Was't a more track orientated/less weight M3 going to coming out soon after this M3 debuted.

 

Dealers are adding 20K to the E92 M3 right now taking it right up to 997 territory, there's simply no way that's a better value. At MSRP I think the M3 is a great car, but at 90K...????

 

There are some wishful dealers out there, but the truth is you can buy or order a new E92 M3 today for MSRP, even in hot markets like So Cal.

 

Was't a more track orientated/less weight M3 going to coming out soon after this M3 debuted.

Supposedly a CSL version at a later date.

 

THAT would make me happy, maybe this time they'll decide we're worthy of them here in the U.S.

 

some comments from Edmunds I found---maybe we should all be auto journalists

It Comes to the Party
In this maximum attack mode, the M3 definitely comes to the party. It changes direction with greater alacrity, is more responsive to the throttle and recaptures some of the spirit of its predecessors. Compared with the larger, heavier M5, the M3 feels lithe and nimble. This is a car that likes to be finessed, but it will also respond to more aggressive, determined inputs.

On a private Spanish racetrack, the M3's natural tendency toward understeer is more evident than it seems on the road, but the grip levels are exceptionally high. And with judicious use of the right pedal, it's easy to coax the M3 into a gentle powerslide that's easy to control.

But it's not perfect. The steering lacks the consistent weighting and tactile communication that a Porsche offers. For a car this rapid, it's not as talkative as it should be. We've also got reservations about the brakes. Our test car was fitted with competition-grade brake pads to cope with track use, but they still faded badly after a handful of hard laps. Meanwhile, the long-throw action of the manual transmission isn't quite what you want, and you need to be delicate with the clutch to ensure a smooth shift.

A Porsche 911 or Not?
The 2008 BMW M3 confuses us a little. Its aggressive looks point to a hard-edged road racer of the old school, and the engineers certainly have set their goals high by referring to the Porsche 911. Yet the new M3's engine and chassis have been tuned for all-around civility, much like the second- and third-generation M3s.

This is an exceptionally able car that's blessed with a superbly executed engine, but there can be no denying that some of the guttural appeal of the old car has been lost. Or at least the guttural appeal of the fully optioned M3 that enthusiasts remember. The 2008 BMW M3 might have the grunt to challenge the Porsche 911, but it doesn't quite have the finesse or the emotive appeal. Indeed, you end up wondering whether it's worth paying such a premium over the brilliant BMW 335i coupe.

Clearly, some of M Power's engineers are thinking the same thoughts. They let slip that a lighter, harder-edged M3 CSL is already in development.

 

That is true. I was offered an allocation at MSRP and I suspect a couple grand below as has been normal. Thought if over for a night, called the dealer the next day and very sincerely thanked him but said, "I'll wait".

While thinking it over I asked my wife for her input, and that's a first as we just tied the knot in July. The wife pointed out that, though she found the car acceptably attractive for her to get near (as opposed to the Lotus I took her to see), the only cars I had talked about for six months were Exiges and 911's and R8's. So she played devil's advocate and asked me to defend buying an M3. I honestly had no compelling reason, not one.

Wives come in handy ALL the time.

 

BMW has really lost their way...isn't the new M3 something like 3,700 pounds? Pleeease...

 

I'd rather have the new GT-R over the new M3. And I'd still rather have another 911 over either of those...

Now I have to decide C2S, C4S, or GT3.

 

GTR is heavier than the new M3. Everything has gotten portly.

 

Yeah, but at what cost? The E46 CSL was well into the 911 price range, and eliminated any advantage the M3 had in practicality.

Plus, with the E92 M3 starting at 3,700lbs with trick bits like a CF roof, how much weight can they realistically get out of the car? 100-200lbs?

 

someone said e46 has the rawness the e36 missed? e36 is a much better car than e46.

e92 and e90 m3 are great commuters, that's all they are good for.

 

I think you know after a while what works for you, what you value the most. After driving a 3400 pound BMW for years, I thought "My next car will be smaller, not bigger." That set me on the 997 road. I could see the reverse situation, driving a 996 or 997 and saying " I want a fast car I can drive daily without babying it", or whatever, and get the BMW. The price for performance and rear seat give the M3 a big advantage. Didn't carry the decision for me, but it would for most folks.

 

The E36 is a great car, I've owned one for 7 years now. You're right, it is better in ways. It a lighter car by about 200 pounds and it has more of a nimble and tossable feel to it. I've never driven a Euro-spec E36 but I imagine the extra 80 hp wouldn't hurt much either.

The E46 has alot more grip and the way the engine builds power right up to the 8K redline is totally addictive. The S54 is one of the finest engines BMW has ever made IMO. Like sclemmons said, it's all about what you value most.

 

I had an E46 and absolutely loved it. Not crazy about the new one though. I don't like the styling, with the big hood buldge (looks like it should be on a Pontiac). Also not a fan of the increased weight, and I'd rather have a sunroof than the carbon roof for a daily driver. I'm sure the new engine is great though.