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2009 BMW M3 - Review & Test Drive
We were recently lucky enough to get our hands on a 2009 BMW M3 thanks to AM PM Motorcars located in San Diego, California. It was immediately apparent that this car was built to impress both inside and out. Its extreme performance, aggressive stance, high intensity discharge lights, 19-inch alloys wheels, hood bulge and quad exhausts are just a few of the characteristics that set this BMW apart from the standard 3-series.
Getting into the driver’s seat you instantly feel the refined presence of the German interior. Mounted on the dashboard were the usual controls as well a screen used for navigation, radio, and a few other features. The electrically adjustable leather bucket seats seemed plenty comfortable for daily driving or long highway trips.
This particular M3 also came with the iconic lightning fast 7-speed dual clutch transmission. Mounted on the steering column were the unique F1-Style DCT paddle shifters for quick and easy shifting. There is also an “M” button located on the steering wheel that when pressed, puts the cars in “sport mode” which stiffens the suspension and activates a more aggressive throttle response – the first thing I pressed once the car was in motion.
We took to the streets and it became obvious why the M3’s dual clutch transmission has become so iconic over the last couple of years. It reduces each shift transition to a mere tenth of a second and shortens the 0 – 60 time by 0.2 seconds. Once I had the opportunity to put the pedal down the shifts were so quick and smooth that the only thing indicating the car had moved to the next gear was the menacing growl of the 4.0-liter V-8. From idle to its 8,300-rpm redline the M3 delivered its 414 horsepower in a linear and consistent manner, and the sound coming from that perfected German V-8 revolving 8,300 times per minute is one that is not often heard outside racetracks.
As I opened up the engine again on a straight and felt my entire body compress into the leather bucket seats the 0 – 60 of 4.4 seconds was finally put into perspective. The M3 lurched with almost instantaneous throttle response and within a few seconds I needed to let off the gas completely because I was already 10 mph over the posted speed limit of 60.
The harder I seemed to push the M3, the better it responded. It just seemed to offer so much control and responded in such a smooth manner to every instruction it was given. After driving around for quite a while, a simple conclusion was reached: The M3 offers an unparalleled mix of comfort, control and performance that absolutely lives up to its reputation as being one of the best drivers cars in the world.
Special Thanks to: AM PM Motorcars
(619)-962-0633 - 11631 Iberia Pl San Diego, CA 92128
Special Thanks to: AM PM Motorcars
(619)-962-0633 - 11631 Iberia Pl San Diego, CA 92128
German Sports Car Comparison - BMW M3, Audi RS 5, Mercedes C63 AMG
If you are in the market for a $60k European sports machine, you without a doubt have come across these three models. They are so similar yet so unique in every way. The Quattro all-wheel drive system of the Audi is so different that the brute force of the rear wheel drive C63 AMG, which is so different than the extreme handling and high revving BMW. Although even with all of these differences, each of these cars has the same simple purpose, to create the ultimate driving experience.
Performance
First up is the BMW M3. A very popular sports car amongst young audiences for its stylish looks and pure power. The M3 gets 414 Horsepower at the wheels from a 4.0 Liter V8 engine. This allows the M3 to get from 0 - 60 MPH in 4.3 seconds. As for top speed, sadly the M3 is limited to 155 MPH but we know it could easily excel far above that.
Having the least horsepower and torque of the group, the thing that allows the BMW to keep up with the performance of the other two is its high revving engine and light weight. It redlines at an ear shattering 8,400 RPM which is higher than most motorcycles. This allows the M3 to stay in a certain gear for much longer because of the high max engine speed. It is also notable that the M3 is much lighter than the other two at only 3552 lbs. That's a whopping 444 lbs lighter than the C63 AMG which gives this BMW a significant advantage in performance.
The Audi RS 5 has a direct-injected 4.2 Liter V8 engine that makes 450 horsepower which propels it to 60 MPH in the same time as the BMW, 4.3 seconds. The Audi uses its famous Quattro 4 wheel drive system to put down equal power to all four wheels, giving this car the best launch of the group. It also has the highest revving engine of the group which can achieve a crisp engine speed of 8,500 RPM.
The RS 5 drives like a heavier and larger car compared to the light BMW. Even though it feels heavy it is still extremely forgiving and easy to drive, thanks mostly to its four wheel drive system. With its Quattro system the Audi is much better at putting down power to the wheels when exiting a turn as well.
Next we have the rear wheel drive C63 AMG. Coming in with the most horsepower and torque, this car takes first place for straight line acceleration. It has an incredible 451 horses under the hood with an even more impressive 443 lb-ft of torque. This allows it to move from 0 - 60 in an astonishing 3.8 seconds, blowing away the competition in acceleration. With the extra weight comes a slight relative lack in handling compared to the other two but you will completely forget about that when you press the pedal to the floor. In short, this thing is a monster.
Interior
Each one of the interiors of the German made cars is just about flawless. It is more about personal taste in the interior rather than one standing out from the others. But there are still some fairly substantial differences to note between the three.
The Audi seemed to have the most sophisticated interior of the group. With red inlays and sleek leather bucket seats you feel like you are in a car of 2020 not 2013.
The interior of the C63 felt like it was the most performance oriented of the three cars. It has ultra lightweight carbon fiber spread throughout the cabin as well as performance oriented leather bucket seats.
Conclusion
In the end, any one of these three cars will put a smile on your face the instant you get into them. The are so similar yet so unique. We found that the BMW was most impressive in its high revving engine and ability to handle at the same level as most porsches; with a weight approximately 400 pounds lighter than the others, it has an extreme advantage. As for the Audi, it produced the best launch results of the three thanks to its signature Quattro all wheel drive system that allows it to put power down through all four wheels. Lastly, the AMG with the highest amount of horsepower and torque produced the best straight-line acceleration results despite being the heaviest of the group. In short, whatever you choose, you can't go wrong with a top of the line German sports car in your garage.