2001 BMW M3 review from North America

The fuel guage sensor failed at about 32000 km. causing the fuel gauge to register 1/4 tank when I was actually out of gas. I called BMW Canada's toll free number on my cel phone. They sent a flatbed truck within 45 minutes, drove me to the dealer where they set me up with a loaner. Bad situation made good.

It took me a at least the first 5000 km to really understand the power, braking and handling under my control. I started out driving it like my previous 3 series, but with the occaisional squirt of hard cornering or acceleration. The turning point was the BMW Performance/ Safety driving course that my wife and I took. Serious grin factor from that moment on, though clearly we had both loved the car prior to that.

We both find the 6 speed gearboxhas a notch from 1 to 2 unless you adopt a a more aggressive acceleration approach. Who wouldn't, with 333 horses at your command.

I agree with others here that the Dynamic Stability Control saves you a little too early, but once I felt comfortable, the dash button allows traction control defeat for serious tail wagging and yet still saves me from myself in the wet.

The Sport setting instantly transforms this sleeper into a snarling beast, apparently remapping the computer for spirited driving.

Of course, the big brakes and surefooted handling are always there, whether ambling to the grocery store or screaming through hairpin turns.