BMW M3: pros, cons, costs and common fixes
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![]() | "Descrizione" about BMW M3: pros, cons, costs and common fixes by Al222 (21098 pt) | 2025-May-22 18:15 | ![]() |
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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)
Powertrain | Power / Torque | 48 V | Drivetrain | Transmission | 0–100 km/h | WLTP* |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
M3 3.0 I6 | 480 hp • 550 Nm | – | RWD | 6-MT / 8-AT | 4.2 s / 4.0 s | 10.0–10.1 l/100 km |
M3 Competition 3.0 I6 | 510 hp • 650 Nm | – | RWD | 8-AT | 3.9 s | 9.7–9.9 l/100 km |
M3 Competition xDrive 3.0 I6 | 530 hp • 650 Nm | – | AWD | 8-AT | 3.5 s | 10.1–10.2 l/100 km |
M3 Touring Comp. xDrive | 530 hp • 650 Nm | – | AWD | 8-AT | 3.6 s | 10.3–10.4 l/100 km |
*Combined WLTP fuel consumption.
Boot capacity
Sedan: 480 L
Touring: 500 L, up to 1,510 L with seats folded.
PRO | Why it convinces |
---|---|
“Pure M” chassis | Active differential, wide track, reinforced bracing (MY25): track-like feel on road |
Transmission choice | 6-speed manual for purists or 8-AT M Steptronic with Launch Control |
Power upgrade | Competition xDrive now 530 hp, 0–100 in 3.5 s |
iDrive 8.5 infotainment | Curved Display, QuickSelect, 5G OTA, integrated M Drive Professional telemetry |
Touring versatility | 500 L boot and AWD with no compromise on power |
Market value retention | Limited series; residuals >70% at 36 months for Competition trims (fleet analysts) |
CONS | Reported detail |
---|---|
High weight (1,730–1,865 kg) | Heavier than the old F80; agility slightly affected in tight switchbacks |
Stiff ride on 20″ wheels | 285/30-20 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 visibility | Small rear window; reversing camera essential |
Expensive options | Carbon brakes, carbon roof, M Carbon seats: easily +€12,000 |
Estimated Running Costs
Service | Parts (€) | Labor (€) | Interval |
---|---|---|---|
Oil 0W-30 + filter (7 L) | 200 | 130 | 15,000 km / 12 months |
ATF 8-AT M (if equipped) | 320 | 220 | 60,000 km |
Brake fluid DOT 4 | 110 | 140 | every 24 months |
Front discs + pads (Competition) | 480 | 240 | ~35,000 km road / 6–8 track days |
Iridium spark plugs (S58) | 140 | 90 | 60,000 km |
Cabin filter + sanitization | 85 | 75 | 30,000 km |
Indicative Prices
Version | Power (hp) | On-the-road price* |
---|---|---|
M3 6-MT | 480 | €104,000 |
M3 Competition | 510 | €110,200 |
M3 Competition xDrive | 530 | €115,100 |
M3 Touring Comp. xDrive | 530 | €120,000 |
M3 Touring CS (limited) | 551 | €172,000 |
*VAT included; IPT and registration excluded.
Known Issues & Fixes (community & TSB)
Problem | Suggested Remedy |
---|---|
Steering wheel vibration at 110–130 km/h | Wheel balancing, control arm bushings check; update DSC software if needed |
Brake overheating during track use | Upgrade to drilled “M Compound” discs + DOT 4 Racing fluid |
iDrive 8.5 lag after OTA | 30 s volume button reset + OS 9 patch; head-unit replacement if unresolved |
Creaking M Carbon seats | Felt-kit 52 25 96 + PTFE spray on guide rails |
Front tire shoulder wear | Increase 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.
Category | Excels at | Matches | Trails behind |
---|---|---|---|
Design & Image | Sculpted 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. |
Dynamics | 3.0 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 Efficiency | RWD 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 / HMI | iDrive 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 & NVH | M 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. |
Practicality | Touring: 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 Costs | Service 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. |
Depreciation | M3 Comp Touring estimated 72% (36 months, fleet/enthusiast demand). | RWD sedan 70%. | M3 CS 65% (limited run but very high price). |
Safety & ADAS | L2+: 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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