How quick are M3's?

[Homer]

Hi guys,

Just curious how quick BMW M3's are?
I'm thinking of the recent ones (not sure on their model codes E46 or something?)

Am I right in thinking mid 13's?

Any one done a 'comparison' their cars with one on a rolling start?

Cheers

[FPVWEPN]

yhes mid 13's although special ones like the CSL are capable of low 13's older ones more inclined to the high 13's low 14's

[Dilan]

If I am not mistaken, M3's are not all about quater miles more handling and balance.

[fatxagt]

Unbelievable cars. Just check out Top Gear episode on them and the M5.
I tried to run a CSL M3 once at the lights in the GT. He wouldnt play so I left him in a cloud of burnt G Grid.

[$AUDude]

Awesome car! If the M3 runs 13s how quick does the M5 do the 1/4? I saw one of them outside work last week, brand new, the V10 sounds gooood!

[Cobra]

Originally Posted by $AUDude

Awesome car! If the M3 runs 13s how quick does the M5 do the 1/4? I saw one of them outside work last week, brand new, the V10 sounds gooood!

The new M5 runs easy mid 12s. Just a shame they dropped the manual option...

[ridefox]

Originally Posted by Cobra

The new M5 runs easy mid 12s. Just a shame they dropped the manual option...

here is a video of a BMW M5 vs Ferrari 360 i just found mid 12's i would belive that lol cya Ferrari

Link: http://www.dumpalink.com/media/11311..._360_vs_BMW_M5

[XRated]

Originally Posted by ride_fox69

here is a video of a BMW M5 vs Ferrari 360 i just found mid 12's i would belive that lol cya Ferrari

Link: http://www.dumpalink.com/media/11311..._360_vs_BMW_M5

And that is another reason why BMW is my favourite car manufacturer......

Equal with Ford of course :P

[Cobra]

I think some american mags have got high 12s out of CSLs because I think the best time for a manual M3 E46 was 13.2 or something like that.

Anyway, the next model is going to be a monster. 300+kw 4 litre all alloy V8. Should be good for 12s out the box or atleast low to flat 13s. And theres a CSL model coming after that too.

[Rev28K]

Originally Posted by Cobra

I think some american mags have got high 12s out of CSLs because I think the best time for a manual M3 E46 was 13.2 or something like that.

Anyway, the next model is going to be a monster. 300+kw 4 litre all alloy V8. Should be good for 12s out the box or atleast low to flat 13s. And theres a CSL model coming after that too.

The new M3's are going to be sedan, coupe, cabrio and wagon options as well.

The CSL had the SMG gearbox which had a launch control option (can do 10-20 great starts before you burn out the clutch).

[Homer1]

Originally Posted by Cobra

I think some american mags have got high 12s out of CSLs because I think the best time for a manual M3 E46 was 13.2 or something like that.

Anyway, the next model is going to be a monster. 300+kw 4 litre all alloy V8. Should be good for 12s out the box or atleast low to flat 13s. And theres a CSL model coming after that too.

I think the CSLs are capable of 12s, just a matter of getting the semi-slick Michelin Pilot Sport Cups up to temp for maximum traction. When cold those tyres have LESS grip than a std road tyre.

[Polyal]

I think its a great shame that they are using a V8 with the new M3.

I still remember vividly the first time a current M3 went past me at full noise; V8's sound nice but this thing was just brutal.

In short Id kill to own one.

On a side note I am getting sick of all these SMG's etc etc, keep the old school shifter pleaaaaasssee!

[MX837M-GE]

The upcoming Z4 M Coupe will be manual only, so there is hope.

The E46 M3 is a phenomenal car. Incredible. When setting in the back you can not only feel, but hear the gears ramming home.

The old managing partner at my firm had one. Took some of us for a spin once, parked it on the entrance ramp to freeway, engage launch control, let 'er rip. Crazy.

[b0son]

Originally Posted by Polyal

On a side note I am getting sick of all these SMG's etc etc, keep the old school shifter pleaaaaasssee!

I dont agree. Which is why I'm test driving a VW GTi with the DSG gearbox this weekend. :o

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by b0son

I dont agree. Which is why I'm test driving a VW GTi with the DSG gearbox this weekend. :o

well thats nice, but I still dont agree with them. It may aswell be a full auto, its such a waste of a good car, especially a new GTi

[b0son]

Originally Posted by Polyal

well thats nice, but I still dont agree with them. It may aswell be a full auto, its such a waste of a good car, especially a new GTi

I've been driving a manual for years, but only because it allows you a greater level of control over what the engine is doing. Other than that, I find having to row the gearbox a chore. Paddle-shift minimises what I have to do while letting me maintain the same amount of control over the engine - something an auto doesnt let you. For me, a DSG should hopefully one day replace manual boxes altogether ;)

[xr8ute]

Originally Posted by Polyal

well thats nice, but I still dont agree with them. It may aswell be a full auto, its such a waste of a good car, especially a new GTi

Dont underestimate DSG. From what i have read, it is a full manual gearbox with an automatically operated mechanical clutch (no torque converters here).

There was a BMI vid where they compared the DSG and conventional manual versions of the Golf GTi. The DSG version was consistently 2-3 tenths quicker in straight-line acceleration...

[b0son]

Originally Posted by xr8ute

Dont underestimate DSG. From what i have read, it is a full manual gearbox with an automatically operated mechanical clutch (no torque converters here).

I placed an order for a GTi (in red, with leather) today. Test drive won me within the first 5min.

The 2.0 turbo pulls like a train, no dead spots, no lag, very linear power delivery and not the least bit peaky.

The DSG gearbox is brilliant... The gear changes are almost instantaneous - no loss of acceleration between gears. Smooth too, not jerky. Downchanges are smooth too - I think it blips the throttle automatically. Rolling acceleration is excellent, especially when you factor in how much quicker it is to simply paddle down-shift a couple of gears rather than have to use a stick.

Comes with everything. 6 airbags, alarm, traction/stability control, dual zone air con, automatic dimming and heated rear mirror, cruise control, 10 speaker stereo with 6-cd changer, trip computer, brake pad wear indicator, chillable glove box and centre console, power windows front/rear... the list goes on. And the leather seats are heated up front!

Now I just have to wait til it's delivered..... June :(

Oh yes, and it's smooth too unlike my BA - no clunks, vibrations, or other drivetrain annoyances ;) Can't wait.

[MX837M-GE]

Originally Posted by b0son

I dont agree. Which is why I'm test driving a VW GTi with the DSG gearbox this weekend. :o

Awesome car.

Delivery in about 2583 if you order within the next 30 seconds.

[SSBUB]

My father in law owns an M3 - i have my eye on it for inheritance hehee...it goes like the clappers (or the proverbial raped ape).

[big_waity]

Originally Posted by Homer

Hi guys,

Just curious how quick BMW M3's are?


Cheers

Does it really matter? When driving one, I hardly beleive you would be too concerned that it only does 13s. You'd be more thinking about how comfy it is, how well it handles and what your wife will think.

[cogdoc]

Originally Posted by big_waity

Does it really matter? When driving one, I hardly beleive you would be too concerned that it only does 13s. You'd be more thinking about how comfy it is, how well it handles and what your wife will think.

That and working out when the next $2000 monthly lease payment comes out of the account..... :

[nang3]

oh yeh i would love an M3 CSL.. or even the 'stocker' M3 in black !!

love the metallic rasp of that inline 6 copping a beating.. *drool*

[GreenMachine]

I can confirm M3's are bloody quick... I was on the way to work one morning and an old fool pulled up next to me in this fairly ordinary looking couple-of-year-old Beemer... I needed his lane after the lights, so I gave the Green Machine ******** off the line...

By the time I was across the intersection, old mate in his M3 was already at West End reading the Australian and sipping his latte.

[ratman]

I've driven them, my brother's owned one and I had the pleasure of riding shot gun (with handcam strapped down) in a CSL at wakefield this year, to say I was impressed is an understatement. I've had and currently own some quick cars, fast cars and great handling cars : 350+kw XR8, 600HP Prostock XY, BMW 540 & 930 Turbo Porsche, but NOTHING with that complete combination. The CSL is simply the most perfect package, point to point racer ever made with more than 2 seats.
I think the keyword is 'Balance.' Even the older e36 was a tidy package but the new e46 takes the cake, can't wait for the next generation.

[Steffo]

The E46 M3, 252kW 365Nm and all, in proper manual form, is about a 13.5 in the 1/4 and a 5.4 to 5.5 or so to 100km/h with a good driver. The SMG gearbox drops those times to 5.3s and 13.2s respectively. If you can launch the CSL right (it is on semi-slicks designed to turn corners, not drag, after all), it's a high 12's car and high 4's to 100km/h.

The E90 M3 when it comes out, 300kW+ V8 and all, should be pretty interesting.

[vegabass]

My bro has a E36 6 speed and well lets just say 5th to 6th @ 230kmph if i remember corectly. and thats before the edit!!

he also has video footage of this beast drifting and it looks so easy

the leather is so nice and well i want it when he's finished!! (just like the xr i own now was his)

[Steffo]

That 360 got a horrible launch.... and the Spider's are slower then the Modena's. Though they're not exactly slow (12.7s and 290km/h). The M5 only won that race because of the launch...

[ridefox]

Originally Posted by Steffo

That 360 got a horrible launch.... and the Spider's are slower then the Modena's. Though they're not exactly slow (12.7s and 290km/h). The M5 only won that race because of the launch...

true but if they both lined up and got a fair start u wouldnt want to have to pick a winner

[Homer]

Yeah the reason I ask is that a dude in one tried to run me the other night, was pretty quick and boy did it scream! Kink of like a metallic/mechanical noise, very nice.

Could handle one of them :sm_drool: