2009 BMW M3 Trims and Specs

The 2009 BMW M3 Sedan’s 32-valve, 4.0-liter V8 has been touted as the lightest V8 in the world, lighter even than the inline six that previously powered the M3. With 420 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, its maximum speed tops out at 8,300 rpm, and it features electronic throttle control and cooling, an aluminum and silicon alloy crankcase, a distributor-less electronic ignition system, and variable valve timing. The sole transmission, a six-speed manual with hill-holder clutch, gets EPA estimates of 14/20 mpg.

This rear-wheel-drive, four-door saloon has a unique sport suspension, including stiffened dampers and springs, an aluminum double-pivot gas-pressurized strut-type front suspension, five-link rear suspension with coil springs and gas-pressurized shocks, and stabilizer bars front and rear. 18-inch wheels spread 8.5 inches in the front and 9.5 in the rear, wrapped in P245/40ZR18 front and P265/40ZR18 rear performance tires. A limited-slip differential, traction control, and dynamic stability control are all standard.

M3-specifc features abound, like front air intake scoops, an M rear spoiler, flared fenders and wheel arches to accommodate the larger wheels, side air intake and fender gills, a chrome grille, clear signal lenses, unique M power heated mirrors, M door handles with ground lighting, and, of course - M badging. The M-specific features don’t end there, with an M three-spoke, leather-wrapped tilt and telescoping steering wheel with integrated audio and phone controls, as well as M-color stitching and a special instrument cluster with faux-aluminum dials for the gauges. You’ll also get all the usual luxury of the 3 Series, with 8-way power front bucket seats, a driver memory system, an AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with digital media connection, tri-zone climate control, dynamic cruise, and full power, including heated door locks, remote keyless entry, and a power sunroof.

Exterior illumination includes daytime running lights and steering-linked adaptive xenon headlights, while lighted visor mirrors, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and ambient interior lighting keep things visible inside. Rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers with heated washer jets are standard. A center console leads back to the split-folding rear seat, while a trip computer and outside temperature indicator are expectedly included. Safety features include a tire pressure monitor, four-wheel ventilated swing-caliper disc brakes with vacuum assist and anti-skid, dual front, front side, and front and rear side head-protecting airbags, front-seat active head restraints, and a theft-deterrent system.

Year after year, BMW has us wondering, “How?” For instance, the 32-valve, 4.0-liter V8 in this year’s M3 is two cylinders larger than the inline six that powered the pre-2008 M3s, and yet the new V8 is lighter. In fact, it’s the lightest V8 in the world. Producing 420 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, it revs to 8,300 rpm and features many weight- and power-saving features - electronic throttle control and cooling, an aluminum and silicon alloy crankcase, a distributor-less electronic ignition system, and variable valve timing. With its six-speed manual transmission with hill-holder clutch, it puts up EPA estimates of 14/20 mpg.

And those aren’t the only weight-saving features of the M3. A carbon-fiber roof and aluminum hood not only shave weight, they lower the car's center of gravity, improving the M3’s already impressive cornering ability. This rear-wheel-drive, two-door monster has a specially calibrated suspension, with stiffened dampers and springs, an aluminum double-pivot gas-pressurized strut-type front suspension, a five-link rear suspension with coil springs and gas-pressurized shocks, and stabilizer bars front and rear. The 18-inch wheels are 8.5 inches wide up front and 9.5 in the rear, and come shod in P245/40ZR18 front and P265/40ZR18 rear performance tires. A limited-slip differential, traction control, and dynamic stability control further help to keep everything nice and civilized, even if you aren’t.

There are many exterior features to identify the M3, like front air intake scoops, the M rear spoiler, flared fenders and wheel arches to accommodate the larger wheels, side air intake and fender gills, a chrome grille, clear signal lenses, unique M power heated mirrors, unique door handles with ground lighting, and, of course, M badging. Unique M features continue on the interior, with an M three-spoke leather-wrapped tilt and telescoping steering wheel with integrated audio and phone controls, as well as M-color stitching and an M-design cluster with faux-aluminum dials for the gauges. You’ll also enjoy the usual 3 Series fare, with 8-way power front bucket seats, driver memory system, an AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with digital media connection, tri-zone climate control, dynamic cruise, and full power features, including heated door locks and remote keyless entry.

Daytime running lights and steering-linked adaptive xenon headlights handle luminosity on the outside, while illuminated visor mirrors, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and ambient interior lighting take care of the inside. Rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers with heated washer jets mean you’ll never have to worry about a dirty view. A center console leads back to the split-folding rear seat, while a trip computer and outside temperature indicator keep all relevant information right at hand. Safety features include a tire pressure monitor, four-wheel ventilated swing-caliper disc brakes with vacuum assist and anti-skid, dual front, front side, and front and rear side head-protecting airbags, front-seat active head restraints, and a theft-deterrent system.

What better way is there to lower a car's center of gravity than to cut off its roof? The 2009 BMW M3 Convertible makes sure any weight gains caused by going with a drop-top can be overcome by way of the world’s lightest V8, a 32-valve, 4.0-liter, 420-hp beast, producing 295 lb-ft of torque. The V8’s maximum speed tops out at 8,300 rpm, and it enjoys power and weight-saving features such as electronic throttle control and cooling, an aluminum and silicon alloy crankcase, a distributor-less electronic ignition system, and variable valve timing. The six-speed manual transmission with hill-holder clutch, the only one offered, puts up EPA estimates of 14/20 mpg.

This rear-wheel-drive, two-door convertible has an M-calibrated sport suspension, including stiffened dampers and springs, an aluminum double-pivot gas-pressurized strut-type front suspension, a five-link rear suspension with coil springs and gas-pressurized shocks, and stabilizer bars front and rear. Its 18-inch wheels are 8.5 inches wide in the front and 1 inch wider in the rear. Wrapped in P245/40ZR18 front and P265/40ZR18 rear performance tires, grip should not be an issue. A limited-slip differential, traction control, and dynamic stability control corner babysitting duty.

Front air intake scoops, an M rear spoiler, flared fenders and wheel arches to accommodate the larger wheels, side air intake and fender gills, a chrome grille, clear signal lenses, unique M power heated mirrors, M door handles with ground lighting, and M badging all distinguish the M3 from its lesser siblings. Inside, an M three-spoke leather-wrapped tilt and telescoping steering wheel with integrated audio and phone controls, as well as M-color stitching and a special instrument cluster with faux-aluminum dials for the gauges all stand out. But the M3 does show a certain family resemblance, with standard 3 Series features such as 8-way power front bucket seats, a driver memory system, an AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with digital media connection, tri-zone climate control, dynamic cruise, and full power, including heated door locks and remote keyless entry.

Daytime running lights and steering-linked adaptive xenon headlights brighten the outside, while lighted visor mirrors, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and ambient interior lighting tackle the interior. Rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers with heated washer jets are standard. A center console leads back to the split-folding rear seat. A trip computer and outside temperature indicator are further 3 Series carryovers. Safety features include a tire pressure monitor, four-wheel ventilated swing-caliper disc brakes with vacuum assist and anti-skid, dual front, front side, and front and rear side head-protecting airbags, front-seat active head restraints, and a theft-deterrent system.