The BMW M3 is one of the most important cars the company has ever created. In many ways, it is BMW’s version of the Porsche 911, in that it has gone through six different generations, continuously evolving as an increasingly capable performance car. Of all the generations of the M3, the most interesting is the fourth, known as the E9X. Our Pick of the Day is one of these cars, a 2011 BMW M3 Convertible being offered on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The reason I call out the E9X generation as the best M3 ever is that it is the only one equipped with a naturally aspirated V-8 engine under the hood. Called the S65 and derived from BMW’s Formula 1-inspired S85 V-10 engine, it is a 4.0-liter four-cam V-8 that produces 414 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, and has an 8,400-rpm redline. Those stats enable this generation of M3 to cover 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The sound of this engine at idle is very cool; at redline, it is simply spectacular.
This specific M3 is finished in its original Silverstone II metallic paint over a black leather interior. The exterior looks to be in exceptional condition, with no flaws seen anywhere. The factory wheels, wrapped in Continental ExtremeContact tires, also look perfect.
The interior is just as clean as the exterior. The power-adjustable heated front sport seats are covered in the original Palladium Silver Novillo leather, which contrasts with the carbon-look dash leather. Features include the iDrive infotainment system with navigation, dual-zone automatic climate control, Comfort Access keyless entry, cruise control, and a premium audio system. There is also a BMW M multifunction, leather-wrapped steering wheel with the amazing-looking M tri-color stitching. Options include the Convenience Package and Premium Package 2.
Under the hood is the magic S65 V-8 that looks as fresh and clean as it did when new. The seller states this M3 has extensive service records and has been perfectly maintained — both important factors. The seller also says that when he purchased the car two years ago, the odometer showed 23,600 miles, and he has only added 500 to that figure during his ownership. This BMW was recently serviced and has new tires.
If you browse ClassicCars.com and look for M3s, you will find that earlier generations are routinely offered for more than $35,000, with many carrying an asking price north of $40,000. This specific M3 is a convertible which, as is the case with the Porsche 911, is worth less than the coupe version, despite costing more when new. To me, this M3 embodies the best of both worlds, seamlessly transitioning from refined hardtop coupe to open-air convertible at the touch of a button. With an asking price of $29,000, it is one of the best performance bargains I have seen on our site in some time. These cars certainly aren’t getting any cheaper and demand among enthusiasts remains strong. If I were you, I would beat them to this one and add it to my garage.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
