Driving M3 tomorrow....

[mrdeli]

Should be interesting to see what it's like. Anyone else tried one yet??

[Lancia]

Yep, still got the RS4, but did get a track day in a few months so that may just sway me.

Lots of nice modern extras like keless entry and start, adjustable everything. Seats were more comfortable but not as supportive. Straight line quicker. Cornered quit nice with no hint of understeer but a much harsher ride and that was on comfort.

Is a great car but not good enough to get me straight out of the RS4. Probably woirth the wait for the RS5????? If it comes out.

Be interested to see other comments also.

[mixja]

Drove a couple around the track back in October for the M3 launch down here in New Zealand.

The car definitely pulls harder from 6000RPM to redline than the RS4, but it lacks that mid-range punch and sharp throttle response of the RS4.

I give top-end performance to the M3, braking even, and handling, steering and braking to the RS4. Handling is an interesting one, I find I can power out of corners with ease on the RS4, the M3 loses power if you aren't careful via DSC or loses the tail end with it turned off I guess the experienced RWD driver will love the M3, but I'm so used to 4WD sports cars, the RS4 just feels better to me.

And of course the styling of the RS4 is much better than the M3...

[Norrs2]

And of course the styling of the RS4 is much better than the M3...

Understatement of the year so far!

[RussianM3_dude]

The new M3 is a bit of a flop. BMW just didn't think that the competition will get tired of being also-runs and would actually seriously challenge it's dominance. Hence the new M is more of a 340i then a real M. It's more of a side step, rather then a step forward. The engine is obviously much better then the diesel-ly RS4 lump, less linear, better throttle response (the RS4 throttle is simply programed to give you 90% power after only a little squeeze, so it FEELS like it has more response, it doesn't. The engine does not rev or loose revs anywhere near as well as an M3.)

The M3 has too many electric toys that are optional (trick suspension, different steering maps) and comes essentially naked of all options. It is also too boring at sensible speeds to be any fun, although it's still better then the RS4. The looks are completely fubared. They simply took all the E46 design cues and uglified them. Uglier powerdome, uglier jutting front lip that looks like a guppy, side vents that look like they have a 50's fridge handle on them, ugly rear diffuser, visible rusting exhaust "box". Even the alloys are so-so. Interior is just standard 3er and the new M seats are worse then regular sportpack seats.

[GardinerG]

The new M3 is a bit of a flop.

2nd understatement of the year.

[AdamS4]

Did you not watching Fifth Gear last night ?

[RussianM3_dude]

Have you not WATCHED FG last night???? Man... I 2 sun spekez teh internetz!!!111!! lolz!111!!11

[mrdeli]

Just back from a 40 minute drive of the M3.

The car was finished in red, had the adaptive damping and had covered over 8000 miles so was well run in.

I was seriously considering trading for the M3. The test drive will go down as one of the most disappointing I have undertaken.

Positives:

1. Engine sounds great above 6000 rpm.
2. Looks very modern (although not really to my tastes, it certainly got a few glances).

Negatives:

1. Gear change was horrible (maybe the DCT will be the one). Also offset pedals made the foot well very cramped.
2. Engine lacks the torque of the RS4 at low speeds and to my ear was nothing like as nice a sound as the RS4 at lower revs - maybe though a little better at 7.5k and above (mind you I have the exhaust valves open).
3. Interior fit and finish not a patch on the RS4 - the RS4 is a much, much better place to be.
4. MPG showed 16 at the end of the test - the RS4 would definitely be no worse.

Yes in total the most disappointing test drive I have had - I was expecting to come away thinking where do I sign. But no - Gentlemen us RS4 owners have a fine fine car.

A big reason for my test was that I thought the RS4 didn't really feel 414bhp quick. Well it certainly felt every bit as qucik as the M3. I have come away smiling, but my smiles are for my RS4!

[RussianM3_dude]

I know, both cars are slow.

[Dom81]

RM3D has driven the M3 as well - gets him from the ferry terminal to London in his "RS4"...

[ARSEY4]

Personally I think the journos are talking this car up now as a few seem to of changed their mind. I wonder what carrot is being dangled?
Still I shall try and get a test drive to make up my own mind.

[mrdeli]

I agree - the car is just not UK suited - and the gearbox - yuk!!!!!!!!!!!

[Norrs2]

I know, both cars are slow.

RM£3D - That's the most stupid statement this year so far - even for you!

[RussianM3_dude]

Some people think that the Mk5 GTI is a fast car. Some people take their Porsche 911 Turbo to RuF or Gemballa to get more power.