Road Test

BMW M3

Test date 29 August 2007  Price as tested £50,245

For  Colossal performance, fine chassis balance, interior fit and finish

Against Driver's seat is too high, thick steering wheel, appalling fuel range

How much ?

  • Price as tested £50,245
  • Price as tested £50,524

How fast

  • 0-30mph 2.1 sec
  • 0-60mph 4.7 sec
  • 0-100mph 10.2 sec
  • 0-150mph 26.5 sec
  • 0-200mph  no data
  • 30-70mph  3.7 sec
  • 0-400m  13.3 / 112 sec/mph
  • 0-1000m  23.5 / 143 sec/mph
  • 30-50mph in 3rd/4th  3.1 / 4.3
  • 40-60mph in 4th/5th  4.1 / 5.2 sec
  • 50-70mph in 5th  5 sec
  • 60-0mph  2.62 sec
  • Top speed  155 mph
  • Noise at 70mph  68 dbA

How thirsty?

  • Test average  19 mpg
  • Test best/worst  25.2 / 9.5

Government figures

  • Combined/urban  22.8 / 15.8 mpg
  • CO2 emissions  295 g/km

How big?

  • Length  4615 mm
  • Width  1804 mm
  • Height  1418 mm
  • Wheelbase  2761 mm
  • Weight  1655 kg
  • Fuel tank  63.0 litres

Engine

  • Layout V8 cyls Vee , 3999 cc
  • Max power 414 bhp at 8300 rpm
  • Max torque 295 ft at 3900 rpm
  • Specific output 103.5bhp per litre bhp per litre
  • Power to weight 261bhp per tonne bhp per tonne
  • Installation F Longitudinal
  • Bore/stoke 92.0x75.2 mm
  • Compression ratio 12.0:1
  • Valve gear 4 per cyl
  • Ignition and fuel no data, Unleaded

Gearbox

  • Type 6-speed Manual
  • 1st 4.1 / 5
  • 2nd 2.37 / 8.6
  • 3rd 1.58 / 12.9
  • 4th 1.19 / 17.1
  • 5th 1 / 20.3
  • 6th 0.87 / 23.3
  • Final drive 3.846

Suspension

  • Front MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
  • Rear Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar

Steering

  • Type Rack and pinion, hydraulic power assistance and Servotronic
  • Lock to lock 2.30

Brakes

  • Front 360mm ventilated discs
  • Rear 350mm ventilated discs

Wheel & tyres

  • Size front 8.5J x 18 in
  • Size rear 9.5J x 18 in
  • Made of Alloy
  • Tyres front 245/35 ZR19 93Y
  • Tyres rear 245/35 ZR19 98Y

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