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M3 article from Atlanta Journal-Constitution

BMW M3 defines performance
Few Warts mar this comfortable sports coupe

by Russ DeVault Staff Writer for Atlanta Journal-Constitution

?The BMW M3 sports coupe is an even better performer than its
predecessor. Inside, one new feature is automatic climate control.?

   Look at what they?re saying about the BMW M3 sports coupe:
- - ?How can a car be so complete?? - Automobile magazine.
- - ?The BMW M3 has it all: scintillating speed, brilliant handling, a utilitarian
package.? - Car and Driver magazine.
- - ?... the bargain of Euro sports cars.? - Motor Trend magazine.
   And that, car enthusiasts, was about the 1995 M3. Just wait until the
performance magazines finish gushing about the new and improved ?96
M3.
   For starters, it has a revised six-cylinder engine bumped from 3.0 liters
of displacement to 3.2 liters. Horsepower remains 240 at a rather high
6000 rpm, but torque is up 5 percent to 236 pounds-feet and, while the
old engine torqued out at 4250 rpm, the ?96 power plant peaks at a more
useful 3800 rpm.
   The independent suspension, which is lowered, stiffened and tuned by
BMW Motorsports, or ?M,? division, has firmer springs and shock
absorbers and a more effective front anti-roll bar. It benefits - as does
driver feedback - from a power-steering system with both variable
assist and ratio, improving performance in tight or low-speed turns.
   BMW?s switchable all-season traction control - a $1100 option on all
other 3-series cars - is standard, and the grip also is tightened by
inch-wider rear tires (225/45ZR17s up front, 245/45ZR17s in the rear).
   So, it?s true: The new M3 is an amazing sports car. One start-up (zero
to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds), one twisty stretch of road and one stop (60
mph to zero in a respectable 140 feet) prove that.
   The handling is as smooth as part of the gymnastics moves seen
during the Olympics. But it requires no practice and no coaching to make
the moves the M3's suspension facilitates. It?s one of those rare cars that
makes anyone a better driver.
   It?s also an extremely comfortable car - even in the rear seat, where
headroom (36.3 inches) and legroom (32.7 inches) are not exactly
generous. But the fold-down seating is very accommodating, and the
bottom is long enough to provide the thigh support not always found in
the front seats of cars classified as compacts.
   Nice touches - some optional - abound. Both the sunroof and windows
can be closed via the driver?s outside-door lock, the side windows
automatically seal after doors are closed, and the previous manual
heater/air conditioner has been replaced by a dual-control automatic
climate control.
   So what?s not to like? The sporty, aerodynamic mirrors lack a good field
of view, the rear windows pop out instead of raising and lowering, the
climate control is noisy at high fan speed, and the clear instrumentation
cover produces some weird glare and reflections. Neither an automatic
transmission (coming next year) nor a tilt steering wheel is available.
   So, yes, the M3 has room for improvement. For now, however, it?s a
car that makes driving about as pleasurable as it can be.

Test vehicle: The 1996 BMW M3 rear-drive sports coupe.
Price as tested: $45,975, including luxury tax.
Safety features: Dual air bags, power and anti-lock disc brakes,
switchable all-season traction control, height-adjustable front shoulder
belts.
Drivetrain: 3.2-liter double-overhead cam six-cylinder engine with 24
valves (240 horsepower), ZF five-speed manual overdrive transmission.
Options on test vehicle: Package with eight-way power adjustable seats,
cruise control, trip computer, wood trim, chrome interior handles, leather
door panels, special wheels, $3300; 340-watt Harmon Kardon sound
system with 10 speakers, $675; power sunroof, $1200.
EPA figures: 20 mpg premium unleaded city, 28 mpg highway.

Reprinted without permission . . .