new M3 Concept Coupe -- Large PICS and Observations

[BMW //MPOWER]

Freaking Sweet!!!

[wenfa]

i think the new vents along the sides are not an improvment, but overall i like the car

[WilyB]

The sales of CSL replica wheels is gonna shot through the roof!

[SUBLIM3]

Not bad, some angles look weird. Not feeling the front bumper, would rather have seen an M5 style bumper. Rear diffuser? Looks like something ACS or Hamann would make up. Should have incorporated a CSL style bootlid into it. Bottomline, if it's gonna perform like the e46 x2, then I'm in. Slap some Lm's on that, it'll look better.

[ase2dais]

yeah! Im glad they reincarnated the CSLs. looks nice

ZCP wheels will definitely hold their value

[adc]

I don't understand why some posters complain about the previously understated look going out the window.

The only understated M3 was the E36, which only enthusiasts of the marque could easily distinguish from a contemporary 325 Sport.

The E30 M3 was truly garish in its outspokenness , what with all the tacky Koenig-style fenders - but then for its day it was an outstanding machine and everything it did was proudly displayed on the box.

The E46 M3 cannot be considered understated IMO. It has a power dome hood, inoperative (but decorative) side extraction vents, wide-ass fenders, quad exhaust and a sprinkling of other aero effects. It also came in such classy understated colors as LSB and Phoenix Yellow.

And guess what? The E92 M3 seems to have a (bigger, of course) power dome hood, similarly decorative side vents, wider fenders and a sprinkling of aero effects - the same E46 theme, moved forward in time.

[DaveE46]

There may be more to the air box that just the CF. The CSL runs Alpha N and the M3 runs MAF (Or something like that). Basically the two cars have very different methods of measuring air flow and the way the engine uses it. Also the air filter is before the air box on an M3 and it is after on the CSL. The induction noise difference might have something to do with this too.
I'm amazed just how knowlegable people can be when the nearest CSL is over 3000 miles away from them, whereas Steve and myself only have to step outside of our homes to hear them.
I don't know Steve but I am more likely to take on board what he says seeing as he was in Geneva has seen and heard the new M3 Concept and owns a CSL than someone from Texas.....Catch my drift?

[TOPHER325]

i think overall its pretty nice. im not crazy about the mirrors yet, but its good that the extra support bar is black. and as others have said, i think the hood is a bit too pronounced. it just seems really busy...the side view in particular. but dont get me wrong...i'd still drive the piss out of it!!!! can't wait to see it for real!!

[edspilot]

I'll bet it comes in at $75,000.00 USD, the way any of us would want it.

[heezyo2o]

I like it, but overall, I'm not that impressed. However, I do like the looks of the e92, so I'm sure the M3 will look great in person.

There's a thick steering wheel and a manual transmission, so I'm happy. Wasn't the e46 CSL available only with SMG.

[pnutt354]

i know a lot of u are disapointed, but i'm not!! I don't understand why everyone already are counting the new m3 out. a picture can only do so much. when i first saw the pics of the 335 i wasn't all that amazed...then i saw the beast at the dealer and test drove it...now i'm in love...

[Vazily]

I don't like the hood, but the rest of the car is so awsome.

[jtown]

No cup holders like on the 335i? Or is it that thing in the middle near the heated seats?

[coaster]

Originally Posted by edspilot

I'll bet it comes in at $75,000.00 USD,

For this kind of money I expect them to lose the damn POWERDOME!!! I too am deeply disappointed about this feature even though I have no problem with anything else on this car. The more I look at the pictures the more I see the POWERDOME and less of the other elements. It's nightmarish!

At least make it smaller, have mercy, we waited tooooo long for this car. The thingie on the hood is waaay over the top.

[cncmastr]

Originally Posted by M3_Defector

Not impressed at all! Someone already stated it..E46 for life. Whats up with steering wheel? Looks like something from MTV's "Pimp my Ride" No Recaro racing seats? How about some racing pedals? Is the interior completed? Looks to subdued.

I am glad that I made the decision not to wait!

Disappointed M3 Driver

I love how everyone is making their final purchase decision on a CONCEPT vehicle.

[bened]

I think that is an incredible looking car! it seems alot of people are a bit unimpressed and i can see that some aspects of the styling does seem a little o.t.t. However if thats not your thing the 335i is not really a bad alternative if you perfer a more subtle approach. To me BMW had to produce the M3 in this form. If they hadn't pushed the boundries and peoples preconceptions of what an m3 should be we would all be dissapointed if it came out in a lesser guise at the motor show, in design terms its far better to go to far in a design and if its not met with positive feedback retracting it to an aceptable solution than to under achive and have an uninteresting and lack luster concept. Wouldn't it be sickening if the m3 was along the lines of vw's idea of a performance car and bmw gave us an r32 as a step up from a golf gti. It would ruin bmw and everything they stand for. BMW rarely ever, if ever get it badly wrong, just think about when the current 5 series was launched, now peoples perception have changed its one of the sexiest cars on the road. Just think if your driving you car and that M3 suddenly appearerd in your rearview mirror, it would terrify you even without knowing of its power. Its an awesome piece of automotive architecture. Im starting my saving fund from now!

[ILC32]

Originally Posted by bened

I think that is an incredible looking car! it seems alot of people are a bit unimpressed and i can see that some aspects of the styling does seem a little o.t.t. However if thats not your thing the 335i is not really a bad alternative if you perfer a more subtle approach. To me BMW had to produce the M3 in this form. If they hadn't pushed the boundries and peoples preconceptions of what an m3 should be we would all be dissapointed if it came out in a lesser guise at the motor show, in design terms its far better to go to far in a design and if its not met with positive feedback retracting it to an aceptable solution than to under achive and have an uninteresting and lack luster concept. Wouldn't it be sickening if the m3 was along the lines of vw's idea of a performance car and bmw gave us an r32 as a step up from a golf gti. It would ruin bmw and everything they stand for. BMW rarely ever, if ever get it badly wrong, just think about when the current 5 series was launched, now peoples perception have changed its one of the sexiest cars on the road. Just think if your driving you car and that M3 suddenly appearerd in your rearview mirror, it would terrify you even without knowing of its power. Its an awesome piece of automotive architecture. Im starting my saving fund from now!

Great post. Agree 100%

[Z4Mr]

I'm in two minds. It's not as bland as I'd feared it might be. But it almost looks a little too aftermarket rather than cohesively resolved. As for the big question of how quick, it's gonna need 425hp plus and/or be significantly lightened over the E92. As for me, I gotta say (and having owned a E92 335d), it's still a bit bigger all round than I'd personally like a sporting BMW coupe to be. I'll be happy to stick with my Z4MR for a while yet. And if I want 4 seats in a sports coupe, I honestly think I'd prefer ($ for $) a 135i (assuming such a wee beastie will be making an appearance in due course). All that said, exciting stuff nonetheless!

Mike

[BMWDavid]

Originally Posted by adc

I don't understand why some posters complain about the previously understated look going out the window.

The only understated M3 was the E36, which only enthusiasts of the marque could easily distinguish from a contemporary 325 Sport.

The E30 M3 was truly garish in its outspokenness , what with all the tacky Koenig-style fenders - but then for its day it was an outstanding machine and everything it did was proudly displayed on the box.

The E46 M3 cannot be considered understated IMO. It has a power dome hood, inoperative (but decorative) side extraction vents, wide-ass fenders, quad exhaust and a sprinkling of other aero effects. It also came in such classy understated colors as LSB and Phoenix Yellow.

And guess what? The E92 M3 seems to have a (bigger, of course) power dome hood, similarly decorative side vents, wider fenders and a sprinkling of aero effects - the same E46 theme, moved forward in time.

The one on the left cooled what BMW calls an "electrobox" so the other one was included to balance the appearance.

[Housemaster]

Originally Posted by DaveE46

I don't know Steve but I am more likely to take on board what he says seeing as he was in Geneva has seen and heard the new M3 Concept and owns a CSL than someone from Texas.....Catch my drift?

I am with you Dave old boy!

[BMWDavid]

My e92 335 is officially for sale.

[Housemaster]

Originally Posted by david06M3

My e92 335 is officially for sale.

I'll give you ten of our english pounds for it, that's currently about $60,000 when I last checked