German Car Zone

I saw Just_me's new avatar and got jealous. There is no reason for the mods to be boring. We can have our moments of fun too.

I read on mbworld.org that US has sold more M3's than the whole AMG range. Sounds to me like the market want a raw and hardcore M3, I dont see how the market has changed.
Only explanation I see for the M3 becoming softer is becuase of its size and weight and the upcoming M1. I cant see what the market has to do with M3, they could have made it raw as M3 E46 and it would still sell....a lot.

Really? Well, let me see what can i come up with... I ain't gonna touch my avatar, that you can forget, but whining does inspire me i must admit...

I'll wait for the other tests (EVO, SportAuto, Auto Zeitung, Auto Bild, AMS, R&T, Motor Trend, C&D, Fifth Gear etc.) before my conclusion but so far it isn't what was expected...

hmmm. disappointing so far ... But in the end its personal driving experience that matters and I'm sure it will be plenty raw from most drivers around th world

I have to say I'm a bit disappointed by the initial reviews. I'm hoping its a case of that let down feeling we all get when something gets over-hyped and when you check it out for yourself you're disappointed because your expectations were really unrealistic in the 1st place. Like a new movie. To get a real flavor, the major competitors have to be pitted against one on another on the same track on the same day.

Not surprised by the initial thoughts however, BMW is definitely set on making the 3 series in general a more upscale car and with that comes sacrifices and compromises at the expense of the purist. Sadly the majority of people casting votes with their wallets are not enthusiasts or purists or really using the car for a 1/3 of what it's cable of. You won't find them on forums, or at track days. How many times have we all blown past someone on the motorway and wondered why they even have the car?

Have to say something to whoever said the car has been "Americanized". I resent that remark. Its a broad generalization and a bit insulting. As if to say Americans are soft. The harder, rawer, manual M5 would not exist if it weren't for the American market.

The customers are always asked what upgrades they want from the next generation of the model. I'm sure the research showed most customers want more luxury & more daily car, while still capable of performing excellently. And they got it.

Also ... BMW is determined to get every single M model a specific personality. And ... more CLS models will be available then before. M3 CSL, M6 CSL, maybe even Z4 M CSL & M1 CSL. Who knows ...

nothing insulting at all, dont take it wrong. US is BMW biggest and most important market and according to ENi, surveys has been done so if US is the most important market then they have most "saying" in this.

and the manual M5 is a disappointment too, not as raw as M5 SMG, DSC cant even be turned of 100% like the SMG version can. Most reviews from US has been negative about manual M5. A manual M5 wont be available in Europe, I wonder why?

Agreed.
The 335i MT tested was also pre-production if I'm not mistaking.

Yep and Ferrari (with manual vs. the F1 transmission) also suffered from this problem.