2009 BMW M3 User Reviews

Pros

Performance, looks, seats fit like a glove, not many on the road

Cons

Speed and Performance is too addictive

Purchased As New

First, before you ever buy this car get the best radar Detector on the market. Second, buy a remote Lazer Jammer(Blinder makes the best). Third, set your Speed Limit Alert at 90mph or below(in Texas anything over 100mph is a Felony). I've never recieve a ticket with this car yet, but that's only because you get what you pay when it comes to radar detectors, I've learned that through years of experience. Now to the car. The first thing that disturbed me was the sound the V8 M3 makes when cold. Nothing else on the market has this weird almost cheap sounding rattle from the exhaust, it goes away after a few minutes when warm to a Deep sexy growl. Took me awhile to really appreciate that distinction it has. It doesn't like going by gas stations either, but I'm not complaining because the thrill of acceleration from this beast is worth the tradeoff. There's a feature that most dealers don't tell you about, the "launch control". I only used it four times and don't plan on using it anymore due to I believe it will drastically reduce your drive train reliability(rubber will remain on the asphalt min. 30yards). This car is an athlete. It takes awhile to have patience and restrain the urge to accelerate. It's really too much fun to drive....read morehide

Pros

Handling, steering, brakes, smooth power, ride, low key good looks

Cons

Somewhat cheezy interior (no better than any other 3), too subdued exhaust note.

Purchased As New

Overall a great car that goes a long way to help me not miss my 2007 GT3 (wrecked by a PCA instructor with me in it!) that was somewhat more exciting (the exhaust note was incredible) but very impractical as a daily driver. I got mine about as simple as you can (stick--very nice, standard suspension, but with 19" wheels) and still think too much electronics (including oil level--no dipstick!!), but, well, I guess I am just too old school....read morehide

Pros

Excellent performance in terms of both agility and speed. Great off the line.

Cons

A bit of a hard ride.

Purchased As New

Great car. Performance is right up there. It's agile, handles tight turns at high speeds and has great acceleration. The ride is hard and you can really feel the road. Not the best car for an extended long drive 3+ hours; your body will feel it...but that's why I wanted it.
This is a car that was really made to be driven, not pointed.
My next one will have a stick!...read morehide

Pros

Not many on the road. Handling, smooth lines, and simply looks good.

Cons

The car feels a little heavy. Too many electronci gagets.

Purchased As New

I have a 2009 space metallic gray coupe, six speed manual (the dual clutch auto-has already had a recall) because I have never had an automatic and enjoy a little more control of vehicles. I previously owned a 05 M3 and there is a difference. The 05 felt easier to drive, slower initially, but screams at reline. The styling was nice. The 09, although faster from the start, feels heavy. The car feel more like a luxury vehicle, but I do like the V8 sound and the smooth shifting (could be a little shorter, tighter shift). I have customized with a carbon fiber front lip spoiler; carbon fiber exhaust deflector in the rear and custom BBS wheels with 275/35 19 rear (the front stay at 245/35 19). I think this car is an all around solid combination of luxury and sport vehicle. I really like the idea that they are not on every neighborhood block....read morehide

Pros

performance, handling, braking, stereo, style, smartphone

Cons

Nav could be more detailed.

Purchased As New

I drove almost every sports car under $100K before ordering my 2009 M3. There are onlly two in my opinion that were drivers cars, the BMW and the Porsche. They have the best steering and brakes. You can't just go my magazine performance numbers, it is the feel from behind the wheel of knowing what the car is doing. I got mine with nearly every option, it stickered around $72K. The 7 speed DCT is amazing, the Harman Kardon stereo is really nice, the 09 has a built in hard drive for music. I have the two door coupe with the carbon fiber roof, you can't get a sunroof or a 4 door if you want the carbon fiber roof. The nav system isn't as detailed as my $400 garmin is the only shortcoming, but I bought this car for the driving experience not the nav. The overall combination of performance, luxury, styling is tough to beat. One new feature is the smartphone adapter that hardwires the phone adapter into the car, the sound quality is better than any bluetooth setup. I bought mine new from Bob Smith BMW and would buy from this dealer again....read morehide

Pros

acceleration and handling,interior fit and finish, steering wheel, HD radio

Cons

gas mileage and stiff ride on bumpy roads

Purchased As Used

I just bought this car with less than 5000 miles fanastick stick shift,
acceleration and handling. Great car with excellent interior finishes.
the Car is solid and well built . silver exterior and red interior is a fablous combination, I would get car fully loaded. You just want to drive the car all the time. I like the corvette as well but the interior of the m3 is far nicer...read morehide

Pros

Looks, power, handling, comfort, understated

Cons

Not made in America, ???

Purchased As New

Don't listen to me, read the magazine articles. I too thought they were being paid by BMW until I test drove mine. This is by far the best car I've ever owned or driven. Its the car people love to hate because its that good. Coming from a S2000 I expected to be disappointed in cornering ability and stability but it is far superior. From cruising in my wife's Volvo or Saab I thought it would be too firm for long distances, again, it is better than both. At the drag strip I was kicking myself for geting the DCT because it's near impossible to get the tree right, but on the street its much better. In the corners the DCT is is more rewarding and in daily driving much easier to live with (but if a weekend toy only, get the stick, its still more involved). I think this car represents an excellent value because it is everything a car can be, family hauler, track toy, weekend cruiser, cross country companion. I'm also pleasantly surprised that people of all ages remark about how good it looks but that they don't know what it is (M vs regular 3 series). I thought every Mustang would be trying to race me, but most just pass by without noticing, the rest get beat. Fuel mileage is reasonable for a car with this much horsepower and I've gotten better than EPA on the highway while doing at least 10 over. I'd like to bring out what I don't like about the car but can't think of anything. I've put 8500 miles on since owning (6 months) and have had no issues. iDrive has taken some getting used to but is easy enough once you get the concept, but have the dealer explain it in detail before leaving. This is my first 4 wheel BMW, but won't be my last....read morehide

Pros

FAST, COMFORTABLE, 4 SEATS

Cons

AUTO MODE COULD SHIFT DOWN FASTER IN HEAVY BRAKING

Purchased As New

TRADED 08 Z06 FOR 09 M3 COUPE DCT. Drove the Carrera S with PDK. Found the M3 better than Z06 and 911 for daily driving so I got rid of my 07 750li too. FAST, FUN, LOVE THE STEREO AND THE NEW I-DRIVE. M3 rides better than Z06 and 911's. Bought snow tires and 18's for the winter so we will see about that. I've tried many times to like and buy a 911S or turbo and can't do it. I LOVED the Z06 and owned it for 2 years, but it was too loud for highway travel. The Z06 Bose system was pathetic and yes there were times I wanted music when I was driving.... M3 an all around great car that I'm hoping will do well in the winter too....read morehide

Pros

FAST, AWESOME HANDLING, APPERANCE.......:)

Cons

PHONE VOLUME AND RADIO VOLUME NEED TO BE MATCHED BETTER

Purchased As New

This is my second M3. My last M3 was a 06 manual. The new M is by far the best. It's faster, handles better, roomier too. All of the tech stuff is easy to use once you are familiar with it. I have the double clutch version which shifts fast, smooth. The ride is nice, not too stiff just right. The interior is quite when cruising. The motor comes alive when pushed. Sounds like formula one car. Best car I have ever owned?.way better than the Z06 Vette....read morehide

Pros

phenomenal performance

Cons

pricey

Purchased As New

Great car, from acceleration to brakes it is simply superb. Superb seats. Professional reviewers have said enough about the car's performance. I'll give you the owner's perspective. Unlike my X5 hand brake is manual, for 75K BMW can do better. The window seals allow water in thru during a wash. Incidently my 528i also had the same problem so this may be an issue BMW needs to work on. 1900 bucks for an upgraded stereo is steep, especially when it is not truly audiophile quality. Air scarf/vent or whatever it is called is cumbersome.
But step on the accelerator and all these gripes will feel petty. What a ride......read morehide