2011 bmw m3 review
2011 test car came with BMW's M double-clutch transmission, and I have to say that even though I generally prefer manuals, I'd probably take this transmission if I were buying an M3.
I'm not a fan of BMW's gear selectors for its automatic transmissions. Our test car had optional 19-inch wheels, and, as you'd expect, they did affect the ride.
The 2011 BMW M3 is available in sedan, coupe and convertible body styles. The coupe adds a carbon-fiber roof and split-folding rear seat, while the convertible adds a fully powered retractable hardtop and sun-reflective leather.
The Cold Weather package adds heated front seats and retractable headlight washers. The Premium package adds power-folding auto-dimming mirrors, BMW Assist telematics, Bluetooth, leather upholstery and different interior trim. The Technology package adds electronic damping control, M Drive adjustable settings, keyless ignition/entry, the iDrive electronics interface and a navigation system with voice controls and real-time traffic. Most of the above items are available as stand-alone options along with 19-inch wheels, a sunroof (deletes carbon-fiber roof on the coupe), rear parking sensors, automatic high beams, power rear sunshade (coupe and sedan), a split-folding rear seat (sedan), satellite radio, an iPod/USB adapter and a 16-speaker premium sound system.
The coupe and sedan can be equipped with the Competition package, which adds EDC (electronic damping control), 19-inch wheels with high-performance tires, a lowered suspension and different programming for EDC and stability control.
A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and a seven-speed dual-clutch automated-manual transmission (M DCT) is optional. The latter offers manual operation via steering-wheel paddles as well as a full automatic mode. All M3s feature a specialized locking rear differential.
Standard safety features for the 2010 BMW M3 include front seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, antilock disc brakes, traction control and stability control. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests gave the 3 Series sedan "Good" ratings (the highest possible) in both frontal-offset and side-impact crash testing, although the convertible received a second-lowest "Marginal" score.
The M designation used to stand for a supreme-confidence and ultra-track-driving segment of BMW known as the “Motorsport Division”. Read the complete results of our 2011 BMW M3 road test in the following review.
Standard safety features include full-length side-curtain airbags, front seat side airbags, stability control, anti-lock brakes, and traction control.
The BMW M3’s specs are as follows:
-Car pricing: MSRP: $55,400 - $67,050; Invoice $51,150 - $61,865
-Fuel Economy: 14/20 mpg city/highway
-Transmission: six-speed manual transmission standard with a seven-speed dual clutch automated manual optional
-Warranty: 4-years/50,000 miles
Still available as a coupe, sedan, or retractable-hardtop convertible, the BMW M3 is a high-performance vehicle, with a high-performance exterior to match. Standard exterior features include 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels with performance tires, xenon headlights, and short, and keyless entry.
The M3 earns consistent praise in car reviews for its supportive yet comfortable sports seats. Standard interior features include HD radio, automatic climate control, power-adjustable sports seats with memory functions, cruise control, and a 10-speaker audio system.
