Vijay

Stunning performance. 0-60 in 4.8sec stock. This will just edge out a stage 2 S4. (in dry weather, of course). It seems the car will probably easily out handle an S4 also, probably even one with a modified suspension. Can be had with 19" wheels from the factory. Looks beautiful from the exterior. Interior looks a bit cluttered, cheapish, and not even close to the superb S4 interior. The car will be available with the paddle shifter type manual with electronic clutch control similar to Formula 1 cars and the Ferrari 360 modena. Will be available as a convertible also. This may be just the ticket for me in 2002 or 2003. Will be able to afford a seperate winter car by then.

LCP

time to hold off on mods to the S4 maybe??? (although all I really plan on doing that I haven't done is suspension and track wheels/tires)

KKelly

and you could get one right away, it would be ideal to leave you S4 near stock for a nice, quick daily driver with 4 doors (S4 Avant even better) and get the M3 for the track. I am kind of used to plain, spartan interiors anyway. You guys are kinda spoiled now.

Kevin K.
91 M5 (no wood, no chrome, no nothing)

Porkibear

I heard the M3 will be 0-60 in 5.2...can anyone back me on this one? I just went to another BMW Ultimate Drive event, and did some investigating myself.
Also, anyone know what the M3 will start at MSRP? I've heard anywhere from $60-65,000.

Boogie777

before you put on the big options like Xenon headlights, sports package, conv. package etc.. Easily bringing it up to over $55,000

NYLawyer

But they had to really work to pull away from a 330 on the highway. I didn't have to work at all.

Bashko

The Sticker price for the 2001 M3 comes in at just over $47,500

frayed

You can check bimmer.org, but my understanding is that there is no official msrp. However, from what I've been reading, we're looking at 46k, plus options, plus dealer markup.

Most of the bmw guys seem to be expecting 55k, all told. I have to think that's pretty much in the ballpark.

One thing, while it is likely that the m3 would beat up on an s4 in a handling contest, don't underestimate the comfort the s4 provides for day to day driving, in terms of suspension, interior finish (wow), and quietness. I expect the m3 to be much more like a rock concert, the s4 still a great symphony.

And, I think that people put way too much stock in track tests. I own a honda s2000. It beats the tar out of the boxster on the track, and by a slimmer margin, the m roadster. It, however, is not as comfy as a daily driver. I think about that when I have a passenger that is not a car enthusiast and they jiggle and get bumped around as we drive through urban streets. Kind of embarrassing in a way.

Just some random thoughts after dinner and a glass of wine.

GRocky

My Volvo S60R will smoke it. End of story.

loanshark

so what's your point?...it's a volvo