What We Learned After Testing a BMW M3 Over 40,000 Miles | Car and Driver
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Speed is an expensive habit, and the more you pay, the more you get. Take our long-term 2022 BMW M3. We could have spent more for the more powerful Competition trim or the quicker all-wheel-drive variant. Instead, we went with the $70,895 base model, which not only was less expensive but also allowed us to get a manual transmission. Our 2022 manual-transmission M3 delivered a lot of grins and very few gremlins over 40,000 miles.
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00:00 Intro
00:18 We got the perfect spec
01:43 The driving experience
03:35 Acceleration results
04:00 The benefits of short gearing and fuel economy
04:45 People seem to like its styling
05:28 Criticisms and complaints
06:42 Driving in winter
07:41 Tire wear
08:48 Brake caliper wear
09:40 Maintenance and other costs
10:17 The verdict
For those wondering about cost of other items beyond 36k miles, dealerships vary on certain items due to labor cost differences in different cities. For context my 2022 M3 currently sits at 46,580 miles. It’s also a manual in Isle of Man green. I paid for oil changes between scheduled services for intervals of 5,000 miles. In the Miami area, those oil changes are between $200-$250. Fuel system service and coolant flush/service was $540 in San Antonio. Alignments were $280 in Atlanta. Getting a BMW factory replacement windshield and associated parts versus Safelite is just under $2k in Atlanta. Once out of free service, I started buying my own oil and filters and taking the car to whatever dealer was closest. As of today 4/4/23, my last oil change was in Gainesville, FL at a cost of $75 with me bringing oil. That’s all I can think of for now, but I can check my records if anyone has questions.
how's it been reliability wise? I've always been drawn to BMW sedan's but have never been able to pull the trigger as of yet. Is your's an X drive model or no? Also what sort of options did you go with?
Haven’t had to do any repairs yet? Other than maintenance, are ur miles mostly highway?
@@onefastboi14 I’ve had zero issues other than those I’ve caused e.g. slight rub from running spacers. As for my spec; I have a manual so Xdrive was not an option for me. At the time of my order, I hadn’t actually seen the sport seats in person and I knew I’d be driving between Charlotte and Miami in a manual. Once I found out Tartufo leather couldn’t be optioned with carbon buckets, it cemented to decision to go with the normal seats. I have full leather, laser lights, M drive pro, carbon fiber interior trim, and extended shadow line trim. The switch from 21 to 22 meant that the executive package only included heads-up display (which I don’t care for), heated steering wheel, and auto trunk opening/closing. Before the package also included the laser lights and they weren’t a standalone option. So I skipped the executive pack too.
@@brandonchism6960 I've seen a M3 touring with tartufo carbon buckets online recently 🤤
@@F82_ great question… no, I haven’t had any repairs, just maintenance for this car. Up to this point, I haven’t had a light of any kind either. As for miles, highway is the majority of my mileage. With exception of San Antonio, TX; I’ve had frequent trips between the cities mentioned in my original post. I’ve also put a lot of miles on exploring backroads in states throughout the Southeast US.
These type of videos are so useful. Long term ownership reviews are way more valuable than a one time drive car review
Many people driving cars like BMW change their cars every 3.5 years and never hit 40,000miles so they don’t need to care a review at 40,000miles
@@manofsesame3024 Well if you were to lease more like 3 years not 3.5 and it would be 30,000 miles but I see you were trying to make a point with the video lol
As an owner of a 22 M3 competition Xdrive (IOMG / Kyalami), it's unreal how incredibly fast this vehicle is and just an amazing machine all around. The compliments are also incredible. Lots of thumbs up, "Hey! what a beautiful car!" and "what a gorgeous color!". It was worth every penny.
There’s no way anybody with eyes would call any modern BMW beautiful 😂
The look definitely grew on me once I saw it in person. Green/Kaylamimis is incredible spec
@@mvcharisma2968 I have eyes... It's beautiful... What color is your M3?
After seeing its little sibling the M2, this suddenly became a real beauty to my eyes 😍😂
😂😂👍
Best and most informed automotive commentator hands down. Lucky to have taken him from Motortrend
🙌
And Edmunds also, definitely C and D's gain.
Such a beautiful car. I actually love the grille and hope to see more of it. It’s so aggressive especially in black
Wow great review - I like this genre from the channel and the presenter did an excellent job. Very relatable. I enjoyed the anecdotes and it didn’t feel like a sales pitch. Plus the specifics on tires and differentiation of vehicle aspects combined with humor was excellent - nice job!
Thank you!
That footage was surreal and daunting at the same time. Well done boyz!
Great video. There's one thing I like about an M car is the gearing. They are geared to have fun. 🎉😊
Really enjoyable review. Wasn’t expecting that from C/D
I love seeing this car driving on roads I drive.
I am literally looking at the same spec M3. Same colour interior and exteriror. I get a test drive next week, hopefully it feels as good for me as it did for you here!
Thank you for the review. I didn't like the grille at first on the new BMW but after some time, I've come to appreciate the aggressive look. I also like the warning about driving on gravel. Good tip. If I were to ever get an M, this model M3 would be my choice. Love the color too 🖤🏁😎
still looks like beaver teeth to me.
@@boom2055 it’s just badly designed car, not necessarily the graphics fault alone Motor seems great tho
2 door ugly 4 door is good
On the other side, we have AMG smoking crack with their 4 cylinder C63
Darn. The primary thing I was interested in was the wear/dirt resistance on those white seats. Any thoughts???? (Loved the review. Placed an allocation order for an M3 Comp xDrive on Saturday) Edit: Rewatching this video amongst others. M3 Comp arrives on Tuesday :).
I love these reviews. Real world testing
This is great, a s is the fact that you guys are doing a long term test of CT4 V Blackwing. Now, can you guys also do a long term if IS500, please?
This review definitely adds manual CPO m3 to the list of cars to replace my WRX in a year or 2
Hate the grille but that green is so beautiful it could look like an Aztec and I'd still drive it!
also the steering is actually very good, the wide front tires and front end setup give this car amazing turn in and aggressive front end grip, this was a huge improvement, bmw made the front end as sharp as possible, I have a 21 m4 manual
Tip: You can set a shortcut via the number 1 to 8 buttons to turn on or off the dual climate control sync. Its first thing I did. 😂
I was hoping you'd touch on living with the silverstone interior. I'm going to get an M3 this year and I don't know if I should go with silverstone or stick with black.
I’ve put about 12,000 miles on my 2022 manual G80. It’s not my daily but it really is fantastic.
I have loved driving manual since the early 90's and always said I would never own anything but, despite the wife's objection. However, I recently injured my left ankle, and unfortunately can't even drive my car at the moment. Tried the day after injury, and it was excruciating. I am sure it will heal in time, but as good as modern automatics and dct's are, with the exception of CVT's, I have really been rethinking this in recent times.
Can fix the AC syncronize by using the programmable buttons below the AC controls.
I love mine. The S58 is a fantastic engine and the fact that it’s a manual is even better.
During this period did you replace the pads and/or discs?
"encourages DYNAMIC driving" - GREAT LINE
I have a M2 on order. Was expecting tire wear to be a huge issue so at least I have a realistic view of where this car will be needing extra love and care. Just wish the M2 had more color options because that Isle of Green is AWESOME! 😎
It's interesting to hear you prefer the manual - something I've wondering a lot about. I love my 6MT E46 M3, but a lot of what I've heard about the S58 engine is that it is better suited to the ZF8, not just because of speed, but because of turbo lag and "liveliness". Specifically, Throttle House did a review of new M2 (same S58) where they show directly how stomping the gas has almost no response until around 4k RPM-ish, and they said that was due to the gearing. They claimed the ZF8 had a completely different feeling and made the car much more responsive and fun to drive. Maybe that's just for the M2? Would be curious to hear if you have any experience similar to this in the M3.
Personally I wouldn't care too much about the Th vid. As it was drenched with unessary vindictiveness. Like saying it is less drifty, but omitting that the current M2 has a staggered setup, instead of the previous 19/19 setup. Complaining about the shifter in that fashion, even though it is EXACTLY the same as the one Thomas has and apparently loves - instead of mb being disappointed that it wasn't made better. But the message you get is: It was good. it is crap now. Same thing with that stupid test. Yes it's not an NA engine, was never meant to be one, thatswhy you cannot overpower higher gears, because it's designed to work in conjuction with the turbos. They never made that kinda test with any other car, ever! And without seeing nothing but the terminal you only perceive speed by the sound. In that scenario an agressive sounding Clio RS might come across as faster/responsive. The S58 is a torquey boi. And you have all the torque available at 2,7-3k rpm. All in all. Yes, it seems like its more of a ring tool now than it is a highend miata. And this is kinda where the real choice between Manual/Auto lies. If you are going to "tune" the S58, which is actually 560-580PS~, bring it to that realm, you are surpassing 700nm basically immediately. Which makes the 550nm gearbox the biggest bottleneck in that car. Most ring people will probably push that thing to over 1000nm and have ordered the auto anyway.
That was the dumbest thing I’ve seen in a car review in a while. I’ve literally never, in all my years driving a manual, floored a car in a high gear from 1000 rpm and wondered why it was slow. Everyone would downshift in that situation. But the S58 is not really laggy like they make it out to be. Full boost comes on a little under 3000 rpm.
DO NOT GET THE AUTO PLEASE. Two of my boys have g80 one auto rwd comp, one manual rwd. The auto has full bolt ons making 700whp. The manual car is much much much more fun to drive every day. It’s extremely rewarding especially here on some back roads in Fl. The manual is really nice experience. We all agree that the slower manual is the better car. The new tech makes it easy to drive in traffic really not an issue at all. Get the manual you won’t regret it.
Thank you for your input, all of you. Everything you said makes sense and in retrospect makes the TH review look a bit ridiculous and off base. One day I may trade up my E46 for a manual G82, but I think I'll push the E46 to the end of its life (177k miles going strong) first and throw in a carbon airbox to really make the most of it. Who knows, maybe I'll eventually be able to keep it and have them side by side.
I’m now at 47,600 miles on my G80 manual. If you’re used to driving manual, especially a BMW shifter, you’re gonna love it. Enough has been said about the TH video so I won’t add. Just know that the car is a riot and highly enjoyable. I would only do things differently if we had the touring available in the states.
What I'm learning from these Car and Driver long term test reviews. Is never let these people drive my car!
these guys have the best job in the world
It’s really cool they made awd m3 many would never CI sided it as a rwd and only option was m340 or 335 I have xdrive love it
Geez carlos i hope they are paying extremely well to go from cali to Michigan!
I miss this guy
Very nice review. Yeah that front grille needs to go; looking forward to the refresh. Nonetheless, I'm very happy you guys are reviewing long-term manual-spec performance cars. Good job there. I'm hoping the next gen can get some form of hybridisation all while retaining a manual trans and increasing the steering feedback.
Pretty sure theyve already confirmed this last gen is the last with manual
Just ordered the Tremec manual base Dark Horse Mustang in Dark Blue Ember with a few options butnwithout the expensive Handling Package for $64k.
Good to see the car remained mechanically reliable during those first 40,000 miles
because after 40K the car basically fall apart, i had 1 m3 everything just die on you
S58 and B58 are very reliable engine
@@aznrobot9637s58 is very reliable
I don't think most people would complain about steering feel if they're coming from a CUV or something like that. Great car. We should celebrate these and buy them while they still exist.
Looks good in that green.
People didn’t like the grille when it came out because it was different, not ugly. That’s why you probably haven’t heard people complain about it in the last couple years
The red and blue on the Motorsport emblems used to signify the intake and exhaust cam profiles on the original M1 engine. At least that's what the BMW motorcycle shop guys used to tell us.....might have been BS. :)
BS. It was originally the blue from bmw and red from a sponsor. Sponsor pulled out but they already committed to the branding and just rolled with it.
@@Chalybis texaco
Can't get it in manual sadly but should do 40k in a 23 giulia quad, it's not the same car you had issues with in the past. Commuting 50 miles a day and tracked it, no problems so far :)
Giulia quads are fantastic cars and now totally reliable.
For a family person is it suit for long range, daily etc?
I'm glad you liked it. However ... I think my experience would be soiled by the violent bouts of projectile vomiting every time i exit the car and look back at it.
YAY it's Carlos!!!
How is it in snow?
My old F30 335 also had a super short 6th gear. It’s honestly annoying at 80 mph and sucks gas.
Hey. When's the 40k mile test of the CT4V Blackwing (in whispers) coming out?
It still has some time to go. Here's a link to the updates: www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a41519597/2022-cadillac-ct4-v-blackwing-reliability-maintenance/
@@caranddriver Thanks for the update! Looking forward to it and a slight comparison of the BW with this M3 if you please.
Y’all need 40k review on that
The counter clockwise and non circular tach is an actual, literal deal breaker…. and I’ve owned all prior gens
It makes no sense that they did this. Are they just trying to be fancy? It is lame and they should stick to what works in a car like the M3. In a 2 series Gran Coupe, do what you want. :)
You won't notice.
It looks dumb but is not reason to avoid purchasing the car.
Good to know, I'm considering one but the way I specced mine it falls just over $90,000 and I'm struggling to justify spending that much on a car especially considering the associated higher operating costs.
Do it
That money isn't completely gone. M3s hold their value fairly well at around $50,000-$70,000 after a few years.
@@NexusAbstracts And when they become classics if driven properly.. will retain even more.
As a man that has to drive a manual, I say to hell with the manuals. Oh and the take on the short gearing... if you mind the presence of a 7th overdrive, just shift down a gear and there you have it. Oh and the choice of 2WD was the correct one on a place with snow? Yeah right!
I'm sure it drives sublimely but you still have to look at it when you climb out. I'm sure the M3 felt right at home in beaver country.
😂😂
Amazing how over the top MT goes to insult those that prefer to drive auto ... for whatever reason such as its faster, its convenient and comfortable to drive in stop-go traffic, safer in poor weather/road conditions, etc, etc
Try being Italian with that gesture control stuff. It’s pretty annoying.
That was really funny 😂
@@jjames2162 I’m not even kidding 😂. I have it shut off on my X3M Comp !!! Mid conversation and all the sudden the radio is getting louder! 🤌🏼
@@Carlo-_ as a fellow paisano, I understand 🇮🇹
I think the MT version with lower HP is just safer. But 500 HP ain't weak power especially for daily driving.
Surprised you guys like that rubbery shifter, vague shifter with those long throws 🤔
Personally, I'd rather have a not-great manual over any automatic. My C10's shifter is awful by traditional standards, but I love it.
I never once doubted canceling my magazibe subscription.
It’s a bmw m car, they are build extremely well in all areas. Can’t go wrong with an m3
Poor steering feel? Shocker. I owned a 2020 M5 and the steering was as numb as a rock.
The services were free up to 36K, how much after that? Most decent cars can make it to 40K without issue. BMWs are pretty well known for needing major services before 100K and BMW repairs tend to be pricey. Even dtiving them to 75K would be pretty telling. 40K just proves the guys at the factory weren't actively huffing paint as your car was made.
Differential went out on my E92 335i around 80K miles. Like what the hell
😂 I hope they do 100,000 miles on this then remake this video or at least 80,000 miles
This is outdated info. BMW has been climbing and is ranked #3 for new car reliability per Consumer Reports. The Toyota Supra has been using a BMW engine for several years now - I don't think they would choose to do that if it didn't meet their quality standards.
Those decent cars your talking about do they all have twin turbo motor pushing over 470hp? Are they being driven equally as hard to 40k miles including track days, being thrashed on back roads and drifted at every opportunity when presented. I’m sure a many high performance vehicles would surprise you how long they last if they were to be driven like a Corolla. you have to have realistic m expectations when owning a car like this. Regardless the s58 drivetrain in this vehicle is proving to be extremely stout and it’s predecessors the f80 has nothing outside of usual wear and tear items worth noting or preventing potential ownership that goes for the chasis too and not just the engine in a now 9 year old platform
Modern BMW have become pretty damn reliable, 10-15 years ago they were shit but BMW has made major improvements to their reliability. The engine in this M3 (the S58) is based on the B58 that goes in their lower trim models. The B58 also goes in the Toyota Supra after Toyota did their own independent testing on the engine’s reliability and gave it the thumbs up to go in their Supra.
Interesting bmw sells 19s for winter when the car comes with 18s up front
I had recent opportunity to drive a manual M3 back-back with a CT4-V Blackwing. While the M3 was more powerful at the top end, the BW was the better car in virtually every other aspect: chassis dynamics, handling, comfort (MRC), steering feel, and transmission…the Cadillac 6MT was fantastic.
Did the same a while back. Cadillac’s biggest weaknesses were interior finish, tech, color/finish options, and smaller cabin. Driving dynamics wise the BW “felt better” in turns and suspension wise. The manual in the BW is also objectively better. But…I did the same speeds on the same roads in both cars back to back and there was zero actual performance difference.
@@Chalybis yeah, but it feels better doing it in the Blackwing. Also, the CT4 and CT5 are supposed to get complete refreshes this Fall for the ‘24 model year.
Normally what comes out with the manual is that it actually is not well suited to this new g8X platform, strange review
S62 still the best in terms of engagement, and reliability❤️
The Caddy Blackwing has a much better suspension, ride, and handling. But Caddy blew it by not dropping a V8 in the little Blackwing. If they did that, they would have had an M3 beater
I wish the during the middle-age crisis refresh, LCI, BMW would adopt the CSL Hommage grill. It would still satisfy Domagoj Dukec's absurd experimentation, yet look great and true to the past. I'm going to ask Santa Claus this year to have all journalists stop talking about past BMWs with hydraulic steering. At least C&D didn't say "e46 M3." BTW, I got 3000 miles out of the rears on my e80 M3 Comp AND on my new X3M Comp. Bottom line? You pay the price for 500hp.
The CSL grill shouldn't be that expensive aftermarket right? I don't really dislike the current stock grill and actually like it but the csl grill does look a lot better.
what, no gaskets?
That Isle of Man paint is a must have, and BMW could charge $3k for it like Audi does for exclusive colors and I'd still get it. Reminds me of the special emerald green on the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA
Don’t give them ideas
Manual cars..it’s simple! your communicating with the car more! Instead of pressing a button to change gears, your entire body gets involved in every shift.
Im so jealous of the prices you get on such cars in the usa😢 70k dollars is what a nicely equipped bmw 520D costs here in Norway😢 130k dollars is what the m3 starts at here😢
We are one of their biggest market, and they have an assembly facility here. Will not make sense if they make it very expensive.
You guys keep saying the M3 powertrain is better than the CT4 Blackwing but not HOW it is better? They both rev out to about the same. The LF4 makes more torque lower and longer. The transmissions are similar but the Blackwing's 6M is slicker, Is it SOUND? You guys have to make up your minds, either you don't like the LF4 because it sounds bad, OR you don't like it because as you continue to state it doesn't sound like a V8 in a car you wish had a V8. Side by side the M3 and Blackwing 6 cylinders sound about as good a 6 can.
To me, sound and power delivery.
It’s the Inline 6 setup
Great review!! $77k though!
The new M3’s are cheaper than the E90 gen cars were, adjusted for inflation. A lot cheaper actually.
@@Chalybis I don’t doubt it but there are better options out there. Mustangs Camaros. Zl1,has 650 hp also.
Worth every penny
I had a brand new 2023 M2 manual and sold it after 3 months - numb steering, incredibly ugly to look at, boring to drive as a daily. Now have Giulia Quad, and couldn't be happier (except for the fact that it's automatic - wish they had a manual).
I had a f81 manual for 1 year and 5000km's...i didnt like the 6 mt...i felt rhe cars to big and not spartanic enough to fit the 6 mt..i felt it was more of a cruiser plus the transmission is kn no way sporty by default...shorter stick is a must probably....thats coming from a guy who converted a 928 porsche auto to manual trans... For me, m4 suits the dct much better, my 2 cents
🤣 The spouse didn't want to go back with them!! It wasn't the M3's fault!
If you need a driver for your next long termer, let me know. I put drive 10k miles per month!
40K mi in a year? How much was that depreciation?
About $20K I would say.
Hell no, with 40k miles, it might lose $8k maximum. Mileage isn’t as big of a negative anymore and 40k miles is still very low miles for an engine
In a year?!?!?
good to hear the e9x m3 steering feel is still king
Even the non-M e90s with sport package were brilient - I had two of them and miss it so much I might just go back for a third!!
@@infidel900rr I also had two e90s, both 335i's. I still own my second, if you end up buying another, do m3 control arms in the front. Totally changes the car
This car is the last of a dying breed with 3 pedals. Count your blessings and enjoy it while it lasts because it probably won’t be here for much longer.
Over 70k?!?! I’m blown away by how many enthusiasts can afford prices like that. I would need to triple my salary to feel comfortable with that price…
better budgeting, orr get a job that can afford a BMW and its exorbitant upkeep
what about 100,000? That is a true test of car reliability. 40k is not that many miles to boast about
40k is barely break in for even American cars, while the Japanese laugh at 150k
Wow i've had a 2021 BMW 4 series for about 18-20 months and only in this video did I learn how to synchronize the climate control. It annoyed me that there wasn't a button for it and I thought it wasn't possible. Now I learn it is buried in the infotainment system.
NO MENTION OF THAT HORRENDOUS FRONT GRILL?
Personal preference over what people in mass are going to actually choose was a mistake but hey…
Man, I still can't get past that awful front styling. I know they said they needed the massive nostril grille for air flow, but man I don't think I'm ever going to be able to look at the front of one of these and not be repulsed. A shame too, because the overall shape and profile looks great, and it seems to be one hell of a do-everything car. Definitely way more capable than you'd ever need on a public road, though. Also -- think twice before potentially buying one of these out of warranty... unless of course you can afford to deal with the maintenance and the headaches.
These cars have great engines though
It is what it is can’t own this car I. North east winters
This car made it to 40,000 miles lol
Clearly, this is a three season car…
Depends where y'all having your seasons.
40k miles driven by people that don't own it but beat the snot out of it just because. Some guy will buy it from the dealer when it's returned and wonder why chit keeps breaking down
because it's a BMW
The grille, the whole car is beautifull
So… M3 or CT4-V Blackwing?
Cool update! My 18’ 6MT just hit 27K. I just now replaced the original Michelin PSS and unfortunately I had to pay for the 30K service because my FREE maintenance plan expired
I have been considering BMWs for years, but the maintenance cost has always been my concern. Do you mind me asking how much you had to pay for that? And how often do you need to do that?
1 line is feet, 2 lines is inches. so you need " not '. sorry cant help it lol
@@sinaramezani1127 sorry I didn’t see your question. $1100 spark plugs but did them myself for around $150. Oil change was $120 but did it for $50, air filters $120 but did them for $30 cabin air was also $120 but did it for $30. Alignment was $150, tires was $1400
@@lrnasigo1 thank you
Isle of Man Green, not Isle of Green lol
It was the perfect M3 until the M3 shooting brake came out this year
What a shame that BMW can't release a SMALLER M3... you know, an M4, but in M2 form. Instead, they release some Frankenstein's Monster which is almost as large, almost as heavy, with an infotainment that doesn't belong on an M-car. Very upsetting, I'd love an M4, but smaller and lighter.
Can get the same acceleration from a Model3 for $25k less.
But no manual and no sound equals no thanks.
@@Closertotruth2 it has speakers, and manuals are over rated
@@bradhaines3142 Ahhh further proof that Tesla fan boys are not automotive enthusiasts. Nothing like fake engine noise to tickle the hammer, anvil and stapes.
A M3 comp is obliterating a damn toaster.
it would look good if the bottom 50% of the grille didn’t exist
Most reviews of the stick are not favorable they say it's not the best
Those “bad” reviews usually say it’s because the auto is so much faster. The stick is still silly quick and more than enough for a daily.
@@CapELarry it feels rubbery compared to older bmws
@@igger562 ain’t a bad thing though l, also there are mods that can be done to improve the clutch feel
@@igger562 That's hard to believe, because older BMWs also have very rubbery feeling shifters
@@fcman123 What I meant is that older M manual cars had a more satisfying feeling when you changed gears but at least they are trying to keep the manual gearbox alive.
My 2021 WRX gets 21-22 mpg average.