As you can see, our BMW M3 has rake. I'm referring to that slight tilt forward that makes it looks like it's ready to take off even though it's just sitting there. The look is a combination of its actual tilt and the rising waistline of the car.
This used to be a common design theme that you would see if everything from sportscars to station wagons. Now you see all too many cars that are cursed with slab-sided lines and a perfectly flat stance. Some cars can pull it off e.g. Chrysler 300, but most can't. On the M3, it's actually a pretty subtle design cue, but it makes a big difference when you see the car on the road. Those big meats on the back help too.
Ed Hellwig, Senior Editor, Inside Line @ 17,181 miles
jederino says:
03:43 PM, 02/22/10
I don't think the 3 is an exciting looker, but the details are all taken care of, including rake. It has the look of quality and intelligent design, by a single designer with a purpose. Albeit a conservative one.
roadburner says:
04:10 PM, 02/22/10
"I don't think the 3 is an exciting looker, but the details are all taken care of, including rake. It has the look of quality and intelligent design, by a single designer with a purpose. Albeit a conservative one."
The BMW marque initially flourished in this country due to the fact that the cars were remarkably well balanced sport coupes and sedans. You bought one because of the performance and engineering- not the styling. Funny thing, my son now wants my 1975 2002 for "his" car. His friends call it "old school cool". At least it's not fast enough to get him into too much trouble...
cjasis says:
05:06 PM, 02/22/10
While I'm not a fan of the styling of the current 3 series coupe... I do find the sedan, especially the M3 variant, to be a very good looking car.
achenator says:
08:54 PM, 02/22/10
I own a e90 M3 and I think the stance on the car sucks. Car needs to be lower. Too much gap in the wheel wells. I had a 335 coupe before with sport pack and I think that car sat much better. The M3's suspension feels so sweet that I really don't want to mess it up be lowering it though.
sgude says:
07:37 AM, 02/23/10
This car looks great -- rakish and ready for action. I still prefer the 18s over the 19s. The spokes of the 18s look like they disappear when the car is in motion and all you see are the big brakes.
yellowmiata says:
07:51 AM, 02/23/10
I agree with jederino, the M3 is not flashy. I also think it doesn't qualify as a sleeper.
I agree with sgude that the 18s are better than the 19s.
Finally, I like the coupe much better than the 4-door. For that matter, I'm a 2 seater man.
Regardless, the M3 is a serious car and has a great blend of most things.
One thought - this photo makes it look like there's too much metal over the rear wheel...
ptcdawg says:
10:07 AM, 02/23/10
It looks like a regular 3 series with big wheels to me.
cr_driver says:
05:53 PM, 02/23/10
Well I wouldn`t buy an M3 with the regular 18s.