3 but that never happened so, with 2 young kids, I opted for the AMG. In spite of being “automatic only”, the Merc was a nice combination of practicality and performance.

Now, however, I’m seriously looking at this new M3. I fear that BMW’s worst enemy is itself. Although it lacks the cachet of the M-badge and the quad exhausts, the 335i with a Dinan upgrade is a far cheaper alternative (and it comes with a full warranty).

As an aside, you are fortunate to have such a great job that combines two of my personal passions, cars and photography.

Cheers.

By: SoTXFord

SoTXFord — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 13:02:07 +0000

Correction, that should have read “leave it to a BMW to be called boring”

By: SoTXFord

SoTXFord — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 13:00:40 +0000

Zfenderguy: Leave it to BMW to be called boring for consistantly having sharp handling and prowess year after year.

By: zoomzoomer

zoomzoomer — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 01:03:19 +0000

zoltar.. you’re both right. He did say the M3 sedan is “the first ever V8-powered 4-door 3-series sedan” in paragraph 3.. then says “this is the first V8-powered M sedan” in paragraph 6!

By: zoltar

zoltar — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 18:32:20 +0000

commandercool – I believe he said “the M3 Sedan is the first ever V8-powered four-door 3-SERIES SEDAN”

Yes I’d love to see what a RS5 would do to this, especially if Audi stays true to form and stuffs the V10 from the RS6 into it!!! …………It may even be CTS-V fast.

By: atoms

atoms — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 15:44:10 +0000

actually if you look in the background of the close up of the rear, there appears to be a blurry line of port-a-potties on the left

By: bigp

bigp — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 02:15:50 +0000

wow just a great car

By: TL

TL — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 02:14:43 +0000

The M3 is beautiful!

By: reedfast

reedfast — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 02:06:45 +0000

man, i wish the rs4 was still around

By: commandercool

commandercool — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 23:32:44 +0000

This is not the “first V8-powered M sedan.” There was the E39 M5.

Also, the CTS-V is probably a better competitor with the E60 M5. I know price-wise, it’s more in line with the M3, but most people compare the CTS-V with the M5.

By: A4

A4 — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 21:55:29 +0000

Your 1994 3-series coupe that you picked up for the equivalent of a cash-for-clunkers check is probably serving you well, also. Congratulations, you’re electricals are about to fail.

By: A4

A4 — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 21:53:39 +0000

I don’t throw “LOL” into sentences and blurt out obscenities with dollar signs, so I guess I mustn’t have hit puberty yet… wait a minute…

By: A4

A4 — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 21:38:58 +0000

How’s your Vue? Or are you saving up money from your paper route so you can finally get into something a little nicer than a razor scooter?

By: A4

A4 — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 21:37:19 +0000

why yes i do enjoy flicking a hard knob around in my hands, thank you.

By: A4

A4 — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 20:03:06 +0000

mmmm ducati 1098S is sex. I ride a monster.

By: zfenderguy

zfenderguy — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 19:50:51 +0000

Heh, I think you may be right.

By: arena

arena — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 19:28:20 +0000

zfender; the CTS-V and C63?? Apparently your idea of “soul” is what the rest of us call “horsepower”

By: idrinorbarsaku

idrinorbarsaku — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 19:02:15 +0000

I think the m3 should only come in coupe form! The sedan looks ugly!

By: brocky

brocky — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 18:36:44 +0000

I agree Fletch. The door on this car is soooo light. And the leather on this seat feels like butter. The engine revs effortlessly and the handling is amazing for a sedan. I personally think it looks better than the coupe.

By: JakeK66

JakeK66 — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 18:34:27 +0000

Hey Mark –

I’m waiting for the shot of the M3 racing a Blue Angel! What, this isn’t Motortrend?

By: zfenderguy

zfenderguy — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 18:01:01 +0000

M3 reviews are pointless. Everyone has read enough of them to know: blah blah telepathic steering, blah blah world class handling and so on. I share Jeremy Clarkson’s take. Great car, but I prefer more grit and soul. Give me a CTS-V or even a Merc AMG any day.

Scratch that, give me a Ducati 1098S and an old pickup truck

By: Mark Elias

Mark Elias — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 17:55:51 +0000

Oh Johnnycanuck,

You slay me!

I am hard at work here in Pebble Beach, looking at other heavenly bodies, and will soon have a report and more scenics for you!

Thanks for reading, and giving me a laugh as well!

Mark

By: johnnycanuck

johnnycanuck — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 17:40:16 +0000

I’m disappointed Mark. Where’s the obligatory shot of an old barn in the middle of nowhere or a row of port-a-potties or some other quaint slice of roadside Americana? I look forward to those whenever I see your name attached to a review.

Now if you’ll excuse me I’m off to check out the cloud formations behind the models on my favorite micro bikini site.

By: jackjimturkey

jackjimturkey — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 17:40:13 +0000

Oh, yeah!

“As the typical M3 owner grew older, married and settled down, chances were good that such an owner would move on, trade in the hot rod for the minivan and get on with life.”

Where’s the BMW minivan?

What’s it up against? Please stop. You forgot to include a Datsun among the competitores, but you included the Alteeza. What a POS!

“Regardless, materials are top shelf, as are fit and finish.” DUH.

By: Fletch

Fletch — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 17:18:56 +0000

Ditch the double clutch, sunroof and the front license plate for crying out loud.

By: CADDY-V

CADDY-V — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 17:12:58 +0000

I like the M3 in a coupe better. IMO

By: DenverGuy217

DenverGuy217 — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 17:04:02 +0000

Grab this one while you can. It could be the last good looking 3-series if the spy shots and illustrations of the next model are correct. Gotta love their engines and handling prowess!

By: A4

A4 — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 16:52:54 +0000

We should get a wagon.