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2008 BMW M3 - Under the Hood

This iteration of BMW’s mid-level hot rod plays host to a 4.0-liter V-8, marking the departure of the six-cylinder-powered M3. Boasting 32 valves, double VANOS valve timing, and a wet sump oil system that ensures proper lubrication in high-g corners, the eight-banger cranks out 414 horses at a lofty 8,300 rpm and 295 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,900 rpm. Premium petrol is required, and despite providing added power, the V-8 is actually 33 pounds lighter then the inline-six it replaces.

For its debut the 2008 BMW M3 sedan and coupe will feature a six-speed manual transmission, though a seven-speed double-clutch automatic with Drivelogic (labeled M DCT Drivelogic) and paddle shifters will hit the streets with the subsequent launch of the M3 convertible; look for the auto gearbox to be available on all M3s soon. The much-maligned SMG tranny is gone, surely to the delight of commuting performance fanatics everywhere.

Engineers complemented the new M3’s nifty powertrain with some groovy hardware designed to put ride and handling on par with equine grunt. To that end, a M Servotronic speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering system with sport and manual modes has been attached; selecting sport tightens things up and makes already responsive steering even more so. Performance rubber measures 245/40 up front and 265/40 out back, rolling on 18-inch alloy wheels (slightly wider wheels on the rear) and brought to a halt by cross-drilled and ventilated disc brakes designed with a floating hub to better dissipate heat. For an additional cost, buyers may opt for 19s wrapped in 245/35 front and 265/35 rear tires.

An electronic aluminum suspension system with normal, comfort and sport modes allows drivers to dial up their preferred setting, and utilizes hollow stabilizer bars, a five-link setup for the rear and twin-joint sprint-strut front axles. With a tap of the steering wheel-mounted button, M Drive lets the driver adjust suspension, steering, and stability control settings. Opt for the system’s M Dynamic Mode and you can stretch the parameters to allow liberal wheel spin and aggressive driving without completely disabling the stability control function.