Yes, the M3 starts at a healthy $65K, and ours is optioned to a cringeworthy $82K, but I swear I’d still look for a no-options model. The carbon ceramic brakes feel perfect, but they're a little squeaky, even off the pedal unless you plan frequent track days, they may be more hassle than they're worth. Reverse needs to be in a different spot, or it needs a collar so it won’t accidentally go there. I also almost hit it when downshifting to second. One gripe: Reverse is to the left of first, which means that sometimes you grab R instead of 1 when you’re trying to take off with some gusto. The stick shift could be a little more solid, but the gates are true and easy to hit. At about 5,750-6,000, you feel like you should shift, but it’ll go above 7,000.

There’s just a hint of lag at low rpm, but after that, it flies. This thing is powerful, and it feels like more than 425 ponies. I kept it in sport mode for all four parameters (throttle, suspension, traction and steering) all weekend and it wasn’t harsh at all.

But with these Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, all of that has fallen away. Our Opinions: The last M3 we had came with run-flat tires making the ride harsher than a go-kart at Baja. The steering, throttle and traction control each have three modes as well, making for a total of 81 different combinations for driving. The Adaptive M Suspension is now standard with three adjustable modes. Highlights: The BMW M3 continues with the same 425-hp twin-turbocharged I6 as last year and the same option of a manual or dual-clutch automatic transmission. Key Competitors: Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, Mercedes-AMG C63, Cadillac ATS-Vīase Price: $64,995 As-Tested Price: $82,845 Bavaria keeps the three-pedal dreams alive too, as others fail to include a manual option. What is it: BMW’s 2017 version of its high-po compact sedan rips on with some new competition and tech to keep up with the times.

Run flat tires on bmw m3