2011 BMW M3 Coupe Reviews

2011 BMW M3 Coupe . Every car lover deserves a chance behind the wheel of a BMW M3. The M3 artificially lowers the maximum engine speed until it's completely warmed up. Little things like this exemplify BMW's commitment to performance cars.

The good: Extraordinary performance technology changes the 2011 BMW M3 Coupe from mild-mannered sports car to track star at the push of a button.

As a maker of sport luxury vehicles, BMW is on the cutting edge of car electronics with navigation systems featuring high-resolution 3D maps, true high-fidelity audio systems, and new smartphone application integration. But the 2011 BMW M3 Coupe tested by CNET emphasized another aspect of BMW's technology: performance gear.

Lacking much in the way of cabin electronics, this car was optioned for the track, with such features as Electronic Damper Control (EDC), a carbon fiber roof, and Double Clutch Transmission (DCT). BMW fits butterfly valves at every cylinder to control fuel flow, technology borrowed from racing. Despite the efficient engine, the BMW M3 Coupe wasn't designed for fuel economy, so its 14 mpg city and 20 mpg highway earn it the dreaded gas-guzzler tax.

Rather, it indicates manual sequential shifting.

BMW's DCT has seven gears and two computer-actuated clutches. The result is faster gear changes than you could ever accomplish with a manual. And each gear change grabs hard, as there is no torque converter.

The transmission makes the car's intent felt from the start, as you shift from Neutral to Drive; a push to the right and it defaults to manual shift mode. The harmony between transmission and engine shows during downshifts, as the car automatically blips the accelerator to match revs. The BMW M3 Coupe has five drive programs in automatic mode and six in manual mode. A Power button on the console sharpens the accelerator input, and the EDC option adds another button to the console that lets you switch the suspension between Comfort, Normal, and Sport modes.

The M button always puts DSC into Sport mode, but you can also program one of the 11 drive modes, the EDC mode, and the Power mode into it, making a preferred performance profile available with the simple touch of a button on the steering wheel.

BMW kept its focus on performance, not fuel economy, when specifying the gear ratios. It also features tuned suspension, a six-speed manual transmission, a carbon fiber roof, and all the exterior modifications typical of an M car.

In keeping with BMW's high-revving M tradition, maximum engine speed is 8,300 rpm. Reminiscent of the carbon fiber roof panel used on the M6 coupe, the M3's CFRP roof cuts unnecessary weight, and lowers the car's center of gravity. Pricing

Pricing starts at $58,400. A premium package, priced at $1,900, offers power folding mirrors, universal garage opener, and digital compass mirror, BMW Assist, Novillo Leather interior and choice of three optional interior trims.

Enhanced premium sound is $1900. Buyers seeking an open-air experience can opt to delete the car's standard carbon fiber roof and replace it with a regular steel top and integrated glass moon roof.