2008 BMW M3: Daddy Driven

Now that there’s a little Thomas in the house, the wife and I are no longer DINKs so the way I look at cars I’m reviewing has changed. The addition of a child seat alters the entire framing of how I view the cars in our driveway and how I live with them. I routinely am the one to drop the little guy off for daycare in the morning, and if the test car can’t handle our seat — or I mistakenly leave the extra base in a different test car — my wife is not too happy. That frames the debate: What cars can a dad get away with owning? Obviously a big sedan or SUV will get the job done, but what about the cars dads lust over?

The shiny, white 2008 BMW M3 sedan sure looks like it can handle the task. But does it pass the test?

As you can see the rear-facing infant seat fits near perfectly in the back seat. I used the center position, placing it between the gap in the two front seats. It would not fit on either left or right side. And if I was a little taller and the driver’s seat a bit further back I’m not sure the fit would be as perfect.

Getting the seat in was surprisingly easy and didn’t require too much contortion of my now-always-sore back. The latch connectors have plastic covers that are supposed to flip up but broke off instead when I attached the base of the seat. No worries — they snap right back on.

The M3 has thicker front seats than a standard 3 Series sedan, so those should also pass this test in either 328 or 335 form. I highly recommend the 335’s engine if you don’t want to go all out for the M3.

Keep an eye out for the full review of the M3. For a mom’s take on all things cars, check out MotherProof.com.

Comments

[Sara Lacey]

Dave, I love reading your "New Dad" columns. It's great to see you going through all the new car rigors from a parental point of view. I think many enthusiasts don't think your choice should change too much when it comes to a family vehicle. But given car seat safety and increased time spent in the family truckster with kids these days, you help people understand it's okay to want some family-friendly luxuries.

Will a full size stroller fit in the trunk?

Broq

[Dave T.]

Broq,
The Uppa Baby we have does yes.

[The other Dan]

It's a pain to reach in so far but you want your little guy in the center of the vehicle anyway for full protection from T-bone accidents anyway.
I look forward to the new review. Not that I would buy one. It's incredible what they keep throwing under the hood of these supercars. I agree, the 335 is a more sane choice. Save the change for Jr's college fund and still have a serious performance vehicle.

[lm]

if ur one of those middle class families that makes $250,000 a year you can do both... Have an m3 and send junior to college!

That's what Charlie Gibson thinks at least.

[123]

you sure it was an 09? thought it's till 08

[Latest Model Cars]

Latest Model Cars
Today most of the car models that are available elsewhere are also available in world
http://latestmodelcarsever.blogspot.com/

[gradontripp]

I met a guy last week that had a certain coupe (saying which would kill the surprise) on order until he found out he was having a family. Instead, he for this safe, comfortable sedan:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2076/2400363587_b5f737001c.jpg

[Dave T.]

123

yes its an 08. sorry about that. change made.

[Bernard]

My new M3 coupe is arriving at th end of the month on time for spring fever, and our first child is scheduled for September....

Has anyone tried the same tes in a coupe instead of the Sdan M3?

My friends who havekids think that I am toast!

By the way, my wife has a Mini Cooper S. Any opinion on that?