RE: New BMW M3 - details

[JEA1K]

Naddy786 said:

To me, the E36 M3 blended in far too much with a standard 328i Sport etc. Wasn't really anything visually different between them that stood out (even the wheels were on 17" and no bigger than the sport models)and am pretty sure nearly all if not all of the body panels were the same hence why you saw/see so many replicas.

The E46 on the other hand with the power bulge on the bonnet, kidney grills, flared arches definitely looked different to the rest of the 3 series range and hence you have to go to a lot of cost to make an E46 M3 and hence why you don't see anywhere near as many replicas for the E46.

Again, to me the E92 reverted back similar to the E36 and it's much closer to the standard 3 series although not completely.

Completely agree. The E46 M3 was probably the most extreme version over the standard model E46's. With a set of wheels and bodykit, E36 couldn't be told apart easily.

Subtle yet aggressive body alterations are the way that they will hopefully go!

[MiseryStreak]

What's with the swirly camouflage? Everyone has seen what these cars will look like. I don't get it, it just makes the cars look gash.

I think the M3/M4 looks great this time and the forced induction isn't an issue for me as long as the engine has character, sounds great (without artificial engine noises) and has instant throttle response. Manual and low kerb weight make this a winner. Oh wait, I'm getting carried away I couldn't even afford to look at one...

Edited by MiseryStreak on Wednesday 25th September 11:24

[E38Ross]

GranCab said:

There is only one reason BMW have made a manual 'box standard ....

So they can charge you a couple of grand for your DCT "option" ...

Yes and no. If that's the case, why no manual on the M5 or 6?

It may be a way to undercut the C63 in price??

[kambites]

E38Ross said:

It may be a way to undercut the C63 in price??

Does the M3 share a block (or at least external block layout) with the 335i? If so, I'd imagine the development costs for a manual would be next to nothing.

[BBS-LM]

That all reads very well to me, and that new Turbo M3 - M4 engine sounds plenty of fun.

[T1berious]

I've found my next car.

Increased fuel economy, more power, more torque and after few years will slip neatly into my price bracket. What's not to like.

Cheers BMW. Manual, Black, with 18" rims, NAV and Professional Audio package. Black Leather as well please

[nickfrog]

Miles Remmington said:

What we petrolheads often forget is that BMW M, like Audi RS and Merc AMG, is a brand pitched mainly at successful managers looking to impress their mates, and has been for quite a while now.

I think you're judging other people by your own standards. Go to any TF days and watch all those "successful managers" drive their M3 (of ALL ages) at 10/10th.

Does it really matter if 90% of the those cars are sold to posers anyway? It doesn't affect the product functionally, does it ? Or is image that much more important than function on PH nowadays ?

[TREMAiNE]

It will doubtlessly be fking awesome... Yet I have no excitement at all...

Is it sad that I'm more excited about the new Octavia VRS than the M3/M4!?

[Krikkit]

kambites said:

E38Ross said:

It may be a way to undercut the C63 in price??

Does the M3 share a block (or at least external block layout) with the 335i? If so, I'd imagine the development costs for a manual would be next to nothing.

I'd imagine the bell housing pattern is the same, whatever mods they've done to the block from the usual items.

[Uncle John]

Sounds great to me! Better start saving...

[Nors]

Mermaid said:

Nors said:

Apart from the significant torque jump over the current model, 430bhp is not a huge amount more bhp over the current 414bhp. This has to be the smallest incremental increase of any new M3 model?

Perhaps the power war between Audi and BMW at least may be over as previously mentioned when the B8 RS4 was launched. The latest RS4 having a nominal increase over it's previous version also.

In standard form. But with a bit of fettling will soon eclipse the 9 % hike in power for the latest GT3 and look forward to to these battling it out at the 'Ring on TF days.

And about another £50k!

[Amirhussain]

Can't wait for this to come out, should be mega.

[ClarkyboyS]

The motorsport division was quoted a couple of years ago saying that 'they will not be using ePAS or RFT tyres in their M cars' as it takes away from the 'driving experience'

real shame.

however,

A manula gearbox ... WELL DONE! someone must have actually been listening to the general public for a change!

im sure they will look and go fantastically :-)

[German]

kambites said:

E38Ross said:

It may be a way to undercut the C63 in price??

Does the M3 share a block (or at least external block layout) with the 335i? If so, I'd imagine the development costs for a manual would be next to nothing.

I assumed they took the N54 as a base, and redesigned most of it. Just a feeling, but seems pretty similar and makes economic sense

[Zod]

yonex said:

Miles Remmington said:

What we petrolheads often forget is that BMW M, like Audi RS and Merc AMG, is a brand pitched mainly at successful managers looking to impress their mates, and has been for quite a while now. Yeah it's given us a few good bits of kit over the years, but we aren't the target. What the target wants is, more or less, a very fast repmobile, not anything involving. We should be grateful for the manual box, but BMW knows exactly who it wants to appeal to and, regrettably, it ain't us.

Disagree.

An M3 in all its guises is something completely different to a 3 series 'repmobile'

Exactly. WHen I got my E46 eleven and a half years ago, there were loads of us on a site called bm3w who were proper enthusiasts. That car was very special when it first arrived.

[Mitch2.0]

Nors said:

Apart from the significant torque jump over the current model, 430bhp is not a huge amount more bhp over the current 414bhp. This has to be the smallest incremental increase of any new M3 model?

Perhaps the power war between Audi and BMW at least may be over as previously mentioned when the B8 RS4 was launched. The latest RS4 having a nominal increase over it's previous version also.

I agree, I think 440-450 would have placed it in the market a little better, however perhaps they've left room to release an 'evo' version with 450ish in a few years time?

[E38Ross]

Mitch2.0 said:

I agree, I think 440-450 would have placed it in the market a little better, however perhaps they've left room to release an 'evo' version with 450ish in a few years time?

In fairness, it weighs considerably less than its rivals. The RS4 isn't really a direct rival.

[JayK12]

Mitch2.0 said:

I agree, I think 440-450 would have placed it in the market a little better, however perhaps they've left room to release an 'evo' version with 450ish in a few years time?

It does have about 80lbft more torque.

[Mermaid]

E38Ross said:

Mitch2.0 said:

I agree, I think 440-450 would have placed it in the market a little better, however perhaps they've left room to release an 'evo' version with 450ish in a few years time?

In fairness, it weighs considerably less than its rivals. The RS4 isn't really a direct rival.

& does the RS4 even produce 450ps? Isn't the B8 version simply the same as the B7 version, but higher revving?

[British Beef]

MrTappets said:

Odd to think that if this saloon car pulled up next to an F-Type V8S at the lights then it would be the best part of 200kg lighter than the sports car.

It is strange how a 2 seater made largely from aluminium can weigh so much, compared to other 2 seaters and even compared to 4 seat coupes.

Makes me wonder, how much the F-type coupe will weigh?