2008 BMW M3 Lockhart TX

November 18, 2009   By Jon Alain Guzik, Editor-in-Chief



2008 BMW 3-Series
DriverSide Overview
Since its introduction in 1986, few vehicles have inspired the kind of respect as the BMW M3 has, which epitomizes all that there is to love and obsess over about the Bavarian brand. Entering its fourth generation, the iconic sports car saw a number of changes for 2008, including a first-ever V-8. The outgoing M3 was propelled by an inline six-cylinder engine, but the use of an all-aluminum 4.0-liter V-8 has increased power while not impacting the vehicle’s ride or handling. The M3 also received updated styling with a more aggressive front fascia, wider rear haunches and a more pronounced hood to compliment the raw power behind the headlights. In fact, only the doors, the trunk lid and the lights have been carried over from the standard 3-Series. Delivering driving nirvana on every level has been the M3’s mantra since its inception, and the fourth generation refuses to rest on its quite prestigious laurels. It’s a pure sports car wrapped in a luxury package that does its heritage right.








What's to Like
What’s not to love about a rev-happy V-8? The power is instantaneous, the sound is addictive and its looks are beyond lust-worthy. The interior delivers comfortable yet utilitarian luxury, while promising jet-like propulsion.

What's Not to Like
The M3’s gas mileage is dismal, even for a sports car with this much power. The M3’s price tag comes in over $56,000 stock, no matter what body style you choose. The coupe’s back seat is minuscule. Did we mention iDrive? Also, would it kill the boys in Munich to give us Americans a real cup holder?
 
The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
The beautiful thing about the M3 is that it is just as happy blasting down the freeway as it is decimating the ribbons of asphalt that trace mountain ridges. The suspension is super stiff, yet comfortable, and the interior is just as suitable for a four-hour trip as a four-minute lap time. The front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout is a true sports car design and the six-speed manual transmission is the perfect precision instrument for dissecting corners. While we wouldn’t want to suffer through the coupe’s back seat for any long period of time, the M3 sedan offers up plenty of passenger room with space for folks over six-feet tall in the back.

Engine and Drivetrain
All M3’s are powered by the same all-aluminum 4.0-liter V-8 engine producing 414 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The engine uses a slew of technological accessories to produce the absolute most power possible, including eight throttle bodies (one per cylinder). A six-speed manual transmission puts power to the rear wheels and BMWs dual-clutch transmission debuts this fall.
 
Interesting Vehicle Features and Options
The M3 is available with a number of specialty packages, includ...

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