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Test Drives:
2003 BMW M3 Coupe
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Seeing how I love the way BMWs drive, I thought I'd try the creme de la creme. The M3
coupe has a naturally-aspirated 333hp inline-6 mated to either a 6-speed manual or
SMG transmissions. My sample was a silver-on-black 6-speed manual, equipped with
a (new-for-2003) 19-inch wheel package. If you thought the previous 18-inch
wheel-equipped M3 was hot, just have a look at this. It is amazing how one inch of tire
can alter the look of the entire car. With 19s, the coupe has a more muscular and sleek
look to it, especially from the rear profile angle. After drooling on the hood, I took the
coupe out for a ride from the Autopark on a warm summer evening. This car has a
civilized, refined, and proper attitude behind the wheel. Turn the DSC off and the Sport
mode on, and this car has a Christina Aguilera-like naughty side to it. It is quite capable
of making any move you ask of it, including hard corners, quick acceleration, panic
braking, and smooth cruising. On the inside, the coupe includes a padded M-style
steering wheel, an adaptive redline, sport seats, and optional nav. Under city driving
conditions, this sports car is a very comfortable car to be in. While its $78,000 price tag
may appear beyond the upper-limit, consider its competition: Porsche 911 Carrera, MB
CLK55 AMG, Corvette C5. This car is in a league of its own.
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