...but no pictures. I was out getting some S2000 therapy just now for lunch (but I forgot to eat) and went over to this BMW dealer near McD's. There it was...that (scary) blue M3 that Loki was almost going to get...

Well, hmmm...

The blue isn't QUITE as bad in person. It's DEFINITELY different, and that's cool. But it's not my style. I sat in the car, it felt like a luxury liner compared to Scarlet. Some guy was just going to take it out for a test drive...so I had nothing better to do than to just 'tag along' in my car...

When the M opens up, it looks badass, it sits back on it's haunches and just M O V E S. Driving behind it, it struck me just how big the car is. It seems bloated compared to previous M's...(which I admire)

Color and bloatedness aside, the exhaust has this rattling sound to it...that I found to be akin to fingernails on a chalkboard...what an odd sound for an exhaust! It sounded like an exhaust pipe was loose and was rattling under load. The salesman was proud of the sound, which I found perplexing...

But, and as if anyone asked, I don't see how you could consider this interesting and impressive car a 'sports car.' It most certainly is not. The cabin felt like a Lexus...and I guess that I'm really used to Scarlet's short throw, but the shifter seemed long and a little imprecise...

At the end of the 5 miles or so that I trailed it...no, we didn't race...my impression was "wow, that's a really big, really fast car!"

IMO, BMW has made this car into too much of a luxury car. I'm absolutely SURE it's a kick in the ass to drive and I understand why people get excited about the new M3. It's impressive, indeed...and now with mad power. But this new one leaves me a little hollow. Am I alone out there?

Maybe SMG would change my mind...

<nomex is on>

 

I agree completely. I took one for a test drive on Monday. It sure was impressive power wise, handled pretty well and had super brakes, but did not seem very sports-car like.

If I could only have one car and it had to seat 4 people and it didn't snow where I live...

but I can have multiple cars, and it does snow... So why not the S2000 (or boxster, or Z06, or new M-coupe) for fun, and a Subaru or Land Rover for people transport and winter weather.

 

Nope, you're not alone. I posted my impressions on a test drive a little while back, and I agree completely. The new M3 is nice and fast, but it's no sports car (IMO).

That raspy exhaust note doesn't fit the car at all... blech.

 

Im quite sure Sarah Michelle Gellar could change your mind. hehe.. Sorry, It had to be done sometime with all the SMG references.

But yeah.. SMG is pretty sweet, but the E46 M3 still seems a bit bloated for my liking.

 

I'd buy a pinto if SMG was an option anyways back on topic!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by gregstevens
[B]But, and as if anyone asked, I don't see how you could consider this interesting and impressive car a 'sports car.'

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by TFota
[B][QUOTE]Originally posted by gregstevens
[b]But, and as if anyone asked, I don't see how you could consider this interesting and impressive car a 'sports car.'

 

if u were in socal, would u get one?

 

As former owner of a 1997 M3, I definitely agree that the 3 Series has continued to evolve into too big (and too heavy). Before I traded my M3 for the S2000, I considered buying the old E30 version.

Maybe the upcoming little "One Series" that BMW is planning will be the answer, kind of retro to the classic 2002?