2009 M3 - Motor Trend Long Term Verdict: The World's Greatest All-Around Car

[Erhan]

Originally Posted by bonwit904

Plus, when was the last time GM turned out a car with that level of engineering sophistication?

That's the scary part.


sorry

[dirtyfreebooter]

All this talk about the Volt.. I saw this article today... they can't seem to make any money off it.

http://politics.slashdot.org/story/1...ery-Volt-Built

[The_BatBoy_187]

There are faster cars, yes, and there are a few that are more rewarding to drive. But of those, we challenge you to find one that combines speed, thrill, and daily driving duties as deftly as the M3.

That alone should've been the thread.

All hailr the ///M3, the greatest piece of machinery.

Goddamn I'm luvin her even more everyday

[Imola.ZHP]

I almost leased on two years ago...

One day I will have one, just not right now =(

[Marcumac]

Originally Posted by Imola.ZHP

One day I will have one, just not right now =(

x2.

[linsm3]

Originally Posted by 3XTR3M3

almost 3 years now and its still a joy every time i get in

Mine too, although it's been put away for the winter and I am driving a suburu, btw I was almost nailed in it since I am used to the hp of my beautiful m, I will miss u until spring, I do love my car

[335iTrace]

epic win

[ALPINE6SPD]

I have said this all along and it is exactly what I use to sell the M3's to my clients. 4 door FTW

[Dntlvet]

Yeah, M3 is a great mix of quality

[mcanderson0]

Motor Trend is in place to support the domestic automobile market. Biased journalism.

[mcanderson0]

Motor Trend is in place to support the domestic automobile market. Biased journalism.
Otherwise, BMW would be winning year after year!

[Mace]

As deep as people will dig into the details of leases, maintenance, performance, reliability, etc., of the M3 I'm surprised more people don't know a bit more about the Joke known as the Chevy Volt.

For instance, how many folks know that it's only available in six states? How about the fact that US tax dollars are handed over at the rate of $7,500 to each buyer (Canada is giving $10,000 rebate) and there are additional subsidies provided in certain states (like California which can certainly afford it). Also, the $7,500 credit is supposed to be a transfer payment from fuel taxes so gas prices will rise to subsidise Chevy Volts. All of us taxpayers are paying some lame-ass self-indulgent pompous and pious greenie to drive a car that even GM admits they can't make a profit on. That's not all, taxpayers paid almost $400 million in subsidies to GM just to build the car and an additional $137 million in Tax abatements to build the Volt plant. The car "costs" $41,000 (up from Chevy's original $30,000 target) and only seats four people but the actual cost of production is $81,000. It's battery powered range is only 33 miles (down from the 40 Chevy claimed) and it takes ten to twelve hours to charge (up from Chevy's original claim of six hours) unless you install a 240 volt system that costs $4,000 (and requires rewiring of your garage at who knows how much). Of course, you get an additional $2,000 tax credit from the rest of us for the charger. COTY indeed.

Really does stain MT's credibility that they don't take the facts into consideration when doing their COTY. On the other hand, even a blind squirril finds a nut every once in a while and they're probably right on about the M3.

[bobbyd1961]

Originally Posted by OSK77

Couple of things to clear up the confusion re: my choice of Alfa Romeo [to everyone else I know I am but this is obviously important to clear up so do forgive my digression and bear with me...]

The Alfa Romeo model I referred to is not just any Alfa from the bygone era of the 70's, but in fact a limited edition bespoke 500 unit model run developed for some of the world's most highly regarded car collectors. Case in point: The first American-market 8C was seen in November 2008, wearing "001 USA" registration plates. The car was purchased by film director and stock exchange magnate James Glickenhaus, also known for being the owner of the bespoke and absolutely insane Enzo-based Ferrari P4/5.

Racing pedigree: The 8C Competizione was introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2003. The lines of the twin seater are meant to echo the styling of Alfas of the 1950s and 1960s, and the "Competizione" name is a reference to the 1948 6C 2500 Competizione, which competed in the 1949 and 1950 Mille Miglia race and came third both times.

An 8C Competizione was featured on the main sculpture at the 2010 Goodwood Festival of Speed. Probably one of the most exclusive annual car events in Europe.

Powertrain: The car uses a modified Maserati platform and powertrain and features a Ferrari/Maserati derived 90 degree cross-plane wet sump lubricated 4.7-litre V8 assembled by Ferrari producing over 440hp, with a 7500 redline and capable of 190+ mph. The 6 speed transaxle electronic gearbox can shift in 175 milliseconds when using Sport mode. The 8C also has a limited slip differential.

Performance: It is fitted with specially developed 20 inch tires: 245/35 at the front and 285/35 at the rear, fitted on perforated rims in fluid moulded aluminium. The 8C brakes have been called "phenomenal" by Road & Track magazine, with a stopping distance of 32 metres (105.0 ft), when travelling at an initial speed of 60 mph.

But the above to me means absolutely nothing, nada, a big zero.

So why do I love the 8C Competizione? Because it is one of the most beautiful car designs I have seen in my life time; the word Timeless comes to mind. Obviously my very own biased opinion. It pays homage to its racing pedigree in a very modern way.

And the exhaust note the engine delivers is simply incredible. I would park this car in my living room and stare at it like a piece of art.

Exhibit A


Exhibit B


Exhibit C


Exhibit D | The 8C Competizione Spider version...


& finally...check out one of the most incredible exhaust notes known to mankind...well not quite but you'll get the point.

Case closed. Just so we are on the same page, I am still buying the M3 Sedan

sounds great but way too expensive and its an ALFA they need to be here for 10years and have zero issues on quality before i would ever take a look at. My GTV was a disaster but my sisters spider would never start. had to be jumped constantly. piece of crap

[JCtx]

The rear of the C8 looks like a cheapo kitcar; a dissapointment, especially at that price .

[BobsM3Coupe]

Originally Posted by elp_jc

The rear of the C8 looks like a cheapo kitcar; a dissapointment, especially at that price .

That's what I was thinking. I also don't like the front. Looks like some kind of gargoyle at the top of some old building.

[POS]

Anybody know when the M3 sedan disappears? Might have to upgrade at the end of the production cycle...

[ase2dais]

Originally Posted by Jason

Motor Trend has now had their 2009 BMW M3 long term test car for a year now and it's time to say goodbye, after logging over 20,000 miles.

What is MT's final verdict? How's this for some praise?

"The World's Greatest All-Around Car? Unquestionably."

Here is the rest of their experience summarized:

Unquestionably the Best All-Around Car! lucky to have traded my 08 6MT for 09 DCT.. from experience I've noted its holding a good resale value. Much more reason to hold on to it, plus I cant find a car qualified enough to take its place.

[Jdebitjr]

Originally Posted by DLin17

Anyone notice on the bottom of page 3 they have a recalls section and list out "washer-fluid pump" and "door catch". Do they mean they have had those repaired? I wasn't aware of any recalls like that. To stay on topic though, M3 FTW!

I had the leaking windshield washer fluid issue on my 08 M3. Just saw it puddling in the garage one day. Fixed under warranty, of course, but they had a hard time getting the under-cover in the wheel well flush again...all fixed now.

[bobbyd1961]

i agree i love my car but the snows make it look sort of normal i cant wait to put back on my p2 19s

[hpowders]

Motor Trend and Car and Driver are in agreement in calling the M3 the best car in the world. Car and Driver said it first.

[BlackSaphire]

Originally Posted by Mace

As deep as people will dig into the details of leases, maintenance, performance, reliability, etc., of the M3 I'm surprised more people don't know a bit more about the Joke known as the Chevy Volt.

For instance, how many folks know that it's only available in six states? How about the fact that US tax dollars are handed over at the rate of $7,500 to each buyer (Canada is giving $10,000 rebate) and there are additional subsidies provided in certain states (like California which can certainly afford it). Also, the $7,500 credit is supposed to be a transfer payment from fuel taxes so gas prices will rise to subsidise Chevy Volts. All of us taxpayers are paying some lame-ass self-indulgent pompous and pious greenie to drive a car that even GM admits they can't make a profit on. That's not all, taxpayers paid almost $400 million in subsidies to GM just to build the car and an additional $137 million in Tax abatements to build the Volt plant. The car "costs" $41,000 (up from Chevy's original $30,000 target) and only seats four people but the actual cost of production is $81,000. It's battery powered range is only 33 miles (down from the 40 Chevy claimed) and it takes ten to twelve hours to charge (up from Chevy's original claim of six hours) unless you install a 240 volt system that costs $4,000 (and requires rewiring of your garage at who knows how much). Of course, you get an additional $2,000 tax credit from the rest of us for the charger. COTY indeed.

Really does stain MT's credibility that they don't take the facts into consideration when doing their COTY. On the other hand, even a blind squirril finds a nut every once in a while and they're probably right on about the M3.

GM has yet to sell a single Volt to an end user, yet Motor Trend has picked it as a COTY? There goes M/T's credibility along with my paid subscription.

[sensi09]

Originally Posted by hpowders

Motor Trend and Car and Driver are in agreement in calling the M3 the best car in the world. Car and Driver said it first.

I think car and driver went from the e46 M3 to the 335i to the current M3 with that praise.