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Find everything you need to know about the BMW M.

Shelly BMW of Buena Park, Orange County, Southern California is your BMW Dealership for the All New 2008 BMW M Series.

Read below for more detailed information on the 2008 BMW M Series: BMW M3, BMW M5, BMW M6, BMW Z4M

Click here to view videos of our new BMW models

BMW M3:

The 2008 BMW M3 is available as a sport coupe or sedan. Based on the compact 3 Series, the high-performance M3 comes in a single trim level. Standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels with performance tires, xenon headlamps, cruise control, automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated and power-adjustable sport seats (with driver memory), split/folding rear seats and a 10-speaker audio system with a CD player and auxiliary audio jack. Compared to a regular 3 Series, the M3 also features a carbon-fiber roof (coupe only), more aggressive body styling, an exclusive sport-tuned suspension, more powerful brakes and a limited-slip rear differential.

 

Style Comparisons

Trim Engine Trans. Wheels Audio System Seating MSRP Current Vehicle: 4dr Sedan (4.0L 8cyl 6M) N/A 6-speed manual transmission N/A N/A   $53,800

Powertrains and Performance

No less than a 4.0-liter, 414-hp (295 pound-feet of torque) V8 powers the 2008 M3. Redline is a thrilling 8,400 rpm and a six-speed manual transmission sends the power to the rear wheels. A seven-speed automated-clutch sequential-shift manual gearbox is optional. The latter offers manual operation via steering-wheel-mounted paddles as well as a full automatic mode. All M3s feature a specialized locking rear differential to manage the transfer of the thrust to the pavement.

In our track testing, an M3 sport coupe with the traditional six-speed manual leapt to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds and flew through the quarter-mile in 12.7 seconds. The power builds quickly and the somewhat heavy but progressive clutch and precise shifter allow rapid gearchanges. EPA fuel economy estimates stand at 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway and 16 mpg combined.

 

Dimensions
Exterior
Length: 180.4 in.	Width: 71.5 in.
Height: 57 in.	Wheel Base: 108.7 in.
Curb Weight: 3726 lbs.	Gross Weight: 4740 lbs.
Interior
Front Head Room: 38.5 in.	Front Shoulder Room: 57.5 in.
Rear Head Room: 37.5 in.	Rear Shoulder Room: 57.2 in.
Front Leg Room: 41.5 in.	Rear Leg Room: 34.6 in.
Luggage Capacity: 12 cu. ft.	Maximum Cargo Capacity: 12 cu. ft.
Maximum Seating: 5
Performance Data
Performance
Base Number of Cylinders: 8	Base Engine Size: 4 liters
Base Engine Type: V8	Horsepower: 414 hp
Max Horsepower: 8300 rpm	Torque: 295 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 3900 rpm	Drive Type: RWD
Turning Circle: 38.4 ft.

 

Fuel Data

Fuel
Fuel Tank Capacity: 16.6 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway)
Manual: 14 mpg / 20 mpg Automatic: : 14 mpg / 20 mpg
Range in Miles: (City/Highway)
Automatic: 232.4 mi. / 332 mi. Manual: 232.4 mi. / 332 mi.

Safety

Standard features for the 2008 BMW M3 include full-length side curtain airbags, front seat side airbags, antilock disc brakes, traction control and stability control.

In government crash tests, the BMW 3 Series sedan (on which the M3 sedan is based) scored four stars (out of five) for frontal impacts for both driver and passenger. It rated five stars for side impacts for both front and rear occupants. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests, the BMW 3 Series sedan scored "Good" ratings (the highest possible) in that agency's frontal-offset and side-impact tests.

 

Safety Features
Antilock Brakes: Standard	Four Wheel Antilock Brakes: Standard
Depowered Airbag: Standard	Passenger Airbag: Standard
Head Airbag: Standard	Side Airbag: Standard
Child Safety Seats: Unknown	Traction Control: Standard
Stability Control: Standard

Crash Test Results
NHTSA Ratings
Passenger: Not Tested
Driver: Not Tested
Side Impact Front: Not Tested
Side Impact Rear: Not Tested
Rollover Rating: Not Tested
NHTSA: 5 star, 4 star, 3 star, 2 star, 1 star, Not Tested
IIHS Ratings
Crash Offset: Not Tested
Bumper Bash: Not Tested

Interior Design and Special Features

The first thing one notices upon entering the M3 is the aggressive design of the front seats. Heavily bolstered, the multi-adjustable (under thigh, side wings) sport seats feel custom-made to your body once you've dialed in your adjustments. They're also very comfortable on a long trip, as they provide proper support all around. The thick-rimmed, small diameter steering wheel adds to the sporty feel. In the coupe, an automatic seatbelt presenter "hands" front occupants the belts, so they don't have to perform torso-twisting maneuvers to secure themselves into the car.

Build quality and materials inside the M3 are excellent, as one would expect. The overall design is rather subdued, as the available metallic and wood accents have more of a monotonous effect than one of crisp contrast.

The optional navigation system is unfortunately bundled with BMW's unintuitive iDrive multifunction controller. Without it, the M3's control layout is fairly straightforward and well-marked. However, there is still the annoying process for shutting off the climate control -- one must tap down the fan speed until it shuts off, rather than simply hitting an "off" button.

 

Dimensions
Exterior
Length: 180.4 in.	Width: 71.5 in.
Height: 57 in.	Wheel Base: 108.7 in.
Curb Weight: 3726 lbs.	Gross Weight: 4740 lbs.
Interior
Front Head Room: 38.5 in.	Front Shoulder Room: 57.5 in.
Rear Head Room: 37.5 in.	Rear Shoulder Room: 57.2 in.
Front Leg Room: 41.5 in.	Rear Leg Room: 34.6 in.
Luggage Capacity: 12 cu. ft.	Maximum Cargo Capacity: 12 cu. ft.
Maximum Seating: 5
Performance Data
Performance
Base Number of Cylinders: 8	Base Engine Size: 4 liters
Base Engine Type: V8	Horsepower: 414 hp
Max Horsepower: 8300 rpm	Torque: 295 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 3900 rpm	Drive Type: RWD
Turning Circle: 38.4 ft.

 

Fuel Data

Fuel
Fuel Tank Capacity: 16.6 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway)
Manual: 14 mpg / 20 mpg Automatic: : 14 mpg / 20 mpg
Range in Miles: (City/Highway)
Automatic: 232.4 mi. / 332 mi. Manual: 232.4 mi. / 332 mi.

 

BMW M5:

The 2008 BMW M5 is a high-performance variant of the midsize 5 Series performance sedan available in one trim level only. Standard equipment includes lightweight 19-inch wheels with performance tires, xenon headlamps, parking assist, automatic climate control, Merino leather upholstery, heated and 16-way power-adjustable sport seats with driver memory, a sunroof and Bluetooth connectivity. BMW's iDrive vehicle management system is standard, along with MDrive performance control and a navigation system that offers real-time traffic information. The standard stereo is a Harman Kardon Logic 7 system with 12 speakers and a glovebox-mounted CD changer.

 

Style Comparisons

Trim Engine Trans. Wheels Audio System Seating MSRP Current Vehicle: 4dr Sedan (5.0L 10cyl 7AM) N/A 7-speed automated manual transmission N/A N/A   $83,900

 

Powertrains and Performance

The 2008 M5 boasts a 5.0-liter V10 that generates a maximum 500 hp at 7,750 rpm and 383 pound-feet of torque at 6,100 rpm. Sending power to the rear wheels is a standard seven-speed sequential manual gearbox (SMG), an automated clutch manual that can be placed in a fully automatic mode or operated manually by steering-wheel-mounted paddles. The SMG includes 11 shift programs selected via MDrive, as well as a launch control mode that primes the M5 for aggressive acceleration. A six-speed traditional manual transmission is a no-cost option.

 

Dimensions
Exterior
Length: 191.5 in.	Width: 72.7 in.
Height: 57.8 in.	Wheel Base: 113.7 in.
Curb Weight: 4012 lbs.	Gross Weight: 5071 lbs.
Interior
Front Head Room: 37.7 in.	Front Shoulder Room: 57.3 in.
Rear Head Room: 37.8 in.	Rear Shoulder Room: 57.2 in.
Front Leg Room: 41.5 in.	Rear Leg Room: 36 in.
Luggage Capacity: 14 cu. ft.	Maximum Cargo Capacity: 14 cu. ft.
Maximum Seating: 5
Performance Data
Performance
Acceleration (0-60 mph): 4.8 sec.	Braking Distance (60-0 mph): 111.7 ft.
Base Number of Cylinders: 10	Base Engine Size: 5 liters
Base Engine Type: V10	Horsepower: 500 hp
Max Horsepower: 7750 rpm	Torque: 383 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 6100 rpm	Drive Type: RWD
Turning Circle: 40.7 ft.

 

Fuel Data

Fuel
Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.5 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway)
Manual: 11 mpg / 17 mpg Automatic: : 11 mpg / 17 mpg
Range in Miles: (City/Highway)
Automatic: 203.5 mi. / 314.5 mi. Manual: 203.5 mi. / 314.5 mi.

Safety

Standard safety equipment on the 2008 BMW M5 includes full-length side curtain airbags, front seat side airbags, traction control and a stability control system programmed for performance driving. Rear seat side airbags and active head restraints are optional. The BMW 5 Series received a "Good" rating -- the highest possible -- in Insurance Institute for Highway Safety frontal-offset crash testing and there's little reason to believe the similar M5 would perform any differently.

 

Safety Features
Antilock Brakes: Standard	Four Wheel Antilock Brakes: Standard
Depowered Airbag: Standard	Passenger Airbag: Standard
Head Airbag: Standard	Side Airbag: Standard
Child Safety Seats: Not Available	Traction Control: Standard
Stability Control: Standard

Crash Test Results
NHTSA Ratings
Passenger: Not Tested
Driver: Not Tested
Side Impact Front: Not Tested
Side Impact Rear: Not Tested
Rollover Rating: Not Tested
NHTSA: 5 star, 4 star, 3 star, 2 star, 1 star, Not Tested
IIHS Ratings
Crash Offset: Not Tested
Bumper Bash: Not Tested

Interior Design and Special Features

Although the interior looks unchanged, there are a few key updates made for 2008. The window switches have been relocated to the driver armrest and the front door handles have been moved for an easier reach. The simple, modernistic dashboard now features six programmable memory buttons for iDrive -- the mouse and LCD screen control system that controls everything from radio presets to MDrive transmission settings. The 2008 improvements are welcome, but for many drivers, iDrive will still be as user-friendly as a triangular steering wheel.

Build quality and materials inside the M5 are outstanding, while the supportive seats and commodious backseat further serve to make this an easy car to live with every day. We'd advise sticking with the standard 16-way adjustable front seats, though. The optional 20-way adjustable M multifunction seats are equipped with active backrest bolsters that move inward to brace the driver (or passenger) against cornering loads, but we've found this to be a gimmicky feature that can distract at critical moments.

 

Dimensions
Exterior
Length: 191.5 in.	Width: 72.7 in.
Height: 57.8 in.	Wheel Base: 113.7 in.
Curb Weight: 4012 lbs.	Gross Weight: 5071 lbs.
Interior
Front Head Room: 37.7 in.	Front Shoulder Room: 57.3 in.
Rear Head Room: 37.8 in.	Rear Shoulder Room: 57.2 in.
Front Leg Room: 41.5 in.	Rear Leg Room: 36 in.
Luggage Capacity: 14 cu. ft.	Maximum Cargo Capacity: 14 cu. ft.
Maximum Seating: 5
Performance Data
Performance
Acceleration (0-60 mph): 4.8 sec.	Braking Distance (60-0 mph): 111.7 ft.
Base Number of Cylinders: 10	Base Engine Size: 5 liters
Base Engine Type: V10	Horsepower: 500 hp
Max Horsepower: 7750 rpm	Torque: 383 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 6100 rpm	Drive Type: RWD
Turning Circle: 40.7 ft.

 

Fuel Data

Fuel
Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.5 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway)
Manual: 11 mpg / 17 mpg Automatic: : 11 mpg / 17 mpg
Range in Miles: (City/Highway)
Automatic: 203.5 mi. / 314.5 mi. Manual: 203.5 mi. / 314.5 mi.

 

BMW M6:

The 2008 BMW M6 is available in four-passenger coupe and convertible body styles. An ultra-high-performance version of BMW's 6 Series, the M6 has (in addition to the V10 engine and more sporting suspension tuning) specific features that include 19-inch double-spoke wheels, a carbon-fiber roof (coupe only) and a body kit with an aggressive front airdam, side sill extensions and a rear diffuser.

 

Style Comparisons

Trim Engine Trans. Wheels Audio System Seating MSRP Current Vehicle: 2dr Coupe (5.0L 10cyl 7AM) N/A 7-speed automated manual transmission N/A N/A   $100,300

Powertrains and Performance

A 5.0-liter V10 powers the 2008 BMW M6. Output is impressive at 500 hp and 383 pound-feet of torque. Infinitely variable valve timing and a separate throttle butterfly for each cylinder contribute to the V10's broad power spread that only grows more insistent as it rushes toward its 8,250-rpm redline.

The sole transmission offering is a seven-speed sequential manual gearbox (SMG) that offers manual (via the paddles behind the wheel or the console-mounted shifter) or automatic operation. Worked manually, the SMG is fantastic, blipping the throttle expertly before ultra-fast downshifts and upshifting with lag-free rapidity. In automatic mode, however, the SMG is considerably less satisfying due to its lackluster and sometimes quirky responses in low-speed traffic situations. Fortunately, the driver can set preferred throttle and transmission settings via the iDrive control interface.

Acceleration is exceptionally quick -- we've timed the M6 coupe at just 4.6 seconds for the 0-60-mph sprint, with the quarter-mile taking just 12.8 seconds. The heavier convertible is just a few 10ths off those numbers, according to BMW. A clean launch requires delicate footwork -- it's all too easy to send the massive rear tires up in smoke. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph on both cars.

 

Dimensions
Exterior
Length: 191.8 in.	Width: 73 in.
Height: 54 in.	Wheel Base: 109.5 in.
Curb Weight: 3909 lbs.	Gross Weight: 4850 lbs.
Interior
Front Head Room: 37.6 in.	Front Shoulder Room: 56.4 in.
Rear Head Room: 35.6 in.	Rear Shoulder Room: 49.4 in.
Front Leg Room: 42 in.	Rear Leg Room: 30.1 in.
Luggage Capacity: 13 cu. ft.	Maximum Cargo Capacity: 13 cu. ft.
Maximum Seating: 4

The cockpit features leather-upholstered sport seats with multiple power adjustments (12-way coupe, 14-way convertible) and a fat-rimmed M sport steering wheel. Of course, all the expected luxury features are standard, including adaptive xenon headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated seats, Bluetooth, a navigation system with real-time traffic updates, and a 13-speaker Harman Kardon Logic 7 audio system.

Among the handful of options are a head-up display, keyless ignition/entry, satellite radio, high-definition (HD) AM/FM radio and leather added to the dash and console. Walnut wood trim is standard in the M6, but olive ash wood and carbon-fiber trim are also available.

Stand-alone options include 20-way multifunction seats with active backrest width, front seat ventilation, heated rear seats, a heated multifunction M steering wheel, keyless ignition, soft-close doors, a full leather interior with Alcantara headliner, a head-up display, satellite radio, high-definition radio, an iPod adapter and a 16-speaker premium sound system.

The optional Premium Package adds power-folding mirrors, BMW Assist and enhanced interior trim. There's also a Technology Package that adds M Drive (a feature that allows the driver to adjust the throttle and steering response/feel), a navigation system, iDrive, keyless entry/start and electronically controlled dampers. Other individual options include 19-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof (no extra