The New M3
#11
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Originally Posted by pukka' post='489465' date='Nov 3 2007, 12:00 PM
Just finished reading the article in the NOV 07 ed of Bimmer.
Sorry M3 lovers, I gotta agree with the author.....part of what made the M3 so special was what it did with the I-6. Upgrading to a V-8 just doesn't have the appeal. Now it kind of matches up with a new Pontiac GTO, which with a few mods could smoke the M3 and still cost thousands less. IMO thats a definite downgrade.
Sorry M3 lovers, I gotta agree with the author.....part of what made the M3 so special was what it did with the I-6. Upgrading to a V-8 just doesn't have the appeal. Now it kind of matches up with a new Pontiac GTO, which with a few mods could smoke the M3 and still cost thousands less. IMO thats a definite downgrade.
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#12
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Sunroof is a $0 option, but you'll loose the CF roof. I don't think many will do that. Sunroof doesn't belong in a sports car.
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Originally Posted by Heelsonwheels' post='499995' date='Nov 28 2007, 07:13 AM
IMHO, sounds like someone never had or drove an M3, they are an addiction. The GTO is a nice American car, but no "M". I drove mine 53K mi and the car was as strong and tight as the day I got it. My E60 has more HP/sport susp and is a great car, but not the same. Forget the article, go drive one.
Attachment 41218
Attachment 41218
Furthermore, BMW's strong suit has been the six cylinder engine. High output V-8's are American territory and since the American concept of performance is straight-line speed and not handling, I just don't see this car selling better than previous models in the U.S.. Especially at a $70k sticker price.
To be more politically correct, the new M3 is now more competitive with the Audi RS4, but you don't see too many of those around either.
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Originally Posted by ipp' post='500022' date='Nov 28 2007, 09:32 AM
Sunroof is a $0 option, but you'll loose the CF roof. I don't think many will do that. Sunroof doesn't belong in a sports car.
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Originally Posted by pukka' post='500587' date='Nov 29 2007, 10:13 AM
I have driven one...with an I-6. I've also driven several different V-8 powered sports coupes. I'm not saying the new M3 will be bad, just different in a not-so-positive-way. My point is that a car's engine is one of many things that make it so special. Are there any V-8 upgrades in Porsche's sport cars?...How about the Nissan GTR (Skyline)? Is a six-cylinder an option on the Corvette??? IMHO they stuck with the same basic motor because of its association with the car's image.
Furthermore, BMW's strong suit has been the six cylinder engine. High output V-8's are American territory and since the American concept of performance is straight-line speed and not handling, I just don't see this car selling better than previous models in the U.S.. Especially at a $70k sticker price.
To be more politically correct, the new M3 is now more competitive with the Audi RS4, but you don't see too many of those around either.
Furthermore, BMW's strong suit has been the six cylinder engine. High output V-8's are American territory and since the American concept of performance is straight-line speed and not handling, I just don't see this car selling better than previous models in the U.S.. Especially at a $70k sticker price.
To be more politically correct, the new M3 is now more competitive with the Audi RS4, but you don't see too many of those around either.
#16
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Originally Posted by m630' post='500671' date='Nov 29 2007, 01:51 PM
....but the M3 is not a sports car, its a coupe that will be driven on the street for 99.99% of owners. The sunroof is a smart option for the real world, no one will notice the diff between the CF and the glass roof on the street
#17
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Speaking of the E92 M3, I am currently #1 on the wait list at my local dealership. I can't wait for it to arrived in early April! Though I'm still not feeling it's styling, a V8 powered M3 is too hard to resist!
#18
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Originally Posted by Leburpor' post='493154' date='Nov 12 2007, 09:33 AM
also has a vid of the exhaust sound ![Big Grin](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/biggrin.gif)
![Big Grin](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/biggrin.gif)
Very ugly sound
![Noexpression](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/noexpression.gif)
![Noexpression](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/noexpression.gif)
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Originally Posted by AlexFW' post='504321' date='Dec 8 2007, 08:54 AM
Very ugly sound
![Noexpression](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/noexpression.gif)
![Noexpression](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/noexpression.gif)
![Noexpression](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/noexpression.gif)
I agree that the I-6 set the personality of the E46 M3 but it needed the V8 to compete with current rivals. Plus, why not give it a new character that includes the V8 gurgle. I really like the coupe styling and the E92 M3 would be on my short list of future cars. Even though the 4dr M3 would be a more logical trade from a 550i, to me it looks like a plain 3 series with the M3 front tacked on. Its not as sleek as the coupe.
They need 2 models to satisfy more fans. A base/track model with carbon fiber roof, track based suspension, and lower gearing. That would be like the CSL. The normal M3 needs the luxury features befitting a $60k+ price tag.