BMW M3

 

BMW M3

 
For 2011, the BMW M3 coupe and sedan are now available with a Competition package that adds a lowered suspension, 19-inch wheels, a wider track and reprogrammed electronic damping and stability controls. This isn't as hard-core as the previous BMW M3's Competition package, but it should still deliver
that much more handling acumen -- especially for those who track their cars.BMW M3 is a sports car that doesn't look like a sports car. It has too many seats, and one body style has too many doors. It has a usable trunk. You could drive it to Kansas in complete comfort. And yet the 2011 BMW M3 has a 414-horsepower V8. It goes from zero to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. It stops from 60 so quickly your eyes may find themselves on an outbound journey from their sockets, and it sticks in corners with the tenacity of super glue. The BMW M3 truly is the sports car for people who still need the practicality (and/or anonymity) of a regular old sedan, coupe or convertible.

Of course this wolf in sheep's clothing nature is not new to the BMW M3, which has been kicking other sports cars in the teeth since the 1980s. The car's free-revving engines have always been a big part of that, and this latest BMW M3 is the first (and likely the last) to feature a normally aspirated V8. Essentially the M5's V10 with two cylinders removed, this manic 4.0-liter eight-cylinder sings a glorious wail at full throttle all the way up to its sky-high redline of 8,400 rpm.

BMW M3

The BMW M3 story isn't all about the engine, though. The ultimate "ultimate driving machine" must go around corners, and the BMW M3's brilliantly balanced and capable chassis gets the job done. There's a level of communication and involvement with the BMW M3 that makes you feel in complete control, and it's one that's increasingly being lost in the new world of electric power steering and selectable driver settings.
Indeed, the 2011 BMW M3 still stands as the most well-rounded choice in the hyper performance luxury car class. Audi offers the same body style choices, but its S4 and S5 trade some all-out performance for better civility, though the new RS5 should be a better match. Cadillac's CTS-V (now as a coupe and wagon, too) will outrun the BMW M3 in a straight line but isn't as agile around corners. The story is similar with the sedan-only Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. Really, you can't go wrong with any of them. But if you really want a sports car that doesn't look like one, the BMW M3 is the only game in town.The 2011 BMW M3 is available in sedan, coupe and convertible body styles. Standard equipment includes 18-inch wheels, a limited-slip rear differential, automatic and adaptive xenon headlights, automatic wipers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, eight-way power front seats (with manual thigh extender, adjustable side bolsters and four-way lumbar adjustment), leather-cloth upholstery, driver memory functions and a 10-speaker sound system with HD radio and an auxiliary audio jack. The BMW M3 coupe adds a carbon-fiber roof and split-folding rear seat, while the convertible adds a fully powered retractable hardtop and sun-reflective leather.The Cold Weather package adds heated front seats and retractable headlight washers. The Premium package adds power-folding auto-dimming mirrors, BMW Assist telematics, Bluetooth, leather upholstery and different interior trim. The Technology package adds in BMW M3 electronic damping control, M Drive adjustable settings, keyless ignition/entry, the iDrive electronics interface and a navigation system with voice controls and real-time traffic.BMW M3 most of the above items are available as stand-alone options along with 19-inch wheels, a sunroof (deletes carbon-fiber roof on the coupe), rear parking sensors, automatic high beams, power rear sunshade (coupe and sedan), a split-folding rear seat (sedan), satellite radio, an iPod/USB adapter and a 16-speaker premium sound system.The coupe and sedan can be equipped with the Competition package, which adds EDC (electronic damping control), 19-inch wheels with high-performance tires, a lowered suspension and different programming for EDC and stability control.A 4.0-liter V8 powers every 2011 BMW M3, sending 414 hp and 295 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels. BMW M3 six-speed manual transmission is standard, and a seven-speed dual-clutch automated-manual transmission (M DCT) is optional. The latter offers manual operation via steering-wheel paddles as well as a full automatic mode. All M3s feature a specialized locking rear differential.

BMW M3

We've tested just about every variety of BMW M3. The BMW M3 coupe with traditional manual went from zero to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, while the sedan with a manual and the convertible with M DCT did it in 4.8 seconds. With either transmission, EPA-estimated fuel economy is 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway and 16 mpg combined. A manual-equipped convertible gets 13 mpg city.Standard safety features for the 2010 BMW M3 include front seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, antilock disc brakes, traction control and stability control. The convertible lacks the side curtains, but the regular front side airbags extend up to head level, and there are also pop-up rollover hoops. Braking is phenomenal -- in our 60-0-mph braking test, the BMW M3 came to a halt in just 100 feet, which is among the shortest distances we've ever recorded.The BMW M3 itself has not been crash-tested, but the 3 Series sedan scored four stars (out of five) for frontal impacts for both driver and passenger in government tests. It garnered a perfect five stars for side impacts for both front and rear occupants. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests gave the BMW M3 3 Series sedan "Good" ratings (the highest possible) in both frontal-offset and side-impact crash testing, although the convertible received a second-lowest "Marginal" score.The BMW M3's sport seats are at once outstandingly supportive in hard driving and among the most comfortable we've sat in for long trips. BMW M3 backseat is a bit cramped, however -- expected in the two-door models, but not in the sedan, which trails rivals from Audi and Mercedes in rear headroom. In the coupe, an automatic seatbelt arm delivers front occupants their belts, eliminating the need for torso-twisting maneuvers. TheBMW M3 convertible's heat-reflective leather does a wonderful job of keeping the seats from absorbing too much heat from the sun with the top down.Build and materials quality inside the BMW M3 are excellent. However, the overall design lacks visual interest despite the availability of metallic and wood accents. The current version of iDrive -- mandatory with the optional navigation system -- is the best yet by far, featuring extra physical buttons and a revised menu structure for much more intuitive operation. From the driver's perspective, there's a notable lack of bins and cubbies in which to store cell phones, wallets and the like, especially if the iDrive controller has been equipped, as it replaces the storage nook on the center console.

courtesy by http://www.edmunds.com/bmw/m3/2011/

BMW E46 M3 CSL

BMW E46 M3 CSL

The BMW E46 M3 CSL (Coupé Sport Leichtbau) was a limited edition version of the M3, with only 1,400 cars being produced for its 2004 model year run. The BMW E46 M3 CSL was never released into the North American market, and was only available in two colours - Silver Grey Metallic and Black Sapphire Metallic.

As its name suggests, an emphasis was put on reducing weight. The  BMW E46 M3 CSL has a kerb weight of 1,385 kg (3,050 lb), 110 kg (240 lb) lighter than the regular M3. The  BMW E46 M3 CSL features many weight saving technologies taken from BMW's Formula One racing applications. A large proportion of the M3's sound insulation has been removed,electric seats, and navigation systems.


Air conditioning and stereo systems could be retrofitted free of cost, but were not available standard. The  BMW E46 M3 CSL's unique body pieces are all crafted from carbon fiber reinforced polymer.Glass-reinforced plastics are used throughout structural points in the car.The rear glass window was replaced with lightweight plastic.Although the BMW E46 M3 CSL loses a considerable amount of curb weight from its original version, the focus was put on strategically reducing or moving the weight in the car rather than the raw amount of weight that could be lost. This is to retain the ideal 50:50 weight distribution characteristics the E46 has. For example, the roof is constructed from carbon fiber reinforced plastic.While this only reduces the curb weight of the car by 7 kg (15 lb), it lowers the center of gravity of the car and decreases body flex.

BMW E46 M3 CSL

In order to improve the handling ability of the BMW E46 M3 CSL car, the entire suspension system was further refined. Specially developed racing springs and dampers are given to the BMW E46 M3 CSL, and a tightened steering ratio (14.5:1 vs 15.4:1 on the regular M3) improves responsiveness.The braking of BMW E46 M3 CSL system is also modified, with larger front and rear floating rotors and calipers from the E39 M5. The  BMW E46 M3 CSL is given a retuned dynamic stability control system with a "M track mode" setting that allows the car to be pushed to its absolute limits before being activated.The BMW E46 M3 CSL 3.2L engine used in the M3, the  BMW E46 M3 CSL, has been modified to increased output by 17 hp (13 kW) and 5 N·m (1 lb_f) over the European M3.This is achieved through a high flow carbon fiber air intake, modified valve and camshaft timing, and a retuned DME. However, the engine is further modified in order to reduce weight - it features a lightweight exhaust manifold and thinner exhaust piping. Additionally, the intake and exhaust manifolds are slightly straightened to improve engine responsiveness.The  BMW E46 M3 CSL also has various aesthetic modifications over the standard M3. It received an aerodynamic lightweight body kit which included carbon fiber front splitters that improved downforce at high speeds by 50%,as well as a carbon fiber rear diffuser. The front bumper has a distinct hole that is used to draw cool air into the newly designed air intake. The boot floor is made of cardboard. The boot lid is redesigned to incorporate a raised lip, unlike the standard M3 where one is simply added on to a flat boot. The BMW E46 M3 CSL was sold with distinct 19 inch lightweight forged BBS alloy rims that came with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup semi-slick racing tires.

BMW E46 M3 CSL

 

The interior of the  BMW E46 M3 CSL is redesigned with a sporty-weight saving theme. The  BMW E46 M3 CSL obtains fiberglass front racing bucket seats, and fiberglass backed rear seats.The center console, door panels and trim, and headliner are all formed from carbon fiber, and the steering wheel is redesigned with cruise control, stereo, and phone controls removed to include just a single button that activates the M track mode.Unlike the standard  BMW E46 M3 CSL, which was offered with a standard 6-speed Getrag transmission, or optionally a SMG drivelogic transmission (also known as the SMG II), the BMW E46 M3 CSLwas offered only with the SMG II transmission.This is the standard 6-speed Getrag transmission with an electrohydraulically actuated clutch pedal, similar to an Formula One style transmission. However, the  BMW E46 M3 CSL received a more advanced drivelogic unit than the standard M3 that was capable of making shifts in 0.08 of a second.

courtesy by http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_M3

BMW M3

BMW M3

BMW M3

For enthusiasts of ultimate automotive performance, it’s a magic name: BMW M3. Combining the all-around excellence of the BMW 3 Series introduce BMW M3  with the spectacular performance and handling prowess that could only come from BMW M, the BMW M3 is the formidable BMWsports car that has
won - again and again - the accolades of the world’s motoring critics while providing its buyers with real performance and equally real practicality. Less than a year ago, BMW M, creator of all things M, brought forth a new BMW M3 - an all-new generation of this legendary sports car.

As has been traditional with the BMW M3, it was the coupe model that appeared first; a convertible variant followed soon thereafter. Predictably, the independent experts took notice. In a June 2001 comparison test of the BMW M3 coupe and a key competitor, Car and Driver declared the BMW M3 the winner. "Incredible engine, sweet steering, silky gearbox, hi-fi driving experience" was how the magazine characterized BMW M3’s new ultra-performance coupe.

In another comparison test, pitting the BMW M3 against two key rivals, Automobile Magazine (May ’01) gave the BMW the edge and characterized it thus: "The BMW is a more tactile car, more responsive and fractionally quicker. It’s a bigger challenge to drive, and that, ultimately, makes it a more rewarding purchase."

BMW M3

In August ’01, Motor Trend compared the BMW M3 coupe with two sports-car competitors and concluded, "It’s ironic that the M3 can do all that it does so extremely well and still be a four-place machine with a useable back seat and a real trunk."

And in its July 23, 2001 issue, AutoWeek found that the BMW M3 convertible would outperform BMW’s own 0-60-mph time (5.1 seconds, vs. BMW’s claim of 5.4 sec.). "But numbers can’t measure the grins this car elicits. We’re talking ear to ear. Toss it around a turn or through some cones and you’re in danger of grinning the whole top of your head off. Around here, we call the BMW M3 simply ’The Car.’ Says a lot, no?"

For 2002, these new-generation BMW M3s begin a second model year with several evolutionary changes and a revolutionary new transmission option:

- The optional Xenon headlights, now Bi-xenon, encompass low and high beams, vs. just low beams before.

- Also optional is a new automatic control that switches on the headlights and related lighting according to ambient light conditions.

- An in-dash CD player is newly standard.

- Radio-station presets are now included in the Vehicle and Key Memory system. When a particular user unlocks the BMW M3 with his or her remote, the presets last set by that user are re-captured.

- Also new inside is Titan Shadow trim, with a graphite-like color appropriate to the BMW M3’s high-technology character.

BMW M3

- The available BMW M3Onboard Navigation System, encompassing GPS navigation and many other useful functions, has been updated with a larger, easier-to-read color monitor and optimized controls.BMW M3 Topaz Blue Metallic, has been added to the exterior color selection, Fern Green Metallic discontinued.

 The biggest news is the Sequential Manual Gearbox, offered as an option on both BMW M3 models. Building on technology that is now virtually universal in Formula 1 racing cars, SMG affords sports-oriented drivers a means of absolutely optimizing performance - or making driving more effortless, according to the driver’s wishes.

BMW M3With this new engine and the also new 6-speed transmission, the BMW M3 achieves true sports-car performance. Factory data for the European version indicate acceleration from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in around 5 sec.; 80-120 km/h (50-75 mph) in 4th gear takes just 5.9 sec., indicating that this engine delivers not just brilliant performance through the gears, but also usable response at everyday driving speeds. Top speed is electronically controlled to 155 mph.

2010 BMW M3

Bmw M3 wallpaper full body chrome with Photoshop work

Bmw M3 wallpaper full body chrome

The new 2010 Bmw M 3. Beautiful white convertible car

Engine Type: Gas V8. SAE Net Horsepower RPM: 414 / 8300. SAE Net Torque RPM: 295 3900

Bmw M3 coupe wallpaper 2009

Bmw M3 coupe

Bmw M3 Review

Throughout its two decades on the U.S. market, the BMW M3 has been a favorite of enthusiasts looking for sports-car performance and handling from a true four-place car. Although content to smoothly burble around while doing daily driver duty, the BMW M3 transforms into a back-road burner when conditions allow and gives its pilot the opportunity to attack corners with precision and rocket out of them with gusto.

Current BMW M3

Based on the present-generation BMW M3 Series, the BMW M3 is offered in only one trim level among the coupe, sedan and hardtop convertible body styles. Each is powered by a 4.0-liter V8, good for 414 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, which revs to a thrilling 8,400-rpm redline. A six-speed manual is the standard means of sending power to the rear wheels, and a seven-speed automated-clutch manual gearbox with paddle shifters is optional. BMW M3 also get specific hardware upgrades such as more powerful brakes, stiffer suspension tuning and a specialized limited-slip rear differential.

Like previous BMW M3, the current BMW M3 model comes well-equipped with the latest luxury amenities, which in this case includes xenon headlamps, leather upholstery, heated power sport seats and a 10-speaker audio system. The convertible features a nifty hardtop and sun-reflective leather. Features like 19-inch wheels, heated seats, satellite radio, the iDrive navigation system and BMW M3 Sport personalized performance settings are optional.

While past BMW M3 have been performance stars, the new BMW M3 coupe is quite simply one of the best cars to grace our test track. It accelerated from zero to 60 mph in a blistering 4.6 seconds and came to a stop from 60 mph in an extremely short 100 feet. The slalom and skid pad test results were also on par with vastly more expensive supercars, while on-road handling is beyond reproach. Regardless of which body style you choose, expect one of the best performance machines money can buy.

Used BMW M3 Models

The present-generation BMW M3 was introduced for 2008. The following year, BMW upgraded the iDrive system and freshened the M3 sedan's styling slightly.

The previous BMW M3 lasted from 2001-'06 and was available in coupe and convertible body styles. There was a single trim level for both, powered by a 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine producing 333 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission was standard, while a six-speed sequential manual gearbox (SMG) was offered as an option starting for the 2002 model year. The latter allows manual-style shifting via paddle shifters next to the steering wheel, and although it was popular, we weren't fans of its herky-jerky performance.

Bmw M3

Bmw M3 wallpaper 

BMW M3 

Bmw M3 Tuning by Ac Schnitze

Bmw M3 

Bmw M 3

Bmw M3