Re: The new E46 M3 and more ... (archive)

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: According to many postings on this board it seems like the new M3 will have a base price of 45-50k. Now that's quite expensive considering the fact that the engine is nothing really exciting, more like a refreshed/updated euro M3 (based on the E36 M3 engine in Europe). Just look and the M5 engine...that's exciting, new and very sophisticated !

Well, I won't comment on whether or not the M3 motor is new or sophisticated, there are a lot of posts to that effect here. But I'm not sure I understand your point. If you had said that you do not believe that the performance offered by the motor justified the price I might understand your position (that's a subjective matter) even though I might not agree with it. I wouldn't think that how new or sophisticated the engine is would be a major factor for most people, including me. I desire performance that I define as a fat, wide, smooth, high torque curve. The particulars of how that is achieved is an academic debate that doesn't matter when you're getting on the throttle. As for the M5 engine, it's just a variant of the 4.4L that's been in the 540 since 97. Granted, is been significantly modified for the M5 (with some M3 derived technology BTW), but it's still based on an existing design.

: Than you don't even get a spare tire....how come BMW is designing a coupe with 4 seats and they even can't fit a spare tire ? All those excuses about the exhaust system (with 4 pipes) needing more space are just plain nonsens. I think it's the problem with BMW designers and beeing not able to design the car better.

I agree with you here. I would like to have a spare tire, even if the quad exhausts had to go. However, with two exhausts I doubt they could have designed in a full size spare without compromising trunk space.

: ... I think BMW could have done way better...the step from the E36 M3 to the E46 M3 is nothing compared to the step the E39 M5 did from the E34 M5.

Don't forget handling and braking. These should be improved as well, and there has been all to little discussion here on these elements. Yeah, the new M5 is much better than the old but the E34 M5 did have a lot more room for improvement than the E36 M3.

: So what is my conclusion : Now I am sure the new M3 will we be a great performing car but a price tag of 50k for loaded E46 M3 doens't justify it...just look at the E36 M3 Euro version and the E36 M3 US version, the difference in HP was 80 but performance wise both were almost even except at high speeds above 120mph.
: So in my humple opinion I rather wait for the next 'real' sophisticated M3 (maybe E56) and go now for the 3.0L which when loaded will be almost 10k cheaper than a E46 M3 and it will perform excellent.

I believe the 330 will be a valid choice for a lot of people who would have considered the E36 M3. This is by design.

: As an BMW enthusiast I am a 'little' bit disappointed with the new M3. For those who buy the new M3 have fun and enjoy it....
: AK's $0.02 opinion.

I'd reserve final judgement utill you test drive it. You just might change your mind. Also, the MSRP may not be as high as you think. Time will tell.

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