New M3 info. (& sunroof clarification)

[888]

I spoke to BMW SA (South Africa). The first demo cars ,for SA, will go into production in June, customer cars in September, some interesting facts:

18” std option 19’
C/F roof OR sunroof with sheet metal
M option pack
M drive (option)
Electric damper control (option)
45 customer cars for 2006
Only manual and then in early 08 the “new” gearbox.

[M2002]

Whats M option pack and M drive?

[888]

I think M option pack includes the 19" and some things like adjustable side seat bolsters. The M drive I think is the M button as on the M5. I wana know what is electric damper control?

[verman]

BMW's EDC explained:

http://www.bmw.co.za/Products/FIRST/Active/act-EDC.htm

[Last E92 M3]

Originally Posted by 888

I think M option pack includes the 19" and some things like adjustable side seat bolsters. The M drive I think is the M button as on the M5. I wana know what is electric damper control?

reminds me of Tein's EDFC
http://www.tein.com/edfc.html

cool feature

[edit] verman beat me to it

[skierman64]

EDC, that will be nice. A softer ride when you want it but you can stiffen it up for the track. How awesome. No viagra required

[Mii]

Originally Posted by 888

Only manual and then in early 08 the “new” gearbox.

This got to be the DSG gearbox otherwise there is nothing "new" that BMW wouldn't say.

[T Bone]

Originally Posted by M2002

Whats M option pack and M drive?

This will likely be faster and more aggressive DSC.....the new M3 will be using the Flexray bus that allows the computers to control the dynamics on the car much quicker and better than with the system.....

[Robert]

Originally Posted by T Bone

This will likely be faster and more aggressive DSC.....the new M3 will be using the Flexray bus that allows the computers to control the dynamics on the car much quicker and better than with the system.....

So it's only available through options? It doesnt make sense BMW will have some of their Ms less responsive than others. I believe the Flexray is standarded.

[T Bone]

Originally Posted by bobbo

So it's only available through options? It doesnt make sense BMW will have some of their Ms less responsive than others. I believe the Flexray is standarded.

I am just guessing with the best of them..... but this wouldn't make sense for me either. Who knows it could be just a $350 option.....

I just hope the Flexray stuff isn't just marketing hype.....

[mdriver]

Yessssssss! At least sunroof is an option for those who loves a naturally lit cockpit. Do you know if it's a moon roof (I know you indicated 'sheet metal') I just wish it is since winter is long here in Canada. I bet someone will agree with me.

[mcoupeman]

m option pack is the speed-limiter being raised (m5 has this also)
carbon fiber roof (new), or steel roof with a sunroof just like 335i
m-drive just like m5 (m button for engine power,edc, seats,etc.)
edc=electronic damper control, again nothing new (m5,750li,760li,e34m5,etc.)
new gearbox = twin-cluth type just like dsg from volkswagen

[888]

Originally Posted by mdriver

Yessssssss! At least sunroof is an option for those who loves a naturally lit cockpit. Do you know if it's a moon roof (I know you indicated 'sheet metal') I just wish it is since winter is long here in Canada. I bet someone will agree with me.

steel roof with a sunroof just like 335i (Thanks Mcoupeman)

[M2002]

Originally Posted by mcoupeman

m option pack is the speed-limiter being raised (m5 has this also)

I never knew that was possible. so you sre telling me that the speed limiter in the m5 can be raised? if so then what is the new limit?

[southlight]

Originally Posted by M2002

I never knew that was possible. so you sre telling me that the speed limiter in the m5 can be raised? if so then what is the new limit?

305 km/h (kph)

[m_bazeepaymon]

this thread sounds very fishy...

Its like paying an extra 350 bucks to BMW to have a Sport Button on the E46 ......

[888]

Originally Posted by m_bazeepaymon

this thread sounds very fishy...

Its like paying an extra 350 bucks to BMW to have a Sport Button on the E46 ......

I agree it does sound strange that M drive is an option when I asked what it is I was told “It is the M button as on the M5”. This information I thought was worth sharing and obviously BMW don’t want to give away the game at this stage but the first cars have been specked by the few dealers that will be getting demo vehicles and thus the options list has become available at dealer level. I will get to speck my car in August for September production. My choice for now is white with c/f roof (I like the contrast as per M6). All the M packs 19” rims the new sound system and the EDC. If all goes well I will be one of the first customers in the world with this car (I hope).

[888]

Also remember the options list will be different for some territories. My E46 came with everything that was optional in other markets. Our cars are very expensive so BMW often throws us a bone by giving us some extras that you must pay for in the USA. Just to give you guys an idea we pay about $120 000 for the M5.

[m_bazeepaymon]

Originally Posted by 888

I agree it does sound strange that M drive is an option when I asked what it is I was told “It is the M button as on the M5”. This information I thought was worth sharing and obviously BMW don’t want to give away the game at this stage but the first cars have been specked by the few dealers that will be getting demo vehicles and thus the options list has become available at dealer level. I will get to speck my car in August for September production. My choice for now is white with c/f roof (I like the contrast as per M6). All the M packs 19” rims the new sound system and the EDC. If all goes well I will be one of the first customers in the world with this car (I hope).

I'm not saying your message is B.S.
just confused thats all....
good find though