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| With dual-clutch transmission, the BMW M3 is the face of competition from Lexus (IS-F) and Mercedes (C63 AMG) to fight back. Driving impressions with the coupe. |
Nice red he stands there with his elaborately pressed into the sheet metal, raised scoop (flat fare detractors call it a "bump") on the hood - almost a bit rowdy, from the side and back again very delicate, easy and pretty.
Small, exquisite design details, such as the noble lover of black carbon roof (series, if no sunroof is ordered) are repeated in the two struts of the side mirrors - they make the "match" completely. The roof with the carbon but also makes a technical contribution: It lowers the center of gravity of the vehicle as well as the weight down. The latter has, however, increased compared to the previous - to an impressive 1,655 kg.
After the first glance: Key (without beard) in the Zündschacht, press start button. Answer: A hoarse roaring 8-cylinder - not charged, but high rotation - with 420 hp. Let's go! On a wet road, the entire force is almost not possible to identify the road - despite the electronic stabilization program.
The six-speed manual gearbox is such a thing as the Achilles heel of the switch version: It has indeed short shift travel, which can not pass through without "cartilage". And the clutch is exceptionally early to the train.
By comparison, the new BMW Drivelogic double-clutch gearbox, the sovereign power simply on the street. It turns especially much softer than the SMG automated manual transmission of the previous model. When M5 and M6 SMG (here with seven gears) but still give series, following withdrawal of these models, it is not a vehicle with more SMG.
Race-proven technology
The compound disc brakes provide excellent work - quietly and smoothly. Even otherwise, the M3 uses of the tool box race-proven, finest BMW technique: ABS, DSC (stability program), CBC (asymmetric braking pressure control when cornering) and a variable M differential lock (for clean drifts) joy of driving guaranteed.
In everyday life, enjoys a generously sized luggage space and good visibility. This makes a positive impact that the M3 is based on the 3 Series Coupe. Pure sports cars like the Porsche 911, which the M3 is equal in terms of performance, are cut much narrower.
The front seats are long-distance cruising - in typical BMW quality. A few pleasant Details: The good old seat-belt (first seen in 1981 in the Mercedes SEC) also makes good job. The ergonomically positioned door handles also serve as an armrest, very relaxing during long trips. The rear seats are rather "cheap" - the seat is a solid shell that does not offer much comfort. For an everyday athlete but also not the most important criterion, it is offering the four-door model in the BMW range.
While on the Nürburgring, but not suitable for tour operation: In our test car, there was no cup or bottle holders and even very little counter space. But most annoying: One with 63 liters too small-sized tank. After about 380 in the "expeditious" mixed mode (city, highway, highway) kilometers driven, a "pit stop" can be inserted.
The technology vehicle M3 is also available as a four-door sedan. Is a station wagon variant, however, it does not - in contrast to the Stuttgart competition.
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