BMW F80 M3 Continues Public Testing After Approval

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by doc19

Is it just me or do the overall shape and dimensions of this car look very similar to the current e90? Granted, the front and the rear will look different, but in some of those shots I could make myself believe it is an e90 in camo.

Agreed!

...that's why I found the comment about about "preferring the E90 body style" amusing.

[Nelrock]

I sure hope the eye sore mirror reflector/turn signal doesn't make it to production and they throw a power dome on there.

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by Nelrock

I sure hope the eye sore mirror reflector/turn signal doesn't make it to production and they throw a power dome on there.

They will probably look something like these...

F20 in VO...


new 6er...

[ATX78703]

V-6 configuration has some benefits for twin-turbocharging, especially with the twin-scroll units. Even though the I-6 had better weight distribution and single balance shaft, just seems that BMW is committed to FI at this point. Would really be surprised if it wasn't a V-6, given the recent patent and the success of the N63/S63.

[cs4444]

LOL, I like how the driver is flipping the photographer the middle fingure in half the pictures.

The car itself looks great so far, it appears to have a very nice stance.

[Ateam]

I am not understanding why people care either way whether its a turbo I 6 or V6 engine. To be honest I am willing to bet almost nobody would be able to tell a difference if they did not know which configuration it was just by driving it.

The main dilemma for people is preferring a NA engine over a FI. However once you go FI, it really does not matter if its inline or V with turbos. Both will have the exact same feel with the V6 likely being more smooth with less lag given its configuration being condusive to bmw's current turbo setup on the m5.

[m balla]

It looks to me like there is one huge power bump like the whole hood... is this a cowl type set up?

[Diver]

It does not look that different from the current M3. The big question is the engine. I expect it will be turbocharged as BMW has made an all turbo petrol lineup it's mantra. Honestly, a V6 would really surprise me.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by Diver

It does not look that different from the current M3. The big question is the engine. I expect it will be turbocharged as BMW has made an all turbo petrol lineup it's mantra. Honestly, a V6 would really surprise me.

It wouldn't surprise me at all.

[ATX78703]

Originally Posted by Ateam

I am not understanding why people care either way whether its a turbo I 6 or V6 engine. To be honest I am willing to bet almost nobody would be able to tell a difference if they did not know which configuration it was just by driving it.

The main dilemma for people is preferring a NA engine over a FI. However once you go FI, it really does not matter if its inline or V with turbos. Both will have the exact same feel with the V6 likely being more smooth with less lag given its configuration being condusive to bmw's current turbo setup on the m5.

word. ppl get all worked up about I6 b/c of the smooth idle, single balance shaft and its contribution to 50/50 f/r weight distribution - but I'm sure BMW will work around that with a V6.

[richb811]

Can't wait to see more about the car. Sure its going to be phenomenal!

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by Mako

I thought BMW did the every 7 year thing, so wouldn't this be coming out in 2014 as a 2015 model? last M3 started as a 2008 model...

A given BMW platform or chassis typically runs seven years, but M models based on them may become available at any time during the life cycle.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by ATX78703

word. ppl get all worked up about I6 b/c of the smooth idle, single balance shaft and its contribution to 50/50 f/r weight distribution - but I'm sure BMW will work around that with a V6.

My I6 E46 M3's didn't idle all that smoothly, thus earning the nickname "my heavy breathing bitches". My E9X M3's have been both quieter and smoother at idle. Sometimes I can barely tell that my car is on. Maybe my mileage has varied compared to yours.

[NoCouT]

Do you guys like the wheels?

[MDyDinanM]

i'm not sure if i like this M4 coupe version idea

why is BMW changing its naming convention? M3 has been a successful series, why change it?

[Rickster311]

Just my .02, but the engine will consist of a V6 with a twin turbo set-up. I'd guess the hp won't be drastically more, at max 460/470, but a significant bump in torque, around 360-370. Also a weight drop, from 3725 to about 3575-3625lb.

I personally think we'll see some more use of carbon fiber given BMW's massive investment into carbon technologies, but also resulting in a nice $3-5k bump in MSRP.

Just my guess, so let's see if I'm an idiot or a genius

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by mdyaman

i'm not sure if i like this M4 coupe version idea

why is BMW changing its naming convention? M3 has been a successful series, why change it?

I'm with you! It doesn't make sense to me.

[vladberca]

Still in testing to maintain the crown

[Rickster311]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

I'm with you! It doesn't make sense to me.

It might not make sense from a consumer standpoint, especially initially, but from an auto manufacture POV, they are diversifying their product line up. Creating new model lines (2 series & 4 series especially) gives the impression to the public that the manufacture has more models.

Additionally, it seems BMW is doing this to also align it's models against Audi more directly.

BMW 3 series = Audi 4 series
BMW 4 series = Audi 5 series
BMW 5 series = Audi 6 series
BMW 6 series = Audi 7 series
BMW 7 series = Audi 8 series
BMW X1 = Audi Q3
BMW X3 = Audi Q5
BMW X5 = Audi Q7
BMW M3 = Audi RS4
BMW M4 = Audi RS5

So while it might seem pointless to the avg. consumer, and seems like they might be "ruining" the heritage, in the long run, I think this was a very smart move by BMW.

Just my .02

[IS3andME]

Originally Posted by Ateam

I am not understanding why people care either way whether its a turbo I 6 or V6 engine. To be honest I am willing to bet almost nobody would be able to tell a difference if they did not know which configuration it was just by driving it.

The main dilemma for people is preferring a NA engine over a FI. However once you go FI, it really does not matter if its inline or V with turbos. Both will have the exact same feel with the V6 likely being more smooth with less lag given its configuration being condusive to bmw's current turbo setup on the m5.

V6's are inherently unbalance---needing balancers...they are course and rough...there probably is a good reason why Nissan probably will be using Merc's 3.5 liter V6's, due their issues with the VQ V6 (which are the best sounding V6's).

I6's are far more smoother---there is a reason why BMW, Merc, stuck with them for a long while. And why Nissan's RB series I6's and Toyota's I6's are damn near legendary for their smoothness and Hulk like strength.

I guess the real argument for the V6 is the configuration is more compact than a I6, and they can just shave the first 2 cylinders off of the V8 for a cheaper engine.

[White Shark]

No CF roof?

[Nelrock]

Originally Posted by White Shark

No CF roof?

They're prolly carrying forward the fact the E90 M doesn't come with one. I can't see them getting rid of it. It was pretty popular on the coupe.