New BMW M3 - Better in Competition Spec? - Two Takes

The BMW M3 is now the size of the E39 BMW M5, which is actually fine, since the E39 M5 was basically perfect. In competition trim you only get an 8-speed automatic, and our press car is fully loaded up with crazy options, costing just under $100,000. While we weren't the biggest fans of the two-door M4, re-framing the whole package as a sedan changes our tune quite a bit. Matt and Zack have a morning blast in the ugliest, but fastest BMW M3 in history.

BMW provided the vehicle, insurance, and a tank of fuel for this review.

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NEW SHIRTS!

[empty]

The M mode button my guy, the M mode button on the center console next to the shifter. Solves your tach problem

[pascutia]

Zack, you said you’re 39?! Would have never said that you’re older than 30. Looking good!!

[RyanQuattroS]

BMW Engineering Dept. "Well done gentleman, one of the finest driving cars on the road today. The ultimate driving machine" BMW Design Dept. "Fuck you guys"

[WhatsyourForte]

You have to switch to M mode to have the tach change to the middle. Makes it easier to see. The button is to the left of the shifter.

[dragospahontu]

The start stop off is the best think BMW did with this car.

[jaypritchett]

"it doesn't feel nose heavy" *shows the giant front grill.

[robertrico]

I didn’t think that car could get uglier, but wow, look at that color combo.... they must have picked it with a dartboard.

[jeffrey-f]

still prefer Giulia Quadrifoglio... Just something about Alfas

[nicholassmith]

BMW used to have perfect analog gauges that they kept with for a very long time. As soon as they went digital, they ruined them.

[wbwright]

I always like the collaborative reviews and appreciate Zach's seat feedback especially when Matt drives.

[BRAINFxck]

Zack: "This car is lighter than it's competition.."

Now I gotta be that asshole that fact checks you because the Guilia Quadrifoglio is actually lighter 😆

[kellinpatler]

Ok, so for $100k — this horrendous thing —or, the nicest E39 M5 you can find for $70k AND a $30k M3 (E46 or E9x)?

[Factcheckalex]

Is the engine noise authentic or from speakers

[brandonchism]

This review along with a few others helped me when optioning my car. I wanted manual, but wasn’t sure on the seats. In the end, I opted against them since this is my daily driver as well. I couldn’t be happier.

[bk]

As someone who was absolutely obsessed with BMWs, and M cars in particular, growing up in the 90s: this car does nothing for me.

[Psychoss]

As far as the gauge cluster is concerned–there is a M sport setting where the cluster changes to the middle and is larger and easier to see. Then of course there is a heads up display that has different modes for better visuals if its needed. From just the speed in digital form to a full tachometer.

[MrAlexthemachine]

I didn't want the carbon seats but I love the performance. So I lost 21 pounds and ordered the normal seats 🤣

[rayestefania]

How about this car compared to BMW M2 CS? You did not seem to like the new M3 quite as much as the smaller M2. Which one would you have in your collection?

[CardboardOdyssey]

I think I might be the only person who actually likes the new grille lol

[bengriffin]

Love your impersonation of Jonny Lieberman, spot on!