News

2004 BMW M3 SMG Road Test

Obtain the best financial rate for your car loan at Automobile En Direct

October 17, 2003

Fortunately braking is as sensational as forward thrust, with fade, even after repeated panic stops, virtually imperceptible.

Options such as rain sensing automatic wipers and 6-disc in-dash CD changer quickly increase the M3's price, but in the end it still rings in cheaper than a Porsche 911. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)

As much as I love the M3 it's not without fault. Well, maybe fault isn't the right word as some buyers would rather not have a 6-disc in-dash CD changer standard due to the added weight penalty. It's a $795 option if you get the urge. The rain sensing automatic wipers and automatic headlight functionality must be heavy too, as it costs an extra $150. Add in the $3,100 navigation system, the $4,900 SMG transmission and $2,400 19-inch alloy rims, plus a few trim options, and the price soars to a lofty $88K and change. Still, that's $12,000 less that a less equipped Porsche 911 with comparable performance.

Not for the feint of heart, the M3 is about as close to the feeling of a race car as possible, while remaining street legal. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)

Personally, I'd like my M3 sans electronic add-ons, leather, carpeting and sound deadening insulation. Throw in a roll-cage, a set of racing seats and 5-point harnesses, probably a fire extinguisher for good measure, and we'll see you at the track.

And that pretty well sums up the M3. In the end it gets about as close to the feeling of a race car as possible, while remaining street legal. It's not for the feint of heart, hardly the ride for partially committed drivers. But if focused on the road ahead, eyes up on the horizon, both hands on the steering wheel and seatback forward and upright, the M3 rewards input like few other cars. And what kind of a price can you put on that?

Specifications: