2024 BMW M3 Sedan

　　

2024 BMW M3 Review

byMichael CantuCorrespondent

　　Michael Cantu has worked in the automotive industry since 2014. He has written over 800 car-related articles and tested and reviewed over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Michael is a contributor at zzdcar and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Digital Trends and InsideEVs. Michael was featured on a few InsideEVs YouTube channel videos on the topic of electric vehicles. Michael was a MotorTrend Car of the Year judge for 2019 and was a driver in MotorTrend's World's Greatest Drag Races 7 & 8.

　　, rating written byMichael CantuManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　The BMW M3 has garnered quite a reputation in the sports car world. For almost 40 years, the M3 name has been synonymous with power and performance. The performance variant of the 3 Series consistently dominates the luxury sport sedan segment. Unlike most of its competition, the M3 leans more toward performance and less toward comfort. But it still offers plenty of luxury. An enthusiast-preferred six-speed manual transmission routes 473 horsepower to the rear wheels in the base M3. But if you want an automatic transmission, go for the 503-hp M3 Competition, which is available in rear- or all-wheel drive. For 2024, there's a new model for those looking for the most the M3 has to offer.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 BMW M3 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$247/mo  for M3 Base

　　M3 Base

　　4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M) - $76,000 MSRPCompetition 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $80,200 MSRPCompetition xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $84,300 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　The M3 CS is a new limited-production, track-focused version of the M3. It's the most powerful M3, producing 543 hp, and the lightest thanks to lightweight components that save 75 pounds. It shares many upgrades with its fellow track monster, the two-door M4 CSL, but keeps its rear seats and adds all-wheel drive for improved acceleration. A titanium muffler, upgraded brakes and lighter forged wheels with sticky high-performance tires (superior Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires are a no-cost option) are just some of the go-fast parts BMW threw at the M3 CS. The highly capable sedan also boasts an adaptive suspension, stability control and steering that's been configured for track use.

　　As impressive as the M3 is, its styling and somewhat stiff ride aren't for everyone. Also, the luxury sport sedan segment is packed with many talented alternatives, including the all-new Mercedes-Benz AMG C 63 S E-Performance plug-in hybrid, the stylish and comfortable Audi RS 5 and the Italian option: the superb Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio. The Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing is another often overlooked but similarly worthy rival. For our test team's take on the BMW M3, check out the Expert Rating below.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.9

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the M3 drive? We tested the BMW M3 Competition xDrive. It's ferociously fast. The 0-60 mph sprint took just 3.2 seconds in our testing, handily beating the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing and Audi RS 5 Sportback. However, the transmission can be reluctant to downshift, even in Sport mode. So if you're about to tackle a set of serpentine mountain roads, we suggest you keep the transmission in its manual shift mode.

　　Handling is superb. The M3 Competition is a true sport sedan, with lots of grip and very little roll in corners. All-wheel drive is newly available for this M3 generation. Not only does it cut down acceleration times, but it also improves traction when it starts to snow outside. You can disable the all-wheel-drive system and send all of its power to the rear wheels for tail-out antics, if that's still your thing.

　　Unfortunately, BMW's modern steering calibration continues to be fine but not great. The car reacts quickly to driver inputs, but in Comfort mode, the steering doesn't increase in effort as you move away from dead center. This lack of effort buildup makes it difficult to intuitively know where the wheels are pointed, which is especially evident in back-to-back cornering. Switching to Sport mode for its heftier weight is needed for spirited driving.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the M3? You aren't getting the plush, pillowy ride that you'd find in a similarly priced 7 Series, but the M3 Competition is surprisingly comfortable given its capabilities. In Comfort mode, the adaptive dampers help prevent the sport-tuned suspension and narrow tire sidewalls from making the M3's ride too harsh. Even though the optional carbon-fiber bucket seats, which is what our test car had, don't have many adjustments, it's pretty easy to dial in a setup that you find comfortable. However, the carbon-fiber insert in the middle of the seat might also force some drivers to splay their legs while behind the wheel.

　　Wind and road noise is acceptable for this kind of sport sedan, but our editors are mixed on the engine's exhaust note. Some think it sounds like a symphony of strained blenders at full whack, while others think it absolutely rips, especially from the outside.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below