2015 BMW M3 F80 LCI AUTO

No list of fabled performance car badges would be complete without ‘M3’. The 3 Series flagship has been reinforcing BMW’s reputation for driver’s cars since the 1980s, and this low-mileage, neatly presented example is of the fifth-generation (F80) M3 that had its fair share of distinctions.

Most notably, it ushered in turbocharged performance.

Following the E46’s fabulous 3.2-litre six-cylinder and the E90/E92’s epic 4.0-litre V8 wasn’t the easiest of tasks, yet BMW’s M division succeeded in ramping up performance, and then some.

The F80’s twin-turbo straight-six produces 317kW and 550Nm. While only an 8kW advance over the 4.0L V8 of the previous M3, a 37.5 per cent jump in torque – which is also produced from much lower revs – is central to the 3.0-litre’s superior driveability and effortlessly quicker performance (and significantly improved fuel economy).

BMW quotes just 4.1 seconds for the time it takes this M3 sedan to reach triple speedo figures from standstill, with acceleration aided by the supernaturally quick gearchanges of the seven-speed dual-clutch auto (complete with adjustable shift speed).

Cornering speeds are aided by grippy rubber, an active M differential that optimises traction at the rear wheels, and variable dampers that can be stiffened for enhanced body control. The standard Adaptive M Suspension includes a Comfort mode to make the ride easier to live with for the daily commute.

This fine example of a late 2015 M3 wears Silverstone metallic paint plus the standard 19-inch Ferric Grey M double-spoke alloy wheels. There’s also the standard carbon fibre roof that harks back to the E46 CSL.

This M3 also benefits from the F80’s first update from mid 2015, gaining several inclusions that include a head-up display, Merino leather upholstery (with M badging on the front seats), adaptive LED headlights, tyre pressure monitoring, plus various internet connectivity for the iDrive infotainment system.

As a car that has averaged only about 6000km per year and has been regularly serviced (and less than 700km ago), this M3 is in fine nick inside and out.