2009 BMW M3 Consumer Reviews

"Funtastic super car Chameleon!"

Written by: ssv on 10/10/2009

Vehicle

2009 BMW M3 2dr Convertible (4.0L 8cyl 6M)

Review

Living in S.Florida and having driven my interlagos blue e39 m5 for 7 yrs with awe and no complaints; I decided to add a younger sibling,an interlagos blue m3 convertible! Let me say this emphatically, "The m3 convertible is an absolutely "FUNTASTIC" piece of automotive creation to drive!" For those concerned by the critics comparisons to the m3 coupe, have no worries, the two are just different animals! Here in the m3 convertible you have the ultimate everyday "Chameleon". Top up you basically have the coupe's at 98% equivalence, top down its a head turning topless super car! If you are not a race track junkie and live in warm climes this car cannot be beaten at its price point. Thanks M!!

Favorite Features

1. M power performance. 2. Hard top convertible. 3. Premium option sound system. 4. Interlagos blue color. 5. Looks and design.

Suggested Improvements

1. Weight reduction would improve performance. 2. Two tone seat color option as in the e39 M5.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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None Better

Written by: DRR on 09/17/2009

Vehicle

2009 BMW M3 2dr Coupe (4.0L 8cyl 6M)

Review

I have owned Mercedes, Porsche and several BMW's. I traded a 2006 M5 for the 2009 M3. Porsche is a pure sports car but the sports suspension is rough for daily use. The M5 was a Porsche with a Tuxedo. Not much to complain about except the SMG is no match for the DCT in the M3. The M3 is a sports car that you can live with every day. You feel like you are part of the car - it is balanced, agile, and responsive. The DCT is fast and the downshift throttle blips are better matched than I could ever do with a traditional manual. This is my third car with idrive and the new idrive is great - intuitive and easy to use.

Favorite Features

DCT transmission, M sport settings, Sport seats, Gunmetal 18 inch wheels, idrive

Suggested Improvements

None

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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This car is a BEAST!!!

Written by: M3 Fanatic on 07/19/2009

Vehicle

2009 BMW M3 4dr Sedan (4.0L 8cyl 6M)

Review

I had an '02 E46 M3 before getting my new '09 E90 M3. These cars are quite different in their personality, but both are great. The E46 actually feels more like a sports car while the E90 feels more like a grand touring car. The power from the E90's V8 is amazing and almost effortless. I ordered the M-DCT transmission and am absolutely amazed. The shifts are super quick and super smooth. It feels like the shifts from BMW's auto transmissions. While I tend to be a sporty driver, I have to admit the M- DCT tranny is so good, I often leave it in full auto mode. All in all, I love it!

Favorite Features

This car is much more comfortable than the previous M3. The additional leg room makes the car much more livable. The V8 power has much more low end grunt than the previous inline 6 (3.2L). The exhaust note is great, but not overly loud. The brakes are phenomenal as is the handling.

Suggested Improvements

Fuel economy is bad (17mpg). With such a powerful engine, a taller gear could improve highway fuel economy (20 mpg). The steering is direct, but it is a touch too light and gives less feedback than the previous M3. The cup holders are chintzy and the glove box will barely hold a pair of gloves.

10 out 10 people found this review helpful

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Outstanding Performance Sedan

Written by: RKerns on 06/10/2009

Vehicle

2009 BMW M3 4dr Sedan (4.0L 8cyl 6M)

Review

The M3 sedan is an excellent all around performance car. I traded in an RS4 for this car and have no regrets at all. For me the M3 handles so much better than the RS4. It also delivers power better, sounds better, shifts better and scrubs off speed better. It corners like a car weighing 600 pounds less. The exhaust note sounds fantastic, like a proper V8. The steering can feel a bit numb but once you attack a corner it comes alive and you know exactly what the front tires are doing (unlike the RS4). The car is a real hooligan and blast to drive. Poised and well balanced, I think you would be hard pressed to find a sedan with the same attributes for the money.

Favorite Features

Steering, acceleration, engine, shifter, balance, exhaust note, sport button, deceleration.

Suggested Improvements

I have owned other BMWs and this one seems to have the cheapest interior. The gauge faces look like paper cut-outs, the interior lights do not offer enough light. I also would like folding rear seats and fog lights as standard. But really this is nitpicking.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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This car has it all

Written by: Scott on 04/10/2009

Vehicle

2009 BMW M3 2dr Convertible (4.0L 8cyl 6M)

Review

Still driving it in, but even under 5500 rpm this car cannot be contained. It has tech, premium, DCT, prem sound packages & the 19" rims. The iDrive is fine - I suggest you try it before listening to the complainers. Sound system is divine, DCT is incredibly smooth, especially for everyday driving. Top down the engine tone gives you goosebumps. I have black on black - it's like driving the batmobile! Top down road/wind noise is OK even at 100 mph. Combination of luxury, convertible & formula one performance can not be beat. It feels like having a new girlfriend...

Favorite Features

All the high tech stuff is great ... not much can match the pure pleasure of pushing your right foot down, being pressed back in your seat and hearing the ferocious animal growl of this engine.

Suggested Improvements

9 out 11 people found this review helpful

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Replaced my M3 with an M3!

Written by: SilvertM3 on 04/04/2009

Vehicle

2009 BMW M3 2dr Convertible (4.0L 8cyl 6M)

Review

I was driving my Silver 2004 M3 Convertible when I went in to browse... Sure. There it was. A Silver 2009 M3 Convertible! Driving this car is a dream! I'm 6'4" and 285 and I have plenty of room. The Double Clutch Transmission shifts faster than you can blink. The M-Drive allows you to customize your acceleration, suspension and shifting from soft and comfy, to mothers take your kids off the streets! One push and all settings are yours. The V8 roars and the exhaust growls. The rear seat is bigger too. Not much trunk space with top down, but whole back seat folds and there is plenty space there. The down side? No cars to step up to now! Porsche you say? Yah... if I were 5'7". This is tops!

Favorite Features

V-8, DCT Trans, M Drive, 19" wheels, & Novillo leather, all in a real performance 4-seat sporty convertible. The much maligned I-Drive is even better and so easy now. Like I said, this is heaven on earth, if you like top performance. If you want comfort, you can dial that in also. The ultimate M!

Suggested Improvements

More trunk, glove compartment, & door side pocket space. (Had to put the manual in the trunk, as it didn't fit anywhere else). Improve cup holders, even though one should not be drinking anything while having this much fun! Make available, a small lip spoiler like the M3 coupe and sedan have.

9 out 9 people found this review helpful

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Too early to tell

Written by: Mark on 03/25/2009

Vehicle

2009 BMW M3 2dr Convertible (4.0L 8cyl 6M)

Review

Presently have only 1400 miles. Haven't been too aggressive yet in the car. The engine sounds fantastic, but the car is definitely not a rocketship. The car turns a lot of heads, but it isn't real comfortable to drive. Hoping to take it out onto the local track to see how she handles under pressure. Except for the power mode setting, can barely feel a difference between any of the other M settings. Hopefully a little more time behind the wheel will help with the learning curve. We've had a number of other Beemer's - I'm still more comfortable driving the X5 or 550i.

Favorite Features

Holds its line well, very nicely balanced, sounds great. Like the retractable hardtop.

Suggested Improvements

Much stronger than my old 330xi, but still want more horses.

3 out 10 people found this review helpful

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Unbelievable

Written by: Frank on 03/23/2009

Vehicle

2009 BMW M3 2dr Convertible (4.0L 8cyl 6M)

Review

You think you're buying an outstanding vehicle until you actually take ownership. BMW goes above and beyond allowing for just about every little adjustment possible. If you want cargo room or great gas mileage don't buy this vehicle. If you want the driving experience of a lifetime this is the car for you. It sounds like a race car, drives like a race car, brakes like a race car and feels like a race car, BUT you can adjust the power, suspension and comfort levels to your liking. There really aren't enough words in this section to describe this vehicle.

Favorite Features

Power, Braking, Handling, Power Top, WONDERFUL and easy to use I-drive, White exterior and Red interior, Head turning looks, 4 year everything included warranty, Collapsible outside mirrors, Real time traffic, Sound of the high revving engine, The enjoyment of just driving it.

Suggested Improvements

Heated steering wheel

10 out 10 people found this review helpful

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Best sports sedan, period.

Written by: DAVID WHITNEY on 11/04/2008

Vehicle

2009 BMW M3 4dr Sedan (4.0L 8cyl 6M)

Review

My instructor rolled my Porsche GT3 last spring (totaled, we weren't injured!) but I don't miss it a bit after driving this car in anger. I passed on the nav, having put up with a lousy one in previous Bimmer, and not wanting the iDrive, and don't miss either one at all. Also got the blended cloth and leather interior and highly recommend.

Favorite Features

World class handling balance, screaming V8, great brakes, great (non run-flat!) tires, serious but comfortable interior, "billet" feel to the chassis, subtle, but head-turning looks.

Suggested Improvements

Orange peel (a problem with ALL recent vintage Bimmers and the one thing Porsche clearly does better!) I figure I'll be trading in when the direct injection arrives also! Steering feel very good but just a little too light for my taste.

16 out 23 people found this review helpful

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Best sports coupe under $100K

Written by: TLud on 10/21/2008

Vehicle

2009 BMW M3 2dr Coupe (4.0L 8cyl 6M)

Review

I've dreamed of owning an M3 since I was 7 years old. Since then, the M3 has undergone many iterations. This latest generation exceeds the high standards set by its predecessors. The acceleration and handling are insane. At the same time, the M3 is far more comfortable as a daily driver than the last (E46) version. The M3 has all the luxury features and technology you could ever ask for. BMW thought of just about everything. The interior is simple and spartan, but classy and sporty. The new iDrive in the '09 models is a huge improvement over the previous system -- very fast, much more user friendly, and many more features.

Favorite Features

The engine is incredible - the sound and feel of the V8 engine screaming to 8400 rpm has to be experienced to be believed. The handling - despite its weight, this car is superbly balanced. The gadgets - the M3 has more features and customizable options than you'll ever need. Sexy exterior.

Suggested Improvements

Direct injection to further improve performance and fuel efficiency. Better paint (the factory paint has some orange peel).

27 out 32 people found this review helpful

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