BMW M3 Sedan...Continued

Our Impressions of the Drive:

Engine Response: BMW claims the M3 is the fastest accelerating sedan sold in the United States. The M3's 3.2 liter, dual overhead cam engine with variable valve timing delivers 240 horsepower to the large 245/40ZR-17 rear wheels. Throttle response is instantaneous. The car accelerates from 0-60 in a respectable 5.7 seconds. Considerably faster than the BMW Z3 2.8 (6.7 sec.), the Mercedes Benz SLK (6.6 sec) or the Porsche Boxster (6.7 sec). For someone who wants a sports car, but has to have 4-doors, this is in fact a better performing machine. The M3 does not have quite the sex appeal of the "new age" roadsters, but in it you'll leave 'em dead at a stop light with junior strapped in the back seat and a week's worth of groceries in the trunk.

Shifting The Gears: BMW's 5-speed manual shifter is superb, offering a solid grip with a nice short throw. Shifting is easy and fast with just the right amount of resistance. If shifting gears is not for you, the M3 is also offered with a 5-speed automatic transmission. But for pure driving pleasure, get the stick.

Handling: The M3 sedan's handling is nothing short of phenomenal. The 328i, on which the M3 is based, is a compromise between performance and comfort, and, in that model, comfort wins. In the M3 the suspension is tuned for sportiness. When you turn the wheel the car changes direction instantly. There is little body roll and the back end comes around solidly.

Ride: The M3's ride is not the smoothest around because it is tuned for the sports car enthusiast. But, it is still very comfortable. What the M3 loses in ride comfort, it more than makes up for in handling and performance. In the end who cares if it is a little rough over the bumps. You'll fall in love with it on a twisty road.