New BMW G80 M3 to Lead 26 New M Division Models Blitz by 2020

[Roundown]

Originally Posted by Mako

it does? hmmm, you sure about that

not having a manual clutch does not = automatic transmission

Ehhh...sure

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by ORIGIN M.

Vote with your wallet because the days are numbered.

I agree, however that strategy didn't work for DCT fans

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by Stage IV

"Through the greater use of aluminium and high-strength steel, the new platform is claimed to play an integral role in reducing the weight of the new M3 despite an increase in its exterior dimensions."

.....And the M3 continues to balloon in size.

The damn M3 is a 5 series now..

Originally Posted by M3GymNut

and yet the F80 is lighter than its previous generation...

Originally Posted by Stage IV

Which is commendable but it's growing mass is turning a lot of people off

True story!

Originally Posted by M3GymNut

Says who? You? The new M3 looks better than the previous one and that comes from most people...

Says ME! Looks are nice.. but size matters (that's what she said!)

Originally Posted by JS919

Some of you guys are hilarious! Sorry, the M cars have never been as good as you seem to think they were (as far as performance cars go). M cars have alwasy been a gussied up version of a high volume coupe/sedan. The formula isn't changing. How can anyone compare BMW to Porsche? Porsche started as a sports car company and brached in to SUVs to save the company from bancruptcy. BMW has never been a sports car company and never will be. I love the latest M3 and M5, they are really good cars, but at the end of the day they are just the top of the line version of BMW's most highly produced sedans, just like they have always been.

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by Kr0m3assass1n

And the bastardization of //M by the need for corporate profit is now complete.

Excellent. that means you won't ever need to type that in a forum post AGAIN!

[Kr0m3assass1n]

Originally Posted by M3 Adjuster

Excellent. that means you won't ever need to type that in a forum post AGAIN!

Naw, except when I need to reiterate it to a certain special group of individuals.

[wknddrivr]

Originally Posted by adc

You know the Euro E36 despite having an incredible engine, was castigated over the pond for not having good steering and lacking involvement (not to mention visual pizzazz). It is considered a far less accomplished generation than the E30 or the E46, with the only redeeming quality being the Euro engine, which we didn’t get in the US. In other words, no redeeming quality for the US version.

So I guess it depends on your perspective.


I wouldn’t object to a car that’s lighter and has more power than the F80, but I absolutely do not want something bigger. And just incrementally better may not be special enough. Maybe it will be time to go way different: M2, or Vette, or Porsche - we’ll see.

I didn't realize the Euro reviews didn't appreciate the E36 handling...the US reviews ranked it very highly.

Drive one now 20 years later and compare the steering feel to most of the crap thats out there now and it makes you wonder why anyone would bother buying a new car.

Ironically I have a 2017 530i, and its incredibly dull to drive. I bought it purely for the comfortable seats because of a back issue i've got. Man I wish that thing was even slightly more engaging. If the steering was closer to my old E90 i'd be happy

[georgere]

Current base m3 has CF roof, front brace, shaft, and trim. Current m5 has CF roof. If the next m3 to follow new m5, Sounds more downgrade to me.

[georgere]

All this just sounds as typical marketing/corporate BS. Are they going to make their cars look more attractive and use more luxurious interior materials while keeping the lead in performance? I dont think this is feasible. I don't think we will see much changes with the upcoming generation of 3er considering the car will be based on the same platform as current 5 and 7. Maybe the next generation..., let's hope North Korea doesn't nuke us before we see what BMW M really meant to say...,

[GrussGott]

[CRtoE92]

So its gonna be even bigger than current gen?

[brad850csi]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

...G32 M650i GT...

you take that back! please dear god, NO!

[dkhm3]

Originally Posted by M3 Adjuster

Why does it matter if it's a DCT or an AT .. both (are automatics and ) are *faster* than a manual.. plus you'll never be embarrassed by missing a shift

Theres quite a lot of difference between the zf8 speed an a proper DCT.

I have the zf in the x5m and the dct in the m3.

DCT is being phased out by bmw because the current longitudinally based getrag one is maxed out on torque, upgrading clutch packs and software can only do so much and cannot compensate for a full warranty production. BMW is saving a buck because the zf is good enough. You see this in Audi as well as the new RS4/RS5 will be a torque converter auto vs the dct in the S3/RS3/TTRS. AMG just goes with their revised 9 speed torque converter.

I'm likely moving on to another brand for performance, if this is true. The DCT is a huge part of the driving joy I feel with the M3 vs the X5M.

[dkhm3]

Originally Posted by M3 Adjuster

I agree, however that strategy didn't work for DCT fans

almost every high performance supercar/hypercar has a dct. it just isn't longitudinally mounted.

DCT is not going away bro.

[brad850csi]

Originally Posted by dkhm3

Theres quite a lot of difference between the zf8 speed an a proper DCT.

I have the zf in the x5m and the dct in the m3.

DCT is being phased out by bmw because the current longitudinally based getrag one is maxed out on torque, upgrading clutch packs and software can only do so much and cannot compensate for a full warranty production. BMW is saving a buck because the zf is good enough. You see this in Audi as well as the new RS4/RS5 will be a torque converter auto vs the dct in the S3/RS3/TTRS. AMG just goes with their revised 9 speed torque converter.

I'm likely moving on to another brand for performance, if this is true. The DCT is a huge part of the driving joy I feel with the M3 vs the X5M.

I'm the same and this is why I will move from my C63 to an F13 M6, the only thing I dislike about the C63 is the auto gearbox. The DCT is just so special and while I would consider an F82 the engine noise just annoys me. The F13 M6 is the only coupe available with a V8 and a DCT under 2 ton, apart from the old RS5 and E92 M3 which are just not fast enough to be an upgrade from the C63.

[marvinp]

The same sources have told Autocar that the next M3 is likely to remain rear-wheel drive, with earlier plans to provide it with a fully variable four-wheel-drive system similar to that offered on the new M5 now ruled out because of cost and weight.

Interesting decision. The new M5's M xDrive seems to have gotten positive reception in reviews when it comes to putting the power down. With so many complaints about the F8x's traction issues, I wonder how they plan on addressing that in the G80?

[dkhm3]

Originally Posted by marvinp

Interesting decision. The new M5's M xDrive seems to have gotten positive reception in reviews when it comes to putting the power down. With so many complaints about the F8x's traction issues, I wonder how they plan on addressing that in the G80?

the f8x is severely under tired for WOT drag- first thing you do when you get one is to slap on wider rears. I have 295's rears and I live in So Cal, where it is usually nice and dry and the roads are decent. Drastically improved off the line traction.

The f8x throttle needs much more modulation and feathering than most cars I have driven, but if you have the patience to learn the technique, the M3 rewards you.

[dkhm3]

Originally Posted by brad850csi

I'm the same and this is why I will move from my C63 to an F13 M6, the only thing I dislike about the C63 is the auto gearbox. The DCT is just so special and while I would consider an F82 the engine noise just annoys me. The F13 M6 is the only coupe available with a V8 and a DCT under 2 ton, apart from the old RS5 and E92 M3 which are just not fast enough to be an upgrade from the C63.

You were lucky not to own a w204 c63 with the 7 speed autobox that I had to deal with for 3 years. Sometimes it just plains ignores all commands, never mind asking the damn thing to skip gears manually.

[baseCPM3]

BMW is maximizing shareholder value which dictates that the vast majority of consumers want variety. Suffice it to say, the average BMW buyer simply wants to set him/herself apart the BMW buyer next door, but is unwilling to pay, nor understands/cares for the value proposition of full fledged M and spends a few $$$ more to get that M-lite badge.

Only us enthusiasts care about true M performance, but we are insignificant in the grand scheme of things especially now that the M brand has been diluted. BMW's sales prove that year over year.

[N & M]

Originally Posted by ndukyh

I'd love to see one of those 26 variants be a true competitor to the AMG GT (in love with) and 911 but also come with a manual. That would be a dream come true

As would the entire drive loving world my friend. I never get tired of telling any BMW bigwig about this every time I get face time with them.

Maybe, just maybe they will surprise us... Then again, I somehow have the feeling they are reserving that space for non ICE engine car for the future.

[No Boost]

Originally Posted by M3GymNut

Says who? You? The new M3 looks better than the previous one and that comes from most people...

BMW hit a homerun with the F80 design. To my eye, it's the best looking M ever. I'm simply referring to its exterior dimensions. E90 size would've been perfect.

[sgm.e90]

So if we trace the S55 which is a derivative of the N54/5 which is a derivation of the M54....you'll see BMW has not produced a new engine since really 2000. LOLOLOL. M3 evolution is looking pretty drab.

[stooker]

Originally Posted by Mo@BMWofFairfax

If I remember correctly, only 2% of BMW M cars are sold with a manual transmission. I just don't know if it is cost effective to keep it up.

Seriously, for all the talk about saving the manuals, driving enjoyment and feel, etc., the sales numbers don't lie. I've heard the number thrown out there that DCT outsells 6MT 10 to 1, but regardless if it's 2% or 10% or whatever, it's a huge gap, and you simply can't fault BMW or any other company for jumping off the manual transmission ship.

People complain that the F8x has lost it's M DNA, that it's grown too much in size, whine about turbos, and bitch about piped in engine noise and the shitty exhaust note, but then opt for a DCT (or opt for a competing car which is not even offered in manual). So for all the gnashing of teeth about how the Ms are no longer purist cars, they skip the one thing that is arguably the biggest contributing factor to the driving experience.