Overview
The BMW M3 is the performance car for the line-up of 3 Series cars that define BMW. The 2011 BMW M3 combines stylish looks with high performance and boasts of the highest level of comfort. The M3 is available in Sedan, Coupe, and Convertible body styles. The coupe and sedan can now be equipped with available a Competition package that adds a lowered suspension, 19-inch wheels, a wider track and reprogrammed electronic damping and stability controls.
Power and performance
The 2011 BMW M3 is powered by a brawny 4.0 liter V8 engine that delivers a dynamic 414-hp and 295 pound-feet of torque. In addition, it goes up to a redline of 8400 rpm. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and a seven-speed dual-clutch automated-manual transmission (M DCT) is optional.
The EPA fuel economy estimates of the M3 stand at 14 mpg in city and 20 mpg on a highway and 16 mpg combined for all models except the convertible with the six-speed manual, which drops to 13 mpg city.
Body and styling
The BMW M3 sedan gets a subtle styling refresh. Its aggressive style is combined with standard M double-spoke satin chrome finish light alloy wheels and powerdome on the hood along with front and rear spoiler. The M3 center console goes all the way to the rear seats and wraps around the driver seat to make a cozy, comfortable, and eminently usable cockpit.
It provides AM/FM stereo/CD audio system with 10 speakers; Radio Data System (RDS); Auto-Store; MP3 capability; and a 3-channel FM diversity antenna system for entertainment. The Convertible body style has a three-piece hardtop opening that disappears completely into the rear roof compartment at the touch of a button in just 22 seconds.
Safety Features
Beyond power and luxury, the BMW M3 is also equipped with all the latest safety technology. Standard safety features include high-performance-tuned anti-lock braking system (ABS); head protection system; driver's and passenger's front airbag supplemental restraint system (SRS) with dual-threshold; dual-stage deployment; and pretensioner seatbelts for driver and front passenger. Its standard front-passenger seat sensors are designed to prevent unnecessary airbag deployment. It also offers standard dynamic stability control to deliver optimal traction. Equipped with optional electronic damping control that automatically adjusts the shock absorber settings to meet changes in vehicle?s speed, load, or road and driving conditions, makes driving safer for all concerned.
