Friday 25th August 2006

Exclusive: BMW M3 spy-shots

New bahn-stormer caught by PH snapper

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The new 400bhp BMW M3, due for launch next year, has been spotted: check out these pics.

Our resident super-snapper Sebastian Geisler first spotted the BMW's new M3 Coupé on a German autobahn, but didn't get the chance to take pictures as it's pretty quick. Second time around, he was more successful.

Sebastian's notes

• The car is almost uncamouflaged:
• The front bumper is completely uncamouflaged,
• The bonnet & side indicators have some minor camouflage,
• The rear bumper has some minor camouflage on the right and left side, the
• middle is completely uncamouflaged -- the diffuser is visible.
• You can see that the M3 Coupé will sport a small rear spoiler.

The new M3 is powered by a V8 engine, based on the V10 from the BMW M5 / M6, with about 400 hp. It will be available next year, probably I expect the presentation at the Geneva motor show starting 8 March 2007.

The four-door and the convertible (with metal roof) variants will arrive later. BMW also hasn't yet decided whether a M3 Touring will also be made -- it's likely to wait to see how successful the M5 Touring is.

[Zod]

Don't like the front splitter/bumper. The air intake just looks wrong.

The mirrors look standard 3 Series, so presumably they'll change.

Otherwise, I'm sure it will be absolute stormer.

[Zod]

V8 EOL said:

News_Item said:

Our resident super-snapper Sebastian Geisler first spotted the BMW's new M3 Coupé on a German autobahn

Looks like the Nurburgring Nordschleife to me. Anyway it is bound to be another chav weapon of choice. No thanks.

You again. You haven't grown any smarter since I last called you an idiot, I notice.

[Zod]

paulh1477 said:

rob05 said:

Chav weapon of choice great one liner aren't all performance BMW's just that?
I always drive mine around the council estates that's where i get the most respect.

Used to aspire to own an M3 - formerly a top, top car. Now, just too common, no different to the standard fayre and driven by losers.

Ah! Another idiot.

[Zod]

Andrew D said:

ghiblicup said:

Gulliver911 said:

paulh1477 said:

Used to aspire to own an M3 - formerly a top, top car. Now, just too common, no different to the standard fayre and driven by losers.

How to make friend and influence people in the BMW forum

Studying diplomacy are you ?

He's waited 6 months for this moment!

Must be a troll.

I think he and V8EOL must be [DELETED].

Edited by dazren on Saturday 26th August 18:47

[Zod]

V8 EOL said:

It appears I have touched a nerve.... Keep it up, I am enjoying it.

I wonder when my parentage will be questioned?

trolling doesn't touch a nerve. It just irritates like dogshit on your shoe. Now stop this or we'll get Uncle Ted to tell you to stop it.

[Zod]

Well, he must be a man of taste then.

[Zod]

klassiekerrally said:

jon- said:

Not sure why, i just can't get excited by new uber saloons anymore, they're 5 a penny.

Exactly my thoughts. Where are the times that only supercars like the Countach had 400 bhp?

They've undoubtedly done an excellent engineering job, but have to keep it safe with three-letter electronical aids.
What's the point?

What a macho post. Unlike AMGs, you can switch off the electronics in an M car. Or are you a hairy chested TVR type?

If you knew anything at all about these cars, particulalry if you had driven one, you would understand that the electronic aids are not needed to keep them safe. The car handles beautifully without them. Like any car with 400 or 500 bhp though, if you provoke it, it will bite you.

[Zod]

ED965 said:

Anyway foR the price of the Genamic rep car on steroids you can get a good second hand 996TT....

perhaps with kids, some of us need a bit more space than a 996TT offers. In addition to which, outside a track, an M5 is quicker than a 996TT.

33 posts and the best you can do is troll the BMW forum.

Why do all these new M car threads attract the shit-throwing monkey crowd, I wonder? It must have something to do with evolution.

Edited by Zod on Saturday 26th August 12:04

[Zod]

ED965 said:

Zod said:

ED965 said:

Anyway foR the price of the Genamic rep car on steroids you can get a good second hand 996TT....

perhaps with kids, some of us need a bit more space than a 996TT offers. In addition to which, outside a track, an M5 is quicker than a 996TT.

33 posts and the best you can do is troll the BMW forum.

Why do all these new M car threads attract the shit-throwing monkey crowd, I wonder? It must have something to do with evolution.

Edited by Zod on Saturday 26th August 12:04

The reason only got 33 posts is due to kids.......I'm afraid
Better things to do with me life
I was trolling through the BM forum because i fancied a laugh at "the club" and what you call "evolution" god help us!
Interesting comment about the M5 though great car from an engineering point of view...but

What "club"? You fancied a laugh, so you trolled this forum? That's pitiful.

[Zod]

dazren said:

EdwardLovett said:

i'm sure they'll say it's Limited to 155 but the Z4M Coupe managed 162 last night!!

Good to hear, clock speed or GPS verified? Can you comment if the soft limiter is set at the same level for all current "M"cars? I know the E60 M5 limiter is set at 164 (laser trap and GPS verified), a standard E39 M5 hit 164 through the same trap on the same day and was still accellerating. (Should be pointed out the E60 hit the limiter a fair way before the speed trap though!)

Zod. I often read some of the anti BMW vitriol on this forum and wonder what value the posters think they are making. MAybe they usually write on walls using spray cans.? I don't know about living under bridges, but some of them bring new meaning to the term peasant.

DAZ

[Zod]

ukross said:

I'd have the new M3 if I could afford it. In final form it will be excellent I'm sure. M Cars are just magic IMO.

Before I'm challenged, no I've never owned one - the nearest I've got is to run a 330i for a couple of years. And no, I have no idea about the 911 because I've never driven one and besides, my family needs and employer continue to keep my car choices in check. But in terms of comparison I have been loaned an S4 for a week - impressive in a straight line but somehow dull.

BMW M cars are a bit special. I've enjoyed a few hot laps in an M3 CSL around Brands and my boss ran the V8 M5 for quite a few years.

Glorious engines that just get better as you zing up through the rev range and wonderfully exploitable handling for those who can. The things just feel so "alive" compared with other cars I've know. Plus, when the fun is over they blend into the townscape and can be used to pick up the in-laws from the airport.

Not sure why they are being compared to more specialist machinary ie TVRs and 911? A BMW will alwys be mainstream so totally different cars IMO.

So, limited knowledge on this one but thats my hat in the ring!

Well, they are different from TVRs (thankfully) and a CSL is a more focused car than any 911 other than a GT3RS or GT2.

[Zod]

Mr Whippy said:

dazren said:

I know the E60 M5 limiter is set at 164 (laser trap and GPS verified), a standard E39 M5 hit 164 through the same trap on the same day and was still accellerating. (Should be pointed out the E60 hit the limiter a fair way before the speed trap though!)

I read somewhere that if the limit is passed in 5th (e39 m5), then when you move into 6th the engine rpm limiter is passed for 155mph, so it keeps on going!?

Any truth in that, or would it be cleverer than that

Not true, I'm afraid, Dave.


The limiters do, however, tend not to be at 250 km/h, but more like 265/270.

[Zod]

housemaster said:

Zod said:

Well, they are different from TVRs (thankfully) and a CSL is a more focused car than any 911 other than a GT3RS or GT2.

Oi!

My GT3 is plenty focused too

Nah, it's a softy GT.

[Zod]

Mr Whippy said:

klassiekerrally said:

Zod said:

klassiekerrally said:

jon- said:

Not sure why, i just can't get excited by new uber saloons anymore, they're 5 a penny.

Exactly my thoughts. Where are the times that only supercars like the Countach had 400 bhp?

They've undoubtedly done an excellent engineering job, but have to keep it safe with three-letter electronical aids.
What's the point?

What a macho post. Unlike AMGs, you can switch off the electronics in an M car. Or are you a hairy chested TVR type?

I'd call myself a purist, not a macho. If one can't control 400 or 500 bhp, one shouldn't buy such a powerful car. Relying on electronical helpers to control a car that is too powerful for ones skills just doesn't seem to be logical to me.

I have that view point too.

Why buy a car that has more power than you can handle, and ultimately, at least in the old days, had flawed capabilities for day to day use because of it.

All we end up with today is the purer cars being watered down to appeal to wider markets. Most likely buying the M5 or M3 for the badge and because it "costs the most" rather than because they want the M5/3 for driving or whatever. (of course thats not ALL, but a good majority I would say)

TVR on the other hand, no ABS or TCS or EBD or anything, just pure driving pleasure!

It worries me even more when modern hot hatches come with ESP and all that too. WHY? To get a shopping car with 200bhp FWD out of shape you'd have to be a complete dumbass, yet it's still fitted, because they know complete dumbasses will buy these cars in an attempt to look cool!
Not realising that they are buying watered down attempts at sports cars, ruining it for themselves because they have no clue, and ruining it for enthusiasts who now have to turn to ever more scarce specialists. Half the point of owning a sports car in my eyes is to challenge you day to day, not bore you by requiring no input!

Dave

I don't think we're way apart in philosophy, but if TVR survives, expect to see electronic aids on the cars.

[Zod]

porker_nut said:

Just another reasonably priced high performance mass produced BMW - its dull as ditchwater and the chav's preferred choice for style and exclusivity, of which it is neither of.

I don't believe it: another one.

Offensive and ignorant. Great combination.

A total of 42 posts and your recent post history appears to consist mostly of trolling threads about new BMWs. Otherwise, most of your posts seem to consist of telling people about your fleet of Porsches and appalling grammar, with a particular problem in the use of apostrophes - although you did get it right with the possessive use in "chav's" (not "it's" though) in this latest drivel post.

People like you add nothing to this site.

Edited by Zod on Sunday 27th August 16:51

[Zod]

m12_nathan said:

AMG Merc said:

negative creep said:

Thats what puts meoff buying a real M3, everyone will think its a fake.

Go for the csl then - the chavs can't fake the carbon roof!

I'm sure they make a carbon patterned sticky film

Just wait, we will see it soon.

[Zod]

ED965 said:

Zod said:

ED965 said:

Zod said:

ED965 said:

Anyway foR the price of the Genamic rep car on steroids you can get a good second hand 996TT....

perhaps with kids, some of us need a bit more space than a 996TT offers. In addition to which, outside a track, an M5 is quicker than a 996TT.

33 posts and the best you can do is troll the BMW forum.

Why do all these new M car threads attract the shit-throwing monkey crowd, I wonder? It must have something to do with evolution.

Edited by Zod on Saturday 26th August 12:04

The reason only got 33 posts is due to kids.......I'm afraid
Better things to do with me life
I was trolling through the BM forum because i fancied a laugh at "the club" and what you call "evolution" god help us!
Interesting comment about the M5 though great car from an engineering point of view...but

What "club"? You fancied a laugh, so you trolled this forum? That's pitiful.

You're not wrong there!

Well, good on you for admitting it, I suppose.

[Zod]

My take on DSC is in part a snobbish one: the E46 M3 is now available at prices that a much larger cross-section of society can afford. Some M3s will go to enthusiasts whose financial muscle doesn't match their driving ability, but many, perhaps most, will go to people who think they are very good drivers, perhaps on the basis that they cna drive a five year old Imprezza with an aftermarket baked bean can at 60mph around town without crashing. Many of these will be saved from themselves by DSC. That makes it particularly worrying that a big thread in the M3 section on bm3w said that the majority of M3 drivers who posted to the thread always drive with DSC off. It is hardly surprising therefore that we see psots on the limes of "my new M3 went of the road sideways when I was overtaking".

[Zod]

rob05 said:

Zod i know you are a stickler for proper spelling and grammar so i was just wondering if your Psots and limes are some form of the English language that are waiting to be discovered?

What's happened to education in this country? A grown man ignorant of the meaning of "psots" and "limes", I ask you!

[Zod]

DoctorD said:

rob05 said:

Zod i know you are a stickler for proper spelling and grammar so i was just wondering if your Psots and limes are some form of the English language that are waiting to be discovered?

Rob, isn't it obvious? He was pwissed..!

Hungover, not pissed! (and busy)

Edited by Zod on Thursday 31st August 13:50