The 2007 M is a 2-door, 2-passenger sports car, or convertible sports car, available in two trims, the Coupe and the Roadster.
Upon introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard 3.2-liter, I6, 330-horsepower engine that achieves 16-mpg in the city and 24-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard.
Summary: After a one year search for my graduation car, this is what I landed on. I picked it up 2 years ago now with 25k miles in mint condition as a local one owner. And now I'm sold on BMW. The car makes me smile just thinking about it and is an absolute joy to drive. I drove it so much in the first summer that I had to get a second car to keep miles off of it (plus that dropped insurance 1k per year by having it as a pleasure car). In any case,this car has a superb power band for an I6. I often cruise around town in 5th gear (going 30-35) simply because I can without having to downshift if I want to accelerate, and yet if I need to I can very quickly with the ultra smooth and sold gear box. Personally I love the seats and retro interior. As for the exterior, it is definitely love it or hate it, but I don't see how anyone could hate it. The wider back-end (compared to the z3) definitely makes it appear more powerful as well as sexier. BMW got it right on this car! If you can find either a low mile M or one with a great trackable history, nothing in the price range is even close to comparable.
Strengths: POWER from 1000-7000 RPM's with no gaps or peaks in the S52 engine. No body role except to the rear under heavy acceleration. Yes it will go 155 (or more with Dinan). Gorgeous, ultra classy, styling. Unparalleled predictability and control. Firm suspension, and super powerful breaking. What more, I get a minimum of 22 mpg often 24 in the city and as much as 28 on the highway- though I do drive my M very conservatively.
Weaknesses: Other than the fact that I don't want to get out of it once I'm in it? The first thing that comes to mind is the plastic back window (and with the top up, the car does have a blind spot as do all ragtops). Second, as many reviewers have mentioned the seats don't recline enough. For me its no big deal, but say if I wanted to pull over on a date and watch the stars, you neck is probably going to hurt after a few minutes. I have never done this but I hear this is the absolute worst car to drive on ice as well. With regards to performance issues, the rear suspension needs to be harder and tighter. Other complaint would be that I think the clutch is spongy(this may be unfair because my daily driver Del Sol has a racing clutch). Personally, I think it could really use a 6th gear since I feel like the torque of he engine always leaves power in reserve. The break dust as some mention can also get annoying. Finally, yes the stereo is terrible, but get some Dinan intake and exhaust and enjoy that tune(or don't and it still sounds great)!
Similar Products Used: 2004-2006 Nissan 350z, 99 Audi TT Quatro, 2000 and 2006 S2000, 2006 RX-8, 2005 GTO, Honda Del Sol (my DayDriver car), BMW Z3(2.5 and 2.8) and Z4, Acura RSX-S, Mercedes SLK 320
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Summary: Absolutely incredible. I came from a Boxster S and didn't think I would trade it for this. It's been reliable, comfortable, fast, and truly enjoyable to own. I just wish I could put less miles on this thing.
Strengths: Exclusivity, Controversial lines, S52's sweet aggresive gearing, 50/50 weight distribution, no frills interior, staggered OEM wheels, heated seats, stares and gawks by everyone at the gas station.
Weaknesses: Better stereo, small gas tank, people thinking you have a modified z3...shame.
Similar Products Used: Boxster S, Audi tt 225hp Quattro, 540i,
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Summary: It has it's flaws, but definately a pleasure to drive... fast. Not much I can say to add to other reviews of this car... you love it or hate it. Get's as many looks around town as a high dollar exotic, and just as much fun to drive. A lot of work needs to be done to beef up the car for upgrades (diff mount, rear sway bar mounts, rear shock mounts, camber adjustments) but very worth it. To correct a couple of the past reviews... yes you can turn the rear wiper off, and no, the S54 doesn't cost more to maintain... it's just a more potent powerplant. A very capable performer despite it's quirks and intolerance for poor driving skills.
Strengths: It is the M. Fast and unforgiving. Styling.
Weaknesses: A lot of the car will break if strengthening upgrades aren't made. Old rear end design. Needs suspension upgrades for serious roadhandling.
Similar Products Used: Lotus Elise (a go-kart with a Toyota Celica powerplant)... sweet but lacking.
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Year / Model Reviewed: 2002 Lamborghini/Murcielago
Summary: Very very cool car. The most stylish car ive had. i love to collect cars. i will be keeping this one for a while. Great if u can afford it. insurance to expensive!!! so far no problems and for a car that price i hope there wont!!
Strengths: BLISTERING performance,
Weaknesses: insurance, some luxury features not included as youd expect
Similar Products Used: Mercedes Benz SL55 AMg, Mercedes Benz E55 AMG, JAguar XJ220, Jaguar XKR, Mercedes Clk 430 convertible, Ferrari 360 modena, maserati quattroporte, maserati 4200 GT, BMW z4, BMW 7545il,
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Rating Reviewed by: Joe(Unregistered User)
Review Date January 23, 2004
Overall Rating 5 of 5
Value Rating 5 of 5
Used product for 3 Months to 1 year
Visitors rate this review 5.00 of 5,
2.00 votes
Review 5 of 71
Price Paid:
$25000.00
from private owner
Year / Model Reviewed: 1999 m coupe (30,000 miles)
Summary: If you know what you're getting into, this car is perfect. All the reviews say there isn't enough trunk space, and there's not enough storage up in front, and the nose is too long, and it looks funny, etc. Some people say the suspension is too soft for a true high performance car, which is true. However, right from the start, BMW said "this...is a GT." And that it is, the first good GT since the old 6 series (in my opinion)...it eats up miles on trips like candy (especially when those miles are through the mountains). The car is designed to be driven on the road. And since most of us drive on the road more than 95% of the time, thats a good setup. I wouldn't want it to be any stiffer for daily driving (which I use it for). If you're looking for a car to drive on the track or to use only for autocross, buy a late 80's 325e and build a race car.
This car is an absolute blast to drive. The suspension is pretty well balanced, but a multi-link rear would make it 100% better. I driving like this car because it's an M that isn't bloated like they have been since the early 90's (and even some in the late 80's). Also, partly because of the weight, the motor is wonderfully elastic; there's torque wherever you ask for it.
a quote from www.368s.com:
-no, the windows don't go down all the way.
-no, the sunroof doesn't slide. it only tilts.
-no, seats aren't available for the rear.
-yes, it is fast.
It's a lot like nothing else.
Strengths: -great balance of comfort and stiffness
-elastic motor
-50/50 weight distribution
-love it or leave it styling
Weaknesses: -14 year old rear suspension design
-lack of tire-pressure monitoring system
Similar Products Used: '88 BMW M6, '88 BMW M5, '91 BMW M5, '03MINI Cooper S
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