1999 BMW M3

FIRST IMPRESSION:
The 1999 BMW M3 may be one of the most perfect cars on the planet today. By saying perfect, I mean that the balance of power and amenities are exactly fit to suit the driver's needs. The engineers at BMW worked countless hours of overtime to produce this fine machine, I'm sure. In any case, the M3 has given BMW high recognition in both the luxury and performance arenas. The 2001 model of M3s will arrive late this summer sporting the new 3-series design.

The M3 is basically a highly modified BMW 328is. You can compare a BMW 328is with an M3 and you'll see that the M3 has a much sportier stance and appearance. First, you'll notice that the M3 has a front spoiler that gives it a lower, sportier look. The next thing you may notice is the 17" alloy wheels. It really makes the M3 look like it's ready to head over to the race track. Another difference is the side mirrors on the M3 are aerodynamic. But overall, the clear difference is under the hood. The 328is has the 2.8 liter 6-cylinder engine while the M3 houses the 3.2 liter 6-cylinder engine that pumps out 240 horses. Subtle differences are noticeable throughout. The interior is suited with the "M" logo embroidered on the very soft and supportive leather seats. Fit and finish is unspeakably perfect and you wonder if this car was put together piece by piece by the engineers themselves.

DATA & SPECS from Edmunds.com:

PERFORMANCE:
Acceleration (0-60 mph): 5.6 sec.
Braking Distance (60-0 mph): 119 ft.
Engine type: 3.2-liter, 24-valve V6
Horsepower: 240 hp @ 6000 RPM
Torque: 236 ft-lbs. @ 3800 RPM
Fuel Capacity: 16.4 gal.

EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS:
Length: 174.5 in.
Width: 67.3 in.
Height: 52.6 in.
Weight: 3175 lbs.
Wheelbase: 106.7 in.

INTERIOR DIMENSIONS:
Front Headroom: 37.8 in.
Rear Headroom: 36.6 in.
Front Leg Room: 42 in.
Rear Leg Room: 28 in.
Luggage Capacity: 14.3 cu. ft.

MSRP: $39,700

PERFORMANCE:
One word: "Wow!" This puppy really moves! I didn't expect this car to move so well. It handles itself too well, like it's been trained over and over by its fine designers in Germany. Whether it cruises on highways or travels up and down curvy roads it loves to go where ever you take it. The weight ratio on the M3 can't be any more perfect than it already is. The front/rear weight ratio is an awesome 50/50. The rear-wheel drive launches you from 0 to 60 MPH in under 6 seconds (5.6 seconds to be exact). The M3 carves through turns like a hot knife carving through a stick of butter. It's like the car says, "...master, what next?"

You steer it and it listens well. You accelerate and it obeys quickly. What more do you expect? Through all the turning and accelerating, you also enjoy the awesome leather seats. They're very supportive and you can almost live in them.

INTERIOR:
Although it's quite cramped for five people, I thought the interior was very well designed. The front passenger is rewarded with a soft leather seat that's also very supportive. The rear passengers, on the other hand, will feel quite cramped if they're over 5' 2" in height. The M3 comes with a stock, 10-speaker Harmon Kardon stereo system and it sounds very crisp and clean with a fair amount of bass. Although it's pre-wired for a CD player and changer, it only comes standard with a cassette player. The controls are within easy reach for the driver and the instrument panel lights up in the color of amber at night. The rear seats fold down for more room when you need it, so there is a bit of practicality presented in this package.

FEATURES:
The 1999 BMW M3 comes loaded with these features:

- 3.2 liter 6-cylinder DOHC 24-valve engine (240 HP)
- 5-speed manual transmission (rear wheel drive)
- Limited slip differential
- Traction control (ABS-assisted)
- Trip computer (engine diagnostics, outside temp, MPG, etc.)
- Stainless steel exhaust
- Sport suspension
- Power steering with engine speed-sensing assist
- 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS
- Front fog/driving lights
- Power windows
- Power heated side mirrors
- 17" alloy wheels, 225/45 front tires, 245/40 rear tires
- Full-size spare tire with alloy wheel
- Dual zone front AC with climate control
- Rear heat ducts
- AM/FM Harmon Kardon stereo cassette with 10 speakers
- Anti-theft system
- Power heated door locks
- Cell phone pre-wiring
- Dual airbags with seat mounted side airbags
- Tinted windows
- Int. windshield wipers with heated jets
- Center armrest
- Leather front seats include 10-way direction control
- 50/50 folding rear seat with adjustable headrests
- Leather gear shift knob
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/ tilt
- Embroidered floor mats

COOLNESS:
The car is unbelievably cool... both in design and performance. Of course, a Ferrari will out-perform the M3 any day, but which one sticks out like a sore thumb? Of course the Ferrari will stand out, but only because of its unique body style and rarity. The M3 is a car that stands out because of it's clean design and its capabilities... and maybe the BMW badging helps a little, too... In any case, this car is like a Swiss Army knife: it's fit for many occasions. Take for example a formal outing, a leisurely drive down to the coast, a quick drive to the market, commuting to and from work (what a joy, especially in this car!), or even just parking it in your driveway as a monument to raise the property value a little. It serves practically every purpose!

ECONOMY:
With all the power that this car produces, you would expect it to get terrible gas mileage. The M3 gets a pretty good 20 MPG in the city and about 28 MPG on the highway. I'd say that's impressive for a sports car. The 16.4 gallon fuel capacity will help you see the gas station a bit less and will definitely give you the urge to take a road trip a few times during the year.

REPAIR(S) & COST:
One of my friends purchased his 1999 M3 in the fall of 1998 for just a little over $40,000, brand new at a dealership in Portland. It's quite a bit of cash to spend on a car, but if you feel that it's worth it, then no one is stopping you.

Since then, he had to take it in twice: once for a recommended service and the second time because his 'check-engine' light came on. Turns out that it was an emissions problem and the engine system was just warning him that there was an inconsistency with the engine. The dealership took care of this and my friend was pampered with a rental of a 5-series BMW for two days and then a complimentary wash/wax along with free tea, pastries, and that morning's Wall Street Journal (I'm sure this is along the standards of all luxury car dealerships... I can live with that!). The maintenance receipt broke down the cost of the repairs (luckily it was all included in the warranty) and it shows that it would have cost several hundred dollars for two minor parts (probably pick these up at NAPA Auto Parts for under $75) and labor. I've also heard from several other BMW owners that repair costs are heavy when you go into the shop. But I guess when they're running fine, you're on cloud-9. Hey, I always say, if you buy an expensive car, be prepared to pay for some expensive repairs.

WARRANTY:
BMW throws in their 4-year/50,000 mile warranty that includes a drivetrain warranty, roadside assistance, and a 6-year/unlimited mile rust/corrosion warranty.

SUMMARY:
By far, this is one of the most perfect cars I've driven. Yes, I've driven very nice cars such as the Acura NSX, Dodge Viper RT, Porsche 911 C4, and the list goes on, but to this day, I believe the BMW M3 has caught most of my attention due to its practicality as a normal 3-series coupe and for it's performance on the road. The fit & finish is BMW quality... need I say more? If you want to compare the M3 like a person, I'd say it's very humble, wise in its manners, quiet but has brave social skills, and best of all, it doesn't let anyone down.

The M3 may not be the most practical car you can buy for your money, but if performance is what you're looking for and a little room is what you need, you'll get it in this package. Try stuffing your kids into a Viper or Porsche 911 when you and your wife want to go out for a drive <...not a pretty picture...>

I would like to purchase an Audi S4, but my wife says, "...no." My wife wants to buy a Volvo S70 and I tell her, "...yeah, right." But of all the cars on the market today, the BMW M3 is the only car that my wife and I can agree on purchasing in the near future. Yes, there are a few in the crowd that don't really like the M3, but how many of them have actually taken it out on a test drive? Even if the M3 is a car you know you won't be purchasing, do yourself a favor and run to your nearest BMW dealership to take one out for a spin. Trust me, you'll regret it because you'll want to purchase one real soon.