BMW Confirms: US M3 coupe production December 2007. Both coupe + sedan debut spring.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by devo

I guess I'll have the double cowl then. I don't really care about Nav., but I do want the upgraded stereo and would think M-Drive would be desirable? (Does M-Drive enable a suspension selection?)

Yeah, the M-Drive allows for the suspension adjustment.

[SS32]

Originally Posted by devo

So, am I correct to assume that with the Tech. Package, but without Nav., I can get all the goodies, without the double hump?

now that would be nice. I thought M drive was dependent on iDrive though..

[lucid]

I'm very glad double hump can be avoided, but not glad that happens at the expense of iDrive...

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by cowmoo32

now that would be nice. I thought M drive was dependent on iDrive though..

Yes.
"The MDrive option
The MDrive menu known from the M5/M6 is now also available as an option (SA 2MD) in the M3.

Starting from the iDrive main menu, the MDrive menu can be called up by pressing on the iDrive controller and selecting M settings. The iDrive controller can be used to configure the different MDrive settings ready to be called up. The overall setting is called up/activated by pressing on the M button on the steering wheel. Pressing the M button again or restarting the vehicle deactivates the settings. The settings can, of course, be retrieved again using the M button.

The following is a list of menu items with selection options that are currently available in the MDrive menu:
• M Engine Dynamics Control (Power)
– "Unchanged"
– "Normal"
– "Sport"
– "Sport Plus"
• DSC
– "Unchanged"
– "OFF"
– "ON"
– "M Dynamic mode"
• Servotronic
– "Normal"
– "Sport"
• EDC-K (only if fitted)
– "Unchanged"
– "Comfort"
– "Normal"
– "Sport".
By selecting "Unchanged", when theMbutton is pressed (i.e. the settings in the MDrive menu are called up), the current settings of this system are retained.

Example:
The driver has deactivated the Dynamic Stability Control function using the DSC button. MDrive setting: M Engine dynamics control "Sport Plus"; DSC "Unchanged"; Servotronic "Sport". The driver presses the M button on the steering wheel to call up the M settings. Only the "Sport Plus" and Servotronic "Sport" settings for M engine dynamics control are activated.
DSC remains deactivated." --BMW Aftersales Training Manual

[enigma]

Still no word on DSG/SMG gearbox

[Smoltz]

Originally Posted by lucid

I'm very glad double hump can be avoided, but not glad that happens at the expense of iDrive...

That fact has always been a given.

-Adam

[Smoltz]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

No! The Tech Package requires IDrive, so you will get the double cowl.

Not quite true. The Tech Package INCLUDES IDrive. End result is the same though.

-Adam

[swamp2]

Originally Posted by ILC32

No info on the transmission, which likely means that the 6 speed is the only choice at launch. Too bad for me because I will definitely wait for DSG or SMG.

Edit: "Order entry function and vehicle spec sheets will be available on DCSnet this week." No price yet. I can't see speccing a car without knowing how much each everything will cost.

Some good news for sure. Both exactly my thoughts as well. I'm sitting tight for M-DCT. Very strange that order entry is up with no pricing... No call from my stealer yet.

[lucid]

Originally Posted by Smoltz

That fact has always been a given.

-Adam

I expressed sentiment, not fact. Hence my usage of the word "glad".

Regardless, it is a rotten deal that avoiding the double hump means one cannot have the sport plus throttle setting. I don't see why that can't be accessed via the power button like the other two throttle settings.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by Smoltz

Not quite true. The Tech Package INCLUDES IDrive. End result is the same though.

-Adam

Includes!..................requires!.............. .......semantics basically!

[K3N R3D]

Yayyy!!!

[Mo]

any idea on what the m3 sedan will retail at?

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by Mo

any idea on what the m3 sedan will retail at?

All guesstimates at the moment, but a few grand less than the coupe. I'm guessing around $54-55k, with the coupe based at $55-56k. Others are guessing $57k for the sedan, and $60k for the coupe respectively.

[the_stranger]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

With that being said, what do you think the base price will be? I'm still thinking that it will be around $55-56k.

I was thinking it would be about 62K with Mdrive and iDrive standard like the M5, but now I am left clueless. I really hope that it would be 55-56k like you said. It makes sense too, coz they are not even offering leather as standard equipment.

[e36jakeo]

I am relieved to see them making the U.S. M3 standard without I-drive and leather. This should keep the base price in the $50Ks. I hope it also comes standard with manual seats since power seats weigh a LOT more than manuals.

If no i-drive, no leather, w/ CF roof and no power seats, I think it might weigh closer to 3590 lbs. I took the power seats out of my E36 M3 and they weighed 50 lbs each!!

[ronnie dobbs]

Originally Posted by e36jakeo

I am relieved to see them making the U.S. M3 standard without I-drive and leather. This should keep the base price in the $50Ks. I hope it also comes standard with manual seats since power seats weigh a LOT more than manuals.

If no i-drive, no leather, w/ CF roof and no power seats, I think it might weigh closer to 3590 lbs. I took the power seats out of my E36 M3 and they weighed 50 lbs each!!

What's the point of keeping base in the 50's if it doesn't come with the standard features that a 50k car should come with? Granted this will allow some people to order a car without leather, but for those who expected the car to come with the basic options, all it will mean is that every car not special ordered will have at least 6k in options. People may pretend like they'll order the base car, but I saw very few e46's that didn't have full leather (and I had one of them).

[m_bazeepaymon]

Originally Posted by ronnie dobbs

What's the point of keeping base in the 50's if it doesn't come with the standard features that a 50k car should come with? Granted this will allow some people to order a car without leather, but for those who expected the car to come with the basic options, all it will mean is that every car not special ordered will have at least 6k in options. People may pretend like they'll order the base car, but I saw very few e46's that didn't have full leather (and I had one of them).

sorry if this is a repeat... but does the ZTP package come with NAV? or do I need to also order Navigation to get it installed with the I drive

and one more question, if you have I drive all that you need would be the Navigation Disc no?
or you need a whole new system installed?

[m_bazeepaymon]

Originally Posted by devo

I guess I'll have the double cowl then. I don't really care about Nav., but I do want the upgraded stereo and would think M-Drive would be desirable? (Does M-Drive enable a suspension selection?)

P.S.
I am praying this is not a Photoshopped Hoax...
This is getting me really excited

[devo]

Originally Posted by m_bazeepaymon

P.S.
I am praying this is not a Photoshopped Hoax...
This is getting me really excited

I doubt it. Like I said in one of my previous posts, my local dealer told me this info a few days ago. I was a little skeptical myself and didn't want to start a new thread on it without verifiable data.

[alpineweissM3]

2 questions:

1. Will the e90 M3 have an oil dipstick? Or will we have to put our faith in a sensor like the 335/328?

2. If you don't get i/m-drive, what settings will the steering, engine, suspension have? hopefully more toward the more extreme as opposed to middle of the road.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by lucid

Regardless, it is a rotten deal that avoiding the double hump means one cannot have the sport plus throttle setting. I don't see why that can't be accessed via the power button like the other two throttle settings.

+1 Lucid. And ditto that for MDM mode. Like I said a while back, hopefully there will be an aftermarket solution.

[swamp2]

Originally Posted by e36jakeo

If no i-drive, no leather, w/ CF roof and no power seats, I think it might weigh closer to 3590 lbs.

The single actual measured weight data point I have is from the Italian magazine review and they found the car with all options (not all options you can order, just all of the options on that particular car) AND a full tank of fuel to be at 3538 lb (1605 kg). Why do you think you need a stripped car and less than a full tank to "get down to" 3600 lb?