This is the view you command when you're behind the wheel of our long-term 2009 BMW M3.
The power dome in the hood is in plain view.
You don't need any M badges to remind you that this is the 3-series big dog.
Just glance out the windshield and look at that bulge: it tells you that this isn't just another USC-stickered 328 that litters the West Side of Los Angeles.
This is the all-conquering, magnificent-sounding, V8-powered M3, at the height of its existence.
Because, as Josh said, it's all downhill from here.
Albert Austria, Senior Engineer @ 10,200 miles
super_ongoy says:
05:31 AM, 10/ 9/09
Looks quiet ugly from the driver's seat. What did you name the car? Lumpy?
prndlol says:
06:30 AM, 10/ 9/09
Ha, the first thing i thought about when i saw the photo was that's the view of several thousand azhuls as they drive around thinking they're King Sh*t.
altimadude00 says:
06:37 AM, 10/ 9/09
Is that a Mini E across the street?
Is that the ThunderDome? Two cars enter, one car leaves!
lowmilelude says:
07:21 AM, 10/ 9/09
Here's the thing about the M3 - it's the car every driver wants to drive. Period. Paradoxically, it catches hate because of its stereotypical driver.
I say whatever. And, um...WANT.
911cs2 says:
07:32 AM, 10/ 9/09
Love the 'dome:
(1) it's functional - has to provide room for the S65 V8
(2) an ///M design feature as key as the Hoffmeister kink is to the BMW marque
(3) as you look over it, does give one a sense of the power beneath
louiswei says:
08:50 AM, 10/ 9/09
Here's another thing about the M3 - it's the car every ENTHUSIAST (10% if not less of the population) wants to DRIVE (but not OWN). Period.
Last year I passed up on an E46 M3 in mint condition, it was a 2006 with only 8,000 miles on it. I was very close on trading my car in for it but just couldn't fathom the thought that all the little problems I MIGHT have to deal with. I understand that it is still well within the warranty period but having to deal with all that while having a steady 7:30-to-5 job can be troublesome.
However, I would love to be able to drive a M3 on the track every weekend without the thought of having to deal with it when (not if) problems occur... That's just the blue of the single-car owners...
subytrojan says:
11:14 AM, 10/ 9/09
Low blow, Al! There are probably more UCLA-clad 3ers than USC ones in SoCal. I've heard the average family income of the average UCLA student is even more than that of the average family income of the average USC student. I still have a ton of debt from my USC edumacation.
Fight On! Beat the Bruins/Irish/anyone else!
SnakeDoctor says:
12:07 PM, 10/ 9/09
Suby -
It is my understanding that said USC 328s were once stored in the parking lots of some of the nation's most expensive sororities!
Regards,
Albert
jederino says:
01:32 PM, 10/ 9/09
I don't like the power dome - it reminds me of the hood scoop on the WRX, as seen from the driver's seat. Not good. What's worse in the Subaru is that the boxer's low placement in the engine bay could probably conceal the scoop and give a fantastic sloping hood and great visibility.
Other cars that could look better without power domes or scoops: CTS-V, Eagle Talon/Mistsubishi Eclipse, Mazdaspeed3
subytrojan says:
02:06 PM, 10/ 9/09
jederino, sometimes there isn't any way around it if there's a top-mount intercooler (TMIC).
kingkhalas says:
02:22 PM, 10/ 9/09
Way more USC bmw's in LA than UCLA.
USC people like to announce it on their cars.
slickersdrip says:
05:57 PM, 10/ 9/09
kingkhalas,
That's because USC alums have more to be proud of.
super_ongoy says:
06:57 PM, 10/ 9/09
Maybe you need to go see a doctor about that lump...
USC alums have more to be proud of what? OJ Simpson?
slickersdrip says:
07:11 PM, 10/ 9/09
George Lucas?
fuhteng says:
04:05 PM, 10/12/09
It still reminds me of a cop-piece.
pathos says:
02:08 PM, 10/18/09
The power dome is not a deal breaker. But I think it would look better w/o it. It also blocks my view a bit. Leave the vents, it's (one) is functional, and it gives the car a subtle nasty look.