drdrank

I have a buddy who can get a great deal on a new '12 BMW M3 with it's naturally aspirated V8. He was very excited but then read about the possibility of a refresh next year with the M4. The caveat is it probably comes with a Turbo charged V6.

I tried to give my thoughts on Turbo vs Non-Turbo generically.

But anyone have any thoughts on picking up this last natural V8 M3 or waiting for the new Turbo M4?

Thanks!

aussie jimmy

e46 cs 6 speed manual.
yeah, it's old, so what?

Mvez

+1 on the E46. Still love it.

Next M3 won't be out until 2014. If he has to be explained the difference between the current S65 engine and the inbound turdbro M3, then it probably won't matter which one he gets. Do him a favor and talk him into a masterpiece of a V8.

Or a flat-6

aero997c2s

If I were in the market for an m3 I would order a 12 to the exact spec I wanted. If he wants turbos tell him to get a 335 or 1M

9972RS

I just got the sedan for that reason. No turbos for me.

Veloce Raptor

I would take the V8.

TRAKCAR

C63 or wait for Turbo M3.

Watch Topgear Season 18 episode 7 regarding new M5 Turbo VS last years V10 screamer M5....
The new ones are better, but not more fun per se. That is why I would go C63, hammer time.

RSRanger

What are his intent with the BMW?
If you want a fast sedan (grocery getter) the E60 M5 are real deal used these days and the V10 screams.
The M3 (S65) with the DCT is quick but no Porsche.
Though will be more money but the MB C63 Black looks sweet for a DD.

Ranger (Sua Sponte)

Seth Thomas

V8 M3 all the way. Can't beat the sound of an 8500 RPM redline V8 in a well rounded chassis. Plus why wait 2 years to get a car you don't know if it is something people will like or not. The speed of V8 is already blinding fast.

P.J.S.

manual trans, white, no sunroof, v8, M3 with the comp package and resale will not be a problem... it is the closest you will get to a gt3 sedan

drdrank

Thanks for all the thoughts guys. Really appreciate it.

He wont be tracking the car. But wants something sporty that he can gun it in. I pushed flat-6 but he likes BMWs. I will reinforce the V8 opinion.

I love that M5 V10, totally agree--though I think he likes the 2-door M3.

New stuff is usually better, but if you're not racing and just want to have fun, I'm thinking natural V8 rippin at 8,500 RPM is the best. Not like John's bimmer that has noise pumping in through the speakers (WTF)!!!

On M5s...E30 M5 or E60 M5? I'm partial to the E30. Looks more badass. You remember that BMW short films series "The Hire" they put out for the E30? With Clive Owen driving? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hire

911SLOW

The V8 is a pig. And judging by the weight of the new M5 the next M3 won't necessarily be any lighter.

Not that this answers your question, but BMW should remove 600 pounds and put back a N/A 9k 6-cyl.

: )

lopro

Id go with ranger on this one, The black bm he has is just killer. v10 all the way if not then m3 v8 - I had that car its sweet and if not that the the 1m as it really holds its own with the m3 because of weight/size and nimbleness

If he goes with the v8m3 i have lots of parts for that car that I should get off my ace and sell someday

mrm 930

Go with the '12 M3 V8. I have the E60 M5 V-10 as a daily and it is a blast to drive. Push a button go from 400HP to 510HP and watch the gas gauge go down. On the new ones, I still think that I would rather have the V-10 then the new twin turbo V-8.

Bottom line - whatever puts the smile on your face. Drive it!

10 BMW M5 (daily driver)
12 Cayenne S Hybrid (wife's)
78 930 (heavily modified)
08 GT3 RS (modified)

DogInBlack

Agreed, this car is silly fast. The E92 M3 is a terrific street car, and the V8 has the torque to get you there now, and then it keeps revving all the way to 8500. Handles and brakes fantastically. As a track car, this fat girl needs a serious diet with the babysitters off. Traction control programming isn't designed for the track and will cause brake fade in a regular DE session.