Send to a friendjpaul April 18th, 2008 12:21 PM Link
What does the exhaust note sound like? I have driven a 2004 model M3 coupe with the SMG and it took me a little while to come around to loving the exhaust note in the lower rpm range.
Ask It: 2008 BMW M3 Sedan
Written By: Seyth Miersma
As many WINDING ROAD readers are no doubt aware, our publication is lucky enough to have a constantly rotating set of fleet vehicles to help fuel our automotive adventures. And while we already utilize our press cars to bring you items like WR Fleet blogs and Quick Drives, we’ve always wanted to give our readers more of an active role in the process of exploring these daily drivers.
To accomplish this, we’ll be presenting you with one vehicle each week, and then asking for questions about the model. Want to know how many golf bags fit in the trunk of a Honda Accord Coupe, or how the Nav system works on a Hyundai Veracruz? Ask away. We’ll post short videos answering some of the more fascinating queries, and hopefully get to the bottom of what makes these cars good, great, or god awful.
Our first subject; the lovely and talented 2008 BMW M3 Sedan. 414 horsepower, four-doors, and six sweet speeds done the old fashioned way. We thought that the mighty M car would be a perfect way to kick this thing off. So let us know what you want to know, in comments.
If you’ve got an idea for Question of the Day, a funny photo for Caption It, or just want to share a news tip, let us know at windingroadtips@gmail.com
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26 Comments
JN April 18th, 2008 12:26 PM Link
I hate the rear tailights on the 3-series sedan. Does the M3 4-dr have the nice coupe tailights or the sedan tailights?
teflon April 18th, 2008 12:36 PM Link
Is there any discernible difference in the vehicle dynamics between the coupe and the sedan? I am asking in specific reference to the removal of the CF roof on the sedan and the subsequent raising of the car’s CG.
Thank you.
singh April 18th, 2008 1:02 PM Link
I am more concerned about the reliabilty of it next four years down the line.I had very bad experience with my new 3 series and sold off just after 1 year and having done only 10000 miles.Is it a relible car?
andrew April 18th, 2008 1:20 PM Link
JN, google is your friend:
http://www.gtspirit.com/uploads/images/m3sed02.jpg
EmmEff April 18th, 2008 1:25 PM Link
Is this car worth the money that BMW is asking for it? I am seeing prices of $80k Canadian.
Steve April 18th, 2008 1:33 PM Link
How does it pull at lowish speeds in a highish gear? Is it a clean, strong pull? Or more of a juddery, nervous affair?
WR, this is a great idea. Nicely done. Keep it up!
Paddy April 18th, 2008 1:52 PM Link
4 doors, 6 speeds….what’s it like at 5mph rush-hour traffic?
Jeff April 18th, 2008 1:59 PM Link
I guess I’m curious to know how it feels compared to the coupe version. I imagine it feels heavier and slower, but is the difference very big? My other question: Can I have it? 
Jim April 18th, 2008 2:03 PM Link
I hear reports of horrable gas milage for the new M3’s. Please let us know what the “real world” milage for the new M3 is. Thanks Jim
The Stig April 18th, 2008 2:40 PM Link
I would know better what to ask after an extended test drive…….. 
Adam April 18th, 2008 2:49 PM Link
The tachometer.. does it still have the lights that disappear as the engine gets warmer allowing you to rev higher?
Do some starts with and without pressing the M dynamic button (set with maximum sport mode). Notice any differences in sound, 0-60 times, or overall feel?
David S. April 18th, 2008 3:03 PM Link
How much is an oil change? How much is a new set of tires? ( And sure, if you can afford the car you can afford the oil change or the tires, but still, I’d like to compare. )
Zander April 18th, 2008 3:05 PM Link
How easy/difficult is it to hook up a child safety seat? Baby Zanderette anxiously awaits your reply.
Wes April 18th, 2008 3:40 PM Link
What kind of tech does this car come with? Remote starter? Pushbutton start system? Any gas saving options? Has the iDrive system gotten any easier to use? Does it have lane departure systems in place? Does it come with “adaptive” cruise control? What comes standard and what is an upgrade on this vehicle?
Thanks.
Nedly April 18th, 2008 4:08 PM Link
BMW Ultimate Service covers everything except tires (for obivous reasons) for 4 years or 50,000 miles whatever comes first. So to answer your question oil changes are free.
AlfaElan April 18th, 2008 5:44 PM Link
Can I take it for a test drive at the monthly get together at David E.s new office on the 3rd?
ZeGerman April 18th, 2008 8:00 PM Link
How well do the brakes hold up under extended “spirited” driving (or multiple laps)? Fading?
I like this idea (of asking questions), but it does run the risk of forcing WR to say what may have already been said in a formal writeup.
Greg April 18th, 2008 9:36 PM Link
ZeGerman, I’m sure they reserve the right to respond to only questions that they find A) worth their time and effort, and B) entertaining enough to warrant an investigation.
That said, where’s the hoodlatch? . . .srsly.
chartguy April 18th, 2008 11:57 PM Link
How does it compare to an M1? How much heavier is it, and how does that affect its character?
netcaretaker April 19th, 2008 12:49 PM Link
Is it really that much faster then the 335i that is 20 grand less?
Brian April 19th, 2008 1:26 PM Link
Why the funky “shark” antenna on the carbon fiber roof?
Wouldn’t it have cleaner lines if it were placed underneath the panel like it is in the 6 series composite trunk lid ?
Rear-Wheel Drive April 20th, 2008 2:51 PM Link
While riding in an M3 with a friend not completely comfortable with SMG, we pulled out to pass, he failed to flip the paddle, the engine hit the rev limiter and shut down, and we nearly had a head-on! He reprogrammed his pea brain (used to floor shifting) in the nick of time and hit the paddle, getting an upshift and power back on to finish the pass.
Is there now software on newer models which will force an upshift in such a situation?
Winding Road » Archive » Ask It - Answered: 2008 BMW M3 Sedan April 22nd, 2008 4:49 PM Link
[…] ROAD readers seemed especially keen to know, with good reason, how our 2008 BMW M3 sedan compared dynamically to its M3 coupe stable mate. While that question is certainly a valid one, it’s a bit […]
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