2012 BMW M3 Competition
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A question that nearly every car enthusiast has an opinion on is “what is the best generation M3?” To some, the E30 with its DTM style box flares and revvy inline-4 is the best, to others, the newest one will always be the winner- but one generation that almost every driving enthusiast can agree on is the E90 chassis. Built between 2007 and 2013, the E90 M3 is the only variant in the M3’s nearly 40-year lineage to feature a high-revving, naturally aspirated V8 and the final generation to not have a turbocharger. This engine was paired with a sublime chassis, great steering, and the choice of either a 6-speed manual transmission or 7-speed DCT that made this not just one of the greatest M3s but one of the ultimate driver’s cars of the 2000s and 2010s. It is no wonder that less than 10 years after the car went out of production, collectors are beginning to snap up well-kept examples and prices are on the rise.
This 2012 M3 Coupe is an absolutely stunning example that shows just 5,789 miles at the time of cataloging and has been under the care of a single owner from new. Finished in Jet Black, the car presents fantastically thanks to its limited use, and the exterior is enhanced by the 19” wheels that are included with this car’s Competition Package. In addition to the wheels, the Competition Package includes a 10mm lower ride height, dynamic damper control suspension with three suspension modes as well as traction and stability control with higher limits, allowing for a bit more slip before the car starts bringing you back into line. One of the major talking points, when the E90 M3 came out, was the use of an exposed carbon fiber roof that was installed in an effort to keep the weight off the top of the vehicle and looked great as well.
The naturally aspirated 4.0-liter V8 under the hood is known to BMW enthusiasts as the S65 and it is a masterpiece of engineering. Capable of producing 414 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, this engine will spin all the way up to an 8,400 rpm redline and produces plenty of power throughout the powerband. Although this example has been driven sparingly, the owner was sure to keep up on maintenance, taking the car to their local BMW dealership for routine oil changes and inspections. Connected to this V8 is the quick-shifting 7-speed Double Clutch Transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. This gearbox pairs exceptionally well with the quick-revving engine and allows for precise shifting while driving the car hard but, it also gives the flexibility of two-pedal driving if you find yourself stuck in traffic.
On top of the great handling and fantastic powertrain, the interior of the E90 M3 is near perfection in regards to its blend of comfort and simplicity. The two front seats are exceptionally comfortable for long drives but offer fantastic bolstering for when the road gets twisty. In front of the driver sits a classic BMW M gauge cluster with all of the necessary information, as well as a tachometer with BMW’s signature movable redline as the car begins to warm up. This car was optioned with Black Novillo Extended Leather which, in addition to the seats, covers the dashboard and center console which gives the car an upscale feel and does away with much of the plastic found on the standard car. Other desirable options on the interior of the car include the Premium Package and Enhanced Premium Sound.
Although it may be impossible to quantify what is truly the best M3, there are certain generations that garner more widespread appreciation and the E90 is one of those. With the number of high-quality examples dwindling, those with low miles and desirable options are becoming more valuable every year. With single ownership from new and less than 5,800 miles, this is a nearly un-replicable example and would be a perfect addition to any driving enthusiast’s collection.
