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Waiting Impatiently: BMW M3 spied; 400-plus hp V8 expected for new model

AUTOWEEK
Posted Date: 9/1/05

Expect V8 magic when BMW unveils its E90-series M3, though that won’t happen until 2007. We hear BMW plans 400-plus hp transmitted through a seven-speed sequential manual gearbox. BMW will offer a six-speed manual and possibly an automatic as an option. We also hear rumblings of the return of the four-door M3—absent from the E46 range—to complement the coupe and convertible lineup.

I am not so sure if that is actually the M3 testing. It might be the new 3er coupe instead of the M3. Notice no quad exhaust and a full automatic transmission.

They also say "Mmm, mmm, M3...."

"When BMW launches a car, you can usually expect an M version to follow shortly, particularly when its latest offering is the new 3 Series. We snagged these photos of the next M3, which like its predecessor distinguishes itself from the standard 3 Series with dual exhausts and larger front air inlets."

They ar spy pics, but it looks like its an M3 too Autoweek...

Well I personally doubt it. I think Autoweek might have it wrong, but that just might be me.

You see when the M5 was testing you could see the distinguised exhuast and the SMG inside. This 3er coupe does not have a quad exhaust and has a full automatic transmission.

I highly doubt is also becuase the 3er coupe is not out yet. It would make sense if this was a 4 door 3er with a quad exhaust.

I have always seen BMW test their M versions after the platform is already out. The E92 is not out yet, so therefore I would conclude that this is not the M3.

Well all the 3'er E90's dont have dual exhaust that i seen, im no expert, but this is what i ususally see:



It has two pipes, but next to each other.

The ones in the older spy pics are on other ends.

I know. Nevetheless I think that for the 3er coupe there will be a dual exhaust. That picture that you showed me is a dual exhaust, just directed to one side. The same goes for the picture that you originally posted. Audi did this for both the new A4 and the A4 Cab. I think BMW might do it for the coupe.

Definatley possible.... i guess only time will tell...

Well, that is definately not the M3 testing. That's the 3er coupe/cab or whatever it's going to be, but it isn't the upcoming M3.

I had a bit of a discussion with Tine at germancaraddicts before, and he confirmed it wasn't the M3.

Still, ...i'm liking the overall profile of the car. I hope it turns out much like the MB CL's profile, of sleek yet sophisticated, because I love that look..!!

I remember reading that Tine's contact 'scott26' (or some similar name) said that BMW were aiming for a 4th qtr release for the 3er coupe/conv' so expect some more revealing pictures real soon.

I'm just wondering how you guys would feel if the next M3 came with "only" 400hp, while the new RS4 has 425hp under the hood ? You would feel disappointed that it's been outpowered, or would you hope that the new M3 continues the M3's heritage of superb handling and responsiveness, ..and that would be enough to beat the new RS4. ??

Even though currently it is not much of a difference but the S4 has 345hp and the M3 has 333hp. The M3 has still been rated overall better in many aspects. I think BMW knows what they are doing and mean business.