2008 Bmw M3

[iluvmybeamer]

While hubby was getting a replacement relay for the E30, I took a look at the new M3.

I've read a little about it's V8 and was enticed to look at it. The new M3 just doesn't appeal to me as much as my old M3 did. I just don't like the new body style. I did not get to drive it. We had the kids in toe. Maybe if I got to drive the V8 monster, I'd feel different?

Has anybody driven one?

What do you guys think about the body style?

[VtwinVince]

I've been "up close and personal" with this car at the shop, and I don't care for it either. It's big, heavy and overpowered (what else is new), and lacks anything remotely like charisma.

[k-swiss]

If anything I think its probably underpowered. Why? Well it needs that much power to move its safety beams, airbags and all its gadgets round..

[Cacciatore08]

I like it. H
ave any of you driven it... that car is nice... I used to not care for it at all. But you have to drive it to appreciate it no doubt. I don't like the hood the huge bulge there is way too showy.

The 135i is so nice too... Lemans blue/ Sedona red / M sport paket....

[M635]

I've been in the new M3's. Coupe and Sedan. They feel really nice inside, and they probably drive like no other. The sedan is garbage though, really ugly. I'll buy me a coupe in 20 more years LOL.

[amanat]

I'm not a fan of the body "upgrades" from the coupe to the m3 coupe. Looks like it got attacked by mosquitoes.

[iluvmybeamer]

The "I drive" sucks. I don't think I can mess with that thing while I drive. It takes too much focus away from driving.

I don't feel like the M3 body is distinctive enough from the regular 3 series. The carbon fiber hood is cool, but that's about it.

The sticker on the one I was looking at was $72K (that includes a special "dealer mark-up").

[Al Canuck]

I've not driven one...yet! But I will soon. Frankly, I kinda like it. We've got one at work, sitting in the showroom. $85k, red on black, 6 speed. Good looking car.

Sat inside, but not yet driven a 135i. Lots of chatter in the shop, from the other techs about the 1's though. Seems really positive all around. Decent price, great driveline, and good looks, in a fairly small package. Tough to argue with.

I must say, having now spent some time working in Auto West, the technology in these cars is simply AMAZING! Its one thing to read the stats on a page, but another to see the technology that surrounds the diagnostics. Blew my mind, learning some of it.

Al

[woods]

I personally don't get these newer M cars... I'll take my screaming straight 6 over some high tech v10 any day. I almost cried when I heard they were putting a v8 in the m3. Heavy cars are not drivers cars IMO.

I would have much preferred had they hopped up that twin-turbo on the 330 and shaved 500lbs off the curb weight.

And I'm sure they are "technical marvels" - but could you imagine owning one of these in 20 years when that I-Drive system and all of that electronic ride control stuff starts breaking down? No thanks...

[Al Canuck]

Originally Posted by woods And I'm sure they are "technical marvels" - but could you imagine owning one of these in 20 years when that I-Drive system and all of that electronic ride control stuff starts breaking down? No thanks...

Yes, yes I could!

Being that I'm a tech at Auto West, and knowing the amount of diagnostic wizardy, and the amazing levels of support for these cars, it really isn't as scary as you might think.

The new generation of cars, like the 1 series, new M3, and all that will follow, are, ready for it??? Simpler than the last gen cars! It sounds weird, but its true. They now have the computer technology to do away with things like Valvetronic. Its all computer controlled now. Figure on the number of kids that know computer stuff, plus guys like Adam, who is 21, apprenticing at Auto West, and learning all the ins and outs of this stuff, by the time it starts to crap out, there will be thousands of people who are ready, willing, and able to keep it on the road.

Years ago, people were terrified when the carb made way for FI. BMW dumped Solex carbs for L Jetronic, K Jetronic, and eventually Motronic. Lots of those early cars got their EFI dumped for carbs, because people couldn't fix them. Now think about how amazingly simple it is, to keep those cars running. Same thing will happen with the new stuff, mark my words.

[woods]

Originally Posted by Al Canuck Yes, yes I could! Being that I'm a tech at Auto West, and knowing the amount of diagnostic wizardy, and the amazing levels of support for these cars, it really isn't as scary as you might think.

Oh - I'm not saying that it's not fixable - acutally fixing it wouldn't worry me in the slightest... I was more talking about how much a new I-Drive computer module would *cost* for a 20 year old car... More electronics = more stuff to break and it will all break eventually...

As cars get more and more complex, it seem to me that like most things in our modern lives, they will become more and more disposable - or at least not worth the expense of fixing sooner in their life cycle.

[1989E34M5]

The new performance sedans are truly amazing to drive, they puke power but lack the simplicity and road feel of the older ones. Wait till they unleash the new MB AMG C63, reviews put it out front of the M3, Due out this fall, cant wait till one rolls into the dealership so i can take it for a drive! also if you get a chance to drive an MB E55 take it for a spin guaranteed you wont be disappointed.

[Polaris78]

Hey,

Of the two new M3s, put me down for the Sedan over the Coupe, at least for cosmetics...!

C

[Initial D.oug]

I think the best Bimmer out there right now is the 135i. Especially with the AutoWest deal for the Dinan chip. $2000 gets you 85 HP/ 120lbFt torque. 4 year/80000km warranty. DAMN. I so want to pull the trigger on that.

[iluvmybeamer]

Originally Posted by Initial D.oug I think the best Bimmer out there right now is the 135i. Especially with the AutoWest deal for the Dinan chip. $2000 gets you 85 HP/ 120lbFt torque. 4 year/80000km warranty. DAMN. I so want to pull the trigger on that.

The dealership I visited also has the same deal. Finial price is about $30K less than the M3. With (the dealer said) was similar HP and very close 0-60 times. Very enticing, but I crave a M3. The handling of my last M3 was unlike any other. It wasn't so much the HP or the 0-60, it was the superior drive that it gave.

I'm just not sure these new BMWs (more specifically the M models) have that raw aspect to them as the older ones did back in the 90's. I get this feeling of over engineered, over powered.

Then, really, that body style is not becoming. I hate the direction it's going.