TheOtherEric

The 1-series is a tremendous disappointment IMHO. Why buy a small car if it's still a porker?? And ugly, too.

dcdude

Can anybody think of an other formerly raw sports car that got fat, soft, more powerful, refined and more GT-like? (hint: don't look too far!)

People want the status of the M badge, but the reality is they 98% of them need to be liveable DD cars, so they get more smooth and comfortable over time. Look at your basic M-B 500SL. Beyond the seating and roof configuration, is there any "sporting" element remaining?

NC TRACKRAT

The last time I checked, a couple of weeks ago, there were over 1,800 new M3's advertised by dealers on AUTOTRADER. As mentioned by many on this forum, BMW, especially M-Division, has lost its way. They are no longer catering to the true performance enthusiast but prefer to make ugly, overly complicated, heavy vehicles and sell them to the unwitting mases as the "Ultimate Driving Machine".
As a DE Instructor, I always dread getting into an E46 or E92 M3 with a beginner, novice or intermediate driver. These cars are are so insulated and numb, they make the driver feel invincible. When/if they lose it, they're going so fast it takes a veritable act of God to save them. They get irritated when I rein them in but it's for their own good...and mine!

Receiver

I had a 1967 250SL for years. It was never meant to be a sports car. It was a good looking boulevard cruiser so I've never been surprised that the newer SL's have retained that characteristic. On the other hand, the P Cars are still supposed to be sports cars. My C4S is a great every day driver but it doesn't have that something special that both my 993's have.

dcdude

Sorry- poor example with the SL, but you get my point.

Wachuko

I can only talk about the car based on looks. I liked the Sedan more so than the coupe. Maybe my bias for having easier access for the children to get in.

I went to the dealer to look at it. Went with my wife and children. Having four doors on a sport car like the M3 and the C63 does make a difference.

I also looked at the Mercedes C63. Loved the interior in that one as well. Although it looked a bit smaller, less comfortable inside, than the M3.

I also noticed that the new M3, if you look at one used, with just a few thousand miles, it drop a good 10K... at that price is not bad for a DD. Any new 911 is going to run you anywhere from 85 (for a base car) to 100K (for a C2S) when you add the minimal options needed... The BMW M3 and the Mercedes C63 are great buys in the 60K range... more so if you can negotiate a good deal.

I would not replace any of my cars for one... but to have as a DD in addition to the 911... well...

imho of course....

Allen

I really think this car is targeted to that group of people...and there are a LOT of them...who just want a BMW, because it's a BMW. They don't know or care about the weight, performance, history, or even looks (to an extent).

NC TRACKRAT

Allen, you're on target there. I call it the "latest and greatest" syndrome. They just gotta have it...

jdistefa

Well, pretty illuminating drive today. I've driven the previous two versions (still waiting to get my hands on the original - I may have to buy one ), and the current and last versions of the M5.

Spent an hour on a nice selection of under-patrolled secondary roads. Seriously fast, marvelous powerplant. Clutch pedal felt like a Honda Civic (that's a compliment), shifter was a big improvement over the previous - I was using 2 fingers. Steering in M-mode was nicely weighed by reducing power assist, although feedback was not up to 993 standards. The only significant disappointment was that the brakes were difficult to modulate. Very on/off feel.

Overall impression? It drives like a smaller M5. You just can't escape the weight, gizmos, and isolation. I finally rolled the window down so I could appreciate the engine sound.

I think a stripped 'RS' style version - no nav, no i-drive, no power seats, no rear seats, etc., would be an interesting car. Maybe there's a CSL version coming...? If they could strip 300-400 lbs out of it, it might represent a move back to what the M3 was originally designed to be.

Warren Halsey

I love the feel and soul of my 993, but around the Chicago region, I want to have my cake and eat it too. Purchased an Audi S4. Very smooth and refined, excellent build quality, beautiful interior, 6 speed, Quattro AWD, excellent brake feel and ability to modulate, decent fuel economy (22 city, 26+ highway), 319 HP, 382 ft lb. Decent handling, though a bit heavy up front. When the snow flies, I still have my fun with the quattro system.

flatspin

Has anyone seen the pics of the upcoming Z4? No M version yet, but a retractable hardtop, and the sport version gets the twin turbo 300hp six. I was looking at the 135i a while back. For $2000 you can get the Dinan upgrade that pushes the power to 385 hp and 421 ft/lbs torque. And you still keep the factory warranty. Assuming you can get the same Dinan treatment on the Z4; should make for an impressive car.

http://blogs.thecarconnection.com/bl...s-2010-bmw-z4/

007DT

993 vs. 335i/M3 Apples vs Oranges

Two very different animals IMO Both good at what they do in their own regard but respectfully very different.

007DT

+1 on the Dinan or Active chip/ECU upgrade $900 - $2K puts the Bi-Turbo Bimmer power well above the M3 numbers.

ZombiePorsche44

Yup...finally saw one and got to drive it....was not overly impressed...will make a nice chick car...like a miata or boxter....LOL

CP

If you are considering the Dinan chip for your BMW, you would do well to look into Power Chip as well.
http://www.powerchipgroup.com/index.asp

I had Dinan chip in my E39 M5, then switched to Power Chip. The Power Chip was a MUCH bettter chip. IMHO of course. No affliation etc. etc. etc.

CP