autocar-logo
Mumbai

BMW M3 Dark Knight

The E46 is arguably the greatest M3 ever. Does it need more power? Pete’s Performance thinks so. Which is why this one is supercharged.
1 min read25 Oct '12
Staff WriterStaff Writer
28K+ views

Tarox aftermarket brakes add massive stopping power.

Massive rear-wing must add some amount of drag.

BMW yow! plus deep after market rumble from exhaust.

Its one of the greatest straight-sixes of all time.

Attractive cabin focuses on the essentials; good driving position, clear instruments and perfect placement of pedals.

It’s a muggy, damp afternoon in Cochin and the sky is sweating bullets. Black moisture-laden clouds hang low, there’s a constant drizzle and the tarmac is a slimy mix of oil and water. Not the best conditions to unleash a 450bhp-plus rear-wheel-drive M car with only decade-old technology. Still, one afternoon’s all we have to play with, so there’s nothing to do but go for it. 

First impressions aren’t great. I yank the door open and am confronted by a weathered and partially sun-bleached cabin. A slightly musty odour emanates, and then I see the odo – it reads 70,000-plus kilometres. This 2004 car is no spring chicken. 
 
 

After-sales thought

Wants to know how good is Skoda's after-sales service?
1 min read25 Oct '12
Staff WriterStaff Writer
4K+ views

Hassle-free performance

Looking for a diesel saloon with good performance and low maintenance costs.
1 min read25 Oct '12
Staff WriterStaff Writer
4K+ views

Which SUV to buy?

XUV500 or Duster?
1 min read22 Oct '12
Staff WriterStaff Writer
6K+ views

Fabia, Brio or Vento?

Which car to buy?
1 min read19 Oct '12
Staff WriterStaff Writer
4K+ views

Beginner steps

What does RPM, torque and BHP mean?
1 min read15 Oct '12
Staff WriterStaff Writer