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07-04-2007, 04:57 PM | #67 | |
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The steering rack is on a par with the Z4M Coupe, which means much quicker than the E46 M3 and enabling the E92 to feel more agile as a consequence. Yes, it hides its weight well. So much so that it does not feel heavier than the E46 M3, in fact I would say it feels lighter though chunky and substantial. Understeer? What understeer? The M3 doesn't seem to do understeer. This is now probably the easiest BMW yet made to oversteer and drift with, it's so predictable and easy to anticipate that it's a joy to get out of shape. The M3 feels just right in terms of tyres, lots of grip from specially developed Michelin PS2s but with progressive breakaway. We did play around with the DSC settings. DSC off was predictable and easy to control. M-Dynamic mode was closer to M-track (as on the CSL, which I realise you wont have tried, but it allows sideways action on slippery roads), then DSC ON is still not too invasive and allows plenty of speed to be carried through corners without getting in the way. There is a good mix of options to suit everyone. |
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07-04-2007, 05:00 PM | #68 | |
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The Power settings do not reduce engine power output, but now there are more settings to define how aggressively the throttle map is used. We found that the default mode was still plenty sharp enough and was better than the default option available in the E46 M3 (i.e. when in non-Sport). |
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07-04-2007, 05:09 PM | #69 |
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07-04-2007, 06:52 PM | #71 |
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Steve,
Thanks for all your work and effort getting the information out so quickly. Much appreciated. Question, would you have guessed after driving the M3 that it has less torque than the RS4, if you hadn't already known the spec numbers of both cars? Do you have concerns about the brakes holding up on the track? |
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07-04-2007, 07:00 PM | #72 | |
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07-04-2007, 08:21 PM | #73 | |
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E92 M3: 3478/420 = 8.30 lb/hp E46 M3 CSL: 3130/360 = 8.69 lb/hp Plus an extra 400 rpm redline! Last edited by swamp2; 07-05-2007 at 01:22 AM.. |
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07-04-2007, 08:32 PM | #74 |
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Much thanks to you Steve for providing us with answers, in your opinion do you think the DCT will be released along side the 6mt when it reaches the states?
p.s. Is M-Drive standard or will it be a option? I always thought all new Ms come with the M button on the stearing wheel standard. |
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07-04-2007, 08:45 PM | #75 |
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Will it set my trousers on fire?
Love all of the comments about the engine noises. I like the shape a lot too - not worried about that. I want the car you drove, but with the Audi paint. BMW and their uninspiring, muddy reds. How do you mess up red? |
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07-05-2007, 01:39 AM | #77 | |
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Interlagos is a difficult color also, because it looks different in changing light conditions, from a deep blue in bright sunlight ( wich I do like) to deep purple in the shade or evening conditions ( wich I don`t like). Gerez will also react on the amount off light available. Both colors are not my 1st choise. The color that did shock me was and still is; Silverstone2; AWESOME IMO |
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07-05-2007, 01:56 AM | #78 |
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iDrive interface standard?
Thanks for all the great info Steved . I am curious if the iDrive interface will be standard in the US market as is the case on the 2008 5 series. Seems Nav is extra but iDrive is standard. Important issue for me because I had an 06 330i with Nav/iDrive and loved it, but I always could do without the Nav but I don't want any Bimmer minus iDrive....your thoughts? Second. have any idea what the difference is between Jerez Black and Black Sapphire Metallic?? Thanks in advance...
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07-05-2007, 02:39 AM | #79 |
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[QUOTE=Steved;1141053]It sounds like a mix between a Ferrari V8 and an M5. Nothing else in BMW's range sounds anything like it, and the engine could easily be slotted into something very exotic looking and feel right at home. QUOTE]
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07-05-2007, 04:12 AM | #80 | |
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I've got wood. |
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07-05-2007, 04:46 AM | #81 |
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07-05-2007, 04:48 AM | #82 | |
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But, I'll go ahead. You come across as an arrogant prick. |
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07-05-2007, 05:59 AM | #83 |
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Have you driven one?
Compared to the C63 yes, not compared to a Ford Focus. Rs4 have had 420hp for a long time now. Bmw should have given the M3 at least 440hp, at least it would look good on paper and good for bragging rights. The horsepower gap between M3 E46 and M5 E39 was much smaller than M3 E92 and M5 e60. Why the hell did they change that for the new M3. I really hope the M3 engine has more power than BMW claim it does. |
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07-05-2007, 08:33 AM | #86 |
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Steved, thanks for the great write up. What I want to know, and I think Gabri was going in this direction, is how does it handle compared to the Z4M? It's obviously got more power, but how does it feel when hitting turns hard? Also, what's the weight balance look like? Is close to 50/50 or more like 52/48?
P.S. I love your car collection.
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07-05-2007, 08:46 AM | #87 |
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Steve,
Do you have any experience in the 335? What about a 335 with an ECU piggyback for more power? I guess the questions I'm getting at are: The 335 is quick (faster than BMW's official numbers), how does the new M compare? Is it night and day, hands down, M all the way, or would the 335 hold its own? What about a 335 with a $1300 ECU piggyback + $1500 exhaust putting down 375 whp/405 lb/ft torque? I'm not really trying to ask if the modded 335 is as good as an M. Obviously you can't turn a 3-series into an M without some serious effort/cost, but bang for the buck, for a person who will never ever track the car, is a modded 335 even in the same league? Thanks for the insight thus far. Very enjoyable. |
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07-05-2007, 08:50 AM | #88 | |
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Could have fooled me.
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