Re: cockpit-like driver's side (more) (archive)

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: : As an owner of a '99 M3 I can tell you I am very satisfied with the E36 M3 and will NOT go after the new E46 M3. I will wait and see what BMW has up their sleeve next. I really believe there will be a big change to the new M3's engine and other tweaks to the car quite soon after the first year. How soon before a change? Probably only one year!

: I'm with you. I did have a deposit on one but I think I've changed my mind. I'm happy with my current M3 and I'm patient enough to wait and see, and test drive.

: : On a slightly different subject; I also own a '00 E46 328i. When I drive the 328i I just can't seem to get the feeling that the E46 would have the same "race car" feel that I get in the E36 M3.

: I'm really hoping that with the advent of the 330 and the fact the E46's in general are a little more soft (for lack of a better word) the new M3 will go at least a little more towards the original E30 M3 in terms of "edge." Imagine a slightly sharper handling, more intense E36 M3.

: The E46 is a much larger feeling car. Its big rounded dash and larger interior size makes me feel there is too much bulkiness everywhere, almost "boat like". I feel like I'm in a slighly smaller 528i when I'm in it. Some people may like that feel but it would take a while for me to ever get used to it.

: Like it or not, I think a shrunken 5 series was exactly what they were going for. I doubt the M3 will change the overall dash shape, but I do wish it would be more cockpit like, and therefore more involving for the driver.

: : Bob ///M3 (Don't mine waiting)
: Ray (soon to be on the '02 model year list)

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What you wish for is exactly how the general manager of my dealership emphatically described the feel of sitting in the new m3, he used the term "enveloping", when he had the opportunity to sit inside it in South Carolina. I have yet to hear his impression corroborated by others, who have described it as essentially similar to the generic e46 interior, with the suede, m3 badges, and some other minor trim added. Seven weeks and we will know.

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