Mar 13, 2008 1:16:18 AM
- JoeRockhead
- Rennteam VIP
- Loc: Topside , Monaco
- Posts: 8033, Gallery
- Registered on: Sep 17, 2007
Tested a new M3 today
1. The clutch pedal is soft, too soft, but then I have a 997S so that's my benchmark. It's certainly softer than the e46 and I would compare it to a Cayman S. It is very responsive and easy to get moving though, and you'd have a hard time lurching the car in first gear.
2. The steering wheel is magnificent. Fat and leather wrapped, with blue and red stitching. And it doesn't cost you an extra cent. Porsche could learn something here.
3. The exhaust note is thrilling. My major complaint with the e46, which was shared by many, was the raspy, metallic exhaust note. The e46 is throaty and loud. The noise in the cabin is far from annoying, but very noticeable, and there is no noticeable drone at speed.
4. The transmission is awesome. The shifts are short and sure and there is of course no vibration in the shifter knob.
5. Power. The power is a leap ahead of the e46. Overall, the car is more visceral than the e46, and the seat-of-the-pants power is thrilling. With M mode on and traction control off, I launched the car hard with tons of wheel spin, but no hop. The back end shifted a bit but once it hooked up it pulled hard. I was at or on the rev limiter for a few seconds and power delivery was consistent. The 997S pretty much shuts itself off in that scenario. (why is this? my Boxsters would hit the rev limiter and just maintain that rpm...)
6. Handling. Unfortunately the car had Pilots on it, and it was just above freezing today so I couldn't push it in the corners too hard. The car seems stable though, and inspires confidence.
Overall, the new car impressed me. It's still a bit heavy, but the car feels substantial, or solid, like it's really well built. As a daily driver this car would excel.
As a side note, the new 18" wheels look bizarre. The shape of the wheel is concave, and makes the factory tires look like balloons. This isn't just my observation, the dealer staff mentioned it too. In fact, a guy was picking up his coupe when I was there and was trying to switch his 18"s for 19"s for that very reason.
The new grey paint looks great, little gold flecks in it. The black in the pic below, is 'Jerez' black, which can look really blue in the sun.
Verdict: I would have bought one if I didn't have the 997. I've always been a BMW fan and I would definitely go back.