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Look at it this way, BMW confirmed a convertible (archive)
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Posted by they also..Evan...(read more) on July 03, 2000 at 13:04:48:

In Reply to: I believe it'll have a V8. (more) posted by Bob ///M3 on July 02, 2000 at 21:31:17:

: Yes, I concerned that the new '01 M3 will be upgraded the very next year with a stronger V8 engine and no telling what else...such as SMG.

: I don't see the E46 M3 remaining an I6 for long. BMW is getting all it can from this engine (from what I read) and the M3 will not be competitive in it's class against the Audis, Porsches, Corvettes, etc. Plus, an aluminum V8 will be a lighter engine.

: It wouldn't suprise me one bit for BMW to have the I6 engine for only one model year ('01) in the E46 M3. If it's time for an engine change, BMW will undoubtably make that change. They're done it before!

: Many monthes age the heavy rumor from some reliable sources was that the new M3 would be a V8. Then word came out that R&D on the V8 was not ready. I believe BMW was pressed to produce the new M3 but the V8 engine wasn't ready so they went with the easier to build I6. I realize BMW says the I6 is a "new" engine but for the most part it is a very, very similar engine to what has been produced for years... Different? Yes. New? I sure wouldn't call it that. Brand new design from ground up? Absolutely not.

: My money is that there will be a V8 in the E46 M3 in the very near future! When? I'll say the '02 model year.

: That's my guess... My opinion on this subject probably won't be too pleasing for many here but that's what I think...sorry.

: What to do, what to do? I'm number 6 on a wait list myself. Decisions, decisions...

: Bob ///M3


: : Is this really going to happen for a future M3? Does anyone have any insight Y/N?

: : I'm #2 on the waiting list at my dealer and I've been told I'll be picking out my car this September. Delivery expected in the new year. Just curious if this transmission will be offered - I may wait for the 2001's if thats the case and continue to drive my 98 M3. Also the first year of the former model had a smaller engine displacement than the 2nd year model if I remember correctly ie., 95 was a 3.0L and 96 to current 99 is a 3.2L - anyone worried that the 2000 M3 model will be replaced in 2001 by a more nimble engine?

: : Jerome

I understand your concern but you have to relize that it is true that here in the States the very next year (a really long model year at that) BMW bumped displacement of the M3 but for emmissions not for hp gains and BMW had the e36 M3 in Europe for three years before they upgraded the engine. The second thing is that BMW also confirmed that the convertible will be out in late 2001 as a 2002 model and that the engine inside will be a 6cyl all the way, so we have at least till 2003 before BMW does a engine change up in the car. Most people's leases will be up by then or if you can always be thinking about the next upgrade to the model and Never buy one hoping that that will be the last upgrade. The people that should be really pissed off are the e46 323Ci and 328Ci model owners, they just bought their cars and BMW changed it the next model year, but everyone knew it was comming and BMW did NOT hide that fact.

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