E92 M3 CSL canceled.

[Kent]

I think this is a good choice by BMW in light of the current market ( :cough: R35 :cough: ). I'd say this is a good time for BMW to really consider the direction of the 3 series in general and possibly get to work on an all new M3 (I know, it's so soon!).

Further, I'd really like to see BMW focus on the 1 series. That's where I'd like to see them push for something like a CSL model.

 

[McLaren]

Well that sucks to hear. So they are giving up on consumer demands on sports car and make ugly and useless crossover cars vans that has no use to the people? If they want to go green with envy, go ahead and do what they want. Its about time Mercedes and Audi make better sports car than BMW, the M3 has been on the top for too long now.....

Wait, so you somehow think a stripped out M3 is of more use than the X5 or X6, or that there was a consumer demand for it bigger than the 2 SUVs? Um, ok.

Further, I'd really like to see BMW focus on the 1 series. That's where I'd like to see them push for something like a CSL model.

We'd all like that, but if they're not going to push for a CSL model of the M3, I can't see them doing it for the 135i.

 

[Blackbird.]

We'd all like that, but if they're not going to push for a CSL model of the M3, I can't see them doing it for the 135i.

I hope they at least do something with the 135i, it's an awesome car. I got to ride in a couple at a BMW auto x.

 

[Muzaffar]

Wait, so you somehow think a stripped out M3 is of more use than the X5 or X6, or that there was a consumer demand for it bigger than the 2 SUVs? Um, ok.

Well yeah, haven't thought about that much anyhow. But it would be kinda awkward for BMW to develop SUV's like Porsche does...... I mean really, if the X series is a success, then what happens to their other car developments? I know they want to go green and make hybrids or diesels, but why focus on cars like the X5/X6? Its not like SUV's are fuel efficient anyhow, and the off-road capabilities is not gonna be used to its full potential.

Never mind, I don't think I quite understand why BMW is doing this move. Whatever floats your boat man.....

 

[niky]

X6 = money. There were a ton of pre-orders for the first batch, and unlike the Cayenne, the X6 is available with a *gasp* diesel. It's a pointless car, but it's prettier than most SUVs... handles better than any SUV short of a Cayenne GTS (and it's possibly even with the GTS)... has a good amount of interior space (despite being a four-seater) and it appeals to the badge snobs who buy BMWs anyway.

BMW is already going lightweight with their engines... their magnesium-aluminum blocks have won them places (and a few wins) at the 2008 International Engine of the Year awards... but the problem is that their bodies are getting heavy. Blame it on the extra size... blame it on the luxury, but the fact that a relatively stripped out M3, even with a V8 that's lighter than the old I6 by 15kgs and a 15kg weight savings from the carbon fiber roof and the lack of a spare tire and less sound-proofing than the standard 3-seires is just as heavy as a four-door 335i says something.

I don't know. Maybe BMW could shed another 50 kgs or so just by dropping the "50:50" imperative and using lightweight materials all throughout and not just on the roof and front-end.... but they have to do something about the weight.

 

[Muzaffar]

X6 = money. There were a ton of pre-orders for the first batch, and unlike the Cayenne, the X6 is available with a *gasp* diesel. It's a pointless car, but it's prettier than most SUVs... handles better than any SUV short of a Cayenne GTS (and it's possibly even with the GTS)... has a good amount of interior space (despite being a four-seater) and it appeals to the badge snobs who buy BMWs anyway.

That is the saddest part about these manufacturers. They seem to car only about the money, and nothing else. So much for heritage..... 👎 The only sports car manufacturer that is still true to itself is Aston and Ferrari (just to name a few).

Anyways, I can't blame the cars are being a little heavy over the years, its because the NCAP rating seems to be very strict, and almost all of the manufacturer have to compensate weight just for safety. I wish cars could be made just like back in the old days......... 👍

 

[Leonidae]

^ no fake leather interior, no hemoroid control in the seats, no air con, no power steering or brake assist, no computers of any sort.. there's only one choice.. buy a car from early/mid 80's.

 

[forza2.0]

BMW are apparently in trouble because in the US 60% of their vehicles are leased, and due to the weak dollar, and plummeting value of their vehicles they are loosing billions of dollars!

 

[V1P3R]

That's actually kinda funny.

 

[the Interceptor]

I just had a idea ... how about a tuning company that makes lightened versions of cars. No superhuge wings, no superloud mufflers. Just lose heavy parts completely or replace them by lighter ones, optimize the engine a bit, and there you go. Aftermarket E92 M3 CSL.

 

[forza2.0]

I just had a idea ... how about a tuning company that makes lightened versions of cars. No superhuge wings, no superloud mufflers. Just lose heavy parts completely or replace them by lighter ones, optimize the engine a bit, and there you go. Aftermarket E92 M3 CSL.

Actually thats not a bad idea, there is nothing stopping someone making their own CSL if they really wanted. Just buy a M3, strip it out, stick coilovers and upgraded brakes on it, increase engine cooling and replace the exhaust system and your'e good to go.

 

[McLaren]

I just had a idea ... how about a tuning company that makes lightened versions of cars. No superhuge wings, no superloud mufflers. Just lose heavy parts completely or replace them by lighter ones, optimize the engine a bit, and there you go. Aftermarket E92 M3 CSL.

That already exists for BMW owners. Quite a few companies offer CSL parts allowing US owners to convert their cars to M3 CSL-spec. If they can offer a perfect replica of OEM parts for the E46 CSL, I'm sure they can do the same for the E92.

 

[niky]

Doesn't need coil-overs... electronic damper control will do.

Weight removal would be nice though... i have a feeling there's another 100 kgs waiting to be removed if you forget about weight balance and replace some rear-end steel with aluminum or carbon-fiber.

Remove the rear seats... add a roll-bar... hmmm lots of stuff you can do.

BMW are apparently in trouble because in the US 60% of their vehicles are leased, and due to the weak dollar, and plummeting value of their vehicles they are loosing billions of dollars!

Both MB and Audi are also scaling back sales forecasts for 2008 in the US... BMW is just hardest hit because it has the biggest market share in the US... but make no mistake... BMW is still in the black, with over half-a-billion in profit for the quarter (and is still ostensibly the biggest luxury car maker in the world), but they're changing strategies to try to prevent an impending disaster in the weak US market.

Still, it wouldn't hurt BMW to focus more on "green" strategies that will work in the US... with the minimal penetration of diesels into the US market, their new ultra-light, powerful diesels won't make much of a difference there.

 

[homeforsummer]

That already exists for BMW owners. Quite a few companies offer CSL parts allowing US owners to convert their cars to M3 CSL-spec. If they can offer a perfect replica of OEM parts for the E46 CSL, I'm sure they can do the same for the E92.

BMW in the UK (and I presume elsewhere) have a tuning program for the 1-series at the moment, which almost allows you to recreate the tii concept out of individual bits, including lighter seats, carbon goodies, different aero bits, lightweight wheels etc. I've got a rather natty BMW CD which allows you to configure any 1-series and chop and change bits and pieces about, change the colour, the equipment and everything.

EVO magazine's long-term 1-series coupe is undergoing bits and pieces of the treatment, and looks the dogs'.

EDIT: Re the program, lets you change this:

Into this:

Doesn't need coil-overs... electronic damper control will do.

There's an acronym in the engineering business: KISS

It means "keep it simple, stupid". Why have electronic damper control and the associated weight and programming that goes with it when you could have adjustable coilovers?

 

[niky]

Not an active damper system... just something you can change on the fly... one setting for street, one setting for track. Much simpler than having a full adjustable set-up that you'll only ever fiddle with with the car on jackstands in the pitlane. An EDFC system only adds a few pounds to the car.

Granted, coilovers are much superior, but when I'm on track, I like to focus on improving my driving rather than fiddling through twenty damper settings, a thousand minute height adjustments, and camber and toe for every corner.