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2008 BMW M3 - Models and Pricing

BMW wants the majority of performance shoppers to envision a 2008 M3 that fits their needs and lifestyle, and as a result the uber quick Bimmer will be made available in coupe and sedan forms to start, with a convertible version coming later as a 2009 model.

Standard features for the two- and four-door hardtop variants are numerous and include high-intensity Xenon headlights; dual-zone climate control; power front sport seats with adjustable bolsters and driver’s side lumbar and memory; cruise control; rain-sensing windshield wipers; and a 10-speaker sound system with a CD/MP3 player. Added into the mix are heated wipers, exterior locks, and auto-dimming mirrors; upholstery that combines cloth and leather; and a power moonroof for the M3 coupe. Plus, there’s free maintenance spanning four years or 50,000 miles.

There are a few special little niblets listed above, but you might be wondering about luxury-car goodies such as navigation systems and ridiculously large rims. Well, this is a BMW, so all that stuff is definitely covered…on the options list. Fill in the nav system box and you’ll get a touch-screen and voice-activated map, real-time traffic, and the iDrive central command system (incorporated with and only available with the navigation system) for $2,100; 19-inch alloys run $1,200. But that’s just the start – with enough cash and ink, buyers can check off options until the cows come home: metallic paint ($475); electronic damping control ($1,000); heated front seats ($500); Novillo leather upholstery ($950 or $2,000 for “extended” application); aluminum/carbon or leather/Sycamore Anthracite wood trim ($500); and a rear park assist system ($350). Audiophiles will appreciate the upgraded sound system ($1,900), Sirius satellite radio ($595), HD radio ($350), and USB adaptor and cable ($400). The double-clutch automatic transmission will set buyers back $2,700, opting to delete the rear spoiler is a freebie, and adding the coupe’s standard moonroof to the sedan runs a cool $1,050. The four-door M3 can also be fitted with a fold-down rear seat ($475) and manual rear window shades ($575); a rear power shade is also available for the coupe ($350). BMW Assist, the brand’s hands-free Bluetooth-compatible calling service useful in the event of an emergency, can be had for $750.

As if that wasn’t enough opportunity to burn through a stack of greenbacks, BMW offers a trio of option packages: the Cold Weather Package ($750 for the coupe; $1,000 for the sedan); the Premium Package ($1,900; $3,000 with extended Novillo upholstery); and the Technology Package ($3,250).

Of course, all of these goodies are on top of the base price, which comes to $55,875 for the 2008 BMW M3 sedan and $58,575 for the coupe, representing a jump of roughly $10,000 versus the 2006 model. Prices include a $775 destination charge and $1,300 gas guzzler tax.