BMW: 3-Series News
#2243
A somewhat more tempered response from the other side of the pond:
http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/tol...cle1273376.ece
http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/tol...cle1273376.ece
It’s not often a car manufacturer goes out of its way to lower expectations of a car before you drive it, but BMW did a good job with this new 3-series convertible.
Albin Dirndorfer, its project manager, claimed convertible drivers were more interested in a “relaxed” drive than a sporting one, and then went on to point out that the coupé on which it is based met “much higher dynamic requirements than the convertible”.
I was rather heartened by this. Indeed I applaud BMW for daring to say what other convertible manufacturers know but still absurdly try to cover up: namely that there is not now, nor has there ever been, a convertible that’s as good to drive as the closed car on which it’s based.
The reasons are always the same: convertibles are structurally less rigid than coupés and, in an attempt to ameliorate some of the worst symptoms of this lack of torsional rigidity, manufacturers reinforce the chassis, making the cars much heavier. In fact the convertible 3-series weighs 463lb more than the coupé.
To understand what effect that might have on its performance, handling and economy, imagine how your car might behave with two baby elephants on board. Exactly. In fact once you’ve added an average driver, the convertible is heavier than an empty 7-series limousine.
What’s remarkable, then, is how little this appears to have dented its performance: the top-of-the-range 335i model is just 0.3sec slower to 62mph, its top speed is the same electronically limited 155mph and its fuel consumption has fallen just 1.2mpg. This, however, is not how it appears on the road.
Despite the fact that convertibles usually feel quicker than they are thanks to their proximity to the elements, this 335i never felt like it had 306bhp under the bonnet. When I drove its coupé sister last year I described its performance as relentless. This one never graduated beyond pleasantly quick, and you can thank the elephants for that.
Albin Dirndorfer, its project manager, claimed convertible drivers were more interested in a “relaxed” drive than a sporting one, and then went on to point out that the coupé on which it is based met “much higher dynamic requirements than the convertible”.
I was rather heartened by this. Indeed I applaud BMW for daring to say what other convertible manufacturers know but still absurdly try to cover up: namely that there is not now, nor has there ever been, a convertible that’s as good to drive as the closed car on which it’s based.
The reasons are always the same: convertibles are structurally less rigid than coupés and, in an attempt to ameliorate some of the worst symptoms of this lack of torsional rigidity, manufacturers reinforce the chassis, making the cars much heavier. In fact the convertible 3-series weighs 463lb more than the coupé.
To understand what effect that might have on its performance, handling and economy, imagine how your car might behave with two baby elephants on board. Exactly. In fact once you’ve added an average driver, the convertible is heavier than an empty 7-series limousine.
What’s remarkable, then, is how little this appears to have dented its performance: the top-of-the-range 335i model is just 0.3sec slower to 62mph, its top speed is the same electronically limited 155mph and its fuel consumption has fallen just 1.2mpg. This, however, is not how it appears on the road.
Despite the fact that convertibles usually feel quicker than they are thanks to their proximity to the elements, this 335i never felt like it had 306bhp under the bonnet. When I drove its coupé sister last year I described its performance as relentless. This one never graduated beyond pleasantly quick, and you can thank the elephants for that.
#2244
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by charliemike
I know this is probably blasphemy but I'd buy a 320i if it was around 180hp
#2246
Photography Nerd
Originally Posted by alex2364
If BMW offered a 4 cylinder 3-Series around the price of a TSX, I would be all over it.
#2247
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Everyday I am more impressed with BMWs new designs (especially the convertible above)and it really makes me want to get one....then I look at my finances and cry
#2248
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BMW E93 Convertible Pricing & Options
328i - US$43,200
335i - US$49,100
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48844
328i - US$43,200
335i - US$49,100
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48844
#2250
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Originally Posted by Crazy Sellout
OUCH!
But guess that was a given now that they went with a hardtop. $$$$
But guess that was a given now that they went with a hardtop. $$$$
I'd say they held costs down quite well...
I'll take one in Platinum Bronze with Saddle Leather please
This thing will give the S4 a run for the money...
#2253
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Originally Posted by gavriil
Wow, that's a big increase in price. I can't see BMW selling many 335s.
For that $4k, you get a folding hardtop and a twin turbo motor.
Not a bad deal at all.
#2255
Engineer
looks good, i would like to see some pictures without a million people around it...
#2256
Engineer
http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_sh...mw_m3_concept/
There's no question about it, the M3 is one of only a handful of cars on just about every enthusiast's dream list for the last twenty years or so. The reason for that is simple: It uses the BMW 3-series-the best sports sedan in the business-as a starting point, and trims the fat even farther.
Since the first M3 debuted in 1988, it has grown in just about every way, and the new M3 is no exception. It has twice the amount of cylinders as the first M3 and more than twice the horsepower. Luckily, it doesn't weigh twice as much weight.
That means this M3 will be the fastest one yet. We're still waiting for BMW to release final numbers, but under the hood resides a 4.0-liter V-8 that we expect to make about 415 horsepower. That's 115 more horses than the twin-turbo 335i, which is already almost as fast as the last generation M3.
It used to be that quick cars made 115 horsepower - not 115 more than other ridiculously fast cars. Here's to wretched excess! Sign us up.
The car you see in these photographs is being shown in Geneva as a concept, but expect the production car to look the same. Changes relative to the coupe include the power dome hood, unique front and rear fascias, rear diffusers, a carbon fiber roof, and the vented front plastic fenders. In fact, the only body parts the M3 shares with the standard 3-series coupe are the angel-eye headlights, taillights, doors, deck lid, and glass.
The nineteen-inch, sixteen-spoke forged alloy wheels should make it to production, and we expect they will be connected to the high-revving V-8 by way of either a conventional six-speed manual transmission or a new twin-clutch unit a la DSG. SMG is, thankfully, dead.
But the M3 is very much alive.
Since the first M3 debuted in 1988, it has grown in just about every way, and the new M3 is no exception. It has twice the amount of cylinders as the first M3 and more than twice the horsepower. Luckily, it doesn't weigh twice as much weight.
That means this M3 will be the fastest one yet. We're still waiting for BMW to release final numbers, but under the hood resides a 4.0-liter V-8 that we expect to make about 415 horsepower. That's 115 more horses than the twin-turbo 335i, which is already almost as fast as the last generation M3.
It used to be that quick cars made 115 horsepower - not 115 more than other ridiculously fast cars. Here's to wretched excess! Sign us up.
The car you see in these photographs is being shown in Geneva as a concept, but expect the production car to look the same. Changes relative to the coupe include the power dome hood, unique front and rear fascias, rear diffusers, a carbon fiber roof, and the vented front plastic fenders. In fact, the only body parts the M3 shares with the standard 3-series coupe are the angel-eye headlights, taillights, doors, deck lid, and glass.
The nineteen-inch, sixteen-spoke forged alloy wheels should make it to production, and we expect they will be connected to the high-revving V-8 by way of either a conventional six-speed manual transmission or a new twin-clutch unit a la DSG. SMG is, thankfully, dead.
But the M3 is very much alive.
#2261
Senior Moderator
Holy.
I'll take that in white, please!
I'll take that in white, please!
#2263
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Side profile looks good.......hood dome needs to be toned down, rear bumper could use a little help as well. I can deal with the front. Interior comes as no surprise.
#2264
Engineer
Originally Posted by Yumchah
Holy.
I'll take that in white, please!
I'll take that in white, please!
#2269
says "hello to my TLX".
Originally Posted by shrykhar
i have to say i like if not love all of what i see(interior's a letdown though).
#2270
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Originally Posted by Beltfed
Side profile looks good.......hood dome needs to be toned down, rear bumper could use a little help as well. I can deal with the front. Interior comes as no surprise.
#2271
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Originally Posted by shrykhar
Front bumper needs a splitter badly, would look better and more finished.
Would be my first mod.
#2273
Changin bulbs since '73
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Originally Posted by Beltfed
Front bumper needs a splitter badly, would look better and more finished.
Would be my first mod.
Would be my first mod.
you gonna get another one?
#2274
Engineer
Originally Posted by Beltfed
Front bumper needs a splitter badly, would look better and more finished.
Would be my first mod.
Would be my first mod.
#2276
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Originally Posted by Loseit
didnt you own an E46 M3 already?
you gonna get another one?
you gonna get another one?
And I'm still surrounded by them, several friends have them. One just ordered a 335 sedan.
Only thing is I loved the E46 M3 when the concept was revealed and especially when I saw the first one on the road. I'm not getting the same initial impression with this car.
Then again, I didn't love the Mcoupe's look when I got it. Just liked the way it drove.
#2277
'Big Daddy Diggler'
I know its apples to oranges, but if i had a daily driver and were looking for a toy, I'd get a Z06 or cayman in the price range. There is something about the 335 and the turbo that screams mods and savings. My little cuz has a 335 and got some chip or tune, dont know. But, he spent like a G on it and dynoed about 400 wheel horses. I know the M3 needs to be enjoyed as a whole, but for that coin, i'd rather have a z06, cayman or modded 335.
#2279
Senior Moderator
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ST-Jsz3E2Ms Video from the show
#2280
Some dude
Looks nice, not a fan of the hood buldge, but i think i can live with it. Can't wait to see this car in black.