BMW M3 for 2003: Extensive detail refinements for two spectacular sports cars

Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, November 1, 2002...For enthusiasts of ultimate automotive performance, it's a magic name: BMW M3. Combining the all-around excellence of the BMW 3 Series with the spectacular performance and handling prowess of BMW M, the two M3 models are formidable BMW sports cars that have won - again and again - the accolades and comparison-test victories of the world's motoring critics while providing their buyers with real performance and equally real practicality.

For 2003, the two M3 models continue - the M3 Coupe at $47,195 and the M3 Convertible at $55,195 (destination charge included). Both offer a variety of evolutionary refinements:

- Rain-sensing windshield wipers and automatic headlight control, formerly optional, are now standard.

- The optional BMW Onboard Navigation System gets functional improvements and a DVD database.

- The standard in-dash CD player can now be ordered in combination with the Navigation System; previously the cassette player (still available at no extra cost) was required with the Navigation System.

- New aluminum interior trim is offered as an option.

Two further refinements were phased into the Series during model year 2002:

-19-inch forged/polished M Double Spoke wheels with lower-profile tires were introduced as an option

- Reinforcing braces were added to the front suspension's strut towers.

- Labeling of the optional Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) was revised.

During the new-generation M3s' second model year, 2002, accolades continued to pour in from the world's critical media:

"If you want a car that doubles as plaything and workhorse, the M3 has got it all," raved Automobile Magazine in its January '02 issue, declaring the M3 one of its All-Stars.

Popular Science executive editor Bill Phillips described SMG, "In a year of new paddle-shift SMGs, BMW's is by far the best. And it's the most flexible we've ever seen..."

"The BMW M3 is about as good as it gets," said AutoWeek in its January 14, '02 issue.

Motor Trend, in its January '02 Car of the Year story, stated that "In the end, however, it's the BMW M3 that defines the notion of total performance. As we said, M defined the formula and still executes it better than just about anyone else."

The second model year saw introduction of BMW M's Sequential Manual Gearbox II (SMG II), and that earned its own share of critical acclaim:

"The most sophisticated transmission available in a production car," concluded Motor Trend in its August '02 issue.

"On the freeway, SMG provides a luxury you just can't get with a conventional stick shift, and at the track, well, it makes you feel like a race driver," reported Road & Track in September '02.

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Please download the attached rtf-files to read the full story on the 2003 M3.

Download 1: 2003 M3 Story

Download 2: 2003 M3 Highlights

Download 3: 2003 M3 Features

Download 4: 2003 M3 Specifications

Download 5: 2003 M3 Pricing

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