2002 BMW M3 Coupe

The M3 wraps its polished alloy wheels with high-grip/low-profile 18-inch Z-rated Michelin Pilot Sport rubber?225/45 up front and 255/40 in the rear.

Seamlessly integrating with this spectacular powertrain is a chassis that lets the new M3 turn corner carving into a veritable art form. The basic design shares key elements with the current 3 Series: Front struts and rear multilinks are trimmed with gas-pressure shocks and anti-roll bars. However, nearly all of the specific components have been custom-engineered to handle the M3's more stringent operational demands. Their synergistic working relationship superbly melds control with compliance, no small feat given that the M3 wraps its polished alloy wheels with high-grip/low-profile 18-inch Z-rated Michelin Pilot Sport rubber—225/45 up front and 255/40 in the rear. Rounding out the mix is a well-weighted power rack-and-pinion steering system that varies its assist level with engine speed and massive 4-wheel power disc binders fitted with Dynamic Brake Control circuitry. Two other standard features aid the M3's tarmac alacrity: a switchable Dynamic Stability Control and a trick M Variable Differential Lock that employs a clever viscous clutching mechanism to make sure the rear wheel with the best grip gets the maximum power on slick or split-mu surfaces.


Turned loose on a twisty backroad, the M3 is pure magic, displaying exceptional balance, razor-like reflexes and a remarkably forgiving basic nature that allows you to almost think it through the curves. This agile coupe tracks with supreme confidence, and when nose finally does starts to push, a touch of trailing throttle will obligingly slip its tail and bring everything back into proper line.

Inside, the M3 interior is a consummate blend of business and pleasure designed to make even the longest-distance cruising easy duty.

Inside, the M3 interior is a consummate blend of business and pleasure designed to make even the longest-distance cruising easy duty. Basic standards like supportive sport buckets and a leather-wrapped thick-rimmed 3-spoke steering wheel that features tilt/telescopic adjustability and redundant control buttons are complemented by automatic climate control, power windows/locks/mirrors, keyless remote entry, 10-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo, keyless remote, cruise control, on-board computer, front/front-side/side-curtain airbags, tire pressure monitoring system and a split/folding rear seatback. Our car also had the Harman-Kardon upgraded sound system, Bi-Xenon headlights, Premium package (moonroof, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlight control and power seats with 3-position memory) and the Cold Weather Package (heated front seats, headlight washers, ski bag). Those extras took our tester from its $45,900 base price up to $52,820, a figure that includes $645 in destination as well as the mandatory $1,000 gas-guzzler surcharge.


No matter what the criteria, BMW's brilliant M3 stands proudly among the best performance cars in the world today. Dollar for dollar, it offers an unbeatable combination of superior dynamic capabilities, outstanding overall civility and, most of all, sheer driving fun. (www.bmwusa.com)