VIDEO: So, How SHOULD BMW Make The Next-Gen M3 As Lovable As The First-Gen E30?

When it comes to sports cars, the BMW M3 is one of the hallowed ones. It's the letter and number most enthusiasts turn to when they want something that's going to blow their doors off and provide a great driving experience.

But out of the lot of M3s that have come and gone, WHICH is the one BMW needs to take the most lessons from? And, how does BMW go about making the "perfect" M3?

Both are tough questions as the vehicle has underwent significant changes since its earliest days under the E30 code. We expect the next-gen product to continue BMW's outrageous path of success, but its just a question of how it will get there.

That said, Autocar's Steve Sutcliffe took to the track to drive the E30 M3, E46 M3 CSL and a standard E92 M3 Coupe and weigh in.

Listen to Sutcliffe's commentary and weigh in below.





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PUGPROUD - 11/25/2012 9:26:47 AM

+1 Boost

It cannot be done. The secret formula was small size (this now the realm of the 2M series), light weight (some room here but size & cost negates extent progress can be made), price point (no longer a reasonable priced car due to expansion of lineup)and simplicity/machine like to touch and response (at current price point buyers demand luxury ammenities). M3 can be a great car but of a different type than what started it all. The great hope is that the 1M/2M's be the enthusiasts cars of choice reflecting more of the old time admired values...small, light weight, reasonable price, simplier man machine interface.

freeagent - 11/25/2012 2:43:14 PM

+1 Boost

you have that right. BMW needs to return to its roots. Let's hope the 1M/2M achieves this objective, as the M5 is hopelessly over the line and the M3/M4 is unlikely to have that special flickable lightness of being either.

t_bone - 11/25/2012 11:51:04 PM

+1 Boost

Maybe automotive engineers just suck. Aerospace engineers could get it down to 3,000 lbs before taking a lunch break.

I get sick of hearing about carbon fiber roofs and aluminum chassis - then you pop the hood and there is about 50 lbs of worthless plastic covers over the engine and everything else...just one tiny example.

PUGPROUD - 11/26/2012 7:50:09 AM

+1 Boost

Right on t_bone. Don't forget the fat cat driver who are the only few who can offord to spend an overinflated price of $60K+ for an M3 coupe.