Re: It's possible...(kinda long) (archive)

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: The rumor-mill said that BMW was extremely hush hush at the show about what type of options and engine would be offered in the car, and this might be one of the reasons why. My personal belief is that we will get the same engine as the Europeans and this engine will be an 3.4L, 340hp I-6, but who actually knows until BMW says so.

The BMW reps at the show stated that the engine would be an inline-6. That's all that they would say, nothing about specs or other possible engines. The car was just there to look at. I'm guessing that they used it to solicit comments about styling before they made final decisions.

There was also rumors of a Evo model in the later stages on the e46 m3 life-cycle that would sport the v8, and this could be another reason why the hood is shaped the way it is. Although, for BMW to take the time to swap a different engine, axle, and transmission into a car and try to cut costs by having only one hood seems kinda ridiculous.

The hood may just be cosmetic, I wouldn't read too much into it. However I believe the V8 is a definite possiblity for later release. The M3 *has* to be the best all-around car in its class in acceleration, handling, and braking. If it isn't it will quickly lose its following. Audi definiatly wants to be a player with its S4 and RS4. M-B is getting a whole lot more serious about their AMG cars. And VW is testing a potential M3 killer. I've heard that the 3.4L I6 is just about maxed out. If that's true (I don't know if it is) then BMW will have little choice than to use the V8 without resorting to forced induction or a major redesign.

My reason for posting this message isn't to try and be "the" source for e46 m3 news, but rather to spark a conversation instead of a flame war. Lets be honest, most of us, except for maybe Bruce and a couple of others, talk out of our ass when it comes to this car, so lets all wait and see. I had planned on keeping my '99 m3, but with the v8, that'd be a hard decision.

I'll consider everything speculation until BMW makes offical statements. Bruce seems to have a good source but there are others who just post wild claims. Conversation is good since the goal of this forum as I see it is to express what we want the new M3 to be (BMW does monitor this board.) I won't make a decision until I get behind the wheel of the real production car. If it proves BMW slogan true, and it is the "Ultimate Driving Machine" I'll buy two (autox and a daily driver.) But if the new M3 can't keep up with a slightly modified S4, then maybe its time for a Porsche.

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