|
In Reply to: M3 Delay - Bad News for E46 posted by Josh on August 13, 2000 at 08:30:48:
Obviously BMW is having a difficult time with certain issues. Which issues I don't know, but my guess is either performance issues (because BMW's competition has already gotten the upper hand on what the new M3 can do) or reliability issues.
I was also told by a reliable source not to expect SOP until December or even January however for whatever it's worth most people (some that are supposed to know) recently answered a poll questionaire which one of the questions was SOP date and evrybody but me gave a very high percentage for SOP to begin before December. I guess we shall see!
It can always be said that ANY first year model will have bugs that will be taken care of in later production runs (or years) so those that elect to get the first of the new M3s will battle those problems and the later buyers will benefit from it. Also, I'm a firm believer that BMW will make a significant change in the new M3 in its second year or third year at most. The competition BMW is facing (from other car makers as well as racing) will force BMW to offer a "completely" new engine. My guess is a new ("really new" as in EVERYTHING NEW) 6 cylinder engine or a V8. I feel BMW wanted to do this for the inaugral E46 M3 but had too many problems and too little time so they fell back to the engine that will ultimately be offered. This engine will be changed and changed soon in my opinion.
Lastly, like you I prefer the size and style of the E36 over the E46. I'm not biased because I own a '99 E36 M3 and a '00 E46 328i. The E46 is a much larger car than the E36 and very bulky feeling and looking in comparison. Even though the deminsions for length, etc. may be only marginally more the smaller and lighter E36 the E46 does not in any way have the personal race car type cockpit nor the looks and feel the E36 has.
Even other BMW enthusiasts have noted that the E46 has the looks and bulkiness of a 5 series. One can always say how BMW has produced a fantastic M5 model in that it handles and performs great for a big car but keep in mind when the M5 is compared to smaller cars its true size comes out. Compared to other larger cars the new M5 is tops. The new M3 must compete against other "like" cars and this is where BMW will fall short until they make some engine changes (and maybe other changes) in my opinion.
I'm convinced BMW will be making major changes in the new M3 after the first years model. Also, I think SOP won't begin until very late this year and BMW will be slow to increase production until they get a feel for how the new M3 will perform in the hands of owners.
If you don't mind waiting, it might be the best thing that could happen. That's the way I feel and I'm number 6 on a wait list.
Bob ///M3
I was at a dealer yesterday (purchasing my leased 98 M3) and was told directly by the owner that the E46 M3 won't be received until early next year (as late as Mar). He said if you weren't at least in the top 5 on a big dealers list you wouldn't get yours until late summer or fall. He said, that the dealer allotment is very small very small. If you are on small dealers list forget about it - they "might" get one demo and thats it for at least a year. Furthermore with all the little problems with the M5 that are not "typical" BMW he said, be prepared in this 1st year model of the M3 for the same thing. So picky BMW owners be aware.
I personally can wait to let them get all the bugs out of it. I am really happy with the E36 M3 in fact I might be the only guy on the earth that prefers the body design :-) over the new one.
Just keep in mind when my friend purchased his new S4, he had to wait and wait for factory delays. So even if they confirm your date it still might be several weeks off before you actually receive it.
Josh - Spring, Texas
© 1997 -
2009
Jump Internet Inc. All rights reserved.
