new M3 pics
09-06-1999, 07:30 PM
#32
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Posts: n/a
Re: Decisions, decisions...(long)
Rick,
I've been very happy with my last 2 BMWs. I do like the A4/S4 quite a bit, but I test drove a 2.8 and it just didn't give me the performance feel of my current car, a 328is. The new E46 style 3er is quite a different car, and has much less performance feel.
As far as the S4 is concerned, I have a little bit of a bias. I've had two twin-turbo cars in the past, a 93 Rx-7 and a 3000GT VR-4. Both were great, but I've really developed a distaste for the nonlinear power delivery of turbos. With a 350 hp S4, there will be a noticeable lag and jerk effect. This can be really dangerous in curves. AWD does help with adhesion, but I still managed to go flying off the road in my 3000GT. I didn't get into trouble until I had the car tuned the car to 380hp, but still.
Anyway, I'm pretty sure I'll go with the M3. I have confidence that Motorsport will take out the bad E46 qualities. I wasn't sure before, but after hearing about the engine choices, and seeing the car, I am certain that Motorsport means business on this one. I also have heard the I-6 version will have a base price of around 45K . It should be pretty well equipped, too, in order to compete with Audi. There will also be a lightweight version available soon after the launch, but I don't know the details yet.
Either way, test drive first before you buy. If you really think you'll want the M3, I'd wait to drive both back to back--if you can stand to wait.
Hope that helps,
Mark G
I've been very happy with my last 2 BMWs. I do like the A4/S4 quite a bit, but I test drove a 2.8 and it just didn't give me the performance feel of my current car, a 328is. The new E46 style 3er is quite a different car, and has much less performance feel.
As far as the S4 is concerned, I have a little bit of a bias. I've had two twin-turbo cars in the past, a 93 Rx-7 and a 3000GT VR-4. Both were great, but I've really developed a distaste for the nonlinear power delivery of turbos. With a 350 hp S4, there will be a noticeable lag and jerk effect. This can be really dangerous in curves. AWD does help with adhesion, but I still managed to go flying off the road in my 3000GT. I didn't get into trouble until I had the car tuned the car to 380hp, but still.
Anyway, I'm pretty sure I'll go with the M3. I have confidence that Motorsport will take out the bad E46 qualities. I wasn't sure before, but after hearing about the engine choices, and seeing the car, I am certain that Motorsport means business on this one. I also have heard the I-6 version will have a base price of around 45K . It should be pretty well equipped, too, in order to compete with Audi. There will also be a lightweight version available soon after the launch, but I don't know the details yet.
Either way, test drive first before you buy. If you really think you'll want the M3, I'd wait to drive both back to back--if you can stand to wait.
Hope that helps,
Mark G
09-06-1999, 10:12 PM
#33
Guest
Posts: n/a
Thanks much, that helps a lot!
Mark,
I liked the info about your previous twin turbo cars, that's very useful. 45K for the I6 version of the M3 would be great! But, I keep hearing that the price will be closer to 50K or even OVER 50K. Maybe that will be for the V8 version. 50+K would be a bit more than I want to spend.
Of course the possible 330Ci this spring/summer for the 2001 MY might be worth a grab. It could possibly have 230 hp, possibly tuneable to 240 (just like the old M3)!
One thing I would need for the M3 is some kind of auto because my left side is still messed up from a severe head injury in a bad car accident I had in 96. Do you know if the new M3 will have Steptronic or some kind of sequential auto?
Rick
I liked the info about your previous twin turbo cars, that's very useful. 45K for the I6 version of the M3 would be great! But, I keep hearing that the price will be closer to 50K or even OVER 50K. Maybe that will be for the V8 version. 50+K would be a bit more than I want to spend.
Of course the possible 330Ci this spring/summer for the 2001 MY might be worth a grab. It could possibly have 230 hp, possibly tuneable to 240 (just like the old M3)!
One thing I would need for the M3 is some kind of auto because my left side is still messed up from a severe head injury in a bad car accident I had in 96. Do you know if the new M3 will have Steptronic or some kind of sequential auto?
Rick
09-07-1999, 12:43 PM
#34
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Steptronic
Rick,
I believe there will be a steptronic-type transmission, but I'm not sure if there will be steering wheel mounted controls available. There's also a retrofittable sequential autobox called Switchlogic, available through some car mags. I believe this allows wheel-mounted shifting.
The 330ci should have around 225 hp, but will definitely be tuneable to 240+hp.
Hope that helps,
Mark G
I believe there will be a steptronic-type transmission, but I'm not sure if there will be steering wheel mounted controls available. There's also a retrofittable sequential autobox called Switchlogic, available through some car mags. I believe this allows wheel-mounted shifting.
The 330ci should have around 225 hp, but will definitely be tuneable to 240+hp.
Hope that helps,
Mark G
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