Wheels and tires: ultimate grip and style. BMW M3 wheel and tire equipment starts with M Double Spoke wheels, sized 18 x 8.0 front and 18 x 9.0 rear and featuring a rich Satin Chrome finish. Connecting these massive, deep-dish alloy wheels to the road are suitably wide, low-profile, high-speed-rated tires, sized 225/45ZR-18 front / 255/40ZR-18 rear ,

Optional 19-in. equipment consists of even more premium forged/polished wheels, with the same 8.0-in. rim width and a half-inch-wider 9.5 in. at the rear. These carry 225/40ZR-19 front tires, 255/35ZR-19 rear ones 6.

Optimum weight distribution: 50.3% front / 49.7% rear for the Coupe, 49.9/50.1 for the Convertible.



Exterior design: a tasteful performance statement

BMW M3's exterior design continues the established theme of BMW M, which encompasses these consistent criteria:

• Distinguish the M Car from its regular-production counterpart
• Visually emphasize its performance and road capabilities
• Maintain the good taste and timeless esthetics that characterize all BMWs.

The differences between BMW M3 and the regular-production BMW 330Ci Coupe are extensive and purposeful.

Front view. The distinctive bumper/spoiler ensemble features three openings: center, with screen, for the engine oil cooler; sides, for the foglights.

The M3 hood, of aluminum to reduce weight, differs sharply from 330Ci models' steel hood. It features a "power dome" and contours that sweep up from the grilles' flanks to the A-pillars.

Sides. The wheel openings are flared out fully 20 mm (0.8 in.) more on each side, accenting the 18-in. wheels and tires and keeping them inboard of the sheet metal. Overall width is 70.1 in., 0.9 in. wider than that of the 330Ci.

Other specific side elements include "gills"; the left one ventilates the underhood "electrobox" where electronic components live. Typical M aerodynamic outside mirrors add to the distinctive look. And by pointing toward the rear wheels, unique side sills emphasize BMW's rear-wheel drive.

At the rear. The rear bumper/apron ensemble is M3-specific. A discreet spoiler tops the coupe trunklid's top edge; this can be deleted at no extra cost if customers desire. Like all other current BMW's, M3s incorporate Adaptive brakelights, which provide extra illumination under hard braking.

Colors. There is a choice of eight exterior colors, five of them metallic. Among the especially eye-catching BMW M3 selections are Imola Red and the new Interlagos Blue (with Competition Package only).



Interior Design and Equipment: The Ideal Driving Environment

With the exemplary 3 Series driving environment as its starting point, BMW M3 cabin - whether Coupe or Convertible - adds features and design details that reinforce and enhance the sporting character of these cars.

The driver's view. In a high-performance sports car, instruments are of paramount importance; BMW M3's do not disappoint. Among the elements distinguishing the M3 instrument cluster from that of BMW 3 Series models are a BMW M logo in the speedometer and red pointers throughout.


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