2013 BMW M3 Coupe Review
2013 BMW M3 REVIEW
Vehicle Style: 2 door sports coupe
Engine/trans: 309kW/400Nm 4.0 litre V8 | 6spd manual
Price: $155,100 (plus on-roads) $166,100 (as tested)
Fuel Economy claimed: 12.4l/100km | tested: 14.7l/100km
OVERVIEW
On July 9, 2013, a BMW M3 Coupe rolled off the production line in Regensburg for the very last time.
Painted bright orange, a splendid contrast to its signature unpainted carbon fibre roof, that E92 coupe signalled the end of an extraordinary era in the history of BMW’s M division.
From next year the M3 will be the sedan, with the Coupe becoming the M4 and the howling V8 replaced by a forced induction straight-six.
It will be fast, it will be amazing, but it won’t have the character of the E92.
So, what made the M3 a modern classic?
INTERIOR | RATING: 4/5
Quality: BMW is known for tightly constructed cars and the M3 is no different. It’s a low-maintenance, low-fuss interior, lifted slightly by the carbon effect leather on the dash.
The car has been in production for nearly five years, so every part has been honed to fit perfectly. The interior has dated well, but it’s no fun fair, so typical BMW in that respect.
Comfort: The front seats are covered in a softer, more supple leather than even a top-spec 335i, as are the steering wheel and gear knob. The front seats are electrically adjustable fore, aft, up, down and there’s lumbar and thigh support.
The seats flip forward electrically for access to the two rear seats which are also comfortable for sub six-footers. The seats are all very supportive which is handy given the car’s capabilities.
Equipment: 13 speaker Harmon Kardon stereo with bluetooth and USB, sat-nav, 8.8-inch dashtop screen with split function, sat-nav, voice control, full trip computer, stop-start, cruise control, keyless entry and start, bi-xenon headlights, active headlights, automatic anti-dazzle rear view mirror, dual-zone climate control, electric front seats,
Storage: Up front there’s a large glove box, two cupholders that sprout from the dash on the passenger side and a pair of fold-out bins in the doors. The driver’s elbow bashes a reasonably shallow centre console which also houses the USB port.
The rear passengers get a couple of cupholders and a roll-top coin tray. The boot is a healthy 440 litres, but has a high loading lip. It’s a good shape, however and the lack of spare wheel means a low, flat floor.