Is the BMW M3 getting too luxurious?
With each new generation of BMW M3, it continues gravitating towards the appeal and approval of the mass market and further away from the original, raw E30 M3. This isn't to say the M3 is not an awesome performer and all around winner, but when anyone can use the car as a daily driver, it has then become too luxurious and ubiquitous in my books.
I know some hardcore BMW M3 nuts will say I'm crazy as they try to defend the M3 as perfect as it is now. Yes, the M3 is great performance car and yet can still be used with versatility. I am fine with that, don't get me wrong, but...the M3's position is as BMW's scorching racer and a racer shouldn't be out to satisfy everyone. The M3 has really just become the top of the line 3-Series, like Audi's S4. BMW needs to introduce the M3R (or something like CSL). Unlike the ultra rare CSL, which you never see, BMW should sell this lighter, racier, slightly more powerful car through all dealers, not just a limited run for the lucky few. I am suggesting that just like they sell the convertible and four door sedan along side the M3 coupe, there should also be a light version that is more raw.
There are certainly benefits with each new generation of M3 that has increasingly more electronic gadgetry and over rides (read rubbery-computerized road manners), a plush interior, a full bevy of amenities and thus the ever-present added weight and an increasing price tag. In general, this trend is across all categories of cars, so I am not saying that only BMW's M3 suffers from the bloating effect of more luxury nannies being added. The M3 has evolved too far from its roots as a raw, seat of the pants version of the 3-Series. Now it is as common and as smooth as its little brother, the 335i.For anyone wondering, here is the evolution of the various BMW M3 generations: E30 (1986 - 1992); E36 (1994 - 1999); E46 (2001 - 2006); E92 (2008+ ). Sales volume has progressively crept upward as each model is designed to better accommodate the mass market.
Am I crazy to desire a harder core M3 than what is parked in every lot around town? I want an M3 that isn't designed to be a run-of-the-mill daily driver for the every-man. The M3 I want makes no sacrifices to accommodate comfort and luxury. That is what the original E30 was - simple, raw, pure sports car.
BMW, I dare you to build an M3 that isn't designed to sell 40,000 units. Come on, reinvent the M3. Please?
Labels: BMW M3, Club Sportiva, E36, E46, E92, exotic car share club, sports car, sports coupe
posted by Torbin at
9:38 PM
6 Comments:
Torbin
They need to release the CSL model in this country. I had the chance to drive the last iteration of that in the UK and it was true to the M3 roots.
If they ever make an M version of the 1 series, I think that will be the closest we ever come to that handmade crazy car from the past !
Agreed. I just wish the CSL wouldn't be some rare and expensive M3 variation.
I haven't driven the 1-series yet, but I am sure it will be true to BMW's performance driving roots.
I saw three M3's just today in the city and it's a funny thing -- these cars (along with RS4's and C63's) seem to be heavier, former images of themselves. Remember the Audi 90 coupe, not a barnstormer but cool and fast nonetheless, and the Mercedes 190 16V? Light weight and tossable cars. It would make sense for these companies to add 'option delete' packages to their lineups so harder core enthusiasts can let the engineers do the work at the factory instead of taking the car home or to a speed shop and having to do it themselves. 14 way power seats in the M3?! Come on!
What are the odds the club will add one to the lineup? I think the M3 sedan is a surefire winner since you could cart around the whole family and induce terror stricken looks at off ramps : ). That coupled with the Quattroporte? Perfection.
Remember the ad for the four door M3 from the mid nineties that showed the only other way to experience the thrill was an F1 car with a guy sitting on each side pod, one on the spoiler and the driver? Great marketing!
Terri, great feedback. I think the typical M3 buyer today doesn't recall the earlier M3s that started the movement nor do they likely recall the great marketing campaigns of the past!
We poll our Members on what they desire to drive in the Club but since many already have a 3-series or M we haven't seen as strong a reaction as I would expect to add an M-car. We will at some point here, I'm sure. ;)
I wanted to also compliment Terri on her comments as well. The concept of the 'pure' M3 as it were quite appealing.
As for an M3 for the club, the new V8 sounds very tempting, but a slightly older, lighter of the M3's would be preferred. Of course, I'm sounding almost like a Lotus afficionado with that comment.
The M3, in coupe or sedan form, is a tempting machine. Maybe we'll have to re-poll the Members and gauge interest again. The Cayman S has proven popular... I still think the new M3 is too much on the luxury side of the equation, but a solidly great car nonetheless.
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