BMW 3-Series M3 (07 on) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
Last Updated: 04 Aug 2009
5
The M3 is a favourite of car enthusiasts. Its race heritage dates back to the 1980s, although at first the 2007 model seems far too well mannered to play the part of a road-going race car.

BMW 3-Series M3 (07 on)

Ultimate driver's car, purposeful styling, sublime V8 engine, standard leather and sat nav

High running costs, hard ride, fairly plain cabin

New price range:

£54,980 - £74,340

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Used price range:

£18,905 - £49,159

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Summary

Parkers Rating:

5 out of 5

The M3 is a favourite of car enthusiasts. Its race heritage dates back to the 1980s, although at first the 2007 model seems far too well mannered to play the part of a road-going race car. Available as a saloon, convertible or coupe, there are some muscular styling additions to distinguish it from the standard 3-Series models, hinting at the car's potential. But at a time when most people seem to be concerned about carbon footprints than a carbon-fibre roof, BMW has performed the trick of increasing engine size and power output, while reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. However, the M3 remains a thrilling drive and certainly able to stake a claim as the best driver's car in its class in the face of ever stiffer competition from Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

Parkers Ratings

Overall

5 out of 5

Performance

5 out of 5

Handling

5 out of 5

Comfort

4 out of 5

Practicality

3.5 out of 5

Behind the wheel

4 out of 5

Safety

4.5 out of 5

Reliability

4.5 out of 5

Running costs

2 out of 5

Green credentials

1.5 out of 5

Buying new

2.5 out of 5

Buying used

3.5 out of 5

Selling

4.5 out of 5

Equipment

4.5 out of 5

What owners say...

 The ability to go from a cruiser to a coupé in less than a minute  

4 out of 5

Hao Le ,   22 Feb 2011    ... read more

 Perfect for a family of four with Isofix mounts, good boot etc but awesome performance  

4 out of 5

T 1 ,   26 Nov 2009    ... read more

 useable in traffic at low speeds, very civilized when you want it to be, fair amount of room in the back, boot decent size, very comfortable and good long distance GT car.  

5 out of 5

Anonymous ,   08 Oct 2009    ... read more

See all Owners' Reviews

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