Our 2022 BMW M3 Reaches the Midway Point with Flair
20,000-Mile Update
Halfway through its 40,000-mile test, our 2022 BMW M3 has cemented itself as a fantastic high-speed cruiser. The sweet and eager power delivery from the twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six paired with a short sixth gear makes for a package that’s great for burning miles at freeway speeds.
Our M3 celebrated its 20,000-mile passage with a new piece of flair. BMW recently introduced badges that celebrate the 50th anniversary of its Motorsport division. They’re a throwback to the logo that debuted on its racing cars in 1973 but restyled to show how BMW (blue) and racing (red) are connected (violet)
The install itself was easy but not without the usual dealership annoyances. Our local BMW parts department assured us the rear badge didn’t need rubber grommets to hold it in place like the front one (it did). And those rubber grommets were $1.75 per unit, not per pair, adding up to $7, plus tax, for four measly pieces of rubber.
The original badges came off easily with careful prying of a flat edge against a towel to protect the paint, and some adhesive remover cleaned up what was left. The new badges simply press on, and their distinct patterns make it easy to tell front from rear. The finished product looks snazzy against the green paint.
In the logbook, previous complaints about road noise and ride quality have given way to continued acclaim for the powertrain. Buyer’s Guide deputy editor Rich Ceppos said, “It’s a joy, little lag and mega pull.” But the steering remains a target. “The steering feel (in Comfort mode) is MIA. In a car so otherwise athletic, that’s a total fail,” Ceppos added.
Considering how easy it is to get sucked into the swell of boost when the engine regularly spins above 3000 rpm on the highway, it’s impressive that our fuel economy average has held at 21 mpg. That’s 2 mpg better than the EPA combined rating. While exploring the limits of the fuel tank, executive editor K.C. Colwell found that the engine limits you to 4000 rpm when the fuel range drops below 15 miles.
All the delightful pops and burbles it makes when set to Sport Plus are another engine highlight. Alas, this mode also makes the throttle response too aggressive for commuting. Considering the dizzying number of drive-mode adjustments available, it’s surprising there isn’t a way to get that exhaust sound with a softer throttle pedal. On the other hand, this may be annoying to us but probably a relief for the neighborhood.
Aside from the visit for accessorizing, we had only one other trip to the dealership. The M3’s maintenance minder called for an oil change at around 12,000 miles, which was performed under the three-year or 36,000-mile complimentary service program.
The rear tires were looking a little ragged just before the 20,000-mile mark, with the wear bars beginning to show their face. We’ll mention here for no reason in particular that the M Dynamic mode traction-control setting is excellent on dry roads, as it delays stability-control intervention and even requires some steering correction. Anyway, two factory-fitment Continental SportContact 6 tires from Tire Rack set us back $726.
Our M3 remains a pleasurable and brawny daily driver as we enter the back half of our test, but our recent acquisition of a Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing will surely add some competition. More on that in due time
