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2010 BMW M3

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 BMW M3

Overview

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2010 BMW M3 Review

By KBB.com Editors

BMW's original M3 high-performance compact coupe was created in 1986 as a road-going version of its 3 Series-based German Touring Car Championship race car, and it arrived Stateside two years later. Powered by a pumped-up 192-horsepower 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, it quickly carved a reputation as the ultimate performance iteration of BMW's iconic 3 Series. Second- and third-generation M3s packed six-cylinder engines, the latest (2006) model boasting 333 horsepower. The 2010 fourth-generation M3 moves up to a high-revving 4.0-liter V8 with 414 horsepower under its domed and vented hood. While we love Mercedes-Benz's C63 and Cadillac's Corvette-powered CTS-V, BMW's M3 compact muscle machine remains the gold standard of this rare, expensive and exhilarating class of car.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you are already a BMW 3 Series or M3 enthusiast, this 2010 M3 is easily the best yet. If its hefty sticker is within your reach, you'll delight in its raw performance, racer-like handling, sophisticated electronic features and, yes, its long-established and well-deserved king-of-the-hill reputation.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you are not a BMW worshiper and crave something more exclusive, check out the more powerful Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, Cadillac CTS-V and Lexus IS F sedans.

What's New for 2010

For 2010, the BMW M3 Sedan and Coupe gain HD Radio and automatic high beams.

Driving the M3

Driving Impressions The M3 is terrific fun on a race track and nearly as much when driven sanely on public roads. If you enter a turn a bit too fast it remains...

predictable, the steering tracks precisely and the big brakes provide remarkable fade-resistance, even during sustained hard driving. The race-bred V8 hits its amazing 8,400-rpm redline almost too quickly in the lower gears before its throttle shuts off to prevent over-revving; but shift before it reaches that point, however, and the M3 can rocket from rest to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and on to a computer-limited top speed of 155 mph. You won't often be able to safely use all this exhilarating performance on the road, but just knowing it's there will make you smile.

Favorite Features

Dynamic Stability Control
Selectively applies brakes and reduces power when needed to maintain stability but can be switched off. Its Start-Off Assistant prevents roll-back when launching on a hill, Cornering Brake Control stabilizes when braking in a curve and brake pre-loading builds up instant pressure when it senses an emergency stop may be imminent.

Optional M Double-clutch Transmission with Drivelogic
This seven-speed gearbox operates like two separate transmissions handing off to each other from ratio to ratio. There's no clutch pedal but 11 shift programs (five automatic, six manual), and it can be shifted on the fly with the throttle on the floor (no interruption of power) through either its shift lever or steering wheel paddles.

2010 BMW M3 Details

Interior

The leather-covered steering wheel's spokes incorporate controls for audio and phone and the available MDrive button, and the black leather-trimmed center console presents a trio of switches for the electronic driving programs (Power, DSC and optional EDC). Accent trim is carbon fiber, M-car logos decorate the door sills, instruments are specific "M style" and the tachometer warning zone rotates upward to the maximum 8300 rpm as engine oil temperature increases. The front seats are available with backrest-width adjustments and optional folding rear seats open the interior to the 15.2 cubic-foot trunk. The available Navigation system requires BMW's newest -and much improved – iteration of its iDrive system.

Exterior

The M3's purposeful face flaunts its trademark BMW twin-kidney grille between quad xenon headlamps and above three large intakes that feed high volumes of air to its engine and brakes; hence, it foregoes the fog lamps found on other 3 Series models. It sports signature M-car front-fender gills with tri-color M3 logos and sharp character creases over pronounced rocker sills. A discreet decklid spoiler reduces both aerodynamic drag and rear lift, while a split diffuser beneath the rear bumper mimics the front air intakes' shape above four serious circular tailpipes.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2010 M3 is the only car in its class with a carbon-fiber-reinforced composite roof, and its chassis and suspension are aluminum for light weight and near-50/50 front-to-rear weight distribution. Its powerful four-wheel disc brakes utilize large (14.2-inch front, 13.8-inch rear) vented and cross-drilled rotors inside low-profile performance tires on 18-inch M-Style wheels. Also standard are M-Servotronic speed-variable power steering with Normal and Sport modes, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Start-Off Assistant, Cornering Brake Control (CBC), brake pre-loading and brake drying, a premium audio system with single-disc CD and auxiliary input jack, six airbags, BMW Ultimate Service, BMW Assist and Roadside Assistance.

Optional Equipment

The 2010 M3s offer BMW's M twin-clutch 7-speed transmission with DCT Drivelogic and 11 separate shift programs (five automatic, six manual). Other significant options include 19-inch wheels and tires, Electronic Damper Control (EDC; with Sport, Normal and Comfort modes), M Drive with steering-wheel button to instantly activate a set of pre-programmed dynamic variables, front-seat backrest-width adjustment, fold-down rear seatbacks, Navigation system with iDrive, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, USB-enabled port for iPod and iPhone control and Technology and Premium Packages that include groups of the above.

Under the Hood

The 2010 BMW M3's light-alloy 32-valve double-overhead-camshaft 4.0-liter V8 delivers 414 high-revving horses and 295 pound-feet of torque, with 85 percent of the latter available from 3,900 through 6,500 rpm. It is 24 percent more powerful than the last-generation M3's inline six-cylinder engine, yet weighs seven percent less. Its compression ratio is a high 12.0:1 and its redline an astounding 8,400 rpm. A separate throttle butterfly for each cylinder - a feature adapted from the M's racing heritage - provides immediate reaction to the accelerator pedal at any rpm and double-VANOS variable camshaft management delivers fast valve timing adjustments to enhance power, torque, fuel economy and emissions all at once. It drives through a standard six-speed manual transmission or a new optional twin-clutch seven-speed that can be shifted automatically or manually with steering-wheel paddles.

4.0-liter V8
414 horsepower @ 8300 rpm
295 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3900 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/20 (Sedan and Coupe), 13/20 (Convertible, manual)

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used BMW M3 vehicles for sale near you.

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2010 BMW M3 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.7

Out of 10

Based on 57 Ratings for the 2008 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.5/10

Quality

8.8/10
Reliability

8.7/10

Performance

9.3/10
Comfort

8.9/10

Styling

9.2/10

Still the best performance, all around car

By Mike (AZ) on Monday, December 17, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 29,530

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Excellent driving dynamics"

Cons: "Fuel consumption is not great; I average 19.5 mpg."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Having owned various cars before from Fords and Chevys to Cadillac, and rented a multitude of cars while on business travel, the BMWs have always been the most gas/power efficient and best driving dynamics among all I've driven. In particular the E92 M3 is so much better than the E92 335i that I owned. Specifically, the M3 suspension is better tuned, it doesn't bottom out over speed bumps at the same speeds and not as twitchy. I would recommend anyone to seriously drive a new or used M3 and compare the driving dynamics over smooth or rough roads and on straight and curvy roads and you'll really feel the difference! The 2010 M3 coupe, which I have has only one fault: Fuel consumption is not great; I average 19.5 mpg combined city/highway."

10 people out of 11 found this review helpful

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Best vehicle I have ever owned

By terpslacrosse (FL) on Sunday, November 04, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 11,500

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 5/10

Pros: "Looks, power, handling"

Cons: "Expensive but worth it."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"The car is everything that BMW advertises. The combination of power and handling is phenomenal. This is a warm weather car. It is a little slippery when it gets under 40 degrees. This will probably be the last V8 M3 - drive one if you get a chance."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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A great all-round fast car look - no further

By Rndm (TX) on Sunday, October 07, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 29,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Fast comfortable, special enough for the money"

Cons: "Lighten, needs better brakes for perf"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"I have owned a number of BMWs and this is my favorite yet. I picked it up in Munich and was able to take it on the Autobahn to the Nordschleife and it performed well as a comfortable GT as well as an engaging track car. Since the M3's arrival in the States it has been: * more reliable than any of my past BMWs including a newer car in the stable * a comfortable commuter * a responsive track car - that one can truly drive (turning off some electronic 'nannies') * it looks elegantly fast without being over-the-top * it is a 'heritage' car. M3 = Motorsport history as well as current DTM and ALMS * if you spec it out, it does feel more special than the production volumes suggest - for e.g. I have extended leather - love it. The E92 M3 is also not an obviously quick car: I like its understatedness. If you want to be 'seen', then this is not your sled (see GT-R et al). Negatives? * the 6MT could be a more fluid on the lower gears * yes, the wonderful high-rev V8 does need to be 'worked' - this is not an effortlessly fast car, ie, more torque would be a boon (solution is available as a supercharger) * the brakes are good, not great, relative to the rest of the car's abilities - 6-piston calipers next time, please BMW (ie a Brembo-like GT design) * first and last NA V8 in an M3 - guess that's a plus then! ;-) Great car but I think my next will be a 991 CS2: it will still be NA."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Just a solid performing, beautiful to look at ride

By T Kang (WA) on Saturday, August 18, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 45,299

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Ultimate Driving Machine!!!!"

Cons: "None really, but she's has a thirsty V8."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I purchased my '08 M3 with 4500 miles on it in 2009. I've loved every minute of driving it. Service experience with BMW is second to none. Car looks, sounds, smells, drives everything great. They really do make the ultimate driving machine!!! I have terrific brand loyalty for BMW, now just wishing that they made even higher end cars ala what Audi did with the R8."

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A true car guys dream car!

By Daryl (CA) on Friday, April 06, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 65,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Power, adgility, braking power, ahhh factor...Sexy"

Cons: "Thirsty on gas, 2K for new tires,"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have owened 2 M3's now. First was a 2006 M3 that set my inner car guy pasion a blaze. I have owned many cars including a Testerossa and Porsche. The M3 is hands down the best car I have personally had. It is well balenced and capable of intense speeds with quick responsive stoping capabilities. I was shoping for a manual transmision when I got my first one but "Settled" for the SMG....This was and is an amazing piece of automotive enginering that I will not go without again. Love the Padel shifts in a corner at speed and the ability to power out of a corner with a flick of a finger tip. My current M3 is every bit as much fun as my last one. I am not sure the newer body style warrents the extra dollar spent. Sure ya get 2 extra cylenders but dollar for dollar Rev for Rev it just did not make a huge difference to me. To sum it up I would say that you will not be unhappy with the purchase of an M3...Hide the keys and and watch your teenagers. Keep it all to yourself. You have worked hard so live a little..."

6 people out of 7 found this review helpful

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What a drive!

By ACF (PA) on Friday, March 23, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 20,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "High quality fit and finish, great drive!"

Cons: "Ummm, a little pricey?"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have the 2011 M3 convertible. Great drive, a symphony of RPMs from the engine with the top down, great fit and finish, though you do pay for it. Fully loaded it gets pricey but worth every penny and compared to others in it's class it has held it's value well. The current M3 is 2007 technology and still competes with new versions of the 911, C63, and RS4. My car has been very reliable, and I drive it frequently, no problems thus far. This E9x will be a well regarded M3, although it is heavier than prior versions, it will likely be the last naturally aspirated M3 and newer versions will not be as customizable. Bolt on a supercharger to this M3 and it will easily achieve over 500 or even 600 bhp. The double clutch transmission is easy and fun to drive, and though not the enthusiasts choice, it is nice to knock it into auto when you have to get to your phone or briefcase. If you want a car that has similar performance measures and costs $20k less, get a 2012 ford mustang GT. If you want quality and refinement with your performance, get the M3. If you want both, buy it used..."

10 people out of 10 found this review helpful

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