Good Points
Engine noise, especially engine blip on downshifts
SMG gearbox
Handling
Launch control
CSL Alloy wheels


Bad Points
Choice of color.

General Comments
I have owned this car for three years and it still gives me a smile every day. I have covered 25,000 miles and it has always started and runs smoothly.

I have the SMG box and have had some problems with kangaroo starts, but have discovered this is due to the sensitivity of the throttle. Power and grip as expected is fantastic and launch control is a laugh.

I have averaged 19.6mpg with a combination of motorway and town driving and that includes really driving it hard as well. It gives me 250 miles max per tank of super unleaded.

Overall build quality has been fantastic - there are no squeaks and the materials are good. I have had problems with a faulty temperature gauge and flickering xenon lights - but this was all fixed under warranty.

Servicing is expensive as expected - £1100 for oil and insection on one service and I have had a full set of Pilot Sport 2 tyres fitted recently for £700.

The only other problem is that everyone tries to race you, but in this car you can give them a race and always smile at the end. If you can get over the running costs I would certainly recommend the M3.