Thursday 14th June 2007

New M3 variants testing

Saloon and Convertible M3 testing at the 'Ring

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The M3 saloon is back

The new M3 coupe doesn’t have its international launch until next month, but here’s proof that the development of its sister models is moving apace.

Although the cars wear light disguise over some of their M specific details, the trademark quad exhaust pipes and power bulge bonnets can clearly be seen.

As can also be seen from the pictures, the convertible (the black car) uses the folding metal roof from the new 3 series convertible, unlike the soft fabric roof of the old E46 M3 Convertible. The saloon version (the silver car) is making a comeback since the days when it was offered as a variant on the E36 shape M3.

M3 Convertible uses folding metal roof

It looks doubtful that either of these new M3 variants will be seen before early next year, as the coupe isn’t due to be launched until the autumn. A saloon M3 at the Detroit show and the Convertible at Geneva 2008 seem a fair bet.

The much – rumoured M3 Touring remains a mystery, with the car supposedly testing in private. BMW board members are said to be watching closely the sales progress of the recently launched M5 Touring before making a decision on whether to expand the M3 range to a fourth model. If they go for it, don’t expect a Touring until late 2008.

 

[smele]

That looks like a very big folding metal roof. Perhaps largest available today?

[MK4 Slowride]

Super sweet M3's, I wander what lap times they were setting if they were being pushed at all. If you want one better order now as there's going to be a big wait as you'd expect for a superb piece of machinery as a BMW M3.

[dazren]

Hope they make the M3 saloon with a manual gearbox.

[andyinPembs]

Odd wheels on the soft-top. Mind you, can;t really call it a soft top can I?...

I want the M3 touring!

[Wanta996]

It will be interesting what price the 3 Series saloon will drop at and what market is it targeting? Evos? C55s? I just find the 3 series too cramped in the back to buy as a 4 door alternative, the M5 makes sense but not sure about an M3 4 door.

[scotty_917]

I think 'M' division is missing the plot and gone for a burton down the marketing route!!!

M = motorsport....

Where are they going to 'race' the touring, convertible & saloon varieties then?

[dazren]

Wanta996 said:

........the M5 makes sense but not sure about an M3 4 door.

BMW are not planning on building a manual M5 for the UK market, so unless they build a M3 4 door saloon with a manual gearbox, when I swap out of my E39 M5 (manual gearbox) it'll be to another manufacturer. I'm hoping the new M3 saloon will be similar performance, fuel economy and range to the E39 M5.

DAZ

[Dr S]

scotty_917 said:

I think 'M' division is missing the plot and gone for a burton down the marketing route!!!

M = motorsport....

Where are they going to 'race' the touring, convertible & saloon varieties then?

As today also minivans carry a sports badge, this does not come as a surprise

[Pugsey]

scotty_917 said:

I think 'M' division is missing the plot and gone for a burton down the marketing route!!!

M = motorsport....

Where are they going to 'race' the touring, convertible & saloon varieties then?

Maybe. Vovo raced their estate successfully. An estate is more 'slippery' through the air than a saloon in fact.

[Pugsey]

MK4 Slowride said:

If you want one better order now as there's going to be a big wait

Much to late - already a two year wait! (Even if that will prob. come down a bit).

[Dave Dax builder]

I don't know about you lot but I'm not too keen on the new style hub caps on pics 3 and 4. ;o(

[Road_Terrorist]

dazren said:

Hope they make the M3 saloon with a manual gearbox.

Well as the Coupe has a 6 speed manual as standard and the drivetrains will presumably be the same across the board I dont see why they wont offer it.

[tomtvr]

Whats the betting BMW will charge more for the saloon? After all you do get 2 extra doors and more car

edit to add: i do like it though

Edited by tomtvr on Thursday 14th June 19:00

[PPPPPP]

andyinPembs said:

I want the M3 touring!

They should have introduced the M3 Touring, and not the m5.

[andyturner]

smele said:

That looks like a very big folding metal roof. Perhaps largest available today?

It isn't available today!

I take it there are photographers whose sole jobs are to hang around at the Nurbergring day after day after day.. I might stick some curious black tarpaulin to the wings of my car and drive round a few times to see what magazines I get in.

[andyturner]

andyinPembs said:

Odd wheels on the soft-top. Mind you, can;t really call it a soft top can I?...

I don't think those are the wheels as such, they look more like some gadget attached to the wheels that's taking readings direct from the wheels. I suspect the data is being transmitted live over that aerial to somebody nearby, who's probably asking the driver to perform specific tests.

[stimmers]

still looks really crap to me. Which is why i went to Audi's door when my M3 Convertable got nicked.

[Kawasicki]

scotty_917 said:

I think 'M' division is missing the plot and gone for a burton down the marketing route!!!

M = motorsport....

Where are they going to 'race' the touring, convertible & saloon varieties then?

The saloons will probably end up racing in the biggest touring car series in the world, the VLN. A 4 door BMW saloon won it last year. The increased stiffness of the 4 door body should of contributed.

shane

[RichyBoy]

MK4 Slowride said:

Super sweet M3's, I wander what lap times they were setting if they were being pushed at all. If you want one better order now as there's going to be a big wait as you'd expect for a superb piece of machinery as a BMW M3.

7m20sec the new skyline gtr is doing it in (circuit car june page 39), I wonder how close the m3 will be to that.

[FestivAli]

the rear diffuser on the sedan looks hax. The folding hadtop is huge because it is huge - look at the 335 cabriolet. Its that way so rear passengers retain the same amount of headroom as the coupe.