[JimmyT]

The M3 is the car I want when I grow up!!!

[stealth-twntrbo]

Ill take an e46 m3 and e92 and the next one along M3 and a 335 and why not throw and x6m in there cuz there all amazing omg, im BMW for life

[cyniclaus]

Originally Posted by Spool

But seriously, why not just throw the 4.4L V8 TT engine from the X6 in the M3? That'll just about destroy every other car in its class, and the classes above...

They gotta save something for the M5

[zvvbmw]

To be honest...i was expecting the new 3 series to be astonishing by design. Doesn't feel like it. The design ain't my cup of coffee... I mean...the front of the car looks...damn...i can't even describe.

A 5 series combined with the new 6 series...mix these 2 cars in a more compact size...there ya go. New 3 series.

The coupe does look better. I seriously hope the new 3 series will look much better when it comes out.

PS sorry for my bad english

[deepblue]

Luv the new M3 in the red paint.

[Ghost170]

sick m3 pic!!

[AndreyATC]

Originally Posted by Spool

a 3.0L TT would be stupid IMO, then people would question the need for an M3 when a 335i has pretty much the same thing but a lot cheaper...

that bump in horsepower would mean the M3 is tuned for higher PSi, thus making it difficult to extract more power out of it without harming the engine and or turbos...

I kinda disagree
335i = 300hp
This M3 = 450hp
This alone makes a lot of sense to buy an M3 for most people, especially who's not in tuning or warranty busting mood
Not to mention the whole setup of 335i is not in the same league as M3
What about turbos?
Should these be new better twinscrolls, perhaps pair?
I doubt it'll be maxed out on M3
Look at X6M, it feels like that 4.4L is maxed out as well, yet tune and exhaust give it another 60-70hp

[michaelthepsycho]

Originally Posted by Javier

they should just use the current M3 V8 and slap some turbos on it

This.

Why not keep the 4.0, take a bit of compression and revs away (to help with emissions and fuel consumption) and repackage the engine bay for twin turbos? Unless they up the displacement for the straight six, transplanting anything remotely similar to an N54 is just disgraceful.

[AndreyATC]

3.5L TT straight 6 would be a nice engine for M3

[drvai]

The M3 is much more than just more HP or a "badge" (when compared with the 3-series).
Is a combination of things, from the chassis to the amazing V8 sound.

Originally Posted by Spool

going back to a 3.0L TT is just like having a 335i but with a chip...?


BMW M's line up gotta have more punch to it, the only reason why i never got the M3, is because it's really expensive and is slower than a chipped 335i...i was looking at a 911 Turbo but it's a tad expensive, although the performance i can justify spending the money on...so i settled for a 1000hp Supra... i know i know, M owners will preach me about the prestige and exclusivity of the ///M badge...i owned them before, i think people use that to justify their spending...you'll be in the exclusive insurance rates that's for sure

now if they throw the X6's M engine in there, game over...good bye GT-R, 911 Turbo, Z06, F430, Gallardo etc...

[WesleyC]

If BMW sticks to a 7 year rotation, shouldn't the F30 coupe be released in 2013 as a 2014 model?

[rideontwo]

All I am hoping for is that BMW moves away from the strut design in the 3 series. They really need to go with a more sport oriented suspension setup, i.e., double wishbone suspension just like the F10.

[Rome]

no sedan m3

[stressdoc]

I would consider the M3 if it's under 3000 lbs.

[Craig@SupremePower]

hmmmm...

[BzzzBom]

Originally Posted by stressdoc

I would consider the M3 if it's under 3000 lbs.

Start saving your money. The rumor is 2900 pounds

[stubenhocker]

It's funny how when a new model is introduced most of the owners of the previous model seem to think the new model is ugly and no where near as nice as their model.

I guess I am an exception, I like it!

[Raikkonen]

Originally Posted by stubenhocker

It's funny how when a new model is introduced most of the owners of the previous model seem to think the new model is ugly and no where near as nice as their model.

I guess I am an exception, I like it!

I couldn't agree more. It happens with every new generation.

I also think the new car (if it looks anything like the first photo) is gorgeous.

I'll definitely be getting one...

[just4kickz]

Originally Posted by stressdoc

I would consider the M3 if it's under 3000 lbs.

haha i guess you're not consider it... no way its gonna be under 3000.

[BMWDAD]

Originally Posted by just4kickz

haha i guess you're not consider it... no way its gonna be under 3000.

If not the M3, maybe the M2 under 3000 lbs.

[tony20009]

Perhaps it's just me, but the 3er rendering seems to have some odd lines in the front:
- the two lines down either side of the hood seem over-pronounced and make the hood look concave and somewhat shovel-like on the 3er sedan -- it doesn't look so bad on the M3 -- yet on the GT the hood appears convex.

- the curve of the front bumper seems overdone. I think a bit flatter would be better.

- that crease that begins behind the front wheel and runs down and then rearward doesn't even exist in the 7er or 5er. I could see that crease appearing on the Z4 or something, but not the 3er. Given that the new body-style theme has been far better received than the designs of the last model iteration, I think BMW will follow the style theme more closely with the 3er than they did with the e9x. The 3er, being the bread-and-butter car will not have much of anything style-wise that'll potentially ruffle feathers.

Those are my thoughts.

I agree with a poster above; the M3 looks good. The sedan is just ok, but not so ugly that I'd consider it "un-buyable" were I needing to replace my e92.

[sotaiji]

looks mean