EVO Issue 108 -- M3 Review scans

[johnsh39]

Attached are the scans of EVO Issue 108 M3 article. I will create a seperate post for the M3 v RS4 part of the article.

[888]

thanks.

[esquire]

for the most part this is a good review. it's just disappointing that steering feel is once again criticized, and the interior panned. not having sat in the car i can't speak from experience, but my reaction to the interior pics from the configurator was underwhelming. steved, what can you tell us of your impression on the car's interior?

[Epacy]

Appreciate the pics. I still haven't heard anything that would make me not want it.

[swiss_cornholio]

Thanks for the scans!! :rocks:

This review shows 2 things:

1) The M3 is not as bad as one would think after reading this forum.

2) Evo is still the only mag worth reading.

[Garrett]

Originally Posted by esquire

for the most part this is a good review. it's just disappointing that steering feel is once again criticized, and the interior panned. not having sat in the car i can't speak from experience, but my reaction to the interior pics from the configurator was underwhelming. steved, what can you tell us of your impression on the car's interior?

I have no idea why BMW didn't keep the E46's driver centric style interior..? Where everything is slanted towards the driver (radio, AC, etc) as he is ecompassed by the cock-pit of his machine.

This new open-air, Worldcup sailing inspired interior is utter crap..!!! The E90's interior cues are horrible with all these skewed traingles that are trying to stylize the sails of a racing yaught.. BLAHHHhh

But, what really pissed me off and had me looking at Porsches and (OMG) Audis was that they didn't change the interior for the M. I thought for sure it wouldn't have this soccer mom theme..!!.

Just look at how well places the E46 door handles were and where the cobntrols were on the armrest VS E90. The interior is a step back in every aspect!!!


My pet peive about the M3, enough to cause me to spend my money elsewhere, sadly enough!




-Garrett

[lucid]

Originally Posted by Garrett

I have no idea why BMW didn't keep the E46's driver centric style interior..? Where everything is slanted towards the driver (radio, AC, etc) as he is ecompassed by the cock-pit of his machine.

This new open-air, Worldcup sailing inspired interior is utter crap..!!! The E90's interior cues are horrible with all these skewed traingles that are trying to stylize the sails of a racing yaught.. BLAHHHhh

But, what really pissed me off and had me looking at Porsches and (OMG) Audis was that they didn't change the interior for the M. I thought for sure it wouldn't have this soccer mom theme..!!.

Just look at how well places the E46 door handles were and where the cobntrols were on the armrest VS E90. The interior is a step back in every aspect!!!

My pet peive about the M3, enough to cause me to spend my money elsewhere, sadly enough!

-Garrett

For the most part, they are simply stuck with the 3-series interior, which as you've been saying, pretty much sucks compared to what it was and what it could be. However, that's probably not why one buys an M3 anyway, but I do share your frustration that if one is going to part with the cash, then one should be taken by the interior somewhat as well as the performance of the car.

[consolidated]

I actually really like the way all black with aluminum trim is looking, more sporting than the bamboo beige interior.

[devo]

I am becoming increasingly disappointed. I want so much to love this car, but I don't know if I can. The price will be my deciding factor. If it's pushing $70 well optioned, I'll be choosing another German car and it won't be an Audi.

Not to tout Porsche's attributes, but how can BMW provide such inadequate brakes on such a capable car?!!! A low mileage 911S will be in the same price range and provide such a better experience.

Part of the reason I wanted to come back to the (my/our) beloved M3 was because of the performance, Euro refinement and excellent residuals. The E46 has been known as a driver's car that you could ACTUALLY drive and not get banged up on resale. (Try driving a 997tt 10k a year for 4 years...you could buy a new M3 for the same amount that your car depreciated.) That is precisely one of the reasons why I was considering jumping from the Porsche camp back to BMW. After these reviews and the rumored $62k USD base, I am doubting my decision.

I know what everyone is saying...drive one first; I just hope your right.

Oh...Thanks very much for the scans.

[swiss_cornholio]

Originally Posted by devo

I am becoming increasingly disappointed. I want so much to love this car, but I don't know if I can. The price will be my deciding factor. If it's pushing $70 well optioned, I'll be choosing another German car and it won't be an Audi.

Not to tout Porsche's attributes, but how can BMW provide such inadequate brakes on such a capable car?!!! A low mileage 911S will be in the same price range and provide such a better experience.

Part of the reason I wanted to come back to the (my/our) beloved M3 was because of the performance, Euro refinement and excellent residuals. The E46 has been known as a driver's car that you could ACTUALLY drive and not get banged up on resale. (Try driving a 997tt 10k a year for 4 years...you could buy a new M3 for the same amount that your car depreciated.) That is precisely one of the reasons why I was considering jumping from the Porsche camp back to BMW. After these reviews and the rumored $62k USD base, I am doubting my decision.

I know what everyone is saying...drive one first; I just hope your right.

Oh...Thanks very much for the scans.

I have considered the 911S as well but came to the conclusion that they are completly different and not comparable (front vs rear engine, ...). For my requirements the 911S doesn't have enough space and is IMO too expensive. And about the brakes: M3 has ceramic compound brakes as standard; for the 911 they are a 10k option!

Btw: Why would you give up your 997tt anyway?

[nusevad]

Thank you~ :rocks::rocks:

[devo]

Originally Posted by swiss_cornholio

I have considered the 911S as well but came to the conclusion that they are completly different and not comparable (front vs rear engine, ...). For my requirements the 911S doesn't have enough space and is IMO too expensive. And about the brakes: M3 has ceramic compound brakes as standard; for the 911 they are a 10k option!

Btw: Why would you give up your 997tt anyway?

BMW doesn't have ceramic rotors like the crazy priced Porsche brake option. And, they're not $10k, they're $8,200; LOL. Anyway, the standard Porsche brakes ARE better than the M's, sorry.

I gave up my tt because I was able to sell it back to the dealer for a modest profit after 3000 miles of use. I was then able to buy another Porsche without sales tax because of the trade. One of my biggest reasons was that I didn't want to take the beating on resale down the road. I am rethinking my decision and strongly considering buying another. Porsche is coming out with a sport exhaust for the turbo. If you are familar with the Sport Exhaust...it sounds like heaven.

The car was very, very fast and very refined. It lacked a little excitement because it went so FAST so EASY. But, afterward, everything else pales in comparison. With the sport button engaged, the torque grows to 502 lb. ft. @2100 rpms and the top end is extreme.

[swiss_cornholio]

Originally Posted by devo

BMW doesn't have ceramic rotors like the crazy priced Porsche brake option. And, they're not $10k, they're $8,200; LOL. Anyway, the standard Porsche brakes ARE better than the M's, sorry.

Maybe you missed this document?

http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/att...3&d=1184024446

==> page 31

[Epacy]

Originally Posted by swiss_cornholio

Maybe you missed this document?

http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/att...3&d=1184024446

==> page 31

Ok, so you still haven't shown where it talks about ceramic brakes on the M3.

[gtb75]

Page 31 (page 27 of the PDF) explains it clearly... The new M3 has hybrid 2-piece rotors - aluminum hats with steel braking/friction surfaces... This is a very common configuration in performance braking systems. As they say - "on par with that of a ceramic brake". For most applications, I'd agree with that statement. The new M3 does not have anything like the $10K PCCB option.

[devo]

Originally Posted by gtb75

Page 31 (page 27 of the PDF) explains it clearly... The new M3 has hybrid 2-piece rotors - aluminum hats with steel braking/friction surfaces... This is a very common configuration in performance braking systems. As they say - "on par with that of a ceramic brake". For most applications, I'd agree with that statement.

Unfortunately, not as good as the standard Porsche brakes and no where near as light as the ceramic ones. Almost every test has indicated that the M's braks fade under very hard use. This should be unacceptable.

[TuvaD]

Originally Posted by swiss_cornholio

I have considered the 911S as well but came to the conclusion that they are completly different and not comparable (front vs rear engine, ...). For my requirements the 911S doesn't have enough space and is IMO too expensive. And about the brakes: M3 has ceramic compound brakes as standard; for the 911 they are a 10k option!

Btw: Why would you give up your 997tt anyway?

The M3 does not have a ceramic brake option. Wish it did though!

[gtb75]

Originally Posted by devo

Unfortunately, not as good as the standard Porsche brakes and no where near as light as the ceramic ones. Almost every test has indicated that the M's braks fade under very hard use. This should be unacceptable.

I agree - their caliper choice is the likely culprit here... While their calipers probably provide adequate stopping power for street and limited track use, they can't handle heat the way a 4-piston or 6-piston caliper can. Brake cooling (or lack there of) may be an issue here as well.

[Steved]

Originally Posted by esquire

steved, what can you tell us of your impression on the car's interior?

It just seemed like a regular 3-series coupe and I've been trying to remind myself what it felt like when I first stepped into an E46 M3. I suppose the E46 M3's seats make the difference between it and regular 3-series, whereas on the E92 M3 the seats are not 'that' different. In contrast the RS4 looked more special and bespoke.

[M3_2010]

Not a positive review......

[m_bazeepaymon]

I thought the review was very in dept covering... made me feel more anticipated for the new M3

[GregW / Oregon]

Very well-written. Nothing too surprising. Those looking for a track car will be dissapointed. Those wanting an all-around daily driver that can be enjoyed at many levels should be happy.