2024 Bmw M3 Review and Specs

Starting at $76,995

There's lunacy in the BMW M3. With a twin-turbo straight-six engine and a six-speed manual transmission, the basic powertrain quickly generates 473 horsepower for the rear tires. And that's only the beginning. The M3 Competition comes with rear- or all-wheel drive and 503 horsepower; it is only available with an eight-speed automatic transmission. You would think the M3's power would prevent it from going slow, but it really does fairly well even at legal speeds.

Cost and Selection of Items for Purchase

Although the standard version's six-speed manual gearbox is really gratifying, it's unfortunate that the more powerful M3 Competition is only available with an automatic transmission. We can see why the M3 Comp may appeal to certain people because of its increased power and optional all-wheel drive ($4100 more), but we think the manual version rides better. We would advise choosing the M Drive Professional package (which comes with an onboard drift analyzer and lap timer) and the M Driver's package (which unlocks a higher top speed and includes a high-performance driving class), aside from the arbitrary external and interior style options.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The 3.0-liter inline-six twin-turbo engine of the M3 sedan is the same as that of the new M4 coupe. The standard model delivers 406 pound-feet of torque and 473 horsepower to the back wheels. There is just one available transmission: a six-speed manual. Even more potent, the M3 Competition's engine produces 503 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque; nevertheless, it is limited to use with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard on the M3 Comp, but an all-wheel-drive setup that incorporates a rear-drive mode is also an option. The eight-speed automatic transmission is the only available option for the all-wheel drive CS. With several carbon fibre-reinforced plastic components, the CS weighs 310 pounds yet is 39 pounds less than the M3 Competition xDrive.

Fuel Efficiency and Actual MPG

Up to 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the interstate are the ratings for the M3 sedan. When all-wheel drive is installed, the highway fuel economy drops to 22 mpg. Its actual highway fuel efficiency was impressive, surpassing the EPA estimate by 32 mpg on our highway test loop—a component of our rigorous testing program. With 543 horsepower, the M3 CS achieved a highway fuel economy of 30 mpg.

Cargo, Comfort, and Interior

The M3's interior is essentially the same as the standard 3-series, with the exception of special "M" badging and distinctive trim elements. In other words, the M3 is identical to its more pedestrian predecessor in terms of design, passenger room, and external visibility. Even while M vehicles are renowned for their robust performance, their interior materials and construction quality are on par with or better than those of the top-tier 3-series. It should come as no surprise that the M3 features additional carbon fibre and microsuede details for a sportier look. The M3's hefty steering wheel has noticeable red buttons that control the digital instrument cluster, which is wide and curved and switches to M View in the sportier drive modes. When you go to M View, a shift indicator is added and replaces the standard tachometer with a more readable one. Although it might not hold true on lengthy road journeys, a set of highly bolstered, lightweight front seats are available (standard on the Competition) and offer amazing support without compromising much comfort.

Connectivity and Entertainment

The infotainment system of the M3 is operated by a large, curved touchscreen display that spans the majority of the dashboard from behind the steering wheel. If you're not comfortable with touchscreens, the iDrive 8 infotainment system also has buttons on the centre console and a rotary knob. The M3 comes with a number of basic and extra features in addition to several charging connections. Thankfully, BMW has embraced Android Auto and no longer demands a premium membership for Apple CarPlay. Both come standard, as does a one-year subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio and a Harman/Kardon sound system. Gesture controls, a Wi-Fi hotspot that requires a subscription, and a wireless charging pad are available as options for the system.

Features for Safety and Driver Assistance

Although BMW prioritises driver engagement in its M vehicles, the sedan offers a variety of basic and optional driving-assistance technologies. Visit the websites of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for further details on the M3's crash test results. Important safety characteristics consist of:

1. Blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic warning as standard
2. Regular lane-keeping assistance and lane-departure warning
3. Adaptive cruise control is available.

Coverage for Maintenance and Warranty

BMW offers a powertrain warranty that is comparable to those of competitors like Mercedes-AMG and Audi. Even if it's longer than other options, the free planned maintenance is still shorter than what Jaguar offers.

1. A limited warranty is valid for 50,000 miles or four years.
2. Four years or 50,000 miles are covered by the powertrain warranty.
3. It is protected for three years or 36,000 miles with free maintenance.