: I decided to take a look at my 323Ci Coupe's manual, and find out how much it weighed in comparison to the "rumored" M3 weight. The manual says my 323Ci's curb weight with a full tank of gas, and laden, is 3,153 lbs, the 328Ci's is 3197 w/ manual transmission.

: The question is then posed, why would the M3 weigh substantially more unladen, an aluminum hood, and presumably other lighter weight components, than my 323Ci. Albeit, having a 3.25 l vs. a 2.5, I don't beleive it will weigh over 3,100 lbs unladen. As furthur proof, the difference is weight between my M Roadster vs. the Z3 2.3 (same engine as my 323Ci) is 187 lbs (3,086 lbs, and 2,899 lbs respectively), and the new engine should weigh less than the previous M 3.2. That would equate to the M3 being roughly 3,340 lbs laden with the old engine, without any of the lightweight components which BMWUSA.com has hinted at (once again, the aluminum hood comes to mind).

: What are you thoughts? I mean BMW can easily shave off those 240 lbs laden... given that the new engine is lighter than my M Roadster's, isn't it?

: Ken,

: 2001 BMW M3 (Waiting List)
: 2000 BMW M Roadster (Estoril Blue, Estoril Blue, Dark Blue)
: 2000 BMW 323Ci (Titanium Silver, Black)