No one can say the M3 isn't a stellar performer, something a racer could aspire to, but no one can claim these aren't pricey gas-sucking sports sedans, coupes and convertibles.

For instance, this 2009 M3 included a silver paint job, which looks like an Acura or Mercedes or Lexus or Cadillac paint job, meaning very nice. But it costs $550 extra here. An iPod and USB adapter is $400, while more and more cars are coming with these standard. Heated front seats? Another $500, just like the brushed metal trim.

All told, this car added up to $62,175, a price most of my friends and co-workers fell well short of guessing.

This one boasts a monster V-8, a 4.0-liter beast that churns 414 horsepower in a 180-inch long car that weighs 3,726 pounds.

That makes the M3 a rocket sled on 18-inch wheels. It blasts away from stoplights and the rear wheels push it to highway speeds, and beyond, in half an entry ramp.

Handling is precise as you can put the car through a fast corner and clip an apex with no body roll, something I've been able to test up at Road America on occasion. Take out the extra seats and this car is a racer.

Steering feel is a bit heavy, but you can slip through the six-speed manual gearbox in short order and much of the acceleration you get can be had in the first three gears. The rest are for cruising and maybe helping gas mileage a tad.

I managed just 18.2 mpg, while the EPA rates it at 14 mpg city and 20 highway. That seems doable. You'll need premium unleaded.

Ride is firm, but not as punishing as some past BMW rides. The independent suspension front and rear puts you firmly in contact with the road, but it takes larger bumps and irregularities quite well, not shaking the occupants too much. You will feel the cement streets' expansion joints, though.

Braking from giant four-wheel disc brakes is stellar.

Inside, the M3 feels more like racer than cruiser. This one fancied itself up with the brushed aluminum trim but otherwise is the usual BMW black leather. Its seats are firm and supportive all around. You won't do any leaning or sliding in these seats, no matter how fast you go through a turn. The side bolsters are massive.

Head and legroom are fine and moderate sized adults will fit in the back seat, if you take a trip. There's only 12.0 cubic feet of trunk space though, so it best be an overnight jaunt.

There are all the other options you'd expect, from power seats with power lumbar support to dual climate control, although no German car's system is easy to work and adjust. Everything works well, but the iDrive system of adjusting the radio and many other systems, remains more complex than need be.

The dash gauges are simple and there are various controls on the steering wheel hub, a push-button start and a key fob you can either insert in the dash or leave in your pocket as you start the car.

Part of the price of the test car was a tech package for $3,250. That includes the M Drive system that allows the driver to set a variety of features to their driving style, including suspension damping. The package also includes a fancy high-def radio and the navigation system.

A few shortcomings, the sun visors do not slide and there's no sunroof here, something I'd expect in a $50,000 car.

Outside, the M3 looks muscular and who wouldn't like the big power bulge in the hood.

If you've got the cash, this one is a load of fun.

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