The defining characteristics of the M3 are its daily practicality and sports car like performance. When the fourth generation first arrived on the show floor of Geneva in 2007 on a larger platform, and with a new virulent V8, it was another obvious success from BMW. The E92, like its predecessors, looked the part of a sports sedan without ostentatious accents and excessive exterior modifications. Our example has only traveled to 35,000 miles since it was first purchased from a California BMW dealership in 2011. Lightly optioned, the M3 we will be listing next week is a natural gem from the E92 era.
As crisp as the mountain snows, the factory Alpine White paintwork has been continuously well cared for. Some areas on the M3 have unoriginal paint since the original owner regularly sought to have any blemishes removed from the body paneling. BMW strategically optimized the M3 for aerodynamics and heat dissemination. As such, the M3’s stance is lower than standard 3-Series cars, the hood has been tailored to reduce thermal buildup underneath, and airflow along the body has been wind tunnel tested. In addition to those modifications, our example is fitted with the carbon fiber roof panel to drastically lower weight.
For example, the front bumper and side skirts work to create real downforce while reducing underbody lift. The side mirrors are connected to the body with small arms to minimize drag, and the front fenders have ventilated gills that pull heated air from the engine compartment. Aside from the usual improvements, this M3 has only one exterior upgrade, which is adaptive and intelligent Xenon/LED lighting. Factory supplied 19” polished alloy wheels with Continental SportContact 3 tires from 2015 are currently equipped.
Upon jumping into the cockpit, occupants will be greeted by a generous amount of Bamboo Beige Novillo leather no matter where they want to park themselves. The front seats are electrically controlled, and the headrests are imprinted with the ///M logo. Color stitched into the floor mats sitting above the plush black carpeting is the ///M logo. The two-tone interior continues throughout the cabin created by a mixture of hard plastics and soft-touch materials. To further dress up the interior, faux carbon fiber trim stretches across the dashboard and on to the door panels. Meanwhile, a black leather gear lever with colored Motorsport logo and a similarly upholstered steering wheel is held together with tri-colored sutures. Behind the wheel, a 200-mph speedometer and 9k rpm tachometer gently remind drivers of the almost otherworldly limitations.
A first for BMW’s M3 production car lineage was the use of a V8 engine in the E92 generation. Featuring a four-liter displacement and 8,300 rpm redline, this motor is most sirenic at its loftiest levels. In total, four hundred and fourteen horsepower can be sent to the rear wheels with the use of your right foot. Maintenance has been regularly adhered to, and fluids are fresh, with proper service invoices to reinforce that statement. During the most recent visit to the mechanical doctor, this M3 was the proud recipient of eight new spark plugs.
A Carfax report includes no accidents or damages during the past years. The complete collection of factory books and manuals is still with the car inside of its leather-bound portfolio. Lastly, a clean California title is guaranteed with the sale.
