ASK The Spies - Should BMW's Next-Gen M3 Have An xDrive Option?

Some of you may scoff at the question posed above, but you really have to give it some though. Before you throw tomatoes at me, let's THINK:

BMW has gone against every "rule" that existed with its M division:

1) Manual transmissions aren't the only option anymore.
2) All-wheel drive models exist in the X5/6M.
3) Sport-utility Ms are alive and well.
4) Naturally aspirated -- not the case.
5) Hell, even the BMW 1M doesn't use an "S" motor.

In reality though, none of those rules matter anymore. Now it's all about simply going fast.

And if there is one lesson that every automaker that simply wants to go faster can learn from the Nissan GT-R -- which essentially defies physics -- it's that all-wheel drive can make a significant difference. Sure, it will add some weight but where grip is needed, AWD ensures it's put down.

On top of this, the internet rumormill was abuzz with news that the all-new M5 would have an xDrive option. As of now that's not the case but if that changed, we wouldn't be shocked.

BUT, we want to know: Should BMW's next-gen M3 have an xDrive option?

Not only would it make the BMW more easily acceptable to daily drivers in snow belts, it could also -- assuming BMW went tech crazy -- bring better performance gains.

What say you?

valhallakey - 5/11/2012 2:06:11 AM

+1 Boost

M3 no, M335i or M350d sure.

MorePower - 5/11/2012 6:16:36 AM

+1 Boost

Turbo Diesel Coupe with M package, give it X-Drive. As for the upcoming Turbo gasoline/petrol version of the M3, no X-Drive.

Just because there are great AWD performance cars on the market does not mean that they all have to be!

iamdabest1 - 5/11/2012 7:57:54 AM

+1 Boost

no one said they all have to be, but what is wrong with an option ????
I wish the M3 came with AWD, its the only reason im considering getting an Audi rs5 next.
If you live where it snows, then you want one with AWD.. yes rear drive is more fun, but if the option is offered and you dont want it, dont take it !!
why are people so dumb ?? " NO, awd shouldnt be offered because im a narrow minded purist "

what if the question was " should bmw remove air conditioning on all M models to save weight" ?? let BMW offer as many options as possible and let the consumers choose what they want checked off !!

klipprand - 5/11/2012 10:46:57 AM

0 Boost

yes - vote from the snowbelt :)

ABMIZR78 - 5/11/2012 11:00:43 AM

+1 Boost

I really do hope they don’t. It’s not M3 any more…want AWD buy a Quattro!!

ThierryHenry14 - 5/11/2012 11:23:09 AM

0 Boost

Theres almost no market for an AWD M3... Dumb question

ThierryHenry14 - 5/11/2012 3:39:03 PM

+1 Boost

Personally, no. Although AWD have many benefits such as grip and handling (though that is questionable), there are also many drawbacks as well (including, but not limited to weight and weight distribution). And also, I'm an Audi/Porsche person, so BMW doesn't interest me.

CactoesGe1 - 5/11/2012 1:10:59 PM

0 Boost

If BMW knows people will but it, we all know they will do it. For now, I'll be enjoying my E92.

ABMIZR78 - 5/11/2012 5:18:35 PM

0 Boost

As the AWD system has its benefits, it also has its down side, especially if you are comparing a BMW with a Quattro. First there is the added weight, then the weight distribution, then comes the Under-steer. Same HP cars.. the non AWD BMW will be faster than the Quattro on the track. Check out this comparison of the 1M Coupe VS RS3. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTH5KSLubv0

Now just for argument sake…what about a M3 with the AWD setup of X6M??

94geo - 5/14/2012 12:46:54 PM

+1 Boost

"...and yet an A6 weighs less than the non-AWD 5-series."

So a 2wd version of the A6 wouldnt weigh less than the awd version?

JRobUSC - 5/11/2012 5:46:24 PM

-1 Boost

Has anyone here driven an X6 M? Hell, even a regular X6? What BMW has been able to get that 5300lb behemoth to do on a track is unreal, that thing literally defies the laws of physics. The new M3 is supposedly going to be the first vehicle to take advantage of all the lightweight components BMW has been working on, so I personally would LOVE to see what the M engineers could get a 2000lb lighter M3 to do with the same xDrive and DPC (torque vectoring) technology the X6 M has. If they make it, make it an option. M3 and M3 xDrive. I don't see anything wrong with offering both. They'd certainly sell more of them in places that M's don't sell now, and at the end of the day that's the goal anyway.

skytop - 5/11/2012 11:56:08 PM

+1 Boost

The next M3 should be diesel powered with a two speed GM powerglide transmission. That's the power of 'retro' engineering. It worked for Oldsmobile so it will work for BMW M3.

houseoflau - 5/14/2012 12:22:58 AM

0 Boost

If you watch this video then the answer is YES -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iHqzufd_ZE