E92 BMW M3 breaks cover

[sportyaccordy]

http://www.caranddriver.com/autoshows/12525/2008-bmw-m3.html

Cliff notes- 400HP V8 based on corporate ///M V10
3500#
Available in sedan form again
Due this summer as a 2008 model






I'm underwhelmed...it looks like a regular 3 with M5 style wheels. This one needs E30 levels of aggresion.

[ro51092]

Well, the styling isn't too exciting, but it sure is a good looking car. I want to see the E90 M3, that's what I'm REALLY excited about.

[the Teuton]

This has E36 levels of excitement.  Still, it's by no means a bad looking car, but I agree that it needs the fat fender treatment.

[JYODER240]

It seems strange to say this but I think BMW played it to safe with this one.

[Raza]

Well, the styling isn't too exciting, but it sure is a good looking car. I want to see the E90 M3, that's what I'm REALLY excited about.

[sandertheshark]

I'm underwhelmed...it looks like a regular 3 with M5 style wheels. This one needs E30 levels of aggresion.

I see slightly flared fenders, a very aggressive front end, and the ///M side vents.  It's pretty easily discerned from a regular 3.

[mazda6er]

I really like how the vent looks on this one. The wheels, I'm not a huge fan of.

[Secret Chimp]

I like this M3 version of the 3-Series a lot better than the previous one. The way the air dams and side skirts worked on that one made it look kind of brickish, not more aggressive. This looks cool, but not "I'M FAZZZT" like the M5 is. A good sleeper choice.

[SVT_Power]

Bring back the E46 M3

[J86]

Looks nice, but not aggressive enough.

[TheIntrepid]

I like it in the second-to-last pic. The rest of them look awkward, like the IS-F.

[ro51092]

I meant uncovered, like the coupe.

[r0tor]

is there a bump on the hood or is that a vent?

[MexicoCityM3]

I think pics 1 & 2 still have camo on the hood. Those are some weird reflections. I am liking the third picture a lot. In any case, the M3 "Concept" is pretty much announced for the Geneva Show in a couple of weeks. Then we will know.

[Colonel Cadillac]

I bet the 335i with a couple modifications could easily ride neck and neck with this fellow for less money.

The M3 does look nice though, each time I see it, the more I want it.

[LonghornTX]

I bet the 335i with a couple modifications could easily ride neck and neck with this fellow for less money.

In a straight line, sure, but not in the twisties.....

[Colonel Cadillac]

I never excluded the suspension or wheel/tire combo from the "modifications."

I would be worried about reliability with the engine, though.

[Raghavan]

I can't wait for the E90 M3.

[sportyaccordy]

I never excluded the suspension or wheel/tire combo from the "modifications."

I would be worried about reliability with the engine, though.

It is a pretty high compression motor as far as turbocharging is concerned.

On second thought I am sure these will look awesome in person. I didn't like the M6 in photos, but I saw one on the street and it was pretty good looking. I felt the same about the E90. I'm still on the fence with the E92 though...

[Lebowski]

I'd be interested in the sedan version.

[LonghornTX]

I never excluded the suspension or wheel/tire combo from the "modifications."

And I never assumed that.  However, doing the engine AND suspension/brakes/wheels and tires would IMO easily put you over the M3s price.

-You would have to gain 100-120hp, reliably
-You would have to add an LSD ($2000+), different springs, shocks/struts, and likely different sway bars
-Upgrade the braking system all around
-Add wider wheels and tires

IMO, all that would probably come to over 20K (at least) installed and without a warranty or significant amount of testing done to it.  Personally, I would still stick with the M3.

[ro51092]

I'd stick with the M3 too.

[Colonel Cadillac]

And I never assumed that.? However, doing the engine AND suspension/brakes/wheels and tires would IMO easily put you over the M3s price.

-You would have to gain 100-120hp, reliably
-You would have to add an LSD ($2000+), different springs, shocks/struts, and likely different sway bars
-Upgrade the braking system all around
-Add wider wheels and tires

IMO, all that would probably come to over 20K (at least) installed and without a warranty or significant amount of testing done to it.? Personally, I would still stick with the M3.

I suppose you're right.

[BimmerM3]

Bring back the E46 M3

Seconded....

They could bring back the E39 M5 while they're at it...

[sportyaccordy]

And I never assumed that. However, doing the engine AND suspension/brakes/wheels and tires would IMO easily put you over the M3s price.

-You would have to gain 100-120hp, reliably
-You would have to add an LSD ($2000+), different springs, shocks/struts, and likely different sway bars
-Upgrade the braking system all around
-Add wider wheels and tires

IMO, all that would probably come to over 20K (at least) installed and without a warranty or significant amount of testing done to it. Personally, I would still stick with the M3.

Nawwwww...

How much is the M3 gonna be, like $55K? How much is the 335i, $40K?

A package to increase boost/power to 400HP wouldn't be more than $2-3K.
Suspension stuffs wouldn't be more than $1500.
Wheels and tires would be less than $2000.
The LSD would be the clincher, but even that would be about $2K with an install.

$8-10K over the cost of a 335i for M3 performance? Sounds like a bargain to me.

[giant_mtb]

It looks droopy...like a Mercedes.

[Lebowski]

Nawwwww...

How much is the M3 gonna be, like $55K? How much is the 335i, $40K?

A package to increase boost/power to 400HP wouldn't be more than $2-3K.
Suspension stuffs wouldn't be more than $1500.
Wheels and tires would be less than $2000.
The LSD would be the clincher, but even that would be about $2K with an install.

$8-10K over the cost of a 335i for M3 performance? Sounds like a bargain to me.

Even if that's correct (and I'm skeptical performance would truly be on par for $8-$10k), you'd also have a voided warranty and that $8-$10k would add nothing to resale value.? If you look at the net present value of the total cost of ownership it's unlikely you'd save a dime, even in your optimistic scenario.

[nickdrinkwater]

Looks nice, but needs to be a little more aggressive.  Also, I think they should keep it coupe only.

[LonghornTX]

Nawwwww...

How much is the M3 gonna be, like $55K? How much is the 335i, $40K?

A package to increase boost/power to 400HP wouldn't be more than $2-3K.
Suspension stuffs wouldn't be more than $1500.
Wheels and tires would be less than $2000.
The LSD would be the clincher, but even that would be about $2K with an install.

$8-10K over the cost of a 335i for M3 performance? Sounds like a bargain to me.

I dont know, I am hesitant to agree, mainly because I have played in the bimmer aftermarket, and it is EXPENSIVE.  You ALWAYS end up spending more than you thought.

1.  As it stands, the only visible reprogramming for the 335i that I know of is done by vishnu.  It costs about $1300, minus install, and nets you 60-75hp.  However, the key point that I am making here is the reliability aspect, and so if this car sees any road course use, it would probably need an intercooler and possible other various aids.  Say $2500 dollars installed total, optimistically.
2.  For the suspension, you are looking at $800 for a basic spring and shock/strut upgrade , plus another $350 for sway bars.  Install everything and get it aligned, $1600-$2000, depending on how hard the install is.
3.  If you are going to upgrade the wheels and tires on a bimmer, they should be done right.  A BBS CH upgrade to 19x8.5 and 19x9.5 will run you almost $2000 alone, but those are middle of the pack, so you could get cheaper wheels.  Figure another $1000 for comparable tires and $100 to get it all installed and balanced.
4.  LSDs for these cars are silly expensive, figure probably $2500 installed, at least.

So, given these postulates, the upgraded 335i might look like a match on paper, but there are a few things that stick out in my mind.  First, the reliability of that engine upgrade worries me with such high compression.  For my peace of mind, I would definately go in there and at LEAST put in a new headgasket and try to lower the compression a bit.  Second, we do not know if the M3 will have a wider track front and rear because of the body upgrades.  Third, the M3 as a package has been tested and unted for a LONG time, on racetracks, the artic, the autobahn, etc while our pseudo M3 (aka the upgraded 335i) has not.  Finally, you do not get a warranty with any of this work really.  Now, you could wait for Dinan to come with their stuff, but you might as well double the price we have come to here.....

[TheIntrepid]

Sportyaccordy's reasoning is right, but that brings a question to mind. If I can go to a junkyard and find a wrecked Audi S6 and take the 5.2V10 out of it for cheap, a few grand $5-10k, why wouldn't I put that into an A6 3.2 and call it an S6?

Sorry man, your scenario is about as illogical as mine. :P