BMW M3 Sedan...Continued

Vehicle Type: 4-door, 4-passenger sports sedan

Price: $39,950

Engine: 3.2 liter, dual overhead cam 24 valve, 240 horsepower, in-line 6 cylinder with variable valve timing. Top speed 137 M.P.H.

Transmission: 5-speed manual

Mileage: 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway

Safety Features: Driver and passenger side air bags, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes traction control, impact sensor, remote keyless central locking system with anti-theft feature.

Special Features: Multi-variable cam shaft control (VACC). This system guarantees that the intake valves open at precisely the right instant for any given engine speed and load factor. The result is a flatter torque curve, maximum output, smoother idle, enhanced fuel economy and lower emissions.

We looked at:

Roominess And Passenger Comfort: The M3, like the 328 it is based on, is a compact package. There is plenty of leg room for the driver and front passenger in this four-door sedan. But rear passengers have a bit of a tight fit, though head and shoulder room is fine for all. This, after all, is a sedan on the outside and a sports car under the skin. In order to make the M3 handle and perform as well as it does, some compromise was required in the interior.

Our editor commented on the high quality of the paint job. It was glossy and lustrous. It stood out from other cars and everyone knew it was a special vehicle. The gathered leather seats were soft and felt luxurious, accented with stripes of the BMW Motorsport's colors: red, white and blue. Carpeting is plush and looks like it came from a much more expensive automobile line. A very sporty car given that it is a sedan.

Driving Position: The driver's seat is narrow but comfortable enough for wider hips. People of all sizes can be accommodated with the use of the multiple manual seat adjustments. A tilt steering wheel is standard. All the controls are logically laid out and within easy reach of the driver. The dash is very easy to read at night as BMW uses red illumination on the instrument panel, rather than the more common green. The steering wheel has the M series badging and is a classic Fittipaldi style with grips in the proper position (3 and 9). When seated in the M3, the driver gets great feedback from the road from the steering and seat. The car does what you want it to and you feel that.

Cargo Space: The trunk of the M3 has 10.3 cubic feet of cargo space. There is no shortage of space such as weekend luggage for four, sample cases or a week's worth of groceries.