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BMW M3: pros, cons, costs and common fixes
"Descrizione"
by Al222 (23486 pt)
2025-May-22 18:15

BMW M3 Sedan / Touring (G80 / G81 – Model Year 2025)


Country of manufacture

All M3 models – sedan and Touring – are assembled at BMW Group’s Munich plant, sharing the production line with standard 3 Series variants.

Overview

The 2025 Life-Cycle Impulse brings subtle but targeted updates: Adaptive LED headlights with new “arrow” DRL signature, redesigned kidney grille, and new forged 19″/20″ wheels. Inside, the M-specific Curved Display with iDrive 8.5 debuts, alongside a red-centered M steering wheel and backlit air vents. Under the hood, the S58 twin-turbo inline-six now delivers 530 hp in Competition xDrive models, with minor software updates improving 0–100 km/h by 0.1 s. Dimensions remain unchanged (4,794 × 1,903 × 1,433 mm; wheelbase 2,857 mm). Production and first deliveries begin July 2024.


Powertrains (EU6e)

PowertrainPower / Torque48 VDrivetrainTransmission0–100 km/hWLTP*
M3 3.0 I6480 hp • 550 NmRWD6-MT / 8-AT4.2 s / 4.0 s10.0–10.1 l/100 km
M3 Competition 3.0 I6510 hp • 650 NmRWD8-AT3.9 s9.7–9.9 l/100 km
M3 Competition xDrive 3.0 I6530 hp • 650 NmAWD8-AT3.5 s10.1–10.2 l/100 km
M3 Touring Comp. xDrive530 hp • 650 NmAWD8-AT3.6 s10.3–10.4 l/100 km

*Combined WLTP fuel consumption.


Boot capacity

Sedan: 480 L
Touring: 500 L, up to 1,510 L with seats folded.


PRO

PROWhy it convinces
“Pure M” chassisActive differential, wide track, reinforced bracing (MY25): track-like feel on road
Transmission choice6-speed manual for purists or 8-AT M Steptronic with Launch Control
Power upgradeCompetition xDrive now 530 hp, 0–100 in 3.5 s
iDrive 8.5 infotainmentCurved Display, QuickSelect, 5G OTA, integrated M Drive Professional telemetry
Touring versatility500 L boot and AWD with no compromise on power
Market value retentionLimited series; residuals >70% at 36 months for Competition trims (fleet analysts)

CONS

CONSReported detail
High weight (1,730–1,865 kg)Heavier than the old F80; agility slightly affected in tight switchbacks
Stiff ride on 20″ wheels285/30-20 sidewalls transmit road imperfections
Full luxury tax (Italy)No mild-hybrid: 530 hp = 40 fiscal hp
Oil consumption S58~0.7 L every 3,000 km under hard use
Limited rear visibilitySmall rear window; reversing camera essential
Expensive optionsCarbon brakes, carbon roof, M Carbon seats: easily +€12,000

Estimated Running Costs 

ServiceParts (€)Labor (€)Interval
Oil 0W-30 + filter (7 L)20013015,000 km / 12 months
ATF 8-AT M (if equipped)32022060,000 km
Brake fluid DOT 4110140every 24 months
Front discs + pads (Competition)480240~35,000 km road / 6–8 track days
Iridium spark plugs (S58)1409060,000 km
Cabin filter + sanitization857530,000 km

Indicative Prices 

VersionPower (hp)On-the-road price*
M3 6-MT480€104,000
M3 Competition510€110,200
M3 Competition xDrive530€115,100
M3 Touring Comp. xDrive530€120,000
M3 Touring CS (limited)551€172,000

*VAT included; IPT and registration excluded.


Known Issues & Fixes (community & TSB)

ProblemSuggested Remedy
Steering wheel vibration at 110–130 km/hWheel balancing, control arm bushings check; update DSC software if needed
Brake overheating during track useUpgrade to drilled “M Compound” discs + DOT 4 Racing fluid
iDrive 8.5 lag after OTA30 s volume button reset + OS 9 patch; head-unit replacement if unresolved
Creaking M Carbon seatsFelt-kit 52 25 96 + PTFE spray on guide rails
Front tire shoulder wearIncrease camber to −2°00′; cross-rotate every 4,000 km

Summary

With its 2025 facelift, the BMW M3 sharpens its styling and tech, boosts xDrive to 530 hp, and brings iDrive 8.5 without altering its core recipe: rear-wheel drive (or AWD), manual gearbox still available, active differential, and a chassis tuned by M GmbH. Weight and maintenance costs remain demanding, but whether sedan or Touring, the M3 continues to deliver a rare blend of hardcore performance and everyday usability – the ultimate “do-it-all” sports car.

Verdict — BMW M3 Sedan / Touring (G80 / G81 LCI – Model Year 2025)

The most iconic “M” celebrates 40 years with a technical and aesthetic facelift: slimmer Adaptive LED Arrow headlights, slightly smaller twin-kidney grille (now with optional Iconic Glow trim), Curved cockpit with iDrive 8.5 (QuickSelect, 5G), and a redesigned M steering wheel. The S58 inline-six gains 20 hp:

M3 base (RWD, 6-MT) → 510 hp
M3 Competition xDrive → 525 hp
M3 CS limited to 550 hp (+40 Nm)

M adaptive suspension is retuned (new low-speed “comfort” valves), and M Servotronic steering is now fixed-ratio 14.6:1 for better feel. The Touring (G81) remains available only in Competition xDrive form. Direct rivals: Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance, Alfa Romeo Giulia QV/Foglio-Verde, Audi RS 4/RS 5, Porsche 911 Carrera T.


CategoryExcels atMatchesTrails behind
Design & ImageSculpted muscles, +75 mm flared arches, carbon roof standard (sedan) and diffuser with 4 × 100 mm central tailpipes.Frozen & Heritage paints (Cinnabar, Dakar) – nod to the E30.Cabin less “theatrical” than Mercedes C 63 S Hyperscreen.
Dynamics3.0 biturbo S58: 0–100 km/h in 3.7 s (Comp xDrive). Roll −8% vs MY23; active M diff and mixed 19"/20" Cup 2 Connect tyres.Optional carbon ceramic brakes (410/400 mm) withstand 3 × 20 min track sessions.1,780 kg DIN (Comp xDrive) > Giulia QV’s 1,610 → less agile in hairpins.
Real EfficiencyRWD manual: 9.0 L/100 km at steady 120 km/h thanks to 48V “sailing”.Competition AT ~9.6 L/100 km combined.C 63 S PHEV drives ~40 km EV in town (but adds +180 kg).
Connectivity / HMIiDrive 8.5 boots <3 s, QuickSelect, full-screen CarPlay/Android, integrated M Drift Analyzer & Laptimer.M Logbook cloud app.Touch-sliders for climate divide purists; Giulia still has physical knobs.
Comfort & NVHM Carbon Bucket seats (–9.6 kg) now ventilated, 69 dB @130 km/h (acoustic glass).Adaptive dampers softened in Comfort, suitable for long trips.Cup 2 Connect noisy; RS 4 with conventional 19″ is quieter.
PracticalityTouring: 500–1,510 L, 40/20/40 seats, 1,800 kg tow hitch; sedan: 480 L with ski pass-through.Rear ISOFIX and front passenger seat.No frunk; high load lip on Touring.
Running CostsService Inclusive 5 yrs / 60,000 km €780; 0W-30 oil service every 15,000 km.Cup 2 19″/20″ €380/410 each.Oil consumption 0.7 L / 4,000 km on track; full “superbollo” in ITA from 510 hp.
DepreciationM3 Comp Touring estimated 72% (36 months, fleet/enthusiast demand).RWD sedan 70%.M3 CS 65% (limited run but very high price).
Safety & ADASL2+: ACC 210 km/h, Eye-Steering lane change, Park Assist Pro 200 m, integrated dash cam.Level 3 not available (irrelevant for track use, but AMG claims it’s coming).

Best for:

  • Purist rear-wheel drivers – M3 6-MT: modulated clutch pedal, perfect rev-matching, 10-step ESC.

  • Track-day addicts – M3 Comp xDrive + Cup 2 Connect, carbon-ceramic brakes, M Drive Pro: 2 s faster on Nürburgring GP than MY23.

  • Family–gearheads – M3 Touring: 500 L usable, 1.2 g Launch Control, everyday 5-seat usability.


Look elsewhere if:

  • PHEV buyers or eco-tax conscious → AMG C 63 S E Performance (671 hp PHEV).

  • Lightweight fanatics → Alfa Giulia QV “Foglio-Verde” (1,575 kg).

  • Display lovers → Mercedes Hyperscreen, Tesla Model 3 P.


Recommended Configuration

M3 Competition xDrive Touring + carbon-ceramic brakes + carbon buckets + 19/20″ Cup 2 Connect wheels: 525 hp, 0–100 km/h in 3.7 s, family space and super-sedan performance under €100k 

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