BMW announces that M3 Coupe sales doubled

Ironman273 submitted on 04/17/2008 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 4:40 PM
from: 4wheelsblog.com

[71] user comments | category: Report Cards

Tags: BMW, M3

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BMW

BMW announces that M3 Coupe sales doubled

The Jury is back. The Verdict is in. The BMW M3 Coupe is guilty of stealing more hearts than any other BMW M car before it, with almost twice as many customers opting for the new generation high-revving V8 powered car as its predecessor. The sales results speak for themselves. In its first six months of sales, the previous, and highly lauded E46 generation M3 Coupe (Voted MOTOR Magazine Performance Car of the Year on debut), powered by the 3.2-litre straight six-engine, was acquired by 132 fans.

In the same time-frame, the new E92 generation M3 Coupe has been delivered to 263 eager owners, underlining the appeal not only of the new high-revving V8 engine, but also the many technical advances offered by this ultimate yet compromise-free supercar.

The new M3 Coupe was voted overall Drive.com.au Car of the Year in December 2007, continuing an unbroken heritage of critical acclaim for the model.

“We have been blown away by the level of passion and excitement our customers have expressed for the new M3 Coupe,” said Tom Noble, BMW General Manager, Marketing.

“Naturally, we expected there would be a high degree of interest in the car with its unique advanced lightweight composite body panels, 50/50 weight distribution, track bred suspension, and an industry-leading, centre-of-gravity lowering carbon-fibre roof. There is nothing like the M3 Coupe on the market, which explains why interest levels were so high, vastly exceeding even our most optimistic expectations.

“But it seems the Australian love affair with V8 engines is also still pumping strongly.Our V8 engine is different from most, revving freely to 8,400 rpm, and delivering a smile widening rush all the way from 2,000 rpm.

“The 309 kW and 400 Nm of torque rush eye-opening acceleration of 0-100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds, but remarkably, the M3 Coupe consumes only 12.4 litres of fuel every 100km on the combined cycle.

“You can’t argue with the sales figures. They confirm undeniably the new M3 is the most popular new M car we have ever launched in Australia.

“In addition to in-dealer launches on October 11, we held special BMW M driving days across Australia late last year at race tracks in order to present the M3’s amazing dynamism at its absolute best.

“Just recently, the first few M3 Coupes have been added to the BMW Driver Training fleet, giving participants the unique opportunity to drive one of these iconic cars on a track under expert guidance.

“While we are still working on the business case for introducing the M3 Sedan into Australia, we are delighted to confirm the M3 Convertible will be available to Australians from later in the year.

“In addition, we are very excited about the imminent arrival of the first of the new BMW M Double-Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic gearboxes. A limited supply of M3 Coupes fitted with the new gearbox arrives from June,” Tom said.

The M Double-Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic is the world’s first double clutch transmission designed for high-revving engines. The secret to its swifter acceleration (0-100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds) and reduced fuel consumption (11.9 litres per 100 km) is a dual transmission structure with separate clutches, timed to overlap, leading to an uninterrupted flow of power, ideal for the sportiest drivers.

“While the six-sped manual gearbox in the M3 Coupe has been acclaimed by customers, we are sure that the new M Double-Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic will add even more appeal to the M3 offering, and attract another segment of the supercar market to our dealer network,” Tom said. [source bmw] Read Article

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Monk - 4/17/2008 4:53:54 PMView My AgentSpace

+11 Boost

as expected...
an excellent car

reply to this comment

david999 - 4/17/2008 9:49:40 PM

-11 Boost

It would be a shock if it didn't sell. BMW is much easier to own now with all the lease incentives available. My buddy just ordered the M3 convertable and got $3000 off just asking for a discount.

kthor - 4/17/2008 10:43:12 PM

+3 Boost

FYI for people interested in reality: There are no "incentives" on the M3.

david999 - 4/17/2008 11:06:24 PM

-11 Boost

I was refering to incentives for BMW in General, not the M3. However, a discount was still obtained on the M3.

S4cabriofoxone - 4/18/2008 12:17:25 AMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

By whom? As far as I know most dealers are slapping on the markups.

dayday - 4/18/2008 7:06:58 AM

+3 Boost

i ve asked my friend in BMWs dealership, its actually impossible to get ANY discount in M3. not even 1 dollar.

gooch - 4/18/2008 7:07:08 AM

+2 Boost

Besides, this story is about BMW of Australia. In America, an M3 convertible being given a discount? Not bloody likely. I'm calling BS.

Kraut_god - 4/18/2008 8:56:31 AM

-4 Boost

Still looks like a civic.

Ironman273 - 4/18/2008 9:15:23 AM

+2 Boost

The reality is there are no discounts on the M3 and some dealers in our area are selling them for over sticker (which our owner doesn't condone or do). As for incentives, there is an incentive on the 7 series (since it's changing next year) and a smaller one on the Z4. That's it.

BMW4me4ever - 4/18/2008 10:58:52 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

S4 ... David999 is stating a discount for the M3, lmao. I work for BMW in Chicago and we are not discounting the M3 at all.

supermoto - 4/18/2008 12:31:38 PM

+4 Boost

My dealer has a $10k markup. One in Los Angeles has a $30k markyup. Guess people don't like cars much where you live!

weaponX - 4/18/2008 2:29:06 PM

+1 Boost

Discount on the M3....LOL! Good one.

david999 - 4/20/2008 8:20:09 PM

0 Boost

The discount was obtained for a June delivery of a BMW M3 convertable in Toronto.

xdrive_ - 4/17/2008 4:56:04 PM

+7 Boost

Great car. I hope we get to see the sales for the C63 and IS-F as well.

reply to this comment

MichaelTaylor - 4/17/2008 5:08:11 PM

Show Comment -33 Boost

Hwany - 4/17/2008 5:13:47 PM

+11 Boost

Please, not again.
Lexus is the same. Lexus badge only goes so far and anywhere other than USA, it doesn't hold it's value that much.

IS-F is a solid performer. I have no doubt about that. But, it's the first generation and I doubt it will top the benchmark on first try.
And if they really wanna compete with M3, they should make a IS-F coupe as well as offer manuals in them.
8-speed auto? pshh... Dual-Clutch Transmission sounds much better.

BMW4me4ever - 4/17/2008 5:34:25 PMView My AgentSpace

+7 Boost

michael so what kind of lexus cool-aide are you drinking now? lmao ... absolutely kill me.

enthusiastx11 - 4/17/2008 5:37:45 PM

+5 Boost

you're too funny!

dwatson - 4/17/2008 6:52:35 PM

+7 Boost

Aww. It seems like the little boy needs a nap. His car didn't get the gold star from teacher.

FactsRule - 4/17/2008 10:00:30 PM

+4 Boost

Everyone smell another Taylor Turd!!! ROTFLMAO!!!!

simmonsdp - 4/18/2008 6:15:44 AM

0 Boost

Is Michael Taylor related to Obama??

stash84 - 4/19/2008 2:28:12 AM

+1 Boost

i had 2 deboost him, and i have an isf !

Monk - 4/22/2008 6:58:04 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

is that -33 boost a record?

ghosthunter - 4/17/2008 5:53:06 PM

-3 Boost

BMW M3 won almost every single comparsion, praised by 99.99% of autospies readers. one would surely expect its sales will blow away IS-F by a mile.
or not?
don't know how many M3 sold in March at U.S. but IS-F managed to push out 323 units in March. Given M3's heritage, sole, magic, germanish, brand, and "ultimate dirving machine", it would be a insult to BMW if they didn't sell at least double of IS-F.

reply to this comment

Yonder7 - 4/17/2008 5:56:38 PM

-4 Boost

Let me explain: The new generation of M3 is selling more becaus it is new. C63 also will have good sales. At the first year of one model most will be able to double the sales of the outgoing model, Lexus ISF is brand new, so there is no statistics to compare so we will have to waite a few years for replacement.

reply to this comment

kthor - 4/17/2008 9:30:37 PM

+3 Boost

Did you read the article? It is comparing the first months of sales of the E46 to the first months of sales of the E92. New release compared to new release. Apples to apples.

answer - 4/17/2008 6:30:39 PM

+3 Boost

Truly awesome car.

Just a couple of dumb questions:

-Is the carbon fiber rood standard on the coupe?

-You can wax the carbon roof just like paint right?

reply to this comment

answer - 4/17/2008 6:32:25 PM

+3 Boost

"rood" should be "roof"

Sorry, my question wasn't supposed to be that dumb.

MunichRob - 4/17/2008 11:29:08 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

Carbon fiber roof is optional, however I'd choose it over the sunroof.

agent507 - 4/18/2008 1:32:44 AM

+2 Boost

Carbon fibre components are painted with the same clear coat as sheet metal parts, so waxing is no problem.

BMW4me4ever - 4/18/2008 11:00:50 AMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

carbon roof is standard on the coupe. It is not available on the sedan.

AdHominem - 4/19/2008 2:04:11 PM

+3 Boost

The sunroof on the coupe is a no-cost option. The Carbon is standard.

RandyM - 4/17/2008 6:37:01 PM

-10 Boost

That carbon fiber roof will turn yellow and look like ass within a year

reply to this comment

kthor - 4/17/2008 9:33:54 PM

+7 Boost

You are thinking of cheap ebay carbon fiber that the RSX kids have, not the carbon fiber from a company that builds carbon fiber Formula 1 racecars.

TheBoss - 4/17/2008 7:00:41 PM

-9 Boost

More proof that people don't buy BMWs for performance but only for the badge, otherwise these people would get in line for the GT-R.

reply to this comment

KZ258 - 4/17/2008 7:36:17 PM

-11 Boost

4real

Reason - 4/17/2008 8:04:27 PM

-2 Boost

On the bright side, it makes owning a GT-R all the more special. Knowing you're not following the crowd but prefer to speak softly and carry a big stick in a form of a 480bhp motor lashed to all four wheels!

S4cabriofoxone - 4/17/2008 8:30:10 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

The GT-R, with its $30K+ markup, is far, far more expensive than the M3.

Also... some people simply don't want/need that kind of performance. The M3 is a car you can drive every day. The GT-R is just a bit too fast for that.

kthor - 4/17/2008 9:28:40 PM

0 Boost

Autoweek puts the ISF ahead of the GTR for driver pleasure. So why would anyone who is looking for the best driving experience take a GTR which can't even compete with the sub-par ISF?! The M3 is a much better choice for a well-rounded everyday thoroughbred.

ghosthunter - 4/18/2008 12:35:23 AM

-1 Boost

Wow.
S4's comment is just as biased as ever.

ghosthunter - 4/18/2008 1:07:57 AM

+1 Boost

GTR's Mark up is no where near 30k, more like 10k. instead of using Internet rumors, why not head to your nissan dealer and check it out? on the other hand, M3 has marked up as high as 100k at one point of time.

and for god sake, M3 is all about fast and agile, and that's why you buy a M3 over a 335. I have NEVER seen any one complained a German car being too fast, too agile. but all of sudden, every German retardant point their fingers at GTR and criticize it being too fast, too agile, embarrassing the driver...

which reminded me when Lexus got criticized for being the first one to introduced 8 speed, and now BMW follows and all the criticism are gone. Magic? you bet.

Ironman273 - 4/18/2008 9:37:09 AM

0 Boost

So we go from the M3 having incentives and discounts to being marked up to $100K... ;-)

KZ258 - 4/18/2008 10:26:08 AM

-2 Boost

isnt kind of retarded to buy an M3 just for driving pleasure? i remember 001's M3 video how he said people buy this car for the performance...not how smooth it drives. the GT-R was also made for everyday driving too...maybe not as smooth as the M3(i really dont even know) but it cant be far from it...grow some balls and quit complaining about rough a SPORTS CAR is suppose to drive

kthor - 4/19/2008 2:14:15 PM

+1 Boost

KZ258, no where did I say that driving pleasure was related to being "smooth" or "rough". That is in your imagination. The only "retard" is the one who buys a car with no intention of enjoying it. Driving pleasure is a complex concept and for an enthusiast that means driver interaction, precise, and a connection between the driver and car.

EL34 - 4/17/2008 7:47:47 PM

0 Boost

BMW #1 ;-)

reply to this comment

jl114 - 4/17/2008 8:59:09 PM

-1 Boost

m3 is sex on wheels.

autopro - 4/19/2008 5:41:23 PM

+1 Boost

Except in sales in the U.S.

Audiphile - 4/17/2008 10:06:49 PM

+2 Boost

If I can't fit in the new Audi S4, the 335i or M3 is on my short list of alternative purchase decisions. I will have to get the 335i sedan because of my height - the coupe's roof is too low. I can fit in either the sedan or coupe M3.

reply to this comment

investor27 - 4/17/2008 10:15:48 PM

+2 Boost

The M3 sedan is a good choice.

reply to this comment

IS3andME - 4/17/2008 11:43:26 PM

+5 Boost

So, these are Aussy sales, not American sales. I thought the figure was a lil' low.

Also, why does someone always have to bring Lexus into the topic. It gets really annoying. And then there are 18 comments refuting it. Which totally changes the topic. Learn people, learn.

reply to this comment

S4cabriofoxone - 4/18/2008 12:18:05 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Thank you, I was wondering... Didn't look like US sales!

abcd - 4/18/2008 6:49:38 AM

+4 Boost

"The M Double-Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic is the world’s first double clutch transmission designed for high-revving engines."

this is funny .

reply to this comment

Ironman273 - 4/18/2008 9:39:10 AM

0 Boost

You know the DSG that's in VWs? Why do you think they don't put it in Audi's bigger engines and Porsches yet? You'd think it would be an obvious fit since they're the same company and Audi developed it. They actually have developed one similar to the DSG that will be in the Porsches next year. That's the reason you can get a $25K GTI with a DSG but the Porsche 911 Turbo has to make do with a Tiptronic automatic.

abcd - 4/19/2008 8:50:44 AM

+1 Boost

Ironman273:
"Audi developed it"

haven`t they borg warner twin clutch tranny?

"They actually have developed one similar to the DSG that will be in the Porsches next year."

than they will say it`s world`s first for boxer engine , turbo engine ... you can almost always say something in new car is world`s first , but not here is a sense of that . yes ai know - marketing .

sp33dracer - 4/18/2008 11:56:03 AM

+1 Boost

When the previous version of the m3 was released, there were waiting lists for the first 6 months at most bmw dealerships, this new one can be found sitting on most dealer lots (albeit, not for long). So its not that people want this one more than the older one, it's that bmw as figured out how to bring them over in enough numbers to satisfy the demand.

reply to this comment

BMW4me4ever - 4/18/2008 12:35:51 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

sp33dracer ... actually at most dealers the wait was upwards of a year for the previous M3. Although the economy was a little better than it is now. Our dealer is in the top 70 in the country and we have a 4 month wait for a coupe at the moment.

RandyM - 4/18/2008 2:26:34 PM

+2 Boost

That carbon fiber roof WILL get yellow within the first year of ownership unless they put some sort of UV ray protecting sealant on it. Chevy is applying something to the carbon fiber on the upcoming ZR1 and supposedly this stuff costs $60K per gallon. That is not a typo. If BMW was doing the same, you'd all know about it as BMW as a corporation can't keep their pie holes shut.

reply to this comment

TheBoss - 4/18/2008 2:42:19 PM

0 Boost

If this is Aussie sales, that can only mean Australians are even more brand snob than americans.

reply to this comment

autopro - 4/18/2008 3:23:18 PM

+3 Boost

Hey its a great car.

reply to this comment

GT3RennSport - 4/18/2008 4:17:22 PM

+2 Boost

Not surprised at all. BMW has a big winner there.

reply to this comment

jag30 - 4/18/2008 6:16:05 PM

0 Boost

that was the joke of the year 08!

reply to this comment

Htay7500 - 4/18/2008 9:06:00 PM

+1 Boost

when will there be a CSL?

reply to this comment

Spoonie_G - 4/18/2008 9:24:31 PM

+1 Boost

-30 Boost? That's got to be a record. The Web software doesn't even allow that post to be viewed anymore. Usually there's a "Show Comment"?

reply to this comment

huu76 - 4/18/2008 10:02:41 PM

-2 Boost

The E46 M3 is still the last true BMW, designed before they sold out with cheaper cars and more pistons instead of better engineering.

reply to this comment

enthusiastx11 - 4/19/2008 9:16:52 PM

+1 Boost

like you know anything about bmw. get back in your ES300 and drive away...

huu76 - 4/20/2008 1:38:45 PM

-1 Boost

LOL, and you should get back to that picture of the 320i you have pinned up in your bathroom.

FactsRule - 4/22/2008 10:26:55 AM

+1 Boost

Me thinki huu76 been drinkin' to much hot saki!

amazinBimmer - 4/19/2008 9:18:48 PM

0 Boost

audi invented it.?? hahahaha. borg warner, you idiots.

and bmw's is way better that can handle much higher torque and higher revving engine. Audi is super lowtech, my friends and a car made for people who cant fundamentally afford a BMW or benz. and the ISF, is a joke. worse than the fwd derived RS4 POS.

reply to this comment

MookGmbH - 4/20/2008 2:13:18 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

I cant help you anymore. You frustrate me as an enthusiast with your misnomers and faux pas. Read man Read!

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