Wednesday 4th April 2007

The production M3

Leaked shots of the production M3 on the internet

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The production M3?

Photographs said to be of the new BMW M3 in production form have leaked onto the internet – in advance of the official release date.

These official press shots show the beefy 414bhp coupé as sticking very close to the concept version shown at the Geneva motor show last month.

Click on the link below to see for yourself.

New M3 pictures

Related stories:

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/news/default.asp?storyId=16061

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/news/default.asp?storyId=15992

[loach]

I was afraid they wouldn't take things as far as the Geneva concept indicated, but it looks like they did. Nice one, BMW. That looks brilliant.


But most importantly - is it just me or did that look like a conventional manual shifter in the interior shot? If it was, then that God for that. I was sure they were going to issue it initially with Muppetronic only. Hooray if they didn't. Makes me about a billion percent more likely to buy one.

[Mr Whippy]

Looks better in that colour than silver anyway.

Dave

[jon-]

loach said:

But most importantly - is it just me or did that look like a conventional manual shifter in the interior shot? If it was, then that God for that. I was sure they were going to issue it initially with Muppetronic only. Hooray if they didn't. Makes me about a billion percent more likely to buy one.

That's the new control stick for the IDrive. It's so complex now you need 6 different starting positions for the menu system.

[mat205125]

Still think it looks pretty nasty. Looks like a plain jane 318 coupe with Barry Boy bulges, vents, bumpers and rims. It's not a "complete" shape.

Seats just look like normal coupe kit. Where's the vadar M3 unique kit? Are harness holes too much to ask?

More cruiser than bruiser in the styling department.

[mafioso]

jon- said:

loach said:

But most importantly - is it just me or did that look like a conventional manual shifter in the interior shot? If it was, then that God for that. I was sure they were going to issue it initially with Muppetronic only. Hooray if they didn't. Makes me about a billion percent more likely to buy one.

That's the new control stick for the IDrive. It's so complex now you need 6 different starting positions for the menu system.

No, the silver round dial next to the handbrake is the iDrive system. I think Loach was referring to the gear stick, which is partially covered by the steering wheel. It looks like it's in 3rd gear and thus causing confusion as to whether it's a manual or and automatic.

[markwm]

It's not really winning me over yet. The interior especially looks rather bland.

Lots of new pics here: www.caranddriver.com/carnews/12774/2008-bmw-m3-coupe-more-features-page2.html

[darreni]

Oh dear, what a mess. Looks as though i'll be keeping the E46 for a good while.

[wildcards]

/Dons fireproof jacket.

Looks alot like the Monaro to me. eeek!

[Mr Whippy]

darreni said:

Oh dear, what a mess.

It looks far to cluttered at the front, with bland sides, and then a detailed rear end again.

The 335Ci is infinitely more handsome and has a subtle aggression, this M model just looks silly.

Always thought Bangle models don't "M up" as well as the older styled BMW's, and this proves the point even more...

Dave

[jimbo_vx]

doesn't look like it adds anything over and above an e46.

P.S sort of agree with the monaro statement...

[charlieromeo]

Is it just me but from the side shot it looks really ungainly and really quite ugly? I don't mean that in a good 'aggressive' ugly either like a Mitsu Evo X, the proportions look really odd.

From the higher roof line and also the higher boot the rear wheels look almost completely undersized plus the whole side profile doesn't seem to gel at all. Normally I automatically swoon but this the first time a new M3 hasn't got me all excited!

[topboss]

Based on everything I've seen so far I'm already looking for alternatives! Had my order in since 10/03! Would ideally like to see it in the flesh but really can't see it making all that much difference!

Real shame as I had been really looking forward to it.

[M3_DM]

Yikes. Still has to be seen in the flesh but looks like a bit of a step backwards from the concept. Maybe its that ghastly red colour. The styling has been awkward with the new 3 series coupe from the off I'm afraid. No amount of buldges and flared arches was going to alter that

[Polarbert]

Those wheels look very small as well, even for 18 inch.

Edited by Polarbert on Wednesday 4th April 12:05

[Norbury90]

Did everyone get out on the wrong side of bed this morning?


I think it looks awesome personally

[Mr Whippy]

charlieromeo said:

Is it just me but from the side shot it looks really ungainly and really quite ugly? I don't mean that in a good 'aggressive' ugly either like a Mitsu Evo X, the proportions look really odd... ...Normally I automatically swoon but this the first time a new M3 hasn't got me all excited!

I think alot of the issues from what others have said, are because the Coupe had to have a folding metal roof cabrio in the line up...

I think the look works on the more restrained 335Ci because the nature of the styling suggests a nice Coupe GT, but the hardcore look with all that flab just makes it look out of proportion.

I wasn't excited either. I don't really care how good it is looking the way it does... in stark contrast to the E46!

Dave

[jamesscott]

Yawn...same old, same old.

Watch as the price of "old shape" M3's drop as the fashion concious trade up.

The only credit due is the v8 - a welcome nod to enthusiast owners.

All I can say is the typical M3 buyer these days won't even know what a v8 is thou.

Sad branding exercise.

[road_terrorist]

loach said:

But most importantly - is it just me or did that look like a conventional manual shifter in the interior shot?

The linked article says it will ship with a six speed manual as standard, smg will no doubt be an expensive option.

[road_terrorist]

Mr Whippy said:

The 335Ci is infinitely more handsome and has a subtle aggression, this M model just looks silly.

I think quite the opposite, the Coupe looks a bit cartoonish and this looks great. The E46 looks a bit dull and podgy in comparison to the new lithe and taunt looking E90 models.

[jon-]

mafioso said:

jon- said:

loach said:

But most importantly - is it just me or did that look like a conventional manual shifter in the interior shot? If it was, then that God for that. I was sure they were going to issue it initially with Muppetronic only. Hooray if they didn't. Makes me about a billion percent more likely to buy one.

That's the new control stick for the IDrive. It's so complex now you need 6 different starting positions for the menu system.

No, the silver round dial next to the handbrake is the iDrive system. I think Loach was referring to the gear stick, which is partially covered by the steering wheel. It looks like it's in 3rd gear and thus causing confusion as to whether it's a manual or and automatic.

Sorry, I was being "funny". My "humour" was aimed at the complexity of the idrive system needing a second control.

Obviously I'm not as funny as i thought