Every sports car fans knows of the BMW M3. It's the benchmark, and has been for it's entire extistance. When the M3 first started life in the mid-80's, it was basiclly a homologation car. It was a totally new car, with was either an M5 engine with 2 cylinders cut off, or a detuned BMW forumla 1 engine of the era. Supposedly hand made, the E30 M3 engines were works of art and perfectly balanced. They produced 195hp at 6750rpm, which was very fast for the era. Basiclly a club racer out of the box, it had amazing handling and was a road racers dream. It had radical front and rear spoilers with BBS multi-spoke wheels. What made this car even more special was the Evo II and Evo III models sold in europe. Ask and i'll give you the specs on those.

The next generation E36 M3 was dull compared to it's E30 brother. It had a larger front air dam and larger wheels, but was basiclly a 328. The inline six was bored out to 3.2 liters and the horsepower was increased to 240 at 6000rpm. The 0-60 was a very quick 5.5 seconds and the handling was superb with .91g's on the skid pad. Yet, the car wasnt as outlandish and interesting as the E30. It was kind of boring, and it still is. But it was the sleeper of the M3 line.

Now we have the E46 M3. What can' you say about the E46? Its the best of both worlds. It's got an insane 3.2 liter inline six with 343hp. It's got large, but not giagantic fender flares and a tasteful body kit all around. It's easy to tell its an M3. It's not boring like the E36 and not as "boy racer" as the E30. Perfect bland of the two.

So the point of this topic is to....

a) discuss the M3's and which you think is the best
b) discuss the future of the M3. Is the E46 as good as it gets? Should the new M3 be more like the E30 or E36, or should it be a perfect blend like the E46?

Website:
www.fast-autos.net
http://www.bmwworld.com/index.html

Is the E46 as good as it gets?I think so. If they keep bumping up the horse power, it will just be too powerful IMO

Yeah, I'm going to agree with D_H here, more power isn't always the answer. But in faith with M3 lovers everywhere, I'll say suspension tuning and handling is the key for this car. I personally hope the next M3 will be something like the E30 and the current E46. Fast as the dickens, but less pure hard core like the E30. Think M3 CSL but with the current E46's price tag. I know BMW could ditch iDrive, and a ton of other useless electronics, go with aluminum instead of steel, maybe even fiberglass?? But if the next M3 could drop below 2,900 lbs and keep the current engine or, somehow, improve on it. That sirs, and ma'ams, would be a world class "supercar". 8)

i just hope they dont screw up the new m3

I'll say suspension tuning and handling is the key for this car.Agreed. They have enough power now. Focus on the handling BMW :D

400hp 4.0L V8 for the newbie E90 M3. I think the new car will set the bar even higher with it's superior power and dynamics. Don't worry, the M3 will be an absolute cracker.

Anyway, if you guys think more power is bad, then why is the M3 CSL the best M car yet?

The handling is already excellent...

IMO the best M3 out of the three is the E46. It's as complete as a car as it gets. Faster than the previous ones and with better handling, along with more components of luxury and practicality that make your life easier.

I confess that I'm a bit worried about the next M3. First about the design and second about the engine...
The E46 coupe is IMO one of the most beautiful cars I've ever seen and I'm not sure I like much the upcoming E90. I mean, ok, a design should definitely evolve, but why make it worse? I'm sure it will appeal to less people.
And about the engine, the next M3 (or M4, rather) will have a 4lt 400 HP V8. Yes, there will be more power, but IMO BMW should NOT get rid of this fantastic-perfect-flawless-unimaginable inline 6 engine for a V8. The V8 will be heavier, not so perfectly balanced, probably not able to rev so high, and I'm positive that the sound will not be so intoxicating too.
I'm also a little concerned about the total weight of the car increasing... the current M3 already weights 1.570 kg (3.462 pounds)...
Other than that, I'm sure the car will have perfect handling and all the other stuff that we know.

What do you think?

I think BMW have no other chance but to opt for a V8 for the new M3. I mean, the M2 will get an Inline 6, and the M5 V10, so I guess it is just a natural progression. And anyway, I don't think even BMW could get more than 265kW from an Inline 6 without resorting to FI. BTW, BMW showed us how good V8's can be with the E39 M5 engine. And the 4.4L V8. I don't think we need to worry, the car will be top-class all the way!

There's no doubt that it's gonna be top class, but I personally just prefer it with the I-6...

There's no doubt that it's gonna be top class, but I personally just prefer it with the I-6...

Well, you can always get the upcoming M2, which will ahve an Inlike 6.

LOL, true, but as I get older I'll prefer not to get a hatchback... but anyway, I can still get the E46 M3! :D
(that is, if I had the money available)

First of all the design. Too many people jumped and said that the new e90 3 series is too radical and quite rubish, but so did happened to the 5 series when it was introduced some time ago and many people that said in hte first place the design was rubish and ruined the whole 5 series looks, had a change of hearts and started to like or even to adore the new looks. I used to be one of those peoples. The E90 should have enough time and room to breathe and accomodate bmw fans with it's new looks. Sure some people would still say it looks rubish after all but...I kinda like from what pics i saw, but still think the taillights could use some more work. About the new M3 i hope it doesn't get heavyer then the e46 m3 (not too much) and i think the new v8 will be absolutely superb. It will certainly boost torque more then hp boost. It will have the SMGIII hopefully as an option.
The V8 will be heavier, not so perfectly balanced, probably not able to rev so high
It will be a little bit heavier, yes but not disturbing heavier; the balance of the engine MAY be unoticeable worse, very few people tend to realise or feel the engine's balance. That happens only at the limit, better felt during cornering and not many drivers will feel the m3 at the limit...IMO...and It will for sure be a higy revvy one, and i am quite confident it will be a materpice of an engine ( look @ V10 m5).

I personally just prefer it with the I-6...

Same here, but i think it would definetely be helpful if the handling gets some work on it; hopefully the M6 would get the V8, the M5 gets the V10, and the M3 still gets it's I6. BMW did an awesome job on the E46, and i'm sure they can make it even better. :twisted:

I personally just prefer it with the I-6...

Same here, but i think it would definetely be helpful if the handling gets some work on it; hopefully the M6 would get the V8, the M5 gets the V10, and the M3 still gets it's I6. BMW did an awesome job on the E46, and i'm sure they can make it even better. :twisted:

The M6 getting a V8? Never in a million years. The M6 is supposed to be the flagship of the BMW M range, and I don't think it will project that image if it has an engine smaller than the M5. Anyway, I don't think BMW has that many resources to develop a brand-spanking new V8, when a brand-new V10 was just introduced do you? No, BMW's plan is very logical: M2 - I6, M3 - V8, M5 - V10, M6 - 10. See? It goes up in natural progressions.

i also prefer the 6 cyl engine of the M3
i never saw a M3 as a V8 engine, tat place was always reserved for the M5
but now with the M5 getting a new V10 engine, it seems the M3 will be given a V8 engine :(

I also heard that the Z4 M will get the L6 3.2 343hp actual M3 engine. I am not so dissapointed about the new m3 having a v8. It had to be done. I mean the L6 was already too squeezed out...the new M3 had to have a v8 or L8 :lol: (joking). Plus those extra cylinders will boost the torque more then keeping the L6 and giving a bore and stroke or smth like that.

I also heard that the Z4 M will get the L6 3.2 343hp actual M3 engine. I am not so dissapointed about the new m3 having a v8. It had to be done. I mean the L6 was already too squeezed out...the new M3 had to have a v8 or L8 :lol: (joking). Plus those extra cylinders will boost the torque more then keeping the L6 and giving a bore and stroke or smth like that.

BMW aren't even considering a Z4M yet apparently. They are waiting for enough customer demand for a Z4M before starting to make prototypes, which is ludricrous as a Z4M would be awesome. And yes, if it was to be made, it would have the S54 engine.

The V8 will be heavier, not so perfectly balanced, probably not able to rev so high
It will be a little bit heavier, yes but not disturbing heavier; the balance of the engine MAY be unoticeable worse, very few people tend to realise or feel the engine's balance. That happens only at the limit, better felt during cornering and not many drivers will feel the m3 at the limit...IMO...and It will for sure be a higy revvy one, and i am quite confident it will be a materpice of an engine ( look @ V10 m5).
You probably misunderstood. When I said "balanced" engine, I meant internally balanced, not the front/rear car balance. I meant it will not be running so smooth and vibration-less.
Read here: http://autozine.kyul.net/technical_school/engine/smooth1.htm (then hit "continue" etc.)

thats a cool link man.

Ok. Clearly i missunderstood you. :oops:
And about the link, iti is super one of the best and most complex i have ever seen. I read as much as i could but now it striked me with a headache...pffff....lots of techincal terms and lots of fizics involved. :o Other then that just great. Thx

ok, follow up question: What kind of engine should the new M3 have? What should the price be? Should it be more affordable or all out?

Same price, either a light weight high revving V8 or high revving 6 like the current one. Just it should weigh noticeably less, the engine that is.

Same price, either a light weight high revving V8 or high revving 6 like the current one. Just it should weigh noticeably less, the engine that is.

i totally agree
it should be a lighter car for more advance handling

ok, follow up question: What kind of engine should the new M3 have? What should the price be? Should it be more affordable or all out?
Same price or at least a logical small increase. It shouldn't be more affordable, but not more over the limits either. IMO should keep the same inline 6 engine, probably bored to 3.5lt and with minor modifications and improvements. Probably use more exotic materials to the engine (titanium etc.). Also, LESS WEIGHT, both on the engine and chassis. NOT increase in body dimensions. Keep the same balance between luxury and performance.

ok, follow up question: What kind of engine should the new M3 have? What should the price be? Should it be more affordable or all out?

My guess is that it will only be a small increase, about the increase the E60 M5 will have on the previous E39 M5. There's no way there will be a decrease in price, as you are paying for better, more advanced technology.

For the engine, the logical move for BMW will be a 4.0L V8 stuffed into the engine block of the E90. The trend now is to adopt the American way, if you will, the way of 'bigger is better' as seen by the S4 and the C55 AMG. So it is obvious BMW will follow it's rivals and fit a V8. It is pointless IMO to just keep improving the current S54 engine, as it will still be dated and it won't have the advanced technology a brand-new V8 would have. The V8 will obviously have more weight, but the chassis will be good enough to keep up with the extra weight. Of course, it would have a magnesium block, exactly like the NG6 line of engines from BMW. External dimensions will be larger, and overall, it will be heavier, no doubt about that, but with the extra power and the chassis, it will overall be a faster and better car. It's hard to lessen weight over the existing car, without resorting to more expensive materials.

IMO, either keep a 6 (like jim said) OR, use a nice high revving V8, just not too close the the one in the 6 series, and KEEP IT LIGHT.

To make the L6 much much better it would mean to use very expesnive materials and that means a huge increase in price.
And yeah M Technik got it right and i totaly agree:
The trend now is to adopt the American way, if you will, the way of 'bigger is better' as seen by the S4 and the C55 AMG.
So it is obvious BMW will follow it's rivals and fit a V8.

obviously you all want a lighter engine. Why shoudl it be lighter? Why is it the most important part? What about a powerful 4 cylinder? Would that solve the weight problem.

Well, let me ask u all a question. How much is too much power? Merc-Benz have gone a bit mad, 612bhp in a SL65 AMG is a bit stupid, but I think BMW M should focus on Torque, the V10 seems to be lackiing in that dept.

Well, let me ask u all a question. How much is too much power? Merc-Benz have gone a bit mad, 612bhp in a SL65 AMG is a bit stupid, but I think BMW M should focus on Torque, the V10 seems to be lackiing in that dept.

Anything over 550-600HP IMO is too much. It's too much for everyday driving and just not practical. The V10 is not lacking in torque, it's about as much as it needs and that's basically all you can get out of a high-revving NA engine. The only way to get more power is to add FI and M Division doesn't include FI in it's philosophy.

Well, as for Mopar's question, I think a 4 banger in a BMW M3 would make the car flop single handedly. I'm sorry, but I'd rather own a i6 powered car with the same power as an i4 powered car. Even if it weighed more. As for how they'd lighten it, use more aluminum, maybe a titanium exhaust a la Corvette. The problem is keeping the cars cost in check on any succesive model. So I guess to really keep the price down they'd have to lighten the body and suspension components.

ok, now what about looks wise. Should it be a maniac, stand-out-like-a-sore-thumb type car like the E30, or a almost normal looking E36? The E46 is recognizable, but should it be even more out there. Or should it be very very subtle? I thin kit should look exactly like a normal 330 or whatever, but with diffrent wheels.

Current M3 plus some trick paint scheme option. Like Laguna Seca Blue on the current one. Or PINK! :lol:

ok, now what about looks wise. Should it be a maniac, stand-out-like-a-sore-thumb type car like the E30, or a almost normal looking E36? The E46 is recognizable, but should it be even more out there. Or should it be very very subtle? I thin kit should look exactly like a normal 330 or whatever, but with diffrent wheels.

It should be subtle, but recognisable, like all high-performance European cars. Just look at the M5 and the RS6; they are not that different to the standard models, but just something about them makes them seem different to it's lesser counterparts. I think BMW should just stick with the European philosophy of making high-performance cars.

PINK? :shock: U have to be joking! Nah, a nice FR blue.

Ok, some quotes I fully agree with:

Anything over 550-600HP IMO is too much. It's too much for everyday driving and just not practical. The V10 is not lacking in torque, it's about as much as it needs and that's basically all you can get out of a high-revving NA engine. The only way to get more power is to add FI and M Division doesn't include FI in it's philosophy.

Well, as for Mopar's question, I think a 4 banger in a BMW M3 would make the car flop single handedly.

I thin kit should look exactly like a normal 330 or whatever, but with diffrent wheels.(ok, probably with dual exhaust or a nice side grille like the E46 M3)

It should be subtle, but recognisable, like all high-performance European cars.

I think BMW should just stick with the European philosophy of making high-performance cars.
They will keep doing that, trust me.

I fully agree with the above stuff. ^

PS: I read something that makes me even more worried about the weight. Do you know how much the new M5 weights? 1830 kg (4035 pounds).

Which is 60kg lighter than the old M5. :lol:

PS: I read something that makes me even more worried about the weight. Do you know how much the new M5 weights? 1830 kg (4035 pounds).

That's still 10 kilo less then the Audi RS6 sedan

still pretty hefty. But what do you expect, it's a luxo sedan.

I think that considering the amount of technology and the fact that it has a musical instrument for a engine, its quite light!

a musical instrument for a engine
LLLLOOOOOOOLLLL, very successful "comparison"!! :D :lol:
It's still very heavy IMO...

musical instrument? Like, a flute?

PS: I read something that makes me even more worried about the weight. Do you know how much the new M5 weights? 1830 kg (4035 pounds).

That isn't due to the larger displacement, though. The new M5's V10 only weighs 2 more pounds while increasing the numbers by 100 horsepower. I think that the M3 should keep the high revving NA engine, along with a slightly improved suspension (one of the most important aspects in an M3) and should only make a slight asthetic adjustments from the current E46.

OK, so topic change. We've discussed what the next M3 should and should not be. Now my big question is, out of the 3 previous M3's, which is your favorite and why?

The current M3, it's got everything I'd need in a car for daily usage. Speed, style, some comfort. (It's harsh on the local highways)

And if I ever wanted to change the power, style, or suspension, there are tons of tuners out there with quality M3 products. :P

PS: I read something that makes me even more worried about the weight. Do you know how much the new M5 weights? 1830 kg (4035 pounds).
That isn't due to the larger displacement, though.
I know, I just made a general comment about the increasing weight of today's cars.

out of the 3 previous M3's, which is your favorite and why?
The current one (E46), which is also kinda like a dream car for me, because it has anything that I could never ask for. I don't think I can find any better combination of looks, performace, luxury and practicality (except perhaps the new M5).
I mean, I've already driven many times the 318 Ci, which is just a 2.0lt 143 HP, and I find the car astonishing, so I imagine that a car like the M3 will be perfect.

Not sure, I like the Current one, CSL and the older Evo version. So, its not easy to choose, but probably the M3 CSL.

Hey jimkk29, I think I mentioned once that I drove a white M3 around the local highways. And my initial impressions, and this is from a 20 year old soccer player, is that it was rough. On the highways that is, take it on the twisties and you'll be happy. And the term "throttle response" I understood before that, but had never experienced. For every increasing ounce of pressure on the "go" pedal, is an equal amount of increased "squirt" from the engine. It's impressive to say the least as to how it go's. :P
Go to a local BMW dealer, see if they'll let you test one!

Yeah, I know it's rough, in fact it should be, and frankly I don't care. :P
I could tolerate roughness if the car is the M3.

Go to a local BMW dealer, see if they'll let you test one!
Uhmm... impossible, trust me. :P

Sucks dude, it was good times!

Why's it immpossible?

the old BMW 2002 turbo is the grandfather off al BMW M car´s :-)
http://www.bmwccn.no/nor/kapittel1/mndbil/mnds_bil_0202.jpg

I love that car. Got any specs?

P.S: the CSL was supposed to be the grandfather of the M3's

yes you are right abut the CSL :D
here are some info on 2002 Turbo
Cylinders: 4
Capacity: 1990cc
Power: 125kW (170bhp)
Max Speed: 211km/h (131mph)
Acceleration: 0-100km/h(62mph): 8sec
Link
http://www.bmw2002turbo.nl/

Why's it immpossible?
If you lived here, you'd understand...
Dealers don't just have M3s. They only bring M3s from Germany if someone orders it, and of course only if he pays big cash in advance.
LOL, now that I think of it, if I was a dealer I wouldn't want to have an M3 inside my dealership, cause then I would have all those annoying ppl (including kids etc.) begging me to let them inside the car or even drive it. :lol:

Thats a good idea actually. I wonder why people in america dont do that. It seems like an american thing to do. Maybe an M3 isn't such hot stuff here.

Maybe it's because over here we see an M3 maybe once in 4 months or so...

Mmmmm... *drool* M3's. jimkk29 don't you own a M3? I'm not sure. I'm thinking of selling my CSL to get the new M5... Mmmmm... *drool* M5... Anyone reakon it worth it?

P.S: If you can't reply to this post by 7:00am October 11 (GMT + 9.5 Hours), you'll have to wait for about 1 week for a responce, as I'll be away.

the old BMW 2002 turbo is the grandfather off al BMW M car´s :-)
http://www.bmwccn.no/nor/kapittel1/mndbil/mnds_bil_0202.jpg
The turbo was really just BMW testing the water for non atmo engines (it ended up starting the turbo crazy of the next 20 years), the original 2002 is probably the closest thing to the M3 since it was a performance car in its self.
My favorite M3 would be the original since its by far the most focused

i thought the 2002 was just a normal model, much like the current 3 series.

Nah, it was considered very sporty, the 1600 was the base modle

oh ok thanks.

jimkk29 don't you own a M3?
Are you kidding me...?
If I did own an M3...:
1. I wouldn't be here right now, I would be out driving it. :lol:
2. I would be waaaayy older.
3. I would probably live in another country.

However, my dad does own a BMW... but it's a humble 318 Ci.

About the 2002: a neighboor has an old 2002 for about 40 years, it's still running strong and he uses it DAILY... 8)

About the 2002: a neighboor has an old 2002 for about 40 years, it's still running strong and he uses it DAILY... 8)

In my village there is one who has three of them, all three in a very good condition

well, in theory, if you properly maintain any car and treat it well it should last you forever.

Unlike my Clio! :evil:

well, in theory, if you properly maintain any car and treat it well it should last you forever.
It wont be the same car after a few million miles if its "properly maintained"

jimkk29 don't you own a M3?
Are you kidding me...?
If I did own an M3...:
1. I wouldn't be here right now, I would be out driving it. :lol:
2. I would be waaaayy older.
3. I would probably live in another country.

However, my dad does own a BMW... but it's a humble 318 Ci.

About the 2002: a neighboor has an old 2002 for about 40 years, it's still running strong and he uses it DAILY... 8)

I think that Americans (like myself) take the M3 for granted. I could just walk in to a BMW dealer and drive away in a 2004 BMW M3 SMG tommorow if I wanted to. We just dont understand what its like not to have something on demand. I guess I wont be able to understand your passion for this car. :)

jimkk29 don't you own a M3?
Are you kidding me...?
If I did own an M3...:
1. I wouldn't be here right now, I would be out driving it. :lol:
2. I would be waaaayy older.
3. I would probably live in another country.

However, my dad does own a BMW... but it's a humble 318 Ci.

About the 2002: a neighboor has an old 2002 for about 40 years, it's still running strong and he uses it DAILY... 8)

I think that Americans (like myself) take the M3 for granted. I could just walk in to a BMW dealer and drive away in a 2004 BMW M3 SMG tommorow if I wanted to. We just dont understand what its like not to have something on demand. I guess I wont be able to understand your passion for this car. :)

yeah, we were in the bimmer dealership the other day and they had 3 brand new M3's sitting in the showroom, and several pre owned ones (and austin texas isnt a very big city so....)

I think that Americans (like myself) take the M3 for granted. I could just walk in to a BMW dealer and drive away in a 2004 BMW M3 SMG tommorow if I wanted to. We just dont understand what its like not to have something on demand. I guess I wont be able to understand your passion for this car. :)
yeah, we were in the bimmer dealership the other day and they had 3 brand new M3's sitting in the showroom, and several pre owned ones (and austin texas isnt a very big city so....)
......... :?

Okay, let me give you a picture of the situation here:
Suppose I decide to buy an M3 [which means I must give €80.000+ ($96.000+)]... I CAN'T see the car up close, because no dealership has one. Maybe I could touch one (let alone get inside) if I were lucky enough to have a friend or relative who owned one. But anyway, suppose I am determined to buy one.
I walk into the dealership and say "Hi, I'd like to buy one M3". First of all, I guess it will take several seconds for the salesman to get back to his senses, because only 5-6 ppl in his carreer will have asked him an M3. Anyway, afterwards I will have to choose the optional equipment etc, and then I will have to give him BIG money, to close the deal.
After 3-4 months, the dealer calls me and tells me "sir, your M3 has arrived. Please come and take it".

(...and then I become crazy :P )

By the way, with each full refill of the 63 lt fuel tank I would have to pay €53 ($64) for normal unleaded or €65 [$78] for premium unleaded... nice, eh? :roll:

Do you get the picture?

Damn :shock: :shock: :shock:

For the price of your m3 isn't is just worth it to import one?
your m3 is 96000
our m3 is 46000
yours is TWICE AS MUCH
wow...
is the m3 really worth it then?
if i had 96k i would just buy like viper or esprit or something

It would cost me the same even if I did import it myself. (unless I did it illegally)

--> T.A.X.E.S.

I own a standard 1998 E36 M3 SMG. I traded it last year for a Toyota Hillux SR5 (4x4 pick up). It costed me, the pick up and an extra USD15k.
Its a really fun and realiable car to drive. However, you must remember its a sports car.
Unlike the 328, which you can drive at 200km/h at a bit over 3500rpm, the M3 is always working in higher RMP, so, if you dont like to listen to the sound of the engine in long trips, this is not the car for you.
I travell it alot through a combination of high speed straights and mountain roads. Its a 600km journey. But the car handles end accelerates like hell. The only mods made to this car are 4 new Michelin Pilot Sport tyres. I'd never do any other mods. The car is great as it is.

so do you own an m3 or a SR5?

sorry, i'm just confused :?

He gave his old pickup and an extra $15k and now he owns the M3.

oooh i see, i would've had to slap him if he traded the m3 for a truck :lol:

Righ... If I had traded the M3 for the SR5, I would have kicked my own @ss.
I appologise for that, once I re-read it, it seemed a bit confusing, but it was already posted, so I left it as it was.
You guys seen the E90 m3 pics?
What do you think about it?

I have not seen any. Would you mind posting some?

Please Post Them!!!!

I'll be amazed if they can top the E46 one...

Please Post Them!!!!

I'll be amazed if they can top the E46 one...

Probably not, because the E90 looks disgusting

Here are some pics of the E90 M3.
Tell me what you think.
Pay attention to the front bumpers.

It's...It's weiiiird...Not bad in some areas, but absolute crap in others...I'm undecided. :?

NNNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!11

they killed the m3

NNNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!11

they killed the m3

That's an idiot post ckg690. That was just uncalled for.

Anyway, I have one wod for you guys: Photoshop

The M3 would probably not look like this.

that is way way way too outlandish. It's sick.

Oh my god. I think that I am going to cry. Not just cry, ball. Not only is it ugly, it's going to be replaced by a V8. Ok, 4.0L V8 with 400 hp, and the 4.4L CSL with 440hp. Not the point. We will lose the instant throttle response and playfullness of that godly high output NA I6. 333hp was plenty, but to get only 70 horsepower and lose that sportiness that we all fantasize over? What a waste. What a pity. I'm ashamed.

yeah, they're gettin wayyyy too crazy with these horsepower figures. A V8? Come on BMW, you were the only one so far not to use a V8 in your small high performance sedan. Audi was the first to fall, then mercedes, now you. BMW, you guys are conformists.

It's not too bad... just a little overdone with the spoilers and the side skirts.
About the V8 engine... I quite agree with all of you guys, but lets all keep in mind that everything BMW does for the M models is always perfect, so I'm sure this V8 engine will be worth the change. But yeah, I'd prefer a finely tuned I6 too.

my fav is the current E46 M3, It is fantastic looking. The shifting on my smg is precise and plenty of torque all around. i know the one after 2005 will look like the rest of the bangle family....i wont like it