Used BMW M3 Review (2014-2018) MK4
Independent review by Peter Hayward from Driving Force
4-minute read
Overview
- Excellent acceleration
- Supportive seats
- Thrilling to drive
- Uncomfortable to drive in Sport mode
- Some rivals offer a more premium feel
- High running costs
What's the BMW M3 like?
Arguably one of the finest sports saloons is the last series BMW M3 that went out of production in 2018.
The M3 has always been an icon for performance, and this model just improves on all the models that went before.
It’s a super saloon that reaches the pinnacle of excellence in every facet of a superb driving machine.
Engines
Performance from the silky smooth, turbocharged 3-litre engine in this paragon of cars is the latest version of BMW’s well-known 6-cylinder engine, which boasts no less than 425bhp.
It reels in the horizon like a fish on a line, and a prod on the accelerator is enough for the swiftest and safest overtaking on any straight piece of road.
It drives the rear wheels through a 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox, and the auto makes the changes so fast, it’s marginally quicker, reaching 62mph from rest in a supercar busting 3.9 seconds.
As well as having such marvellous power, this wonderful engine also claims a very best of 34mpg, and for such power, decently low emissions of 34mpg. A figure like that for such an engine would have been unthinkable even ten years ago.
Driving Experience
The auto comes with three switchable driving modes: Drive, Sport and Manual, and Drive is excellent for 90 percent of the time. But Sport quickens response and exhilaration to an amazing degree.
In fact, it’s so good when pressing on, that the manual setting, with paddles behind the steering wheel, is almost superfluous. As is so often true with modern cars, the auto does it better.
Adaptive dampers at each corner mean that comfort is not too compromised by firm suspension.
In Comfort mode, it soaks up most imperfection in the road surface, but when switched on to Sport or Sport Plus, the ride gets firmer and then quite uncomfortable.
Even Comfort mode allows marvellous handling and roadholding in the company tradition. It wouldn’t be an M3 if it didn’t handle perfectly.
Peter Hayward
Interior and Equipment
Part of the reason for the exceptional performance is the weight saving measures. The car has aluminium front wings and an unpainted carbon fibre roof amongst other differences from the standard models.
This top model in the range comes with a wide range of electronic driving aids, the driving position is superb, and the seats are well-shaped and supportive.
Equipment in standard trim includes, start stop, parking sensors, xenon headlights, Bluetooth, cruise control, DAB stereo, alarm, electric heated leather seats, sat nav and traction control.
Find your BMW M3 your way with CarStore
The BMW M3 is without A doubt one of the most practical true driver’s cars on the market. Equipped with an array of driving aid features, and different drive modes that help the vehicle adapt to different type of environment improve the driving experience.
Here at CarStore, you're able to buy your car your way. Whether that be online, in-person, or a mix of both, the choice is yours. With an extensive variety of used cars available, we're sure to have a car that suits your lifestyle.
