Review by CoMod Carrera 124 of the Carrera DIGITAL 132 BMW M3 DTM "M.Tomczyk, No.1" and "B. Spengler, No.7" ( Item No. 30661, & 30662)
A Strong ComebackTechnical
Specifications:
Weight (complete car with magnets): 108
gramsWeight (body): 28
gramsLength including spoiler: 156
mmWheelbase: 86
mmTrack width (front axle): 61
mmTrack width (rear axle): 61
mmPrototype vehicle:
As early as 2010, it was announced that BMW planned to return to the DTM for the 2012 season after a 20-year absence. As a result, 2011 became a transitional season in which the 2008 and 2009 model year cars were used for the last time, and Audi and Mercedes also faced off in direct competition for the final time. Martin Tomcyk won the championship—as surprisingly as it was convincingly—and did so in a “last year’s car” from the 2008 model year. One of his main rivals was Bruno Spengler, who once again had a strong season but missed out on the title at the decisive moment.
When the DTM teams were reestablished, BMW relied primarily on drivers from within its own ranks, including both established names and up-and-coming drivers. However, they didn’t want to rely entirely on that, so they signed two top drivers from Audi and Mercedes: Martin Tomcyk and Bruno Spengler. The former took the No. 1, which soon appeared on his BMW M3 in the classic livery—white with red, turquoise, and blue stripes. Bruno Spengler’s race car is the visual opposite: aside from the obligatory M stripes, it is almost entirely matte black. The DTM race cars share only their name and company logo with production vehicles; they are true-blue sports prototypes based on a carbon-fiber monocoque.
The BMW M3 DTM was a fast and competitive car right from the start; Bruno Spengler secured a victory as early as the second race at the Lausitzring. As the season progressed, neither mechanical issues nor nerves held him back, allowing him to celebrate the championship title at the end of the season and, in the process, shed his reputation as the perpetual runner-up (or third-place finisher).
The Models:
TheCarrera BMW M3 DTM is low, wide, and above all, long. No wonder—the real-life car measures a whopping 5 meters. I can’t spot any visual flaws; the model looks great and true to the original from every angle. The total weight is a bit too high, though the body itself, at 28 grams, is still within acceptable limits. The forward light output isn’t particularly strong, but a great deal of effort was put into preventing lateral glare from the wheel wells—with success. As is already familiar from older DTM cars, the side skirts are attached to the chassis rather than the body. Aside from that, the suspension design holds no surprises; everything conforms to the standard we’ve known since 2009.
Test Drive:
With the standard magnet configuration, the M3 literally drives as if on rails; however, combined with its heavy weight, the magnets slightly dampen its forward momentum. That changes as soon as you remove the rear magnet; the handling becomes more pleasant because the vehicle drives “more freely.” In corners, you gain an acceptable limit range; overall, the old adage “length matters” holds true.
Without any magnets at all, the grip of the stock tires reaches its limits. Additional weight isn’t m.E. necessary, but for decent handling, you should break in the tires a bit or switch to tires from reputable third-party suppliers. Overall, the car offers good conditions for this driving style.
Conclusion:
A real stunner, visually appealing and with good driving performance. The M3 DTM didn’t quite become the ultimate lap-time killer—its weight is simply a bit too high for that. On the plus side, however, it offers relatively rich and harmonious handling, which is certainly not the worst foundation when viewed over a longer race distance.
A Strong ComebackTechnical
Specifications:
Weight (complete car with magnets): 108
gramsWeight (body): 28
gramsLength including spoiler: 156
mmWheelbase: 86
mmTrack width (front axle): 61
mmTrack width (rear axle): 61
mmPrototype vehicle:
As early as 2010, it was announced that BMW planned to return to the DTM for the 2012 season after a 20-year absence. As a result, 2011 became a transitional season in which the 2008 and 2009 model year cars were used for the last time, and Audi and Mercedes also faced off in direct competition for the final time. Martin Tomcyk won the championship—as surprisingly as it was convincingly—and did so in a “last year’s car” from the 2008 model year. One of his main rivals was Bruno Spengler, who once again had a strong season but missed out on the title at the decisive moment.
When the DTM teams were reestablished, BMW relied primarily on drivers from within its own ranks, including both established names and up-and-coming drivers. However, they didn’t want to rely entirely on that, so they signed two top drivers from Audi and Mercedes: Martin Tomcyk and Bruno Spengler. The former took the No. 1, which soon appeared on his BMW M3 in the classic livery—white with red, turquoise, and blue stripes. Bruno Spengler’s race car is the visual opposite: aside from the obligatory M stripes, it is almost entirely matte black. The DTM race cars share only their name and company logo with production vehicles; they are true-blue sports prototypes based on a carbon-fiber monocoque.
The BMW M3 DTM was a fast and competitive car right from the start; Bruno Spengler secured a victory as early as the second race at the Lausitzring. As the season progressed, neither mechanical issues nor nerves held him back, allowing him to celebrate the championship title at the end of the season and, in the process, shed his reputation as the perpetual runner-up (or third-place finisher).
The Models:
The
Test Drive:
With the standard magnet configuration, the M3 literally drives as if on rails; however, combined with its heavy weight, the magnets slightly dampen its forward momentum. That changes as soon as you remove the rear magnet; the handling becomes more pleasant because the vehicle drives “more freely.” In corners, you gain an acceptable limit range; overall, the old adage “length matters” holds true.
Without any magnets at all, the grip of the stock tires reaches its limits. Additional weight isn’t m.E. necessary, but for decent handling, you should break in the tires a bit or switch to tires from reputable third-party suppliers. Overall, the car offers good conditions for this driving style.
Conclusion:
A real stunner, visually appealing and with good driving performance. The M3 DTM didn’t quite become the ultimate lap-time killer—its weight is simply a bit too high for that. On the plus side, however, it offers relatively rich and harmonious handling, which is certainly not the worst foundation when viewed over a longer race distance.
