Dream Cars - BMW M3 Evolution

The fourth article in our dream cars series that has featured the Nissan Skyline, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and the Ford Focus RS will look at the impressive BMW M3 Evolution.

The BMW M3 Evolution was first released in the UK in March 1996 and was met by rave reviews that dubbed it a 'must have' sports car. At the time of release the M3 was BMW's fastest ever production road car and has held up well to the test of time.

The fact is that the M3 engine was used as a base for the fastest ever production road car the McLaren F1 proves that it is a machine not to overlook. The F1 road car in fact comprised of two M3 engines moulded into one and came with a price tag to match. However the M3 is a dream car that has become surprisingly affordable for the everyday driver.

The M3 comes with many extras that will appeal to the motorist in search of an everyday performance car and add this to the excellent German build quality BMW had a very popular car on their hands.

The performance of the M3 evolution is one of its main draws with an estimated Bhp of 320 and a 0-60mph of 5.4 seconds this car is no slouch on the road. The 3.2 litre engine can prove to be a little thirsty for the everyday motorist but with a top speed of 155mph this car managed to keep the M3 on top as BMW's flag ship sorts and performance model.

The second hand car market has seen these machines fall in price with the upgrades of the newer M3's over the years. You can expect to pay up to £15,000 for a 1997 model in excellent condition with a very low mileage. Be aware of high mileage models that may have been thrashed throughout their life time but with the exceptional build quality high mileage ex company car models can be a bargain buy.

If you are planning to buy a BMW M3 Evolution as your dream car you can expect to pay a relatively high performance car insurance premium. This is due to the fact that these cars fall into the highest car insurance bracket, insurance group 20. A twenty six year old driver with 5 years No Claims Bonus (NCB) living in Hull keeping the car garaged overnight can expect to pay a performance car insurance premium of about £1600 fully comprehensive.

If you weigh up all the positives and negatives of this car even with the relatively high car insurance premiums you are getting a car with not only great performance but the prestige that comes with owning a BMW.