The M-3 has always been one of my favorite BMWs It is not a big car and it is high performance and still relatively affordable for some people. When I sold BMWs in Florida back in 88 and 89 the M-3 only came in a coupe and was a 220 horsepower 4 cylinder that was pretty darned quick. It cost under $40,000. Later they went to a 6 cylinder and now the 2009 the M-3 has a 400 horsepower V-8 and is like a rocket on wheels. It is still a blast to drive and handles like a low slung sports car. The M-3 is definitely what I would consider and Ultimate Driving Machine. For 2009 the M-3 comes as a coupe, a four door sedan, and a convertible. They are all nice and driving an M-3 Convertible in the mountains on a warm summer day is something that everybody ought to get to experience at least once in their life. I would WANT the convertible of course but would settle for the sedan. The 2009 BMW M-3 has a very potent 4.0 liter 32 valve V-8 engine that puts out 414 horsepower at 8300 RPM. They really wind it up but it is built to take it. Both the coupe and the sedan weight under 3800 pounds. The retractable hardtop convertible is a little over 4100 pounds. O-60 times are 4.7 for the coupe and sedan and 5.2 for the heavier convertible. And at 60 the engine is just beginning to get to where it really screams. It will hit 130 before you know what happened and it is fast but it still will not outrun a radio so don’t try it. This relatively small 4.0 V-8 has the M Double VANOS steplessly variable valve timing. Each cylinder has its own electronically controlled throttle. The engine has Digital Motor electronics with on board diagnostics, oil coolant heat exchanger, distributorless electronic ignition and a 3 way catalytic converter. You can play hot rodder with the six speed manual transmission or go with the even faster shifting 7 speed Double Clutch Transmission with drive logic and paddle shifters on the back of the steering wheel.. Needless to say this little bomb will flat get with the program and is a real blast to drive. As you would expect on a Ultimate Driving Machine the new M-3 has all kind of fancy handling, ride and braking technologies.. The M-3 has Dynamic Stability Control, All Season Traction with Variable M Differential Lock. Electronic Damping Control with Comfort, Normal and Sports Modes. The M-3 has variable speed sensitive variable assist power steering, M drive with M Dynamic Mode, M Suspension with twin-joints spring strut front axle, $ wheel BMW M vacuum assisted, cross drilled compound disc brakes with floating brake rotors and high performance-tuned anti-lock braking system with Dynamic Braking Control. You can read all kind of specs and stats but the only way to fully appreciate what a wonderful vehicle the M-3 really is is to get behind the wheel and drive one. Cornering and performance are just amazing. What a blast to drive on a winding mountain road. The only thing that slows you down is traffic and hopefully some common sense. The power adjustable sport seats keep you put in hard cornering.. Alwaays wear your seat belts. What a neat car. The new 2009 BMW M-3 is pretty pricey for most of us but if you can afford one, definitely treat yourself. The sedan goes from $54830 to $67,128, the coupe goes from $57, 850 to $70,750 and the convertible will set you back from $66,500 to $77,075. Not cheap but one awesome piece of machinery for the lucky folks who can afford one. The M-3 has an awesome stereo system and has vehicle speed sensitive equallization. You have your choice of 8 exterior colors and 4 leather interior colors. One AWESOME car for those who can afford one. Category:Home › Home • Will higher gasoline prices mean lower sales for new cars? — part 2 • Will higher gasoline prices mean lower sales for new cars? — part 1 • Should the crew of the Sea Shepherd board whaling ships? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 13 • Grandparents: Can blogging chronicle your genealogy? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 12 • Are teachers unions the cause of public school problems today? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 11