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Review: 2008 BMW M3 Coupe

Third-party performance tuners like Alpina, AMG, Brabus, Ruf and others have thrived in the land of the autobahn, typically modifying cars from one particular brand. In the late '70s, BMW became the first of the German automakers to establish its own in-house tuning division, incorporating its motorsports arm into what's now know as the M division. The firm's racing knowledge disseminated down to its production cars with the introduction of the M1 and later the M535i. In subsequent years, M followed up with the M5 and M3. Eventually Mercedes followed suit by buying out AMG, while Audi ... Read More

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    BMW M3
    Spy Shots: BMW M4 sheds some camouflage for latest test run
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    Last time we saw the upcoming BMW M4 out testing, it was heavily clad with camouflage and decidedly homely looking (as most early development mules are). But in this latest set of photos, the M3 coupe successor has started to come into its own skin, and we're seeing a shape more closely akin to that of a rendering we brought you a few months ...

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    BMW M3
    Rumormill: Next M3 may be lighter than expected, with lots more torque
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    Few cars stir up the rumormill quite like the next BMW M3. To that end, BMW fan-site BimmerPost was able to track down a source, apparently tied to the development of the next M3 (and M4), who divulged a few juicy bits on power, weight and timing. Horsepower in the F80 M3 and F82 M4 is said to be close to that of the E90/E92, which was rated at 414 hp. ...

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    BMW M3
    Spy Shots: 2014 BMW M3 engine revealed [w/video]
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    We've just received a set of spy photography that, for once, is focused on what is inside the car rather than what is visible on the exterior. That's exciting stuff, as the car in question is the next-generation BMW M3, and the engine in question is the stuff of great import where enthusiast drivers and Bimmerphiles are concerned. The most important fact ...

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    BMW M3
    Spy Shots: Next BMW M3 sheds more camo, runs the 'Ring
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    Hey, look, more spy shots of the 2014 BMW M3! Our shooters caught this one lapping the Nürburgring, but alas, there isn't much more to see here than in our last set. To recap: The next-gen M3 will debut in concept form at next spring's Geneva show. BMW will initially offer it just as a sedan, but additional variants will be headed our way in ...

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    BMW M3
    Spy Shots: Face of next BMW M3 caught while testing
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    Behold our first clear glimpse at the 2014 BMW M3. Photographers spotted the high performance sedan undergoing hot-weather testing in Death Valley. Engineers peeled back a slab of heavy nose cladding for the first time, revealing the machine's menacing lower valance and headlamps. The design features sizable air intakes down low, and it looks as if a new ...

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    BMW M3
    Spy Shots: Here's your first look at the BMW 3 Series coupe, in M4 guise
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    As we all look forward to the F30 2012 BMW 3 Series spawning its forthcoming coupe bodystyle as well as a new M3, today's treat is a bit of both. Our spy shooters caught this car testing in Europe, which is clearly an M version of the 3 Series coupe. The wheels and quad exhaust are a dead giveaway that this is no ordinary 3, and of course, the ...

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    BMW M3
    Video: Six-cylinder BMW M3 caught on and around Nürburgring
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    That Roundel-obsessed crew over at F30post.com has laid its paws on a quick clip of the next-generation BMW M3 turning a few hot laps at the Nürburgring. The video gives us the best look and listen yet to the performance 3 Series under duress, and it certainly sounds as if the vehicle has finally shed its high-winding V8 for six-cylinder power. That ...

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    BMW M3
    Spy Shots: BMW M3 Sedan being worked out on the 'Ring
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    Now that we have a clear glimpse of the 2012 BMW 328i and 335i, it's time for us to set our sights on the next chapter of the 3 Series story: the M3. Our trusty spy photographers caught this prototype doing its thing on the Nürburgring, and though there's still lots of swirly camouflage, it's pretty easy to see how the new 3 Series' design will adapt ...

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    BMW M3
    Spy Shots: 2014 BMW M3 caught packing new turbocharged inline six
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    As we reported earlier this year, the current E90/E92 BMW M3 will be the last of the naturally aspirated M cars, and if recent rumors are to be believed, BMW will adapt the single-turbo N55 inline-six for duty in our favorite 3 Series. But how many turbos? Some reports indicate two, while others say three (two traditional snails and an electric turbo). ...

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    BMW M3
    Spy Shots: BMW flings M3 pickup around the 'Ring
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    There aren't words to convey just how happy this makes us. With Spring officially licking at the sanctified asphalt of the Nürburgring, testing season has kicked into high gear. Our elite squad of spy photographers has set up camp to take in the action and happened to catch this bizarre beastie obliterating its tires amongst a herd of other BMW ...

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