2002 BMW M3 review from Qatar
"A super-car without the super-car price"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
SMG developed a fault, perhaps due to the heat. It would force itself into neutral as the car was moving.
Rear roller-blind rubber strip keeps on coming loose despite repeated "fixes" by the dealer.
General comments?
The E46 M3 is a wonderfully competent automobile. It will chase down Porsches and just as easily trundle quietly to the mall.
My car wears 19" Continentals making for a hard ride. I would have preferred Michelins. The harshness of the ride is forgivable considering it's built as a race car.
The SMG (Sequential M Gearbox) is the best I've ever used. It will change more smoothly and quickly than any human ever could. It also has an automatic mode. Actually there are 6 manual and 5 automatic modes getting progressively sportier in each.
Handling and road-holding are first-class.
The cabin is the usual BMW quality, the seats hug you to death.
Recommended Reviews:
  | A pure german animal |
| 2001 - M3 Cabriolet 3.2 liter inline six A driver's car that lives up to its hype |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.2L Manual |
| Performance marks | 9/10 |
| Reliability marks | 7/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 9/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 23 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 8813 kilometres |
| Previous car | BMW X5 |
| Date of Entry | 20th June, 2003 |