Of the 52,470 BMW 3-series cars sold in the U.S. each year, an amazing number of them-7940 to be exact, were the pricey, super-performing M3 models.

Not only have these cars made Car and Driver Magazine's 10Best list four straight times, from '95 through '98, but in September 1997, the M3 also beat two Porsches and a Ferrari-and four other terrific cars they threw at it-to be named the best-handling car with a price of more than $30,000. The M3 is a $41,203 two-door Chic magnet powered by the gutsy, smooth-revving six-cylinder that comes in all M cars. This high-performance car weighs 3250 pounds.


The M3 pushes 60 mph scenery past the drivers view at 5.5 seconds from the red light. The speed governor lets the car top out at 139 mph. On the road, the M3 is a relaxed cruiser. It will rev without strain and pull steadily in higher gears. Do just the latter, and you'll miss the perfect match of the 6500-rpm redline to the five-speed manual gearing. This engine makes you want to rev it to the redline every time you shift. There are no harsh-feeling zones anywhere in the engine's rev range.

Engine type: DOHC 24-valve 6-in-line, iron block and aluminum head, Siemens MS 41.1 engine-control system with port fuel injection
Displacement ... 192 cu in, 3152cc
Power (SAE net)... 240 bhp @ 6000 rpm
Torque (SAE net)... 236 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm
Transmission... 5-speed manual
Wheelbase... 106.3 in
Length... 174.5 in
Curb weight... 3250 lb
Zero to 60 mph... 5.5 sec
Zero to 100 mph... 14.1 sec
Street start, 5-60 mph... 6.1 sec
Standing 1 /4-mile... 13.9 sec @ 101 mph
Top speed (governor limited). 139 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph... 160 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad... 0.85 g

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This is for my fallen soldiers,
We miss you.

that car sucks ass this is mine

A tribute to engineering...M series. I believe we have three M-Evolution cars in Jamaica (the original evolution, but the one by Mitsubishi)

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One World, One People



The opinions expressed by Samba are not the official opinions of ETJ or its owners.