new M3 not exciting to anyone else??

[ward]

http://autos.msn.com/research/compar...100704&v=t9522

check the comparo,

the new M3 will be damn close to something we've seen before...................... the last E39 M5

M3 will be a bit lighter, but yeah, pretty much the same dimensions and power

the M3 has gotten too big, and too heavy.

I really have no desire for an M3 anymore.......... anybody else?

[shimshimhada]

We'll just have to wait and see. Speculating is useless.

[bimmer4me]

You could make the same statement across the entire 3-series line. Maybe you'd be more interested in the M1...I think I may be in that camp.

[ward]

Originally Posted by bimmer4me

You could make the same statement across the entire 3-series line. Maybe you'd be more interested in the M1...I think I may be in that camp.

I'd agree with that

new 3= old 5 for less $$$

[SCA]

Hmm...the E39 M5 was a bad @ss car! I would still take one.

[Ed_330i]

yea i would too, if it didn't have a recirculating ball steering.

[F30Toad]

I would say the 600lbs and 10 inch shorter length still make these quite different, even with all the other similarities. Although the M5 is an awesome car, I doubt it will hold a candle to the upcoming M3.

[jmcphillips1]

Originally Posted by ward

http://autos.msn.com/research/compar...100704&v=t9522

check the comparo,

the new M3 will be damn close to something we've seen before...................... the last E39 M5

M3 will be a bit lighter, but yeah, pretty much the same dimensions and power

the M3 has gotten too big, and too heavy.

I really have no desire for an M3 anymore.......... anybody else?

I would say it is just you, I would take an M3 no matter what because an M3 is bad ass I don't care what size it is. They would not make an M3 that didn't kick ass!!

[Broken1]

I want an E36.

[stressdoc]

I could pick up the rear end of my 2002tii. Those days are past, unless you opt for a Lotus. A 2,000 lb car is very difficult to make safe and cheap. I have hopes for the future -- a lot of new materials, like ceramic engines, new composites... will be available to make cars much lighter.

That said, I think the M3 will be a great car. My preference, however, will be for a 335 turbo.

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by ward

http://autos.msn.com/research/compar...100704&v=t9522

check the comparo,

the new M3 will be damn close to something we've seen before...................... the last E39 M5

M3 will be a bit lighter, but yeah, pretty much the same dimensions and power

the M3 has gotten too big, and too heavy.

I really have no desire for an M3 anymore.......... anybody else?

That could be said for the E46 M3 as well. Track junkies will like the new M3.

Just imagine folks if BMW offered a M1/2 for the US (I say M2 as in 1 series coupe called the 2 series).

[BMRAMA]

I don't understand why you posted that link. It compares the 2002 M5, a 330i '06, and a 1991 M3. MSN Auto's model search yielded only an e46 M3.

[ward]

I was showing the E39 M5, compared to E90 (dimensionally the same as M3, M3 will probably be heavier due to non magnesium/al motor), compared to the original M3

just showing where the M3 used to be, and where it's headed

and it's in the wrong direction IMHO

[bimmer4me]

ward, the new M3, despite the added weight, is rumored to do a 0-60 time in under 4. Even if it did it in a 4.5 sec, it's still a track terror. I said this earlier, but if you want fast AND nimble go M1!

[bimmer4me]

The current e90 line (320d - 330i) make great daily driver cars with spirit, fun and practicality. The M3 is no daily driver. I just don't need, nor want to pay for 400hp to pick up groceries. I think for track driving I'd prefer a Z4 or an M1 for that kind of money. I know most people here will think I'm nuts, but I just don't like the M5 and M6 that much for the same reason; they're too big for my taste. I apprecriate and respect these cars for what they are, but it's just not my thing for the money. (let the flames begin!)

[ksfrogman]

I doubt the new M3 will weigh as much as the e39 M5. That's over 600 lbs heavier than the current 330i. The coupe will have two fewer doors, and I wouldn't be surprised if it sports a magnesium/aluminum engine like the existing e90s to help with weight. It's all about weight to power. The smaller the ratio, the better the performance.

[ward]

keep in mind the only current engine to have mag/al tech is the straight 6

the new M3 motor is supposedly based on the M5 V-10 which is aluminum

a V-8 block would weigh more than an I-6 block with the same construction, then throw on top of that the MG/AL weight saving, but deduct the valvetronic weight adder (new M will not be valvetronic)

look at weights on older 3 series, the coupe and sedan are at a dead heat for weight.

The M3 will kick butt, and be seriously fast. The bad part is that it's a grand tourer now, old man car if you will...............like a 6 series or an M5

[bimmer4me]

ward, you and I see eye to eye on the upcoming M3.

[ward]

the weight adder between the 530 AL/MG block and teh 550 V-8

is about 320 lbs!!!!!!!

[Mark]

The dimensions of the E90 dont really bother me at all, its not that much larger then the e46 and its still a decent amount smaller then the e39 (except width as that chart shows). But of course the E46 is a porker itself, so everything is relative.

But the weight of the upcoming M3 is going to be a big big question mark.. it all depends on how light they make that engine and how much BMW commits to using lightweight materials on the M3 (such as a roof piece as on the M6, bumpers and suspension pieces). There two ways I see it, either BMW commits alot of money and time to making the car lightweight (as they have repeatedly been saying will be the new direction for alot of BMWs) and the next M3 will actually be lighter then the current E90 sedans. Or the realities of the M3 being a GT car will set in and the car will be pretty damn heavy.

Lets hope BMW sticks to its statements and cuts their profit margin a little to make the M3 lighter with more extensive use of materials debuted on the E46M3CSL and the M6.

[Mark]

Originally Posted by ward

keep in mind the only current engine to have mag/al tech is the straight 6

the new M3 motor is supposedly based on the M5 V-10 which is aluminum

a V-8 block would weigh more than an I-6 block with the same construction, then throw on top of that the MG/AL weight saving, but deduct the valvetronic weight adder (new M will not be valvetronic)

look at weights on older 3 series, the coupe and sedan are at a dead heat for weight.

The M3 will kick butt, and be seriously fast. The bad part is that it's a grand tourer now, old man car if you will...............like a 6 series or an M5

I was told the new alu v8s are actually lighter if not the same weight as the current gen i-6s ?

[e30klassic]

The true's the M is a nice and fast ride but just lack of that "RACE" look(just bigger engine, finer interior, bigger brake) . unlike back in the days with M, the E30M model is a perfect example and have that aggressive fender, tail and interior.......