Good
Sleek retractable hardtop of convertible; awe-inspiring high revving V8 engine; three offered body styles; otherworldly handling; enjoyable ride.
Bad
Saloon’s relatively confined back seat; limited interior storage.
Introduction
2011 BMW M3 is the defining performance car in the sporty 3 Series lineup of BMW and possibly the purest in the inventory of BMW. It is perhaps the perfect all around vehicle for aficionados, from track day shenanigans to daily commute. The BMW M3 Sedan and Coupe are available for 2011 model year with Competition package that adds lowered suspension, reprogrammed stability and electronic damping controls, 19 inch wheels and wider track. Dig deeper and find F-1 inspiration motivated by first ever production V8 engine, that churns out 414 horsepower and redlines at category leading 8400 rpm. The Comfort Access system provides greater degree of convenience: keyless access to the vehicle. The onboard navigation system controlled through iDrive interface features GPS satellite, digital map and real time traffic information. The Voice command system allows you to delete, dial and add stored telephone numbers handsfree. The 825-watt audio system is one of the most powerful surround sound systems ever offered in BMW.
The 2011 BMW M3 comes with top notch quality hi-fi components such as 16-high performance speakers with Neodym magnetic drive and exceptionally stiff Hexacone diaphragm, precision crossovers and digital 9-channel amplifier for unparalleled sound quality. The M3 is basically a high performance version of BMW 3 Series, designed and engineered by in-house motorsport division of BMW. The M3 models have been derived from E30, E90/92/93, E36 and E46 3 Series and marketed with convertible, coupe and saloon body styles. Upgrades over standard 3 Series vehicles include more responsive and powerful powertrains, enhanced braking, suspension and handling systems, exterior/interior accents with tri-color M emblem and aerodynamic body improvements. The first generation model was based on E30 3 Series and was powered by an inline four-cylinder 2.3 liter S14B23 engine.
The 2011 BMW M3 is a sportscar, but doesn’t look like it. It features too many seats and one body style has too many doors. And yet the M3 comes with 414 horsepower V8 engine that goes from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.6 seconds. It is truly a sportscar for those who need practicality of standard sedan, convertible or coupe. The M3 is regarded as one of the Ultimate Driving Machines, which must go around corners and its brilliantly capable and balanced chassis gets the job done. You will also find a level of involvement and communication with M3, which makes you feel in complete control. There are a number of other models that offer all-out performance for superior civility – Audi S5 and S4, Mercedes Benz C63 AMG, Cadillac CTS-V and Audi RS5, but the BMW M3 stands as one of the most well rounded choice in hyper performance luxury car segment.
Trim Levels, Body Styles and Options
The 2011 BMW M3 is a high performance car, which is available in three different body styles such as sedan, convertible and coupe. Standard features and equipments include 10-speaker surround sound audio system with auxiliary audio jack and high definition radio, 18 inch wheels, driver memory functions, limited slip rear differential, leather cloth upholstery, adaptive and automatic xenon headlamps, power front eight-way seats with adjustable side bolsters, four-way lumbar adjustment and manual thigh extender, automatic wipers and rearview auto dimming mirror. The coupe comes with split folding rearseat and carbon fiber roof, while the convertible gets sun reflective leather and fully powered retractable hardtop.
Many of the features and equipments of 2011 BMW M3 are combined in several packages such as Cold Weather package that comes with retractable headlight washers and heated front seats. The Premium package gets BMW Assist telematics, auto dimming power folding mirrors, leather upholstery, different interior trim and Bluetooth, while the Technology package consists of M Drive adjustable settings, electronic damping control, iDrive electronics interface, navigation system with real time traffic and voice controls and keyless ignition/entry. Many of the above features are offered as standalone options plus sunroof, 19 inch wheels, automatic high beams, rear parking sensors, split folding rear seat, power rear sunshade, iPod/USB adapter, 16-speaker premium surround sound stereo system and satellite radio.
The 2011 BMW M3 Sedan and Coupe can be equipped with Competition package that comes with different programming for stability control and electronic damping control, Electronic Damping Control, 19 inch wheels with high performance tires and lowered suspension.
Powertrains and Performance
All trim levels of 2011 BMW M3 are powered by a powerful, brawny 4.0 liter V8 engine, which is good for harnessing 295 pound feet of torque and 414 horsepower. The engine comes mated with six-speed manual transmission with optional dual clutch seven-speed automated manual transmission and rear wheel drive system that sends power to the rear wheels. The latter provides manual operation through steering wheel paddles and a full automatic mode. All M3 models come with specialized locking rear differential. In performance testing, it accelerated from 0 to 60 miles per hour in the time range of 4.6 seconds, and offered the fuel economy of 20 mpg highway, 14 mpg city and 16 mpg in combined driving.
Safety Features
The 2011 BMW M3 comes with standard safety features, which include stability control, front seat side airbags, traction control, side curtain full length airbags and antilock disc brakes. In brake testing, it came to a stop in 100 feet, which is among the shortest distances. In government testing, the M3 got four-star rating for passenger and driver frontal impacts, while the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave M3 the highest rating for both side impact and frontal offset crash protection.
Special Features and Cabin Design
The 2011 BMW M3’s share basic interior design and layout with corresponding models in standard BMW 3 Series lineup, though M vehicles provide some extra racy features with special trim. The cabin inside offers four interior color choices along with Premium package including choice of wood, carbon leather and blue –gray brushed aluminium trim. There are subtle interior differences between M3, convertible, sedan and coupe but essentials including dashboard, front seats and console. Standard interior features include leather clad interior with wood or carbon fiber trim, push button start, rain sensing wipers, moonroof and USB and iPod charger.
Driving Impressions
The 2011 BMW M3 is the heaviest vehicle in the 3 Series lineup and is also most capable. The 4.0 liter V8 engine is one of the most exhilarating engines, while the Electronic Damping Control offers three driver selectable suspension settings, which include Sport, Comfort and Normal. The engine comes with Double VANOS technology of BMW that ensures pinpoint accurate valve timing and allows for optimal combustion at every rev range, while lowering emissions. All Season Traction, a part of Dynamic Stability Control offers superior control and stability in slippery road conditions, while the Variable M Differential Lock provides more power and traction coming out of turns. Overall, it is one of the most exhilarating and extremely capable cars in the 3 Series lineup.
