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It was motor racing that first persuaded BMW to prefix the name of its smallest model range with the letter ‘M’. The first ‘E30’ M3 was built in small numbers to legitimise its appearance at circuits around the globe, but such was the popularity of the concept – high power, low mass and a small footprint on the road – that the company was forced to consider a replacement.

One followed in 1993, then another in 2000, and this – model designation E92 – is the fourth-generation M3. Sales ...Read the full article

Well, in my eyes the the BMW M3 is one of the best cars in the world. Its much better than the RS4.

I do not have my own experience with these cars but here is what I think (not that it matters)...

 New M3 is not so hard core and driver focused as the E46 was. It is more user friendly and aimed at wider range of customers. Well Audi is  also user friendly and great drive but in my eyes better all-rouder. I would therfore chose Audi. It is the best A4 ever. But is new M3 best 3 series ever?

That said, these cars are so close to each other that you chose accordig your own unlogical preferneces. Something like EVO vs Scooby.....
 

handbrake:

New M3 is not so hard core and driver focused as the E46 was. It is more user friendly and aimed at wider range of customers. Well Audi is  also user friendly and great drive but in my eyes better all-rouder. I would therfore chose Audi. It is the best A4 ever. But is new M3 best 3 series ever?

That said, these cars are so close to each other that you chose accordig your own unlogical preferneces. Something like EVO vs Scooby.....

Well said, I prefer scoobys to evo's although on the evidence of the new models this may change, while I prefer Audi's to BMW, due mainly to appearance and the internal architecture, Can't stand the dash on the 3 series, so bland and uninteresting. Having driven the current 3 series 320 D SE M sport, the ride left alot to be desired also. Very crashy with little or no give.

I drove 2007 BMW 330xd and it was perfect on smooth roads. But, and it is a big but, on a B-road it was unforgivingly hard. And that slows you down because that all "road-not-holding" felt really expensive.

BMWracer67:

Well, in my eyes the the BMW M3 is one of the best cars in the world. Its much better than the RS4.

As Smokey Robinson said: "I 2nd that emotion".

The M5 is right up there too..any one of them.

I love the looks of the M3 coupe, but for me I love the idea of practicality even more hence the RS4 Avant gets my vote.  Though here's hoping the M3 estate will be a looker!

It looks as if BMW M3 can expect some serious competition. Not just from Audi (RS4) and Mercedes (C63), but from Japan as well.

Some American magazines have tested Lexus IS-F against the M3 and it seems a bit quicker. Both on salom as braking.

See http://www.isf-blog.com/2007/12/faster-then-a-9.html 

That's quite unexpected, perhaps.

I love the looks of the IS-F, real aggression and four square stance. The RS4 gives the same impression, next to these the M3 looks a little effeminate. It looks like it will be bought by estate agents with satchel bags!

Let's face it, the only way this car will be an unforgetable car is if a Touring version comes, and soon.

It's a tad annoying that so many people are so opinionated about the M3 when hardly any, if not all of them have never driven it, let alone own it! I saved like a demon to buy the new coupe, having had the previous models convertible. I'm approaching 2000 miles in the car now and feel much of the criticism is unfounded. Yes there are issues, as any journo will take pleasure in describing. But for me, (Joe public!) it's an incredible machine. I tested the RS4 and thought it just as good, and I have owned Audi's in the past. But as I am not fortunate enough to be able to buy both cars and drive them simultaneously, it's irrelevant in every day life which is better than the other, and only then by a knats-***. Choose one and enjoy. I seriously doubt that there are many people out there that come close to exploiting these cars to anything like their full potential anyway, I put myself at the top of that list in case you think me arrogant. To get close requires prison baiting  levels of 'un-sociable' driving. I live in Norwich, the opportunities to 'hang' the tail out all day around Norwichs' roads are fairly limited, but I enjoy the car just as much and in spite of this. All the reviews and forums can't describe the tingle of anticipation I get every time I start this baby up, even if it is just to go to the garage for a fill-up!!

well put rob_m and I respect your opinion.  however you should also allow those less fortunate than yourself to comment on areas where we are entitled to an opinion, e.g. the looks.

whilst i count myself as relatively privileged and have a good job that pays well, it would still take me over 10 years to save for an M3!