The M3 is BMW’s most recognizable sports sedan, and the current model demonstrates that the manufacturer is still cognizant of the qualities that made many earlier M cars instant classics. The current M3’s base model is a rear-drive sedan with 473 horsepower that can only be purchased with a six-speed manual transmission. If you choose the 503-hp M3 Competition, an eight-speed automatic will have to do. The M3 Comp’s track-tuned chassis is stiff-riding to the point where it feels almost like driving a race car. It is available with either rear- or all-wheel drive. The rear-drive Competition model’s 3.5-second time to 60 mph during our testing was 0.4 seconds faster than that of our long-term basic car. All M3s are rapid. The base model can change into a surprisingly comfy cruiser if you’re persistent enough to figure out its Rubik’s Cube of drive modes. Both variants will excite you on the road or on the track. Competitors like the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio and Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing are even better at creating a connection between the car and the driver, but the M3 is still a joyfully visceral experience.
In This Article...
Overview
The new 2021 BMW M3, which is based on the recently updated 3-series sedan, successfully revives the legendary driver engagement of the moniker. BMW continues to provide a manual transmission, at least on the standard model, demonstrating its dedication to that sentiment. The more potent M3 Competition must have an eight-speed automatic transmission. Their distinctive, albeit divisive, grille conceals a well-known twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 473–503 horsepower. The latter is only available for the aforementioned Competition variant; however, it won’t be available with all-wheel drive until the 2022 model year. However, with track-ready technology that should terrify rivals like the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio and Mercedes-AMG C63, the 2021 M3 Competition further demonstrates the sports sedan’s performance potential. We gave the new M3 an Editors’ Choice award for 2021 because it made such an impression on us.
BMW M3
The internal motorsport subsidiary of BMW, BMW M GmbH, created the BMW M3 as a high-performance variant of the BMW 3 Series. Since the 1986 debut of the E30 M3, M3 variants have been made for every iteration of the 3 Series.
A convertible body style was quickly added after the coupe body style was initially offered for the car. The E36 (1994–1999) and E90 (2008–2012) models both had M3 sedans. Due to the coupe and convertible variants’ rebranding as the 4 Series range and the high-performance model becoming the M4, the M3 has only been manufactured in the sedan body style since 2014.
Engines, handling, brakes, aerodynamics, lightweight materials, and many interior improvements are all improved over the standard 3 Series versions. The M3’s limited-slip differential, which statistically maximizes torque and grip without sacrificing handling, is BMW’s most significant contribution to driver safety and the performance sector. The E36 M3’s installation of the SMG-I gearbox in 1992 marked the M3’s most important technological advancement. The SMG-II gearbox was installed in the E46 M3 to give it the distinction of being the world’s quickest shifting gearbox. For the E46 M3 CSL, a carbon fiber air box was designed. It functioned by generating an air vortex that could continuously maintain the maximum air induction pressure to maximize throttle response.
Is there a manual transmission on the BMW M3?
You won’t find a BMW M3 with an automatic transmission in the current BMW range because it is only available with a six-speed manual transmission. The M4 operates similarly.
But if you want an automatic BMW, the BMW X3 is a solid choice. An automatic transmission is offered with the X3. The 3 Series is still a terrific place to start if all you want is a sedan.
Keep in mind that you all require auto insurance for your new vehicle. Check out the Jerraay app to see a selection of insurance quotes that are suitable for you in a matter of minutes. The typical user saves more than $800 a year!
In the G80 era
The new M3 debuted alongside the current 3 Series, which has the G80 chassis designation. The twin-turbocharged S58 3.0 liter straight-six, which is now capable of 473 horsepower, has taken the place of the previous twin-turbocharged S55 3.0 liter straight-six. The new M3 sedan, which goes on sale in September 2020, is available with either a six-speed manual transmission, as was the case with the test vehicle, or an eight-speed automatic transmission. By doing this, the overall weight was reduced by 50 pounds when compared to a vehicle with an automatic transmission. Although all-wheel drive will be available on the upcoming Competition variants, some people would rather that the M3 stay rear-wheel-drive for the time being.
The new M3 has a 1.8-inch larger wheelbase than the current sedan and is 4.6 inches longer, 0.4 inches wider, and 0.1 inches higher overall. The rest of the body has classic M elements including a carbon roof, quad exhaust pipes, puffier fenders, a curved hood, and wheels that resemble metallic spiderwebs. The test vehicle was equipped with the $8,150 carbon-ceramic brake kit, which is easily recognized by its gold-painted calipers, as well as the M carbon exterior package, which gave it front-intake inlays, a rear diffuser, wing mirror caps, and a lip spoiler.
I am aware of how the front facia seems, yeah. Try staring at it for four hours while taking shots of it, then editing those photos if you still think you don’t like it.
A driver-focused console with volume and climate control controls is still present in the cabin. The primary center touchscreen or the iDrive controller are used to control the remaining infotainment features. Overall, the system is neat and unobtrusive and is easy to get used to. However, I would have preferred a handbrake. I’d prefer a handbrake if I’m driving a stick. You simply can’t have one without the other, much like peanut butter and jelly, gin and tonic, and wearing pink on Wednesdays.
Competition
Price for the M3 Competition is $76,695. Its twin-turbo engine, rated at 503 horsepower, is marginally more potent than the engine in the basic model. There is an all-wheel drive option. Additionally, M seatbelts, sportier wheels, and distinctive external ornamentation are included on all Competition variants. A manual transmission is one prominent feature that is absent from the Competition model. The only available transmission is the eight-speed M-tuned automatic that comes standard.
Given its additional power, available all-wheel drive, and convenience of its automatic transmission for daily driving, the M3 Competition is our suggested trim.
Is the BMW M3 always manual?
The 3.0-liter inline-six twin-turbo in the M3 sedan is similar to that in the forthcoming M4 coupe. The standard model delivers 406 pound-feet of torque and 473 horsepower to the rear wheels. There is only a six-speed manual transmission available. Even more potent, the M3 Competition’s engine produces 503 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, but it can only be ordered with the eight-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard on the M3 Comp, but an all-wheel-drive system with a rear-drive mode is also an option. Every M3 also has adjustable brake pedal feel and adaptive dampers. Also available for the sedan are even more powerful carbon-ceramic brakes with stylish gold-painted calipers. Both the normal M3 and the Competition model impressed us on our first drive thanks to their propensity for performing outrageous drifts, which the optional M Drift Analyzer encouraged (part of the M Drive professional package). We also developed a liking for the manual gearbox’s smooth changes, and we were as thrilled with the engine’s strong acceleration. The M3 doesn’t quite immerse the driver as much as the noisy Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, though.
A BMW M3 is quick.
The BMW M3 has a top speed of. Quick enough! Its top controlled speed is 155 mph. 180 mph is increased with the M Driver’s Package, which is available. What’s fuelling this high performance beast? The 3.0 L inline six-cylinder engine in the M3 produces 473 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque (403 horsepower with the M Driver’s Package). 2021 M3 accelerates from 0 to 60 in 4.1 seconds. Although it is not the fastest vehicle on the road, it is among the most enjoyable and thrilling to drive.
This only makes manual transmissions more enjoyable if you enjoy them. In its class, the M3 is the only vehicle with a basic transmission. This may be a deciding factor for many enthusiasts when choosing a car. Oh, and it has AWD, too! Anywhere you go, go brashly.
BMW made some tactical cosmetic alterations to the 2021 M3; we now have a small, four-door body that contributes to the revised model’s more aggressive and athletic tone. The iconic brand has increased the size of the front fascia intakes, added a massive kidney grille, four exhaust tips, flared fenders, a rear trunk spoiler, and somewhat increased the exterior dimensions. The posture is wide and low. These improvements solidify the M3’s reputation as a performance machine and are all great.
All the hallmarks of a BMW interior can be found here, including a new steering wheel design, heated seats, heated steering wheel options, an all-digital gauge cluster, optional carbon seats, a sophisticated infotainment system, a ton of high-quality materials, and a full complement of driver assistance technology.
Visit the BMW experts at Braman in West Palm Beach if you have an interest in the M3. Access to a controlled racing course is a benefit available to our clients, allowing you to see just how swift the BMW M3 is.
Is the BMW M3 a quick vehicle?
According to BMW, the xDrive technology trims 0.4 seconds off the 0-62 mph time when it is installed for the first time ever on a 3 Series-shaped M vehicle. Even while the resulting 3.5 seconds is very quick, it’s a bit of a dry stat.
Fastest vehicle in its category, however there aren’t many contemporary competitors with comparable strength. Audi seems to have forgotten about the RS4 (it hasn’t received an update in years), so all we can do for now is guess that the next-generation C63 will be as powerful as we wish for, if not anticipate given that it will use a four-cylinder hybrid.
The normal M3 isn’t slow, though. The launch control on the last-generation F80 automobile was terrible; it essentially dialed in a lot of revs and let go of the clutch. Wheelspin ensues, but not much progress is made. You accomplished a lot if you were able to reach 60 mph in less than 4.5 seconds. The updated version is considerably superior. In our testing earlier this year, it reached 60 mph in 3.6 seconds (as opposed to the 0-62 time claim of 3.9 seconds) and 100 mph in 7.8 seconds. There is proof supporting what we have said previously regarding how nicely the rear differential operates.
The 4WD one saves around four tenths of a second while performing exactly as promised. 0-60mph? 3.18secs. in 7.39 seconds, 100 mph.
A BMW M4 is entirely automatic, right?
transmission type: manual or automatic. The BMW M4 Coupe’s manual transmission will appeal to purists, but drivers of the Competition variants will appreciate the agility of an 8-speed M Sport automatic transmission.
Is the BMW M3 a reliable vehicle?
Is the BMW M3 a reliable vehicle? The BMW M3 is a high-performance saloon rival to the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, Mercedes-AMG C63, and Audi RS4. Many people still think it’s the best because it was the first and manages to pack so much pace and excitement into a practical, family-friendly package.
A BMW M3’s dependability?
The BMW M3 is rated as having a 2.0 out of 5.0 reliability rating, placing it 29th out of 31 luxury midsize sedans. Poor ownership expenses are indicated by the $1,161 average yearly repair cost. You may anticipate more significant repairs for the M3 because repairs are more common and more likely to be severe than for the ordinary vehicle.