First look: BMW M3

[Svensson]

^ Great! Although I'm a big straight-6 fan I have to admit that the V8 sounds impressive!

[sentra_dude]

I am not 100% sure about the looks, as others have mentioned, it will take a look in person to decide. I do like the new gun metal wheels, very cool...and a BMW V8 is always badass. 8)

[CMonakar]

I'm disappointed in the direction BMW has taken the M3 over the last two generations. They had the practicality/road feel balance just right with the E36M IMO. The E46 felt more like a big luxury car with an engine upgrade than a sports car. The new car is even bigger and heavier (right?) than the last one. The HP is up 70+ but the torque is up by only 26lb ft. I do think the body looks nice though.

[TopGearNL]

Originally Posted by Svensson ^ Great! Although I'm a big straight-6 fan I have to admit that the V8 sounds impressive!

Same ere, but it was the same with the original 4-cilinder 8)

[Svensson]

True, but a lot of BMW racers from the past have had a straight-6 and to me an inline-6 is the best sounding engine configuration (except for a v12 of course)

Here's a M3 V8 engine build clip:
:arrow: http://www.autoclips.net/upload/unpa...kdbhhyrpcw.avi

[5vz-fe]

^That is one good working enviroment!!

[TopGearNL]

Originally Posted by Svensson True, but a lot of BMW racers from the past have had a straight-6 and to me an inline-6 is the best sounding engine configuration (except for a v12 of course) Here's a M3 V8 engine build clip: :arrow: http://www.autoclips.net/upload/unpa...kdbhhyrpcw.avi

Well here's a E30 M3 DTM with a 4 cilinder engine

DTM - YouTube

DTM - YouTube

Nothing beats that

[Svensson]

^ Haha nice, I know that clip. While the induction growl is incredibly loud and awesome, I can't really say I like the exhaust note, which sounds pale in comparison

Found something to match up against your l4-sound, TGNL
:arrow:

BMW M3 CSL ONEandONLY Sound (E46) - YouTube

BMW M3 CSL ONEandONLY Sound (E46) - YouTube

[TopGearNL]

^^ True, but that only sounds so good because it reminds us of the 4-sound

[R8audi]

YouTube

YouTube

Don't think it's a repost.... How awesome is that engine noise!!!

6 minutes of e92 M3 beauty... and no annoying music!

[ae86_16v]

Originally Posted by ccarlisi I'm disappointed in the direction BMW has taken the M3 over the last two generations. They had the practicality/road feel balance just right with the E36M IMO. The E46 felt more like a big luxury car with an engine upgrade than a sports car. The new car is even bigger and heavier (right?) than the last one. The HP is up 70+ but the torque is up by only 26lb ft. I do think the body looks nice though.

What was that old saying? "Horse Power is what sells, but torque is what you drive."

[Ghostbat]

Sounds great but I'm gonna miss the uniqe sound of the old high reving E46 M3 and especially the CSL.

[TopGearNL]

^^ Yeah me too, the CSL just sounds glorious!

The new M3 isn't bad don't get me wrong, its just not as good as the CSL IMO..

But maybe the new CSL will be

[blue8]

http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-bmw-m3/
A link to see the M3 in its available colors and in 18 and 19in rims. You can check BMW International as well.

[stmoritzer]

another report