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The Full Scoop on The BMW M3!

Agent009 submitted on 07/06/2007 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 9:00 AM
from: www.autospies.com

[57] user comments | category: New Cars

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The Full Scoop on The BMW M3!

The press kit for the UK Version of the M3 was released today with all of the complete details for the hard core M3 enthusiast. Below is a quick summary and a link for the full 17 page document.

• Fourth generation of the BMW M3, absolutely unique high-performance sports car from BMW M GmbH with stand-alone design and technology, developed on the basis of the BMW 3 Series Coupé.

• Unique character and dynamic driving characteristics ensuring a leading position in this market segment, unique power-to-weight ratio thanks to intelligent lightweight engineering: 3.8 kg/hp.

• First road-going version of the BMW M3 with an eight-cylinder power unit, brand-new V8 displacing 4.0 litres and developing maximum output of 309 kW/420 hp at 8,300 rpm, maximum torque 400 Newton-metres/ 295 lb-ft at 3,900 rpm, maximum engine speed 8,400 rpm, optimum torque and thrust throughout the entire speed range.

• Individual throttle butterflies, double-VANOS variable camshaft control, Brake Energy Regeneration, engine 15 kg/33 lb lighter than the six-cylinder on the former model.

• Acceleration from 0–100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, top speed limited electronically to 250 km/h (155 mph), average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle 12.4 litres/100 kilometres equal to 22.8 mpg imp.

• Manual six-speed gearbox with integrated, temperature-related oil cooling, double-plate clutch optimised for mass inertia.

• MDrive setting and retrieving the driver’s specific configuration of the engine control map, suspension and DSC management, as well as the Servotronic control map as an additional option.

• Brand-new chassis featuring specific, weight-optimised components and axle kinematics typical of BMW M for a highly dynamic driving experience, forged aluminium track control arms, compound high-performance brakes, optional Electronic Damper Control (EDC) with three freely selectable control maps.

• First production car in its segment with a carbon-fibre roof, carbon-fibre reducing the weight of the car and enhancing its agility by lowering the car’s centre of gravity, carbon-fibre roof as a clear, highly visual sign of exclusivity and motorsport.

• Lightweight components developed specifically for the new BMW M3: bumper supports front and rear, lightweight through-loading between the luggage compartment and rear seat area.

• Authentic BMW M design highlighting the athletic look and stance of the car, aluminium engine compartment lid with its striking powerdome as a clear sign of supreme power and performance, characteristic front end with extra-large air intakes, powerfully flared wheel arches.

• Intake “gills” in the front side panels, M-specific side sills highlighting the car’s rear-wheel drive, discreet spoiler look reducing lift forces on the rear axle, roof in visible carbon-fibre, dual tailpipes typical of BMW M.

• High-quality, lavishly appointed interior offering a wide range of options for customisation, innovative colour and materials concept, four seats, BMW individual High-End audio system tailored to the car as an option, model-specific paint and equipment variants underlining the exclusivity of the new BMW M3.

2008 M3 Press Documents

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amazinBimmer - 7/6/2007 9:10:45 AM

+2 Boost

best car out there?. I think so...

reply to this comment

MrGunFun - 7/6/2007 10:14:03 AMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

better than IS-F? I think so too.

ACS_CarbonBlack - 7/6/2007 11:35:15 AM

-1 Boost

Better than RS4 IS-F

HELL YEAH

elCHUY - 7/11/2007 11:09:41 PM

+1 Boost

better than the C63 amg.......... no way!!!!!!!!!

asw0224 - 7/6/2007 9:13:20 AM

+1 Boost

Does anyone have any opinion on whether the Regenerative Braking system mentioned here will make it on the US version?

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Qwazywabbit - 7/6/2007 3:08:30 PM

0 Boost

Yep--its all on there.

M53R - 7/6/2007 9:21:29 AMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

^^^^ my next car

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alfistiDK - 7/6/2007 9:39:15 AM

0 Boost

Im sure this car will be a superb driving experience.
Responsive, neutral & balanced as a sports car should be..
Its not the prettiest out there imo, but enough to be a very attractive buy !, and im sure it will sell like diet coke..

reply to this comment

JUGNU - 7/6/2007 10:38:09 AMView My AgentSpace

+6 Boost

Till now it looks like there wont be any problem for M3 to regain it's title as the benchmark in it's category.

Really Great car.Competitors have to work really hard.

JUGNU

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MrGunFun - 7/6/2007 12:07:56 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

it's not about working hard. It's reputation.
And speaking of reputation, M3 is a must-have classic sports car from germany.

enthusiastx11 - 7/6/2007 10:42:10 AM

+3 Boost

the last M3 was wonderful, this sounds even better.
i can hardly stand the wait...

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iamdabest1 - 7/6/2007 11:05:14 AM

-1 Boost

can someone explain why the 0-60 times are still the same at 4.8 seconds ? thats the same as the last generation. does anyone know if they will release it with smg or dsg anytime soon ?

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Qwazywabbit - 7/6/2007 3:27:53 PM

0 Boost

AMT tranny. SMG is gone. It will be a 7 speed true dual cluch system (think DSG). Manual of course is standard.

AMT is the way of the future. Although I'm sure most of you have already read this, here is a link about the future of transmissions.

http://www.just-auto.com/article.aspx?ID=88902&lk=fs

CarbonJoe - 7/6/2007 11:08:01 AM

0 Boost

According to the article, the car is 50,625 British pounds, or $101,911 US. That's more than a new M5! Looks like I'll be keeping my E39 M5 for a few more years. Good Luck selling a 3 series for more than $100K, even if it is an M3.

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Rupert - 7/6/2007 2:22:51 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

It won't be 100000 dollars, prices in Europe are higher than in the US due to weak exchange rates and stuff. It will be the same as the RS4.

NARunner - 7/6/2007 4:07:47 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

dammit, there's always someone that does this and I always rant about the fact that companies don't use spot rate conversions to price products!! get it through your head! If you think BMW it going to sell this car in the US for 100k, you are an absolute moron.

Rupert - 7/6/2007 5:34:08 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

If Americans actually paid based on conversion rates, you'd all be bankrupt.
Try $200K for an S600 or $160K for an A8 W12, or even a Maybach 62 for $600K. Even cars like a Honda CR-V starts at over $35000 in Britain.

elCHUY - 7/11/2007 11:13:41 PM

+1 Boost

carbon please read comments above........

Qwazywabbit - 7/6/2007 3:09:10 PM

0 Boost

4 or 5 more i think.

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MrGunFun - 7/6/2007 3:39:30 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

will never be enough

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Chip - 7/7/2007 5:16:33 AM

+4 Boost

Forgive Mr GS, He drives a GS.

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mini22 - 7/6/2007 11:42:20 AM

0 Boost

If I needed to carry passengers and had the money I would consider an M3. Otherwise I can see no reason not to go with a 911 Carrera S.

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07mcs - 7/6/2007 12:44:31 PM

+3 Boost

I agree with you too. Much more status than the M3. If you already own a Sedan or SUV, treat yourself to one of the best sport cars of all time.

Qwazywabbit - 7/6/2007 3:17:10 PM

0 Boost

The former M3 had PERFECT geometry. At any speed, it was absolutely stable and predictable. Additionally, the weight transfer through maneuvering is also near perfect--anyone who drives the E46 on a track knows what Im talking about. The Porsche is good, dam good in fact, but trust me when I tell you it was not as good as the M3--I know first hand.

The E92 M3 will have the same "soul" built into it. I would hold off saying you would rather have a Porsche until you drive this new M3--I guarantee it will blow your mind.

NARunner - 7/6/2007 4:09:52 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

huh? So you would rather go with a 100K porsche than a 60k BMW? there's a revelation. The two cars don't even compete!

gsh23 - 7/6/2007 12:35:40 PM

+1 Boost

better hope the fuel pumps dont die! LOL

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Brembo - 7/6/2007 2:46:25 PM

+2 Boost

"maximum output of 309 kW/420 hp at 8,300 rpm" that seems to a long time to get peak horse power.

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supermoto - 7/6/2007 3:04:13 PM

+4 Boost

In the August Car and Driver, a 335i coupe had lower lap times than an RS4. Can't wait to see what the M3 can do!

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MrGunFun - 7/6/2007 3:41:55 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

a whole lot better than IS-F, excuse me, RS4.

Qwazywabbit - 7/6/2007 3:12:34 PM

+2 Boost

The perfect geometry of the 335i (thus its capabilities over say the Z4 mcoupe) is a direct result of developing the M3. They are the same vehicle, thus when engineering the 335, they had the M3 in mind the entire time. One way to think about it that they made the M3 first, then adapted a 335 from it.

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Lexus - 7/6/2007 5:28:14 PM

0 Boost

0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, that is slow don't you think? the new C63 AMG do that in 4.5 seconds.

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supermoto - 7/6/2007 7:25:14 PM

+2 Boost

There is no way that car will do 0-60 in 4.8 seconds. It will certainly be quicker than that. The 335i already does 4.8 secs. BMW is being conservative in there specs as always. Bring on the comparison testing!!

Agent63 - 7/7/2007 8:00:07 AMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

BMW is always conservative with their numbers. The 335i was rated over their suggested horsepower. I'm not too sure what the numbers but it was a lot higher than what is advertised.

richardp996 - 7/6/2007 6:28:14 PM

+1 Boost

I do not know, Autocar and CAR magazine believes the car has gone a bit soft and deviates from the core M standards. Sutcliffe from Autocar mentioned BMW is in the works of a CSL model right now.

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minimalist - 7/6/2007 6:32:50 PM

-1 Boost

it looks like the m3 will be going the same path as the m5 with astounding numbers but so technically inclined that it will turn off a lot of its fans.

no one can argue that the m5 was a technological masterpiece yet no one can also doubt that it isnt doing great at all in sales when compared to the audi and especially amg e-class that are a dime a dozen on the streets.

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ThierryHenry14 - 7/6/2007 11:23:40 PM

0 Boost

BTW, just so everyone knows how 0-60 times work...

Usually, german companies run the test with spare tires, full load of gas, and all the amenities that one gets with everyday driving, even the car manual.

Magazines does it where they strip the car bare to the bones, and run the vehicle on gas vapors.

Thats why the factory claim numbers seems conservative. Its everyday driving v. "time attack"

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2JZSoarer - 7/6/2007 11:59:32 PM

0 Boost

I bet if this car had Lexus emblem on it,almost everyone would hate it!!

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Agent63 - 7/7/2007 8:02:18 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

If it had a Lexus badge I would still love it. The heritage of this car the precise steering and overall great dynamics of an M3. If it was Lexus M3 I would still love it. Badge does nothing to a great car. It's the people who support them that make them look bad. Trolls that base their information on nothing that's all.

So my answer to you is NO that is not true.

Chip - 7/7/2007 5:19:50 AM

0 Boost

The M3. The benchmark returns. I cant wait to see one on the road.

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amazinBimmer - 7/7/2007 9:37:48 AM

-1 Boost

the rs4 has gone into hiding

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jmrA480 - 7/8/2007 8:21:50 PM

+1 Boost

your AN IDIOT, The RS4 isn't going anywhere

MrGunFun - 7/7/2007 11:08:41 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

firstable, why would someone ever mention putting Lexus badge on a M3.
Even if it was a Lexus M3, I would still love and own one just because it's M3.

Dear Lexus fanboys,
I don't hate Lexus as much as formula1 does, however, please don't say IS-F is better than the all mighty M3.

reply to this comment

SupraNeverBack - 7/7/2007 7:37:13 PM

-1 Boost

Mighty my ass, M3. All the reviews come to the same conclusions:

"the steering never scores more than six out of 10 no matter where or how you drive the car. Nor do the brakes, which suffered from fade on the road and went away badly on the track. Or the fuel consumption, which was regularly down in the mid-teens on roads on which the old car would have hit well over 20mpg."

Let me tell you what IS-F will be over the sucker M3:

1. Power/Torque: 430+hp/385+lb.ft, 100+lb.ft more than M3's.
2. Steering: not act like M3's light and vague.
3. Brakes: 14.2" 6 piston calipers Brembo, not fade and sucks like M3's.
4. Gas mileage: no gas guzzler tax, not gas guzzler M3's low-teems mpg.
5. Gear box: lock-up control from 2nd to 8th gears, throttle-blip for rev-matching during down shifting, virtually no gap, no lag for up-and-down shifting, not the long-throw action of M3's manual.
...

MrGunFun - 7/8/2007 1:51:46 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

thats what I call it a passion, people who praise M3 love M3 because of its heritage and soul (maybe beauty depends on personal tastes). IS-F however, does not have any legacy or heritage plus we still do not know how it will handle in real life.

Bottom line is the car is not all about performaces but the love of its potential.

Rupert - 7/9/2007 5:26:39 AMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

Since when did the IS-F have 430hp?
And since when did any Lexus not have light and vague steering? We know nothing about the IS-F, it is useless to speculate wildly.

GermanNut - 7/7/2007 11:18:56 AM

0 Boost

Yes, your right amazinBimmer. The C63 AMG has come with a monster engine and torque output with much sportier, more connected and dynamic driving experience than the M3.

We know the C63 will surely match or beat the M3 in the straights.

In the curves the C63 has been praised for its ne-found dynamism where the M3 has faultered when compared to the E46.

Don't you realize the stage is set for an AMG vs. M war all over again with the RS4 coming in to steal the show when its next iteration comes out in 3 years.

reply to this comment

ashkan - 7/7/2007 8:23:09 PM

+1 Boost

Both Autocar and Car magazine drove the M3 and while they were satisfied, the car didn't blow them away at all. apparently, the new M3 has got deficiencies.

reply to this comment

Bighead255 - 7/8/2007 4:30:04 AM

0 Boost

MY QUESTION IS WHEN ARE WE GETTING THE HARDTOP CONVERTIBLE?

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jmrA480 - 7/8/2007 8:25:12 PM

+1 Boost

yea thats what a true enthusiast wants, a heavy ass hardtop convertible version.

GermanNut - 7/8/2007 12:02:25 PM

+1 Boost

BMW has clearly faultered on this new E92 M3. Did any of you ever read a review of the E46 M3 that said its handling and dynamics were less than brilliant?

This E92 is clearly not as good of a car as the E46 when it comes to steering, handling and driving dynamics. None of us ever thought we would hear this coming from a BMW M3.

The C63 clearly has this M3 matched and likely beaten in the straight when looking at the manufacturer official times of 4.5 to 60 for the C63 and 4.8 for the M3 to 60.

I have a feeling this M3 will be knocked from its mantle as the perennial class leaderdue to the C63 AMG's brilliantly improved handling, steering and driving dynamics long with horsepower and torque which happen to both be significantly greater than the M3's.

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loveu63 - 7/8/2007 3:08:19 PM

-1 Boost

the m3 looks too ugly from the back but from the front its nice and inside not that good but i think it will handlw well......

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minimalist - 7/11/2007 2:13:01 AM

+1 Boost

the former c55 has always beat the m3 in a straightaway. time will tell whether new c63 will be able to match or surpass the handling of the e46 m3.

strange that the standard new 3 series received excellent marks in handling, but the recent reviews indicate new m3 doesnt quite compare to the e46 m3.

funny that some are saying that bmw wanted to tone down the m3 to reach a larger audience yet the styling of the m3 is overly racey, or rice.

the isf will likely also have low gas mileage as it also is a perfomance tuned v-8.

reply to this comment

elCHUY - 7/11/2007 11:27:05 PM

+1 Boost

I'm curious how many of you guys do take your cars to the track? just a question.

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minimalist - 7/12/2007 11:38:09 PM

+1 Boost

^ thats exactly it, eichuy. more than the majority of the buyers of these cars will never be pushing to the car's potential, let alone see a track. on the street, the difference between these cars are minimal, so its people preaching about the numbers typically talk (or brag) about the numbers rather than any actual driving input... kinda like gsxr owners. lol.

see my initial post above and tell me this the outcome to the m3 couldnt be predicted. bmw has focused so much on the racing pedrigee, its cars are no longer as enjoyable on the street as they pushing the car to its limite is required! they are considered amazing on the track though. its similar to the new yamahas which are so track focused but which is great for its purpose, but require a lot more work to manage on the street.

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