MotorMouths

The BMW M3 accelerates, stops and turns with the verve and agility of a pure sports car. It’s for the ultimate car enthusiast, and particularly for those who look forward to track-day outings with the local BMW club.

Yes, it is more refined than past efforts from BMW’s M-Division, but coupled with its incredible performance, maybe the 2009 BMW M3 proves that you can have it all.

The 2009 BMW M3 is the most fun, most rewarding car you can drive at anything near its $60-70K price. With its trick M-Differential, tons of steering lock and near-perfect balance, the M3 is simply a dream to drive.

Even if g-forces don’t blow up and lap times resist slipping in this new Competition Package M3, it’s the hard-core, all-natural feeling that makes it the best $2500 you can spend on the model. Retaining the M3’s everyday practicality and comfort should make the buy all the more sweeter.

Stylish, racy and decidedly sporty, the 2009 BMW M3 Coupé is all that and so much more. Unfortunately, the side effects include a lower ride quality and less money in your bank account. Yet the extra investment seems justified.

Is there such a thing as having your automotive cake and being able to drive it too? If you drive 2009 BMW M3 Sedan then it’s possible to get a slice. The M3 is an ideal car in that it is balanced in so many areas which make driving fun.

The BMW M3’s capabilities have a shortcoming: that the car’s limits are far on the other side of legality and good sense. If you’re able to enjoy the M3’s potential without hitting a racetrack, you live someplace more remote or lawless — and definitely more interesting — than I do.

The 2010 M3 Convertible has got some major game. Sleek, refined, elegant, absurdly powerful, and huge resale value besides. So why would I never own it? The convertible nearly a quarter-ton more than the Coupe. It might as well be towing a jet ski.

L.A. is best experienced in a convertible. A fast one. With a great sound system. Something like the 2010 BMW M3, a class leader with impeccable lines and a very rowdy inner life.

While the BMW badge is impressive, the 3-Series is more than just an image. It provides unmatched handling and road feel, while delivering a range of very capable engines. However, if you view a car as an appliance, the 3-Series’ high cost won’t appeal to you.

It’s not that the 2009 BMW M3 isn’t a good car. It’s an astonishingly outstanding car. But the heart palpitations we used to feel for the old car are gone.