2008 BMW M3 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Expert review
An engineering tour de force, the redesigned 2008 BMW M3 features V8 power, an available dual-clutch automated manual transmission, and supercar levels of performance.
BMW’s redesigned 2008 M3 is available in 2-door coupe, 2-door convertible, and for the second time in the model’s history, 4-door sedan body styles. The coupe features a standard, lightweight, carbon-fiber roof to reduce overall weight and lower the car’s center of gravity. The convertible has a rather heavy and complex power retractable hardtop that chews into trunk space. The sedan, missing from the previous-generation M3 lineup, returns to serve enthusiast drivers who must carry passengers on a regular basis. All three are an absolute joy to drive.
out of 10 expert review
Look & feel
Look past the flame-surfaced design details that have stirred controversy over the appearance of modern BMWs, and note the 2008 M3’s subtle hood swell. It’s not for looks. Rather, it’s necessary to clear the new V8 engine. Additional design features include a subtle body kit including a rear diffuser panel, aero-styled side mirrors, sexy hood and fender vents, quad exhaust outlets, and a tidy lip spoiler. Multiple wheel designs are available, all of them appealing.
Significantly bolstered front sport seats dominate the high-quality cabin, along with a central dashboard bubble that houses the M3’s dreaded iDrive infotainment system. It mars what would otherwise be considered an example of a perfect driving environment: all business in order to maximize pleasure.
Performance
Perhaps the most significant departure from previous versions of the M3 is the engine. The new one comes with a phenomenal 414-horsepower 4.0-liter V8 engine that revs to an astounding 8,400 rpm. Peak horsepower is made just before redline but the engine’s 295 pound-feet of torque is available at a more reasonable 3,900 rpm, at the lower end of what is a flat and usable curve.
A 6-speed manual gearbox is standard, and a 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission (DCT) with paddle shifters is an option. An electronic variable locking rear differential is also along for the shenanigans, helping to get the power down to the ground.
Officially, the M3 coupe with the DCT is the quickest version of the car, rushing to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. The heavier M3 sedan requires a couple of ticks longer, while the hefty M3 convertible does the deed in about 5 seconds flat. Versions with a manual gearbox require a third of a second longer to get to that speed, and that’s if you’re an expert with a clutch and stick.
As is expected, the BMW M3 gets a full steering, suspension, and braking upgrade, making it the most capable of any 3 Series. Still, in comparison to the previous M3, hundreds of pounds of added weight won’t go unnoticed by the most attuned enthusiast drivers. With that said, anyone new to the M3, or who never drove the E46 iteration, will have an absolute blast while behind the wheel of the 2008 model.
Form & function
Coupes and convertibles seat four people, two of them comfortably. For 5-passsenger seating, get the M3 sedan.
Leather upholstery is available, and in the M3 convertible, the material is sun-reflective to repel heat when the car is parked with the top down. Though significantly bolstered, the front sport seats are mighty comfortable once you’ve got them adjusted to your preferences. They provide a perfect driving position behind the thick-rimmed tilt/telescopic steering wheel and do a great job of holding you in place when you’re whipping the car through sets of S curves.
For the most part, the controls are laid out in an intuitive manner, with just a handful of quibbles related to climate and stereo system operation. The clunky and unnecessarily complex iDrive technology is another story entirely, and it’s best to get it set up before driving the car and then limit your interactions with it as much as is possible.
Choose the M3 convertible, and you’ll get the smallest trunk, at 9.0 cubic feet. And if you decide to drop the top, the trunk shrinks significantly, since the roof stacks and stores inside of it. For maximum trunk volume, get the M3 sedan, which supplies 12 cubic feet of the stuff. The M3 coupe’s boot is just a bit smaller, at 11.1 cubic feet.
Technology
Known as iDrive, BMW’s infotainment system has finally found its way into the new 2008 M3. Given that the stereo and climate controls are separated from iDrive’s display screen and center console controls, you don’t need to interact with it on a regular basis. But when you do, it can be a cause for criticism rather than celebration.
Aside from this abomination, the M3 features a CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, an iPod adapter, a USB audio input port, and 10 speakers. Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard, and the M3 offers remote keyless entry with push-button ignition, a trip computer, a Bluetooth hands-free cell phone connection, and a navigation system with a map that shows traffic conditions.
Additionally, an M button on the steering wheel automatically calibrates the M3’s dynamic settings for specific kinds of driving, and buttons on the center console adjust the car’s adaptive suspension, throttle response, and traction/stability control sensitivity.
Safety
Every 2008 BMW M3 has a full complement of airbags, though convertibles lack the side curtain airbags that are included in the coupe and sedan. Traction and stability control systems are also on-board, and BMW Assist is a telematics service that can call for help in the event of an accident.
While crash-test ratings exist for the 3 Series convertible and sedan, none are automatically applied to the M3 due to the performance car’s different engineering, components, and materials. It is worth noting, however, that the 3 Series convertible earns a Marginal rating in the side-impact crash-test according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Cost-effectiveness
A BMW M3 is not cheap. Prices for the sedan start at $53,800, while the coupe costs $56,500. For maximum fun in the sun, prepare to spend a minimum of $64,950. These values are all about $15,000 more than rear-wheel-drive versions of the BMW 335i, itself a relatively speedy and enjoyable car.
Then again, the real value in M3 ownership resides within the car’s engineering, its exclusivity, and the fact that it’s the best BMW 3 Series money can buy. For people with the means, that’s probably all that matters.
What owners say
"Overall, M3 owners rave about its exhilarating performance and impressive power, calling it a true driver's car. Many appreciate its thrilling acceleration, smooth handling, and the captivating roar of its V8 engine. However, some express concerns about its comfort for daily use and its relatively poor gas mileage, which is somewhat expected from a performance-oriented car."
BMW M3 / Dinan S3-R Custom Built Beast - All it needs now is the Dinan Upgrades to become the Real Beast !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Pros: Everything Cons: Nothing
March 27, 2008One word. Visceral. The engine in this car, the S65 V-8, will keep you coming back for more and more day after day. The journey to redline (in my car 8600 RPM) is unlike any other road car Ive driven. Above 6000 RPM the intake noise and steadily increasing ferocity of acceleration will leave you breathless and a bit scared. Like pistons are going to shoot out of the block if you dont stop! Are there faster cars out there with press you in the seat torque? Absolutely. None of those vehicles will hold your attention for month after month, year after year like the E9X M3 will. Points to note: - Mine is a 2008 M3 6MT. I have had it 2.5 years, put 11K miles on it and put about $2700 into repairs.- it is amazingly satisfying to drive on back roads and open highways. Handling is predictable, neutral and rewarding. Braking is instantaneous and adequate. Intake sounds remind me every, single time why I bought it. - In my humble opinion, this car does exactly what is was intended to do and nothing more. Dont believe the hype or criticisms and do your own research (and driving). You may hate it, you may love it. - My recommended options: Get M-drive - it permits driver adjustment of steering speed, throttle response, suspension setting and stability control. If you like music, get one with the individual audio system. It generally lacks low-end response, but mid and highs are clear enough for my amateur ears as well the sound-stage and imaging make me happy. - Get the Dual Clutch (DCT) if you plan to track it, otherwise the 6MT is the way to go for daily driving.
March 29, 2015Weight: 3650 lbs Drive: Rear Wheel Horsepower : 420 Bhp Torque: 295.00 Ft-Lbs Engine: 4.2L V8 Hp to weight ratio: 8.7 LB / HP Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
January 22, 2008What owners say
BMW M3 / Dinan S3-R Custom Built Beast - All it needs now is the Dinan Upgrades to become the Real Beast !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Pros: Everything Cons: Nothing
March 27, 2008One word. Visceral. The engine in this car, the S65 V-8, will keep you coming back for more and more day after day. The journey to redline (in my car 8600 RPM) is unlike any other road car Ive driven. Above 6000 RPM the intake noise and steadily increasing ferocity of acceleration will leave you breathless and a bit scared. Like pistons are going to shoot out of the block if you dont stop! Are there faster cars out there with press you in the seat torque? Absolutely. None of those vehicles will hold your attention for month after month, year after year like the E9X M3 will. Points to note: - Mine is a 2008 M3 6MT. I have had it 2.5 years, put 11K miles on it and put about $2700 into repairs.- it is amazingly satisfying to drive on back roads and open highways. Handling is predictable, neutral and rewarding. Braking is instantaneous and adequate. Intake sounds remind me every, single time why I bought it. - In my humble opinion, this car does exactly what is was intended to do and nothing more. Dont believe the hype or criticisms and do your own research (and driving). You may hate it, you may love it. - My recommended options: Get M-drive - it permits driver adjustment of steering speed, throttle response, suspension setting and stability control. If you like music, get one with the individual audio system. It generally lacks low-end response, but mid and highs are clear enough for my amateur ears as well the sound-stage and imaging make me happy. - Get the Dual Clutch (DCT) if you plan to track it, otherwise the 6MT is the way to go for daily driving.
March 29, 2015Weight: 3650 lbs Drive: Rear Wheel Horsepower : 420 Bhp Torque: 295.00 Ft-Lbs Engine: 4.2L V8 Hp to weight ratio: 8.7 LB / HP Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
January 22, 2008Everything about this car is amazing. My favorite thing is the way the car sounds when you rev the engine. I would definitely recomend this car to anyone who can afford it. This car is a lot of fun to drive because it really lets you feel the road and the car is just amazing.
November 8, 20082008 M3 is the first M3 to use a V8 engine; previous M3s had 4 or 6 cylinders. The engine and I'm only going into detail is a 4.0 liter V8 that revs to 8,400 RPM and puts out 414 horsepower and 295 Lb-ft of torque. It's still very fast, practical and well built.
August 19, 2008Great car, with a 4.0 v8 engine producing 420bhp, the bmw m3 sprints from 0-100 in 4.8 seconds.
May 1, 2008M3 POWERFUL MACHINE - wordless....the best I´ve ever driven. Safe. I love the engine "noise",freedom, powerful. The power botton is awesome, i love to watch through my mirror and see how fast the cars in my back become smalller and smaller. AMAZING!!! and faster than the other one (M3 2006). Much better the manual transmission, was hard to find, but I did it.INSIDE IS A BEAUTY!!
August 11, 2010Every single detail of this car is flatout unbelievable. The interior design is epic especially the red leather that I got. The Jet Black color makes the car look so sleek and quite honestly badass. The quality of car is just amazing.
July 27, 2009Best all around car hands down. Its comfortable, fast, fun, easy to slide sideways, has great curb appeal and all the amenities. It has a real, usable back seat and a decent trunk. All the maintenance is included by BMW which makes this a real life super car that almost any person can own.
July 22, 2008Just like the makers of BMW say, "It's the ultimate driving machine."
June 20, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $64,950 | Seating 4 |
Engine 4.0L 414 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 9.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 16 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $56,500 | Seating 4 |
Engine 4.0L 414 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 11.1 cu ft |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $53,800 | Seating 5 |
Engine 4.0L 414 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 12.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain RWD |
