 | The E46 M3 |
The next generation of the M3
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June 3rd 1999: Update on the new E46 M3!
October 1999: The E46 M3 prototype at the International Auto Show Frankfurt!
The next M3 based on the E46 body will very likely be introduced in late spring 1999, serial production and sales will start in the year 2000. Rumors stating that the E46 M3 will use a detuned version of the new M division V8 of the M5 and not a 6-cylinder were not confirmed. Instead the BMW M GmbH already confirmed that the next M3 will have an inline-6 as well.
The following are spy photos of the E46 coupe, which can be found on the Internet presented as spy photos of the M3. However, I am not sure if all pictures really feature M division test cars carrying M engines and technology. I think most of them simply show prototypes, i.e. pre-production or test models of the upcoming standard E46 coupe.
Press Quotes The following are quotes taken from an article about future BMW 3-series models in the 13/98 (June 13th) issue of German magazine "Auto Zeitung": "The look of the 3rd generation M3 will be mainly similar to the elements of the new M5... [...] ...The new M3 will stick with the Inline-6-Cylinder. The displacement ... grows to 3.4 liters. [...] ...improved max. power output (about 350 hp) and torque (370 Nm). [...] The second generation of the sequential M gearbox (SMG) will be very different to the current model. It will no longer be controlled by a conventional stick, but by buttons at the steering wheel. [...] The M3 starts as a coupe. A 4-door sedan - according to the current information - will not be available anymore, since it's part in the total sales was under 10 percent. Instead BMW is thinking about an M3 Touring. Definitely built will be the M3 convertible, expected for spring 2001." |
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Ein Angebot der BMW Bank:
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