The E46 style M3 has been a work in progress since the E36 ended in 1999, last year, 2001, was the first model year for this new model. The 2002 model has a few nice additions from 2001 includng a new transmission choice, along with some new colors.

ENGINE: The engine in this car is WONDERFUL, it roars up to its 7900 RPM Redline, and seems perfectly happy the whole way up. It has a nice deep tone to it, much sweeter sounding than the 1999 E36 M3. This car can pull effortlessly is any gear you choice, from the highway in 6th, to backroads in 1st and 2nd. The power is there when you need it, you will not have to worry about a car beating you at a red light, thats for sure.

TRANSMISSION: I have the SMG transmission, basically a clutchless stick shift where the shifts are made with paddles behind the steering wheel, very similar to systems of the Ferrari 360 Modena. THis is new to me, but so far I really do like it, the shifts can be as fast as you want with 5 different manual settings, or you can sit back and relax in traffic and not worry about stalling and constantly feathering the gas and clutch, great in rush hour. First impressions are very good here, but not sure yet if it justifies the $2400 price tag, but I HAD to get it without the ability to use a 3rd pedal (medical reasons).

HANDLING: Unreal. This car does NOT move off the road, you will have a hard timing finding the outer limits of the car. Feels effortless on the highway, and seamless in the backroad twisties. Some have complained about too much understeer, but I have yet to really notice this. Once I take it to the track, more info will be available here. Overall this is the best handling car I have EVER driven, and that includes several sports cars.

COMFORT: The seats are some of the best ever, probably the most comfortable I have been in. Excellent lateral support keeps you in place on harder corners, a problem I have noticed in some other cars I have owned, too much sliding around in the seats on turns. Not a problem here at all. Rear seat can fit 2 comfortably, and 3 if you really try, but I would not recommend it. Its a definite 4 seater though, which makes it better than 99% of the cars in its class.

The only downside to me is the price of some options, I think a car like this should have more things standard as you can spend almost $10k alone on options, many of which are standard on other cars such as the 2002 Maxima. The M3 is a custom car though, and they don't want to make them all the same I guess.

Overall this car is amazing, one of the most attractive cars on the market, and one of the hardest to get which makes it hold value well. It is faster than almost ANY car on the road, and the only ones a little faster are 3-4 times the price like Ferrari, some Porsche, etc... If you have money to spend, and you love cars, this is the one to get, you will not find anything with higher performance and higher quality combined on the road. Plus BMW service is top notch, you should not have any problems dealing with them at all.
Amount Paid (US$): 53500
Condition: New
Model Year: 2002
Model and Options: Xenons, SMG Transmission, Leather, Moonroof, CD Changer