2008 BMW M3: Now In ALMS for 2008 Season

  • Thread starter Thread starter YSSMAN
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YSSMAN
Considering that the 414 BHP model will be available in AUS and the UK by the time the M3 shows up,
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We have 414hp VE's available now, I saw two today infact.
 
VIPERGTSR01
We have 414hp VE's available now, I saw two today infact.
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...We neither have the Commodore, nor the high-power model specked out by Pontiac yet...

It sucks.
 
The car is about 3 inches too low. At least. Either that, or the "subtle" body kit extends too far. Or both.


Just gimme a 335Ci with the boost turned up.
 
Jim Prower
M3...the mane still sends shivers down my spine...

but, like everyone else, the car doesn't. It looks like a 335i with a bodykit. kinda bland.
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That's essentially what every M car is.

BMW M Models aren't supposed to be heavily changed. In reality, they're more of a different model, or in other terms, the M3 is, in a way, just another model of the 3 Series.
 
I think the bodykit is fine, the E46 M3 isn't what I'd call subtle in real life IMO.
 
Toronado
The car is about 3 inches too low. At least. Either that, or the "subtle" body kit extends too far. Or both.


Just gimme a 335Ci with the boost turned up.
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Also you'd want a limited slip diff as well i'm pretty sure they left that out of the options pretty much so the 335 wouldn't be able to compete with the new m3.
 
Toronado
Except most of the other M cars have had nicely intergrated and subtle bodykits. This looks like a Vielside kit in both concept and execution.
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True, they all have that sleeper look (M6 excluded; the wheels give away it's sporty appearence imo).

But I would never say this is as bad as Veilside.


This design though, has really grown on me. The front gives it a mean stance imho.
 
I think that almost all of us will end up adoring this car in a month or two. Once we see them in real life, I'm sure we will all be fans; BMW M-mobiles tend to look much faster and better in the actual metal, especially when compared to a "regular" 3.

Front:
3
bmw335i4951024x768yb7.jpg

M3
bmwm3coupe6261024x768lb5.jpg

Side:
3
bmw335i4971024x768ln2.jpg

M3
bmwm3coupe6301024x768ea4.jpg

Rear:
3
bmw335i5001024x768rz9.jpg

M3
bmwm3coupe6291024x768gs1.jpg


I like the front of the regular car better, but the rest of the car looks more aggressive than the 335i.
 


I'm doubting no, but there is a high rev at the beginning of this video about the new M3 with some facts (most you probably already know).
 
Sweeeet. I will forgive it of nearly anything based on that note.

I think the reason the car looks so different is it's missing the squat, powerful look of the past M3. The way the coupe has been designed in comparison to the sedan is completely different compared to the E46 model. It looks a lot longer, and I think it has something to do with the return of the 6-series. With that said, I really like the new look, with a few small problem areas. The hood bulge looks silly because the hood is at a different angle than the previous model, but the bulge seemingly is the same. So it's not nearly as well integrated, and I don't know why they didn't work that better. While I originally thought the new side vents looked kinda incomplete, closer inspection reveals they're a cool little detail, like the roundel on the side of a Z4. The side profile really gives it the look of a race car, though I'm not sure why, maybe it's the shutlines. Oh, it's the fact it's too low... it needs to move up maybe an inch. 3 is too much, I'd say.

The funny thing about this though, and I'm surprised I'm the first to mention it (or maybe I missed it); Bangle shook up BMW's design a few years back to get away from the "same sausage, three lengths" look. Now take a look at the front shot of an M3 and M5. It's happening again ;).
 
On the exhaust: Its no small-block Chevy, but it will do.

I think my problem was that my standards were set far too high, and thus I've come off a bit disappointed. I'll probably love it in a few months, just like everyone is saying...

...But that said, it still has a lot to prove to keep it in the top-spot in its segment for me...
 
YSSMAN
...But that said, it still has a lot to prove to keep it in the top-spot in its segment for me...
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Especially with how outstanding the new RS4 is, and how much power the rumored Mercedes AMG CLK63 is supposed to have.
 
...And that is only two of the "major" competitors...

- RS4
- RS5
- IS-F
- C63
- CLK63
- F-Type R
- CTS-V (yes... I know all about the 5-series stuff)
- GT500 (kinda)
- Challenger SRT-8 (kinda)
- Camaro SS (kinda)
- Commodore in various HSV versions (Pontiac G8 GXP too)
- Monaro (once they build it, kinda)

...etc..

So yes, BMW is officially out of the pan and into the fire, be it with direct competition or not...
 
From a performance category I'll accept your much less expensive domestic (kinda) competition. But really, the typical M-owner isn't going to consider a Pontiac, even if it performs better. They'll buy the M, wether it be for brand recognition or they're stubborn and determined to show what the M car can do. Or maybe they just bought it because it was the most expensive.

So everything from the CTS-V and above on your list I agree with fully. Everything else is just competing for magazine pages.
 
Keef
From a performance category I'll accept your much less expensive domestic (kinda) competition. But really, the typical M-owner isn't going to consider a Pontiac, even if it performs better. They'll buy the M, wether it be for brand recognition or they're stubborn and determined to show what the M car can do. Or maybe they just bought it because it was the most expensive.

So everything from the CTS-V and above on your list I agree with fully. Everything else is just competing for magazine pages.
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Its the main reason why I put the (kinda) stuff in there. They aren't direct competitors, but they certainly will be a part of the barstool racing when they are all on the streets together. Of those, my guess would be that the Monaro would be the closest match of the American/Aussie cars, but they would have a nearly 500 lb disadvantage to start with... So here's to hoping for 500 BHP models!
 
Matthew Keller
That really is great looking! Too bad it wont beat a G8. :sly: [/troll]
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hahahaohwowfk8.jpg


A 400+hp, ~3500lbs sports coupe being beaten by a 360hp, 4000lbs. full-size musclefamilycar...no offense Matt, but that ain't trolling. That's just comedy. :lol: :)

Even with a boost in power, the only place a G8 could dream of beating any BMW is at a drag strip, or at your local stoplights where highschoolers congregate. ;)
 
YSSMAN
...And that is only two of the "major" competitors...

- RS4
- RS5
- IS-F
- C63
- CLK63
- F-Type R
- CTS-V (yes... I know all about the 5-series stuff)
- GT500 (kinda)
- Challenger SRT-8 (kinda)
- Camaro SS (kinda)
- Commodore in various HSV versions (Pontiac G8 GXP too)
- Monaro (once they build it, kinda)

...etc..

So yes, BMW is officially out of the pan and into the fire, be it with direct competition or not...
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Sorry, but I don't think any of the next 3 muscle cars will be touching a M3, esp. not that $38,000 pile of crap called a Shelby. If that can have its rear handed to it by a 400Bhp Corvette, you better believe a 400Bhp M3 will do more.

I can't see the Camaro or Challenger doing anywhere better.
 
I didn't say they were going to beat the M3, but in some small way they will certainly be competitors based on layout, similar power outputs, etc. Yes, this crazy Michigan man would be looking at Camaro SS' and Challenger SRT-8s against M3s, but the overwhelming majority of people won't.

...I think that has been well-established before...

The fact of the matter is that the Americans and the Aussies have cars that will compete, but won't necessarily win. The game-changer will certainly be the use of the 500 BHP LS7 or the 530 BHP Supercharged LS2 in the GM products (Camaro SS, Commodore/G8, Monaro/GTO), but that doesn't guarantee anything these days.

I love my American cars just as much (probably more) than the next guy, and it always feels good to root for the home team. Sure, we may come up short performance wise... But given how much money we saved buying the American models (not to mention by switching to Geico), there is always room for a bit of tweaking to be done by the various tuners... Lingenfelter, GMPD, Ford Racing, Saleen, Rousch, Hennessy, etc...
 
But the American cars lack the quality of the Germans. Yes, I know they are catching up, but they still have a little ways to go. It is the cheap price tag that is hurting us. Low price generally means a lower quality car. And besides, If BMWs were no better, laws of capitalism would have them trown out the window in no time.

Is the M3 greater than any US competitor? I'd say yes.
 
YSSMAN
I didn't say they were going to beat the M3, but in some small way they will certainly be competitors based on layout, similar power outputs, etc. Yes, this crazy Michigan man would be looking at Camaro SS' and Challenger SRT-8s against M3s, but the overwhelming majority of people won't.

...I think that has been well-established before...

The fact of the matter is that the Americans and the Aussies have cars that will compete, but won't necessarily win. The game-changer will certainly be the use of the 500 BHP LS7 or the 530 BHP Supercharged LS2 in the GM products (Camaro SS, Commodore/G8, Monaro/GTO), but that doesn't guarantee anything these days.

I love my American cars just as much (probably more) than the next guy, and it always feels good to root for the home team. Sure, we may come up short performance wise... But given how much money we saved buying the American models (not to mention by switching to Geico), there is always room for a bit of tweaking to be done by the various tuners... Lingenfelter, GMPD, Ford Racing, Saleen, Rousch, Hennessy, etc...
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Except that those various tuners still lack to the in-house tunes of BMW's M-Group, and Mercedes' AMG-Group. Even Porsche's "step-up" Ruf, are a lot better.
Not sure why you brought in Saleen or Roush though being they're mainly big Mustang tuners, and that there are probably only 1-2 major European Mustang tuners.

As for using 500-530Bhp against the BMW, you do know Europeans are going to say we need more power just to beat them, and that a 400 on 400Bhp race would end up with us dead.
And sadly, I think that's slightly true.

I mean, look at the Ford GT Vs. F430. You're talking about an American muscle machine with what, 60-70 more horsepower that just keeps within range on certain tracks?
Or the Saleen S7TT who has at least 90Bhp on the Enzo and 100 on the MC12, and still falls behind on other tracks?

No offense, but it's kind of true. We can't match the Europeans advancements in handling over speed, so we just add more power. Don't forget, I'm a big American fan too (Dodge esp.), but even I know that's what America's been doing for years now just to match our neighbors across the pond.
 
I'm not going to deny it. It is exactly what Cadillac is panning to do with the next CTS-V...

Cadillac Engineers
I NEEDS MORE POWER CAPTIAN! WE'VE GOT TO GIVE HER ALL WE'VE GOT!
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And so we stuff in the 505 BHP LS7, and hope for the best...

Its what we do. If you were here with me, you'd see me writing this with a smirk on my face. We're just so good at getting things "almost" right, and then just throwing our hands up in the air, and just pack as much power into the car as possible.

Does it get the job done? Kinda. Is it cool to talk about a 500 BHP car you can buy for $40K? Hell yes.

There isn't any question that the M3 will probably run circles around most of its American and Australian competition when it comes to all-out breaking, handling, etc... And that is to be accepted. But even if we are able to keep up at 9/10s, and later come back with big power, I'm okay with that. Its what Mercedes has been doing for years...

So, please allow me to do a GM/Ford/DCX... I'm throwing my hands up in the air!
 
YSSMAN
And so we stuff in the 505 BHP LS7, and hope for the best...

Its what we do. If you were here with me, you'd see me writing this with a smirk on my face. We're just so good at getting things "almost" right, and then just throwing our hands up in the air, and just pack as much power into the car as possible.
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The Germans are playing the same game somewhat. From the last generation, this car has a hp increase of 100 hp. The RS4 is up by 90. Mercedes? The old C55 AMG was capable of 350 hp. The new one could have 500 hp if they stick with a 5.5, maybe 440 hp if MB opts for a 6.3 (figures based on the new CL-class).

The only difference is that when they get it almost right, they don't throw their hands in the air. They keep working on it until it is right. Maybe we could see some much better cars coming from Detroit if they stepped up their game and did what the Germans do.
 
To tell the turth I love german cars , especially BMWs . American Muscle has always had this huge power with no handeling at all and thats what makes them American musle and you would be supprised about how many people love that over here in Saudi and I'm sure all over the world American musle fans will always want huge amount of power they don't care about handling , its power , burinning rubber and the beautiful sound of an American V8 rumbling thats what American is all about .
 
American Muscle cars still have certain allure to them, even if they arn't as refined theres a little something that still manages to tick that yes box in many people minds. I've always felt that a cars greatness is generaly not defined by it's track performance, rather it is as a whole package (obviousely though track day cars do tend to lean far more into that performance = better). I hate it when entire arguments over which car is best are based on "this car lapped the ring faster than that one", sure it did, but it's also the most uncomfortable piece of junk in history. Not that arguing a cars performance merits is wrong, just don't base a cars greatness soley on it. That said in fanboyish and slightly patriotic way I loved it when I saw the TVR Sagaris rip holes in the C6 Corvette :lol:. I like the C6 Vette too though, just not as much.
 

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