Another one bites the dust. That's right, our 2009 BMW M3 sedan is gone. We didn't quite make 20,000 miles, but the 19,000 we did manage were good ones.
Read the Wrap-Up, and then come back to read our Parting Shots and provide your own.
A fine car that represented the M3 thing better than a coupe, since the whole point of the M3 is combining street civility with speed. After all, anyone can build a race car and put license plates on it. That said, BMW's new Getrag-built dual-clutch automated manual transmission would have better suited the nature of a four-door sedan than this car's six-speed manual.
Michael Jordan, Executive Editor
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Although I like it a lot, unless you're nads to the wall, this thing is a chore. Not my fav daily driver and I actually prefer the (egads!) Audi S5.
Al Austria, Vehicle Evaluation Engineer
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It's quite rare for me to be repeatedly enamored with a long-term vehicle throughout our one-year loans, yet every time I drove the M3 it wasn't just a transportation process, it was a celebratory event.
Karl Brauer, Editor-at-Large
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My parting thoughts: I like the idea of having a useful backseat in a fun car, but it seems you can't quite have it both ways: Our M3 sedan felt a little too big on tight back roads. It was a joy on the open highway, though, where I would always hope I'd enough space to let the 4.0-liter V8 rip. I'll never forget the way it howls at high rpm, which sort of atones for the nasty sounds it makes at idle.
Erin Riches, Senior Editor
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Say what you will Nurburgring laps times. Quote price-versus-quarter-mile performance. Complain about badge snobbery all you want. Until you've actually driven a BMW M3, this generation--any generation--you will never understand why people praise this car with emotional evidence and not statistical glurge.
It is because of cars like the BMW M3 that I chose this career.
The BMW M3 was not designed, engineered, or equipped to a budget--at least not in the ways one could see, feel, or measure.
When all other sport sedans go to sleep in their garages, they dream of being M3s.
Chris Walton, Chief Road Test Editor
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In lieu of sending in his parting shot, Riswick simply drooled. Then wept upon hearing the M3 was gone. It wasn't pretty.
Mike Magrath for the barely functional James Riswick, Automotive Editor
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Fun to the tenth degree. I wish I could hold it in my cold embrace forever. WC
Warren Clarke, Automotive Content Editor
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That car is one I would own without hesitation. It's everything I want: fast, comfortable, utilitarian...and it looks better as a sedan. But I don't want red leather.
Josh Jacquot, Senior Road Test Editor
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I've seen plenty of cars come and go through the long-term program, but none of them had me running the numbers as often as this M3. It wasn't the fastest, most luxurious or even the best looking, yet every time I drove it, I wanted to keep it.
Ed Hellwig, Lead Senior Editor
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Unlike the same trait in humans, the M3's Jekyll und Hyde nature was quite endearing to me. An easy going friend when I had to negotiate L.A.'s notorious traffic, the M3 morphed into the life of the party when open canyon roads tempted us.
John DiPietro, Automotive Editor
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Without a doubt the BMW M3 sedan is a car I would buy with my own hard earned money.
Scott Oldham, Editor-In-Chief
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Even my memories of those red seats make me recoil. But, man, was it ever a great car to drive. There are only a handful of cars in our long-term fleet that I'd consider worth my own money. This is one of them.
Mike Schmidt, Vehicle Testing Manager
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The BMW M3 was always the car I hated when I read car magazines as a kid. It didn't make sense compared to the Vettes and Mustangs that had V8s and cost half the price. Now I'm driving everything on the road instead of reading about it, that all makes sense: The M3, even with a V8, is damn-near perfect for an enthusiast's toy.
Mike Magrath, Vehicle Testing Assistant
platf1 says:
10:57 PM, 05/ 3/10
Wasn't this acquired after you got the 750Li? Which means THAT BMW is on its way out.
New 535i anyone? Manual preferably but then the 8-speed automatic would provide interesting subject matter (especially now with BMW getting the paddle shifters right). Add the Dynamic Handling thingy (which adds the Sport Package and the 19s) and both Premium Packages.
(Yeah, I've spent too much time on the BMW Configurator.)
notabigdeal says:
04:18 AM, 05/ 4/10
I say boo to a new 5 series and yes to the new E class.
joefrompa says:
04:42 AM, 05/ 4/10
Nice wrap-up. I wonder what real owners are getting for MPG on that car. Glad to see it hold up, as it should.
I think edmunds should take a 3 month break from BMWs, and I think it's time to dive into the world of Porsche.
Edmunds needs a Boxster S and a used 911, pronto uomo. No turbo 911; too esoteric. Go for a 1995-1998 911, 911s, 911 4, or 911 4s. Or a 2005-2006 model.
I think the other good options (1987-1989, 1978-1983) are too old for a real comparison today, and would almost never make daily drivers anymore. Whereas the others can still be DDs.
Joe, who is taking the keys and reigns of a 99 boxster from his father in 2 months
stephen987 says:
04:55 AM, 05/ 4/10
I'm with Joe. Prove to me that you can control your BMW habit.
rsholland says:
06:10 AM, 05/ 4/10
Seems like a disconnect here: Everyone loves the cars, yet for some reason, they couldn't find a way to make it to the 20K mileage mark. You would think, with all the raving going on, it would have 30K or even 40K on it by now. Strange...
roadburner says:
06:15 AM, 05/ 4/10
Lets see a used 911- a 993 maybe? Perhaps an S4?
mrryte says:
06:35 AM, 05/ 4/10
rsholland says:
"Seems like a disconnect here: Everyone loves the cars, yet for some reason, they couldn't find a way to make it to the 20K mileage mark. You would think, with all the raving going on, it would have 30K or even 40K on it by now. Strange..."
+1. I was wondering about that as well....
equ says:
06:50 AM, 05/ 4/10
Get a Boxster or better a used Cayman S... They have that magic personality and will help you get over the loss of the great M.
brn says:
07:22 AM, 05/ 4/10
rsholland, that definitely popped into my head too. Al's comment may explain it. Fun as hell, but no good as a regular driver. A weekend car.
sabastian says:
07:42 AM, 05/ 4/10
There there, James. If I had a BMW M3 and then suddenly didn't have one anymore, I would be inconsolable as well. Give it a couple days behind the wheel of your new LT Porsche 911 (HINT HINT!) and you'll be good as new in no time.
nealibob says:
07:50 AM, 05/ 4/10
Sad to see it go, but it would be great to read about a more affordable performance car.
How about an S4? Or maybe a 135i or Z4 with the DCT?
bankerdanny says:
07:55 AM, 05/ 4/10
Well, they just got the Viper and they have the Vette too. I would hate to see IL load up their fleet with too many cars that only a few people can really afford to buy.
I vote for (a) a SHO and (b) a Genesis 2.0T Track.
sgude says:
08:40 AM, 05/ 4/10
Heck, the SHO, loaded, costs $38 g. That's out of reach for quite a few people. My vote is for the used Boxster/911/Cayman.
platf1 says:
09:12 AM, 05/ 4/10
The Genesis 2.0T option sounds interesting though. S4 does too, or we could wait for the RS5 for a better comparo.
But I'm still for the new 535i. Would like to know how badly they screwed up with the electric steering.
exnevadan says:
09:29 AM, 05/ 4/10
SHO would be a good choice to replace the M3. real world performance (supposedly) and functionality. plus new englanders like to read about awd vehicles.
doss1 says:
09:41 AM, 05/ 4/10
My vote is for a Porsche 911 replacement. However, the proper 911 would have to be tail happy. That means no AWD or tiptronic. I would like to see an older model. Type 930 or 964 non turbo. In it's day it was supposed to be the quintessential sports car daily driver. I would like to know how it compares to other old-timers (i.e. 308 GTSi and 94' Miata).
kingkhalas says:
09:50 AM, 05/ 4/10
I'm sad to see this car go. It made for good reading and dreaming.
I'd also like to see IL get a Porsche.
Maybe a used one like when they got the 2002 M3 so we could read about the maintenance costs too.
bankerdanny says:
10:19 AM, 05/ 4/10
Sgude, you're right, the SHO is certainly out of my price range.
Still, $38k (really $40k if you want the performance package) is not a bad price for a 360hp AWD performance sedan. They are losing a performance sedan. After all the BMW's and Audis I would like to see an American performance sedan and the Charger is a bit long in the tooth, so bring on the new guy (plus, I had a 1996 V8 SHO, so I have a soft spot for the model).
But buy it if you can. I would be interested to see what dealers are actually getting for the car. I don't think I've seen more than a couple on the road in Chicago (although it's not easy to tell from the standard Taurus).
teekay13 says:
10:54 AM, 05/ 4/10
If it hadn't been said enough already, I also vote for a Porsche 911 - and a used one at that to see the maintenance costs associated with it.
hybris says:
11:10 AM, 05/ 4/10
How about a used Lamborghini Diablo or Countach kinda like the '84 Ferrari?
roadburner says:
11:19 AM, 05/ 4/10
How about a 2008 or 2009 Mustang Bullitt? They are relatively cheap(under $30K) and you could install and evaluate some of the dozens of engine, suspension, and braking mods that are available.
sherief says:
12:02 PM, 05/ 4/10
I love the E90 M3 dearly...but it's time for you guys to put a real supercar in your fleet. Something pure, unfiltered, hardcore, and three-pedal only. A 911 GT3.
zcalvert says:
12:50 PM, 05/ 4/10
Man, you guys ever hear of a clay bar? I'd punch myself in the face if my paint looked like that.
sorry, back on point... as much as i like most of them, it's probably time for a break from all the bimmers.
sgude says:
01:57 PM, 05/ 4/10
Bankerdanny, I tried to price out an SHO but for some reason, my computer balked on the Ford site. I saw one on I-85 in South Carolina while I was on a road trip, and the way it blew past me (while I was doing 80) was very impressive. The 335i I was trailing took off after it, but they were rolling so fast, I lost sight of both in a short time. It's funny how my opinion of some cars is associated with how fast I see one running.
I know prices have gone up since I last bought a new car, but wow, $40K for a Taurus. Hmmmm. Still, I'm impressed -- it looks like the business.
roadburner says:
03:32 PM, 05/ 4/10
bankerdanny,
I don't like the looks or the weight of the SHO. Why can't Ford stick the powertrain in the Fusion? And add a six speed manual while they are at it? I'd definitely consider one.
thejohnp says:
03:59 PM, 05/ 4/10
How soon can you get your hands on a Vision EfficientDynamics? That's a long term blog I want to read.
fuhteng says:
04:11 PM, 05/ 4/10
Why was there no Parting Shots post for the G8?
bankerdanny says:
06:10 PM, 05/ 4/10
Roadburner, no argument from me. The same basic drivetrain in the smaller car for say $8-10k less (if Pontiac could sell a G8 GT all the way from Australia for $32K Ford can do the same for an ecoboost Fusion).
bimmerjay says:
07:03 PM, 05/ 4/10
The Taurus SHO might as well be a school bus. The thing is ridiculously huge.
+1 on an EcoBoost Fusion with a 6MT. That would perk my interest (though still FWD, boo)
Back on topic, I think it's interesting how much trepidation there was regarding the E9x M3 when it was released for the 2008 MY. And yet I don't remember reading quite as much universal praise for the E46 M3 as I have in the past couple years on the E9x M3. It truly is a remarkable car - my only hope is that BMW maintains the spirit this car and the M brand. I am all for evolution - straight-6 to V8 for example, but BMW needs to keep the tactility and 'refined rawness' that has defined the brand for decades now.
roadburner says:
08:07 PM, 05/ 4/10
"That would perk my interest (though still FWD, boo)"
The SHO is AWD. And if Dearborn had the cojones, they could set the F/R torque split at 50/50 or(even better) 40/60.
audibuff says:
11:10 PM, 05/ 4/10
IL, get a 996 or 997 Porsche 911S with a manual gear box. Let us see the true cost and reality of owning a used Porsche!
bimmerjay says:
01:00 AM, 05/ 5/10
"The SHO is AWD. And if Dearborn had the cojones, they could set the F/R torque split at 50/50 or(even better) 40/60."
AWD doesn't appeal to me really at all either unless it's on a rear-drive chassis and rear-biased. Usually it's unnecessary weight and compromised performance. BMW's xDrive, for example, gives you higher ride height and softer suspension tuning. No thanks. I only really see the benefits on cars like the 911 Turbo that have tons of power to put down.
roadburner says:
07:17 AM, 05/ 5/10
"AWD doesn't appeal to me really at all either unless it's on a rear-drive chassis and rear-biased. Usually it's unnecessary weight and compromised performance."
I agree, but I could still see driving a 6MT Fusion SHO as a DD or family hauler...
kingkhalas says:
02:54 PM, 05/ 5/10
S H O would be B O R I N G.
yellowmiata says:
07:23 PM, 05/ 5/10
Not to 20K? I wonder how many miles a car is driven is a tangible measure of the amount journalists like it. Perhaps everything else is just here-say...
bimmerjay says:
08:43 PM, 05/ 5/10
"Not to 20K? I wonder how many miles a car is driven is a tangible measure of the amount journalists like it. Perhaps everything else is just here-say..."
I also wonder why the mileage is relatively low. Being a BMW-provided vehicle, it's possible that Edmunds was asked to keep it under 20k.
pyo_s65 says:
01:47 PM, 05/10/10
You gotta have at least one other BMW on the stable. How about an X6M? :) i would love to hear what real people outside the forums actually say about the crossover.