The BMW M3 – A True Performance Car.

The trend of BMW driver-hating has never gone out of fashion, thanks to some owners' gleeful disregard for even the most basic of road-going niceties. Why such individuals are attracted to poverty-spec BMW's is one of the great unsolved mysteries, but their behavior does tend to make some drivers wary of owning a BMW, regardless of its specification.

Well, it's time to ignore this reputation, as any keen driver at one point in their lives should own a 3-series BMW, preferably an M3, as they are actually a bit special. For a start, BMW are one of the few modern car manufacturers who produce cars driven by the rear-wheels, plus they take the time to ensure the handling of the car is almost perfect. If you love driving on challenging, twisty roads, a 3-series makes a fantastic companion.

Which 3-Series?

So which should you buy? The 3-series started back in 1982 with the introduction of the E30, a fine car with a wide choice of engines and performance levels, however today it is becoming difficult to find a decent one and the shape has dated considerably. If you are not financially-challenged then the E46 models make good choices, especially the attractive coupe and M3 models, perhaps even more so that the latest E90's, which have looks that may take a while to love.

For those with more strict budgets, this leaves us with the E36 shape car, produced from 1991 to 1999. Although the lines look nowhere near as modern when sat next to an E46 or E90, the E36 remains a very good-looking car, with sharp lines, a high waistline and an aggressive stance, especially in coupe form. Best of all is that the range-topper, the M3, has become a very real ownership prospect for such a high performance machine.

The final decision to be made is what body shape you would like. Available in saloon, coupe or convertible styles; the more practical-minded could choose the 4-door saloon, the looks-orientated the stunning 2-door coupe while the wind-in-the-toupee brigade would be pleased with the convertible.

Euro or US M3?

Drivers have the choice of two different specifications of M3, which also vary depending on whether you are in Europe or the US. Europe first got a taste of the E36 M3 in 1992 with the 3.0 version, which generated 286bhp, powered to 60mph in 6 seconds and happily continued until an electronically limited 155mph. Looks were understated, with only larger alloys, a deep front valance, side skirts and an optional rear spoiler giving the game away. Closer inspection revealed the now famous wing mirror design and an M3-only aerodynamic rear bumper diffuser.

In 1996 the M3 was treated to a relatively comprehensive upgrade, most notably in the engine bay where the 3.0 straight-six engine was replaced by the new 3.2 straight-six mated to a six-speed gearbox. Various interior and exterior changes were also made, but nothing that affected the overall shape of the car, which became known as the M3 Evo. The new engine now pumped out 321bhp which cut the 0-60 charge by half a second; however top speed was still limited to 155mph.

Across the ocean, US customers had to wait until 1994 for the introduction of the E36 M3, thanks to poor sales of the E34 M5 and the previous generation M3. Thanks to stricter emission controls, the same 286bhp unit that powered Euro spec cars could not be used, so a unique US market engine was developed with an output of 240bhp. Acceleration was almost unchanged, but top speed suffered with a drop to 137mph.

When the Euro Evo was introduced in 1996, the US also received an upgraded engine but with no power increase. A small boost in torque added some drivability and the top speed was increase to 147mph. Cosmetically there are very few differences between the Euro and US M3's. When the model was discontinued in 1999, there had been several special editions of the M3 including the lightweight M3 CSL and the limited run M3 GT.

Driving the M3.

The inside of a 3-series BMW has always been a pleasant place and the M3 is no exception. Sports seats hug you and the stubby gearlever falls pleasingly to hand. The accelerator is floor mounted (like a 911) and is amazingly precise and far more comfortable over long journey's than it's top mounted brethren. The straight-six has a deep, gruff voice that sounds best when the revs climb towards the peak power point of 7000rpm.

Obviously with up to 321bhp at the pilots command, the M3 is brutally quick and comes complete with a seemingly endless wave of torque to carry you along. This flexibility makes town driving less of a chore and the sensible gear ratios keep fuel consumption to a respectable level, just don't expect too much on spirited runs! Drive an M3 for a few miles and it's clear that the car is what performance driving is all about, tractability, cool styling, out and out power and most importantly, usability in almost any situation.

The Joy of 50/50

All this would mean nothing if the car handled like a bag of potatoes, but thankfully, this is the area where BMW have really excelled! The design of the car is just so, that weight distribution is close to being 50/50 front and rear, giving the M3 divine levels of balance. Even the worst driving styles are flattered by its cornering ability and the level of grip on hand is huge.

But with all that power running through the rear wheels, with a little provocation traction can be broken and the fun really starts. In some cars, power oversteer happens so fast and with such violence that the driver is left sawing at the wheel and is instantly off the power to bring things back into line, but in the M3 time seems to slow down, allowing you to almost sit back and enjoy the sideways experience.

Careful adjustment of that accelerator and calm steering inputs are rewarded by the M3; balance the slide and the car will simply drive through and straighten up of its own accord. When you do this for the first time in your own car, love's thunderbolt will strike you.

Want One Yet?

Convinced? Good. In the USA, prices seem to start around the $10,000 mark and in the UK, ?5,000. The good thing is the choice is large in both markets making finding an M3 with the right specification and in the right condition slightly simpler than with other brands. For example, a brief search of the UK autotrader website brings up a very nice Estoril Blue 3.2 Evo coupe on a '98 plate complete with SMG gearbox, heated leather seats and full service history; all for just over ?7,000.

On the US autotrader site amongst several very nice Dinan-tuned examples, there was a '95 coupe in Avus Blue with a Dove Grey leather interior, the essential manual gearbox and only 60K miles on the clock. Cost was around $19,000. As with any performance car, service history is essential and a good check over by a specialist would be prudent to avoid any unwanted surprises after purchase.

Great Car, Scary Price?

While the costs of buying and maintaining an M3 are not excessive for such a machine, they are still considerable. Thankfully, BMW produced a cheaper alternative for anyone wanting a less intimate relationship with their petrol station and insurance broker. The E36 318is coupe has a 143bhp 1.8 16v engine and is blessed with the same fantastic handling ability of its bigger brother. Best of all is that the 318is was available with a factory M-tech kit, giving it the appearance of an M3 for a fraction of the cost.

Ultimately, the M3 is the car that will silence even the most seasoned BMW hater if he drove it, but to be honest, who cares if it doesn't as it just means there are more M3's out there for the rest of us to enjoy. Just when you do buy one, remember to use your indicators…M3's don't need that sort of reputation!