the New M3

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http://www.cars.com/galleries/bmw/m3/2001/m31.jpg
http://www.cars.com/galleries/bmw/m3/2001/m33.jpg
http://www.cars.com/galleries/bmw/m3/2001/m36.jpg
http://www.cars.com/galleries/bmw/m3/2001/m34.jpg
i only wish i had the money to get this car. but since i can't, at least i can drool over these pictures.

[Infiniti]

I think it looks cool but it is 95% a normal 3 series coupe. There are a lot of minor detail changes but they arent dramatic enough. The interior is 99% a normal 3 excluding the aluminum trim. Besides the performance I see nothing that much better on the M3 than on a normal 3 series.

[This message has been edited by Infiniti (edited 08-22-2000).]

[03]

Are you saying the performance upgrades on an M3 are only 5% of the car? What are you looking for in an M?

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<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Infiniti:
I think it looks cool but it is 95% a normal 3 series coupe. There are a lot of minor detail changes but they arent dramatic enough. The interior is 99% a normal 3 excluding the aluminum trim. Besides the performance I see nothing that much better on the M3 than on a normal 3 series.

[This message has been edited by Infiniti (edited 08-22-2000).]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

With 330HP I think it is just a little faster. http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/wink.gif M3 is a beast!! Can't compare it to the current M3 with 240HP.

[Infiniti]

the performance in that car will be off the charts. Handling will be great. Im not questioning that at all, I just think that an M version of a car should have some more distinctive styling to the original. I think the M5 is also to closely a 5. Some additions to make it more distinctive is too lower the roofline, make the hood bulges a bit more noticable (simetimes I cant see them), and maybe the taillamps all clear lense or LEDS or even neon type like on the Z8. Its just the little tweaks that really make a difference.

[Infiniti]

Dont get me wrong guys, I think it is a beutiful car, its just I'd like to see a bit more. For example, the 911 Turbo has a different headlight design but still keep the overall flavor of the 911. There are more heater/cooling vents on the exterior that seperate it from the 911. One thing though is that the interiors are exactly the same. The same goes for the M3. Throw in a different steering wheel or a different insturment cluster or even different AC vent designs! Just do something.

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<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Infiniti:
Dont get me wrong guys, I think it is a beutiful car, its just I'd like to see a bit more. For example, the 911 Turbo has a different headlight design but still keep the overall flavor of the 911. There are more heater/cooling vents on the exterior that seperate it from the 911. One thing though is that the interiors are exactly the same. The same goes for the M3. Throw in a different steering wheel or a different insturment cluster or even different AC vent designs! Just do something.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

the M3/M5 dashboard is unique. the RPM redline adjusts to the temperature of the engine. the warmer it is, the more rev room you have. Now that's some cool crap.

I like how the flender flares are shaped. The rear end has a somewhat more exciting look to it with the aero kit.

[03]

little tweaks:

Large front (schoolchildrendevouring) air dam

Fat rims

Aero mirrors

Twin dual exhausts

The 3 coupe has amber turn signals. The M3's are clear (front and rear)

"clear the tail lamps?" It's not a civic!

[ChuckH]

Yeah, the M3 has been and continues to be the ultimate sports coupe.

As far as the styling goes, I wouldn't want it more dramatic. Adding anything to it would just be tacky IMO and take away from the beautiful lines. And please, I beg BMW, NO clear taillights! Good lawd Lexus singlehandedly ruined the IS with them! http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/frown.gif



[This message has been edited by ChuckH (edited 08-23-2000).]

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<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by ChuckH:
Yeah, the M3 has been and continues to be the ultimate sports coupe.

As far as the styling goes, I wouldn't want it more dramatic. Adding anything to it would just be tacky IMO and take away from the beautiful lines. And please, I beg BMW, NO clear taillights! Good lawd Lexus singlehandedly ruined the IS with them! http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/frown.gif

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

right on....the Lexus IS would look like a Sentra if it weren't for all that clear plastic crap. Not only that, but clear tailights look ugly anyway. I saw a Civic today that was all back and had totally clear tailights. That is not very attractive...it takes the style out of a car.

Also, those are some very short overhangs on that M3, geez!

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I like that alot...

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<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by HammerMan:
I would crap my pants so bad dude! http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/grin.gif It wouldnt be funny! Maybe they should sell those with a "Port-0-let" under the seat!!!

As for the styling, it's always been a BMW [M3] strong point. The M3 package has never taken away from the styling of the original car. It has only enhanced it's image/appearance without looking gawdy. That is something I have always admired BMW for, as they have styled all their cars like that. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

i've driven the new 328i with sport package and a 5-speed. i must say, the BMWs have a strange clutch, with absolutely no play in it at all. it takes forever to get used to. (i learned on a honda, man was it simple)

but god, that 328i makes me go "WHOOO" as i take sharp curves at 40MPH or so. and it feels so rigid and strong, it's amasing that such a car as the M3 exists to surpass it. what drives me nuts also is the adjustable redline, which varies on the engine temperature.

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If it really came down to it, I'd have a hard time passing one up if a good deal came around. Regardless of BMW's reputation for shoddy build quality I'd still buy one, the car is that good. I hope Nissan studies the ride/handling charateristics of this car carefully.

[This message has been edited by HammerMan (edited 09-10-2000).]

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<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by HammerMan:
I like that alot... <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

you mean the overhangs? gawd if i get to drive this i'm gonna crap my pants.

[This message has been edited by idle573 (edited 09-10-2000).]

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<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by idle573:
you mean the overhangs? gawd if i get to drive this i'm gonna crap my pants.

[This message has been edited by idle573 (edited 09-10-2000).]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I would crap my pants so bad dude! http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/grin.gif It wouldnt be funny! Maybe they should sell those with a "Port-0-let" under the seat!!!

As for the styling, it's always been a BMW [M3] strong point. The M3 package has never taken away from the styling of the original car. It has only enhanced it's image/appearance without looking gawdy. That is something I have always admired BMW for, as they have styled all their cars like that.




[This message has been edited by HammerMan (edited 09-10-2000).]

[Infiniti]

Maybe where you are from but here in the US its 240...I thnik. But if you are from the US then I fell like an idiot. http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/smile.gif

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<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by 99ESMAX:
With 330HP I think it is just a little faster. http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/wink.gif M3 is a beast!! Can't compare it to the current M3 with 240HP. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
What do you mean? the current M3 has 320hp not 240.

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<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Infiniti:
Maybe where you are from but here in the US its 240...I thnik. But if you are from the US then I fell like an idiot. http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/smile.gif<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Actually you are right, I just read an Old Motor Trend I got when I was on holiday in the US, it says the M3 has 250hp, I didn't know it was detuned from the proper M3 in the US. Do you think they will do the same for the new M3?

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<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Infiniti:
Maybe where you are from but here in the US its 240...I thnik. But if you are from the US then I fell like an idiot. http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/smile.gif<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I don't think my last post came out so I'll do it again, I'm not from the US I'm from NZ, I just thought all M3's were the same, but I was just reading an old Motor Trend mag and it says that the US M3 only has 250hp, so you were right, I didn't know the M3 was detuned for the US, I wonder if the coming M3 will be detuned also.

[Infiniti]

nope. Its gonna have 330 hp or 340. One or the other. Unless you guys get a 400hp one, ours will be the same. But if it is a bit detuned its probably for emissions reasons.

[thearabian]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Infiniti:
nope. Its gonna have 330 hp or 340. One or the other. Unless you guys get a 400hp one, ours will be the same. But if it is a bit detuned its probably for emissions reasons.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

It's very nice to see 340 HP from an NA 3.2L I6 engine, i have to tip my nonexistant hat to BMW for making this roadgoing engine!
(106hp/L)

In the same sense, if Nissan will make 300 HP from the 3.5 V6, i think that is very respectably nice also.
(86hp/L)

I wonder what honda can do with it's 3.2L (since they have achieved 120hp/L with the S2000)

There is nothing like NA...

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Hopefully the M3 will have some usable torque as well. That's the main problem with the S2000. It's rev-happy, so you hafta drive it like you hate it to get the full power. Under normal shift patterns, 0-60 times were a Civic-like 11 seconds...

[thearabian]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by carguy714:
Hopefully the M3 will have some usable torque as well. That's the main problem with the S2000. It's rev-happy, so you hafta drive it like you hate it to get the full power. Under normal shift patterns, 0-60 times were a Civic-like 11 seconds...<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

CIVIc-like 11 sec? perhaps 16s?
anyways, i get your point, and i am sure the 3.2l will get the torque it needs.

[Infiniti]

Its got more torque than the S2000 but not as much as its horsepower might suggest. I belive I read somehwere that it had like 225-240 ft lbs of torque. SO it has a decent amount but we dont know how the low end is until its driven.

[xlr8r]

i was just thinking, do you suppose an m3 inline 6(a new one with the balls) would be able to get crammed into a 300zx 2+2? hmmmmm...

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<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by xlr8r:
i was just thinking, do you suppose an m3 inline 6(a new one with the balls) would be able to get crammed into a 300zx 2+2? hmmmmm...<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

yes it can. the 3's engine bay is not very big with some mounting mods you can stuff it into a Z..

but then i say, why dont you stick a VQ in there? that would be killer. or even an RB series.

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Take the 3.5 liter block from the pathfinder and stuff it with the new Maxima's heads and induction system. Basically building the new Max's engine using the 3.5 liter block. http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/grin.gif I wonder what kind of power that would produce....

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<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Infiniti:
Its got more torque than the S2000 but not as much as its horsepower might suggest. I belive I read somehwere that it had like 225-240 ft lbs of torque. SO it has a decent amount but we dont know how the low end is until its driven.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yeah, I'd have to say it's not going to be a torquey engine. On the bmw website, they talk about their "engine speed" concept for the m3. Basically, they did a lot of work to raise the redline. This translates to good 0-60 for the car mags, but does nothing for torque or real-world driving.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I think it will be fairly torquey, it will have to be with that increase in weight. The current m3 puts out 354Nm, the Ford Falcon puts out more than that, so I think BMW will have 2 do better this time.

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The Canadian version M3 from I forgot the exact years, 94-97 Canada had the 320HP Euro version M3 and US didn't. US was fuming about it as Canada got the real M3 and they didn't.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Infiniti:
Maybe where you are from but here in the US its 240...I thnik. But if you are from the US then I fell like an idiot. :)<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

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Here's the link for the description of the high-rev engine concept:
http://www.bmw.com/bmwe/pulse/bmwm/innovations/high_rev.shtml

I dunno, it just doesn't sound like it will have much in the way of torque. That's not part of the "driving experience" I guess. I don't mean to knock them either- I own a BMW, albeit an old one- 1972 2002tii. Talk about no torque!

[The_Chosen_One]

I didn't want to make a new topic to ask this, but I have a question about the 1997(ish) M3. About how fast are these things? I was reading a (Super Street?) Magazine from last year, that had a guy with one with intakes, exhaust, and a turbo, and his best ET's was 5.2 seconds to reach 60 MPH. I though they did this stock? I thought maybe it was an automatic, it wasn't! Maybe he sucked as a driver. Any input?

[Coleman]

I loved driving around my dads 2000 M3. It was such a blast...he sold her for a 2000 540i. Apparently he said he was too old to drive an M3 and didn't want a manual in heavy traffic going and coming from work........*******

[limits_at_infiniti]

97ish did 0-60 in 5.7, all that for .5 seconds is odd.
sedan was like 5.9ish.
convertable was 6.1 i think.

so i would say that he probably did suck.

Originally posted by BlaxicanYIIK:
I didn't want to make a new topic to ask this, but I have a question about the 1997(ish) M3. About how fast are these things? I was reading a (Super Street?) Magazine from last year, that had a guy with one with intakes, exhaust, and a turbo, and his best ET's was 5.2 seconds to reach 60 MPH. I though they did this stock? I thought maybe it was an automatic, it wasn't! Maybe he sucked as a driver. Any input?<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]

[jmcn]

or the turbo was at like 3-psi