The Harmon Kardon audio system produces impressive sound quality but its 6-disc trunk-mounted CD changer is still not as convenient as current multi-disc dash-mounted stackers - the only compensation is a single-disc dash CD player. While I appreciated the optional park distance control system it was hardly necessary on a car with such abbreviated overhangs. I would much rather have some electronic curb finders to protect the megabuck aluminum wheels. The rain sensing wipers were useful on the rare occasion that the showers subsided while BMW's navigation system, also optional, worked flawlessly as always.
While a $3,400 body color aluminum hardtop is available there's no need to spend the money if keeping out the cold and wet is your only prerogative. Sure a solid roof will help to protect its exterior fabric in colder climes, especially if road salt is a problem, but the cloth top is coupe-like quiet and impressively finished. Also, the glass rear window quickly defrosts offering a clear view rearward.
My test car was painted a beautiful deep red, Imola Red to be precise, contrasting well with the 18-inch titanium-finish alloy wheels and chromed engine air exhaust vents just aft of the front fenders. Its deep front fascia, incorporating large fog lights, looks purposeful, as does its twin chrome tipped exhaust pipes poking through the low rear valance.
Those pipes produce an ominous exhaust note that could make Valkyries cry. Simultaneously the eager 333-hp 3.2-L inline 6-cylinder revs to an equally sweet sounding 8,000 rpm. The M3 will have most people on sensory overload before leaving the driveway, with a quick 5.2 second blast to 100 km/h putting them over the top. Yes, it's that fast and then some, even in the wet.