Evolution: The M3s Front Bumper

3XTR3M3 · 01-20-2011, 06:04 PM

The BMW M3 has gone through 4 stages of front bumpers and different openings.

-The E30 M3 had two slight openings in the center of bumper. Very simple.

-The E36 M3 had one perfectly rectangle opening in the center of the bumper with slightly rounded edges. Pretty big change from the E30.

-The E46 M3 took the concept of the big opening in the center of the bumper and widened it UP TOP, giving the E46 a happy or

like look.

-The E9X M3 took the E46 approach and flipped it up-side down, if you will. Widening the BOTTOM of the center opening giving it a VERY aggressive look.

So, we have seen a perfect rectangle opening, a wide up top opening, and a wide down low opening on the M3.

I'm wondering what sort of opening the F3X M3 may have. We have seen a few renders and predications of the next M3 and it seems like the artists behind it are giving it the SAME style opening as the current E9X M3.

I really don't think the next M3 will have a similar opening to the current M3 because history shows its change the style of center openings with each model change.

How do you think the next M3s bumper will evolve? Will it be a rectangle opening with the top and bottom pinched inwards? Or the sides pitched inwards? Will they go back to a square opening like the E36? What do you think?

BCA · 01-20-2011, 06:13 PM

I think the next generation will be an evolution of the E9x as seen in the F10 M5 spy shots. For some reason, I don't foresee an entirely new design this time. I guess no one really knows, though. I think it's a bit early to speculate but once the new M3 starts testing on the 'Ring, I'll be on the lookout! The grille area should be more square or bubbled-looking as seen in the F01 and F10 due to the new EU pedestrian regs, that's for sure.

Erhan · 01-20-2011, 06:14 PM

I think they're gonna have to have a bigger opening to keep the turbo(s) cool. I'm pretty sure they'll have those vertical inlets like the 1M too.

ooowowizstev · 01-20-2011, 07:02 PM

Maybe an oval-ish opening lol?

Stainless 45 · 01-20-2011, 07:18 PM

It will have an opening that passes all the way through the car and out the back- it's "greener" that way

01-20-2011, 06:04 PM	#1
3XTR3M3 Lieutenant Colonel 99 Rep 1,575 Posts Drives: E92 AW M3 6MT Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: LA iTrader: (1)	Evolution: The M3s Front Bumper - Whats Next? The BMW M3 has gone through 4 stages of front bumpers and different openings. -The E30 M3 had two slight openings in the center of bumper. Very simple. -The E36 M3 had one perfectly rectangle opening in the center of the bumper with slightly rounded edges. Pretty big change from the E30. -The E46 M3 took the concept of the big opening in the center of the bumper and widened it UP TOP, giving the E46 a happy or like look. -The E9X M3 took the E46 approach and flipped it up-side down, if you will. Widening the BOTTOM of the center opening giving it a VERY aggressive look. So, we have seen a perfect rectangle opening, a wide up top opening, and a wide down low opening on the M3. I'm wondering what sort of opening the F3X M3 may have. We have seen a few renders and predications of the next M3 and it seems like the artists behind it are giving it the SAME style opening as the current E9X M3. I really don't think the next M3 will have a similar opening to the current M3 because history shows its change the style of center openings with each model change. How do you think the next M3s bumper will evolve? Will it be a rectangle opening with the top and bottom pinched inwards? Or the sides pitched inwards? Will they go back to a square opening like the E36? What do you think? __________________
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01-20-2011, 06:13 PM	#2
BCA Captain 21 Rep 793 Posts Drives: 2015 M3 Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (1)	I think the next generation will be an evolution of the E9x as seen in the F10 M5 spy shots. For some reason, I don't foresee an entirely new design this time. I guess no one really knows, though. I think it's a bit early to speculate but once the new M3 starts testing on the 'Ring, I'll be on the lookout! The grille area should be more square or bubbled-looking as seen in the F01 and F10 due to the new EU pedestrian regs, that's for sure. __________________ 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera S 2019 Porsche Cayenne Past BMWs: 2015 M3, 2014 550i, 2013 M3 ZCP, 2012 535i, 2011 E90 335i, 2009 E90 M3, 2008 X5, 2006 330i, 2004 330i
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01-20-2011, 06:14 PM	#3
Erhan Colonel 87 Rep 2,464 Posts Drives: Cooper S Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Seattle iTrader: (0)	I think they're gonna have to have a bigger opening to keep the turbo(s) cool. I'm pretty sure they'll have those vertical inlets like the 1M too. __________________ 2011 MINI Cooper S previous cars: E92 M3, Z4MC, Z4 Roadster, E36 328 Sedan
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01-20-2011, 07:02 PM	#4
ooowowizstev Brigadier General 141 Rep 4,903 Posts Drives: '08 E92 M3 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Los Angeles, Irvine iTrader: (4) Garage List 2008 BMW E92 M3 [10.00]	Maybe an oval-ish opening lol? __________________ '08 E92 ///M3 - AW/BLK/CF, M-DCT, 19's H&R, Vorsteiner, Eisenmann, BMC, BBS More to come...
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01-20-2011, 07:18 PM	#5
Stainless 45 Captain 87 Rep 602 Posts Drives: Last of the V-8 Interceptors Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Long Island, NY iTrader: (1)	It will have an opening that passes all the way through the car and out the back- it's "greener" that way
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