2008 BMW E92 M3 Coupe (Manual)

Description

The E46 generation M3 may have been a tough act to follow, particularly for fans of the in-line six, but its replacement retained other key ingredients like rear-wheel drive, a limited-slip differential and a high-revving motorsport inspired engine to create the quintessential driver’s car.  Based on the fifth generation 3 Series, BMW’s fourth M3 was also the first (and to date only) powered by a V8 engine in line with arch rivals like the Audi RS4 and Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG.  Derived from the V10 unit found in the E60 M5, the 90-degree alloy S65 engine combined individual throttle bodies, double VANOS variable valve timing and a 12.0:1 compression ratio for an output of 414 horsepower (309kW) at 8300rpm.  Rather surprisingly the new engine was actually 15 kgs lighter than the E46’s straight six.  Transmission choices were either a traditional six-speed manual or a new 7-speed Getrag dual-clutch transmission, a first for any BMW and a big improvement over the old single-clutch SMG.  Available in sedan (E90), coupe (E92) or convertible (E93) guises, the latest M3 had relatively understated styling, the coupe distinguished by a unique carbon fibre roof that pared weight, along with quad tail pipes and unique M-Sport rims.  The interior architecture was clean and minimalist, dominated by heavily bolstered seats and a multifunction screen controlled by the iDrive system.  The new M3 certainly delivered in performance terms, the manual capable of reaching 0-100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds on the way to a top speed limited to 250 km/h.  As the only V8-powered M3 and the last naturally-aspirated version, the E92 is finding a new generation of fans and still represents huge value for money when compared with the original $170,000 pricetag.