2002 BMW M3 E46 review from North America

The only thing wrong with the car so far is one tech glitch with the GPS system - the "voice" is stuck on maximum volume.

It was like this when I got it. At least there's no possible chance that you'll miss a turn :-) I'll probably fix it sometime. Not exactly urgent.

This car is a tight, ultra-fast and agile race car - yes, literally a race car - that looks like a regular, everyday bimmer.

At 333 HP (naturally aspirated), this german-engineered beast strikes the perfect balance between drivability and raw performance.

Yes, the M3 is very fast, but it's also very precise. That's a combination that usually doesn't come cheap.

Wherever you point the steering wheel, the car will follow like it's on rails (excuse the cliche), and with minimal body-roll. Out here on Vancouver Island we are blessed with plenty of winding back-roads with very little traffic, and I've had several chances to "excercise" the M3's capabilities.

It doesn't disappoint - every time you flex the car's muscles you'll be pinching yourself, because the performance feels like you should be driving an exotic.

Not a 4-seater with trunkspace...

After about 4000 RPM the engine hits an exhaust note that growls with a steady precision that clearly distinguishes its German roots.

And pressing that "sport mode" button is like throwing gas on a fire. Can't explain it or put that one into words...

One thing to realize about the M3 is that it's a car for the discerning motorsport enthusiast. Very few people will be able to distinguish an M from a regular 3-series, and even those that do don't really "get it" unless they're avid gearheads (or owners themselves). So if you're looking for attention or "turning heads", buy a Ferrari 348.

The other thing is that price-wise, yes, you can get more HP for your buck if you get a Corvette Z06. The difference is the precision and "feel" of the M3 in EVERY situation. Not just off the line.

If you're considering an M3, the only warning I have for you is that you need to realize that you're buying a highly-tuned, high-performance sports car. Essentially, a "BMW 911". As a result, luxury takes a very distant backseat to performance and handling.

In other words - you'll feel every bump, road patch and pebble. Also, it takes concentration and practice to smoothly "launch" & shift the lower gears without jolting your passengers around.

Owning this car is like having a kit-car, except it's the other way around: An exotic sports car secretly dwells within an unassuming exterior...

Bottom Line: For me, this is the ultimate car. A true daily-driver that directly competes with the Porsche 911, and still has 4 seats.

Drive one, and you'll see what all the hype is about...