To Dome or Not to Dome? That is the Question!

[snawaz]

Reading through the other topics it is obviously a burning question. Should the new F80/82 have a hood powerdome? (regardless of engineering need). I for one strongly feel that the dome should be continued. So much so that I feel it deserves a thread all on its own. It makes the M3 aggressive and as someone has mentioned in a previous thread it clearly distinguishes an M3 from the rest of the 3 series without having to look at the tailpipes or the subtle changes in the fenders or bumpers. M3 dome forever!!!

[Voltigeur]

For my part I hope they work it in to the design: it's part of the historical 'language'. Just like a 911 needs that distinctive sloping rear & front wings that extend to the headlights.

[Kayani_1]

Power dome and functional hood scoops like in current M3

[aajami]

The power dome is functional in the E9X M3. Is it the case in the E46? The E36 and E30 didn't even have any domes, did they?

[AnkurGT]

Originally Posted by aajami

The power dome is functional in the E9X M3. Is it the case in the E46? The E36 and E30 didn't even have any domes, did they?

I don't think the E46 had a dome either, perhaps some styling lines. Functional or not, I like the look of it now, and it reminds me subtly that with great power comes great responsibility... ;-)

[Denk]

The dome really sets the M3 apart from the rest of the modded 335's out there. It is functional on the e9x's, regardless of that I hope it get's carried over...along with a carbon fiber roof (M4).

[aajami]

Originally Posted by AnkurGT

I don't think the E46 had a dome either, perhaps some styling lines. Functional or not, I like the look of it now, and it reminds me subtly that with great power comes great responsibility... ;-)

Agressive styling lines or subtle dome? You be the judge:

[Blindside_137]

Originally Posted by aajami

Agressive styling lines or subtle dome? You be the judge:

lol, e46 definitely had a dome.

I don't see what the big deal is, the e46 and e9x had domes but the previous ones didn't. Yeah it makes it easier to tell apart, but theres no dome on an M5 and I'm pretty sure most people have no problem telling it apart from non -M. Besides, I have all faith in bmw to make the next m3/4 look awesome dome or not. Furthermore, there will be aftermarket hoods popping up everywhere if you really want a dome. so what's the big deal?

[Voltigeur]

Originally Posted by Blindside_137

lol, e46 definitely had a dome.

I don't see what the big deal is, the e46 and e9x had domes but the previous ones didn't. Yeah it makes it easier to tell apart, but theres no dome on an M5 and I'm pretty sure most people have no problem telling it apart from non -M.

Because M5s have never had a dome = not part of the heritage (they are designed to look more understated, not so the M3). Now a 'dome is part of the M3's design history and IMO needs to be there. And I for one don't want the bother of paying for it after-market (and maybe having a bad fit to-boot). BTW, does not have to be huge, the E46'd was subtle but effective.

If the M4 does not have one it's one reason I will be looking seriously at a 991 which continues the classic 911 design heritage (just continually updated).

And I respectfully disagree: most people can't distinguish a stock E9X from the E9X M3 (not that there's anything wrong with that). I have though had people come up and ask me if I have 'done up' the car and I have surprised them when I have said this is like this straight from the factory. All have admired the 'dome.

Last, the 'dome makes the M3 look more 'bootch'

[Powerslide]

Even though a power dome on the F80 would probably not be required from an mechanical point of view like on the E9X, I agree that aesthetically it would be awesome to keep that tradition going - I love the powerdome on our E9x M3s!!!

Even though the test mules for the F8x M3's do not have powerdomes - the fact that the turbo I6 or turbo V6 does not need a powerdome would be entirely consistent with BMW not having it on the test mules (i.e., not necessary for it to be there for testing purposes, but would seemingly be an easy, final "production modification" once all testing/mechanical specifications/components are finalized).

The renders of the F8x couple/sedan with powerdomes look totally awesome

[Powerslide]

Originally Posted by aajami

Agressive styling lines or subtle dome? You be the judge:

Am I correct that on the E46 the powerdome was purely for aesthetic purposes? Either way, even the more subtle powerdome on the E46 is pretty awesome looking too (in other words, I'd rather see a more subtle powerdome on the F80 similar to the E46, rather than no powerdome at all - but my first choice would be the same powerdome as on the E9x M3's).

No powerdome does not do enough to separate the M3 from the other 3 series...