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In Reply to: Some new info on E46 M3 & possible Touring model posted by Rick Key on November 11, 1999 at 15:08:37:
Does this apply only to Europe becasue I thought SMG was not comming to the US.
Please confirm.
: Meanwhile, work continues on other 3 Series variants with a wagon ("touring" in Munich-speak) arriving midway through next year. The largely unloved Compact gets a major refit at Sydney Olympics time. To keep weight down, BMW reportedly will fit the next M3 with thinner glass, doors and lids made of high-strength steel, aluminium suspension and miniaturised auxiliary equipment.
: Visually, the M3 remains something of a wolf in sheep's clothing. Styled along the same lines as the new M5, it gets revised front and rear bumpers,
: bigger air intakes, twin tail-pipes, fat tyres on 17-inch wheels, integrated driving lights and subtle sill extensions. Engine modifications will raise the
: capacity and power output to 3.4 litres and about 275 kW.
: The next M3 will have a six-speed manual gearbox or an improved sequential transmission. In the future, gear changes will be triggered by depressing a
: paddle or switch on the steering wheel, and the automatic mode will be significantly smoother as well as more responsive.
: Initially a coupe, the M3 from early 2001 will come as a convertible. The four-door is tipped to bite the dust, but we may eventually see an M3 touring.
: Rick Key
: 95 ///M3