AWD F32 M3 xDrive appears likely to be made

Jason · 04-07-2011, 01:10 PM

According to this article, the F10 M5 is possible.

To me it then seems that an AWD F32 M3 xDrive variant is definitely likely, IF the F10 M5 gets such a variant. In addition to the standard RWD model of course.

This is directly from the mouth of BMW M's head of research and development, Albert Biermann.

mkoesel · 04-07-2011, 02:06 PM

I remain very skeptical they will go this direction. The last thing these cars need is more weight.

Now, I would not be surprised to see a M5 GT and M3 GT with AWD in the future. However, for M coupes and sedans, I really doubt it.

Seattle S65B40 · 04-07-2011, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkoesel

I remain very skeptical they will go this direction. The last thing these cars need is more weight.

Now, I would not be surprised to see a M5 GT and M3 GT with AWD in the future. However, for M coupes and sedans, I really doubt it.

Agreed. I was thinking the same thing. It would be heavier for sure. But, as we know from 911 TT, it can be great for handling..

southlight · 04-07-2011, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkoesel

I remain very skeptical they will go this direction. The last thing these cars need is more weight.

Now, I would not be surprised to see a M5 GT and M3 GT with AWD in the future. However, for M coupes and sedans, I really doubt it.

Strictly speaking, an entirely new M model with AWD wouldn't be an "all-wheel drive suprise" (Biermann's words). I think it's a good idea as long as BMW leaves its customers a choice. Some are willing to lose some agility for AWD, others aren't. Cater both groups' needs and all are happy.

Best regards,
south

Seattle S65B40 · 04-07-2011, 02:12 PM

AWD = Heavy + higher ride height

mdosu · 04-07-2011, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seattle S65B40

AWD = Heavy + higher ride height

i agree with heavy, but higher ride height?? this is a joke right?

mkoesel · 04-07-2011, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by southlight

Strictly speaking, an entirely new M model with AWD wouldn't be an "all-wheel drive suprise" (Biermann's words).

Why not south? I think an AWD M3GT would be somewhat surpising. For that matter, an M5GT would be surprising regardless of AWD or RWD given that from what we've heard before, none is currently planned.

Quote:

I think it's a good idea as long as BMW leaves its customers a choice. Some are willing to lose some agility for AWD, others aren't. Cater both groups' needs and all are happy.

I think the X3M and X4M will be great vehicles for those who need AWD.

GOLFFRR · 04-07-2011, 02:20 PM

interesting

Navin323i · 04-07-2011, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdosu

i agree with heavy, but higher ride height?? this is a joke right?

Higher ride height was certainly the case with the awd E46 Xi models (note that Seattle has owned an E46 325xi previously).

Navin323i · 04-07-2011, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkoesel

I think the X3M and X4M will be great vehicles for those who need AWD.

Wow... I wasn't even aware that an X3M and X4M were being considered as future vehicles.

southlight · 04-07-2011, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkoesel

Why not south? I think an AWD M3GT would be somewhat surpising. For that matter, an M5GT would be surprising regardless of AWD or RWD given that from what we've heard before, none is currently planned.

These would be all-new M models so BMW is pretty much free to decide which layout to go with. An M3 or M5 on the other hand is already known as RWD cars, thus an AWD option is something I'd call a surprise.

I also doubt there'll be M-variants of the GT models at all, but that's a different story.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkoesel

I think the X3M and X4M will be great vehicles for those who need AWD.

True, but then again, there are AWD versions of the E90 and E92, so there seems to be a need for AWD outside of the SAV buyer demographic.

Best regards,
south

Seattle S65B40 · 04-07-2011, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Navin323i

Higher ride height was certainly the case with the awd E46 Xi models (note that Seattle has owned an E46 325xi previously).

Correct. I drew that conclusion from my previous experience. E46 Xi models were at least an inch higher front and back. Hopefully they don't do that with Ms.

Question is though: Will xDrive models have a ZCP option (assuming Future M3s have this option)?

donovan · 04-07-2011, 02:31 PM

I'd try it out....

mkoesel · 04-07-2011, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by southlight

These would be all-new M models so BMW is pretty much free to decide which layout to go with. An M3 or M5 on the other hand is already known as RWD cars, thus an AWD option is something I'd call a surprise.

Agree these would be a surprise, but I think that an M3GT AWD would also be a surprise. I just think there is a lot of room for interpretation in Biermann's words, and we shouldn't read too much into them.

Unless I can take your somewhat uncharacteristic passion for such a mundane topic as some indicator that you may indeed know more facts than are currently public here.

Quote:

I also doubt there'll be M-variants of the GT models at all, but that's a different story.

SCOTT seems to think there is a good chance for an M3GT. May I boldly predict that if such a vehicle arrives, it will come with AWD. That would put a nice tidy wrapper and bow on all these rumors.

Quote:

True, but then again, there are AWD versions of the E90 and E92, so there seems to be a need for AWD outside of the SAV buyer demographic.

Yes, though BMW positions the XDrive system for these cars as one for utility and tends to pitch them as such. Granted, when marketing XM5/X6M they sing a slightly different tune. adding the performance aspect into the equation. Sure, BMW can change this strategy going forward also. We shall see. I think the soon-to-be-dearly-departed RWD M3 sedan has a much larger market than a would-be AWD M3 coupe, so I don't see why all the cause for investment in this and the change in focus. Like I say, I am skeptical.

aus · 04-07-2011, 02:40 PM

Just another example of diluting the //M brand. I'm not agaist xDrive, but it would never be considered with the people who started //M.

Poppin Fresh · 04-07-2011, 02:53 PM

Somewhere in hell, Satan is putting on his ice skating shoes.

Leave the ///M brand to it's RWD platform and allow Alpina to create AWD beasts such as the B7xi.

templarklimek · 04-07-2011, 02:57 PM

I would be open to a AWD option if you could still get a manual tranny. For those of you who are expert drivers you may not need it. I'm not quite that good and would enjoy the added control it provides.

I had a Audi S5 6-spd before and loved the AWD. Just make it an option so we can choose what we like.

James T. Kirk · 04-07-2011, 03:39 PM

What a mess. Turbo, AWD, Start/Stop. How about DCT-only, too?

This may be the future for M, but M may not be the future for me.

crackberry · 04-07-2011, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aus

Just another example of diluting the //M brand. I'm not agaist xDrive, but it would never be considered with the people who started //M.

i know right? no compromise my a$$.

with the way things are going, i wouldnt be suprised if m engines are no longer hand built.

Navin323i · 04-07-2011, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seattle S65B40

Correct. I drew that conclusion from my previous experience. E46 Xi models were at least an inch higher front and back. Hopefully they don't do that with Ms.

Question is though: Will xDrive models have a ZCP option (assuming Future M3s have this option)?

Haha... yeah as soon as you mentioned ride height I knew EXACTLY what you were talking about... we E46 owners are all on the same page, lol.

Erhan · 04-07-2011, 04:30 PM

I want my quad-turbo, diesel powered, AWD, 12 speed torque converter auto, M3 with massaging seats and auto open/close trunk already..

OC3 · 04-07-2011, 04:31 PM

^ Yeah!!!

04-07-2011, 01:10 PM	#1
Jason Administrator 40636 Rep 21,237 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	AWD F32 M3 xDrive appears likely to be made According to this article, the F10 M5 is possible. To me it then seems that an AWD F32 M3 xDrive variant is definitely likely, IF the F10 M5 gets such a variant. In addition to the standard RWD model of course. This is directly from the mouth of BMW M's head of research and development, Albert Biermann. __________________ Check on the Latest BMW News Become a fan of Bimmerpost Facebook Follow us on Bimmerpost Twitter Subscribe to Bimmerpost Youtube Channel
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04-07-2011, 02:06 PM	#2
mkoesel Moderator 7509 Rep 19,370 Posts Drives: No BMW for now Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Canton, MI iTrader: (1)	I remain very skeptical they will go this direction. The last thing these cars need is more weight. Now, I would not be surprised to see a M5 GT and M3 GT with AWD in the future. However, for M coupes and sedans, I really doubt it.
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04-07-2011, 02:12 PM	#5
Seattle S65B40 Major 213 Rep 1,395 Posts Drives: 2008 e92 M3 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: PNW iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW M3 [0.00]	AWD = Heavy + higher ride height __________________ Club 6MT 2008 E92 M3 6MT, AW/Blk Ext., brushed aluminum 2006 E46 M3 ZCP 6MT Carbon blk/blk(sold) 2001 E46 325Xi 5MT Jet Blk/Blk (sold)
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04-07-2011, 02:20 PM	#8
GOLFFRR 10769 Rep 27,579 Posts Drives: GOLFFRR cart Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: we sell BMWs to "ALL" US states iTrader: (4)	interesting __________________ BEFORE YOU BUY YOUR NEXT BMW, EMAIL OUR GUY KOTE FIRST! Kote M Sales:Kotem@bmwofcamarillo.com Cell:805-368-9101 vipfinance@bmwofcamarillo.com for warranties!
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04-07-2011, 02:31 PM	#13
donovan Brigadier General 370 Rep 4,167 Posts Drives: R8 - Ford Raptor Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: National iTrader: (17)	I'd try it out.... __________________ Audi R8 v10 Ford Raptor m3e46freak@yahoo.comfor all euro parts!! ebay/craigslist verified/ m3post/e46fanantics/m3forum/zpost/bimmerforum
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04-07-2011, 02:40 PM	#15
aus Major General 890 Rep 9,031 Posts Drives: Odysse Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Seal Beach, CA iTrader: (10)	Just another example of diluting the //M brand. I'm not agaist xDrive, but it would never be considered with the people who started //M. __________________ Let me get this straight... You are swapping out parts designed by some of the top engineers in the world because some guys sponsored by a company told you it's "better??" But when you ask the same guy about tracking, "oh no, I have a kid now" or "I just detailed my car." or "i just got new tires."
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04-07-2011, 02:53 PM	#16
Poppin Fresh Colonel 85 Rep 2,148 Posts Drives: With a sunroof and front plate Join Date: May 2009 Location: Bergen County NJ iTrader: (0)	Somewhere in hell, Satan is putting on his ice skating shoes. Leave the ///M brand to it's RWD platform and allow Alpina to create AWD beasts such as the B7xi. __________________
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04-07-2011, 02:57 PM	#17
templarklimek templarklimek 141 Rep 868 Posts Drives: 15' X6M, 12' R8 V10, Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Houston Texas iTrader: (0)	I would be open to a AWD option if you could still get a manual tranny. For those of you who are expert drivers you may not need it. I'm not quite that good and would enjoy the added control it provides. I had a Audi S5 6-spd before and loved the AWD. Just make it an option so we can choose what we like.
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04-07-2011, 03:39 PM	#18
James T. Kirk Captain of the Enterprise 101 Rep 1,424 Posts Drives: 2011 1 Series M Coupe Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Alpha Quadrant, Sector 001 iTrader: (0)	What a mess. Turbo, AWD, Start/Stop. How about DCT-only, too? This may be the future for M, but M may not be the future for me. __________________ 2011 1 Series M Coupe VO M3 vs 1M Comparo Review 2011 M3 E90 DCT ZCP (sold) * 2010 335i Sedan (sold) 2005 M3 Convertible (sold) * 2003 325i Sedan (sold)
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04-07-2011, 04:30 PM	#21
Erhan Colonel 87 Rep 2,464 Posts Drives: Cooper S Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Seattle iTrader: (0)	I want my quad-turbo, diesel powered, AWD, 12 speed torque converter auto, M3 with massaging seats and auto open/close trunk already.. __________________ 2011 MINI Cooper S previous cars: E92 M3, Z4MC, Z4 Roadster, E36 328 Sedan Last edited by Erhan; 04-07-2011 at 04:41 PM.. Reason: forgot the trunk :)
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04-07-2011, 04:31 PM	#22
OC3 Havin' a blast! 123 Rep 4,847 Posts Drives: 2013 M3 E92 Jerez Blk DCT ZCP Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: SoCal iTrader: (1)	^ Yeah!!! __________________ BRP 1:56 \| CVR 2:01 \| ACS 1:53 \| WSIR 1:34
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