M3/M4 BMW M3 CS official thread

[M.N.D]

The "rest of the world" press release is here.

The new BMW M3 CS.

The global press release is easier to read and straight to the point without being dramatic.

It seems that the CS is a further refinement for the competition package, through revising the parameters of the suspension, the differential, and the steering set up. This is very good to hear, as BMW is keeping on improving the chassis performance for a better driving experience even though the car is almost at the end of its production life.

I think this benefits BMW for two reasons. The first one is leaving a good impression about the F8X platform in the future as a car worthy of the M3 (and the M4) badge; the second one is that it will (hopefully) give BMW a better experience when the time comes for the next generation to be optimized to result in an overall excellent product from the start.

 

[Giannis]

It's nice. It almost makes the pain from the release of the X2 go away.

 

[Betty Swollocks]

You can't accuse BMW of not having a sense of humour. They charge £90,000 for the M4 CS and the Lime Rock colour is a £2,600 option.

 

[Matski]

when the time comes for the next generation to be optimized to result in an overall excellent product from the start.

I have to say, I don't think development timescales are involved at all.

The CS models do not contain any significant engineering upgrades (oily bits), yet are priced at a hefty premium over base models - and since the CS modes don't contain any significantly different oily bits, the changes in performance have come from adjustments to existing components/programming, or simple bolt on changes, such as semi-slick tyres. The M4 went into production in early 2013, the final specifications would have been locked in place in late 2012 at the latest. I struggle to believe these changes justify the price or the length of time it's taken to roll them out. If they were interested in optimising the base performance of the M4, I'm sure they could have applied the technical changes at the LCI, and carried on with a small uplift in price.

What I think is more likely (IMHO), is the CS models are simply a move to position M3 & M4 models in a price bracket above that where they really belong. They need to create a perceived difference between the base model and future CSL models in order to justify the whopping price difference they will charge for it.

Previously, many hot M3's have been used to homologate racing parts, that's not the case with the F8x generation... The GTS and CS are simply brand building exercises, and at this stage it's one that I don't believe is backed up with a genuine value proposition. They need to do it, because people need to get used to seeing 100k+ M3/4's in order to get over that mental hurdle.

The fact that they can't talk about any genuine weight savings, despite alluding to them in the press releases is pretty embarrassing to be honest, and evidence of just how superficial that this performance level of M car is. They are simply creating a position for future models to occupy.

Just my opinion... I'm feeling cranky today.

... having said all that... the M3 CS is going on "Matski's list of 700 Bimmers he'd buy if he was a multi-millionaire."

 

[Betty Swollocks]

The E46 M3 CSL was a genuinely special car justifying the higher price tag. The CFRP roof was worth it alone, just because you felt you were part of an experiment to see if CFRP could be mass produced. These CS models are a cynical attempt to extract more money from people who don't know any better.

 

[M.N.D]

I have to say, I don't think development timescales are involved at all.

The CS models do not contain any significant engineering upgrades (oily bits), yet are priced at a hefty premium over base models - and since the CS modes don't contain any significantly different oily bits, the changes in performance have come from adjustments to existing components/programming, or simple bolt on changes, such as semi-slick tyres. The M4 went into production in early 2013, the final specifications would have been locked in place in late 2012 at the latest. I struggle to believe these changes justify the price or the length of time it's taken to roll them out. If they were interested in optimising the base performance of the M4, I'm sure they could have applied the technical changes at the LCI, and carried on with a small uplift in price.

What I think is more likely (IMHO), is the CS models are simply a move to position M3 & M4 models in a price bracket above that where they really belong. They need to create a perceived difference between the base model and future CSL models in order to justify the whopping price difference they will charge for it.

Previously, many hot M3's have been used to homologate racing parts, that's not the case with the F8x generation... The GTS and CS are simply brand building exercises, and at this stage it's one that I don't believe is backed up with a genuine value proposition. They need to do it, because people need to get used to seeing 100k+ M3/4's in order to get over that mental hurdle.

I have expressed a personal opinion in another thread about the purpose of the current CS line, where I've formed two different conclusions. Either the CS is the "true" M3/4 from BMW, a late apology to the customers who were less than satisfied with the early iterations of the F8X platform, while the GTS is a project sold to the public for feedback purposes, and the price hike is to cover the development cost.

Or the above is hocus pocus, and the CS along with the GTS are marketing exercises for more profit, covered by the excuse of more improvements. As you mentioned, which can be read in the global press release as well, there is no mechanical/physical changes to the chassis or the engine. Instead, you get a number of tweaks here and there.

I said in my post above that this is good for BMW for the reasons I mentioned, which may lean a bit more to my first conclusion, even though I think the second conclusion is more convenient (that's why I said "hopefully"). Sometimes you want to cheer for your favorite team, even though you can tell that they are messing around. However, you have to be objective, and point out about what you believe is not right or logical.

I agree that this generation has the weakest connection to homologation and motorsports, but I hope their involvement in GT4 class, even though it is somehow late, will be good for something other than increasing the amount of cash in the bank accounts.

 

[M.N.D]

The E46 M3 CSL was a genuinely special car justifying the higher price tag. The CFRP roof was worth it alone, just because you felt you were part of an experiment to see if CFRP could be mass produced. These CS models are a cynical attempt to extract more money from people who don't know any better.

This whole marketing marathon could be to cope with the current influence of the social media, and benefit from it as much as possible. I see this as a win-win for both sides, the car company, and the online enthusiasts.

Many "internet" people don't care much about cars, but want to be seen as cool and daring. They will buy these "special-limited-first-ever-edition" cars, and review them on Youtube or Instagram. They get views, which means more money for them, and it is a free publicity for the company.

 

[Matski]

I don't really get the point of such a version for the M3. You want track, you take a Coupé... too much compromise from my point of view for a 4 doors car...

I saw these images on my Facebook feed this morning and it reminded me of your comment;

JR Motorsports endurance racing M3...

 

[M.N.D]

I saw these images on my Facebook feed this morning and it reminded me of your comment;

JR Motorsports endurance racing M3...

Not to go off topic, but this is nice. Thank you for sharing

I never knew that the current M3 is involved in motorsports. I guess it's an independent, private effort from this team, because as far as I know BMW doesn't participate in WTCC or ETCC anymore, but I could be wrong.

How on earth can you follow so much racing series? Another one to be added to the long list

 

[Matski]

Not to go off topic, but this is nice. Thank you for sharing

I never knew that the current M3 is involved in motorsports. I guess it's an independent, private effort from this team, because as far as I know BMW doesn't participate in WTCC or ETCC anymore, but I could be wrong.

It's a totally independent project, it's the only F80 M3 I've come across racing so far, but 4 door M3's do crop in various series' from time to time.

How on earth can you follow so much racing series? Another one to be added to the long list

My girlfriend's lived in 4 different countries in the last 18 months... and none of them are England with me.... I need something to occupy my time!

 

[M.N.D]

My girlfriend's lived in 4 different countries in the last 18 months... and none of them are England with me.... I need something to occupy my time!

I usually add a cup of tea when watching a race, just like you do

 

[Matski]

I usually add a cup of tea when watching a race, just like you do

Get the kettle on then..!

24 hours* of COTA about to begin...

JR are running that F80 in the race, there's a couple of other older M3's and some M235iR cup cars. As an added car to cheer for, Radio Le Mans commentator, John "the voice of endurance racing " Hindhaugh is actually racing in an Aston Martin Vantage GT8...

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24H SERIES 24H COTA USA 2017


*ish

 

[Rainer271]

Feature comparison: M3 CS vs. M4 CS

 

[hovabongZA]

It’s a real potty about the OLED lights.Im glad this car exists.

 

[Merc1]

2018 BMW M3 Specs, Release Date & Price - Details on the New BMW M3


Stunning car, but 97K?

M

 

[martinbo]

2018 BMW M3 Specs, Release Date & Price - Details on the New BMW M3


Stunning car, but 97K?

M

Shite that F30 design's aged well.

 

[M.N.D]

2018 BMW M3 Specs, Release Date & Price - Details on the New BMW M3


Stunning car, but 97K?

M

A fully equipped BMW M3 with competition package, DCT, individual paint, full merino leather, ceramic brakes, and ticking almost every option will cost around 95,000 $, according to the US BMW website.

Motor Trend tested a BMW M3 equipped with almost every M Performance part available, including M Performance exhaust system, light weight M Performance wheels that's similar in looks and size to the ones seen on the CS (19 front, 20 back), Michelin Cup-2 tires, M Performance adjustable suspension with a possible 20-mm height drop, among other options. The final as-tested-price was 113,715 $. The article is in the link below.

http://www.motortrend.com/cars/bmw/m3/2017/2017-bmw-m3-m-performance-parts-first-test-review/

Considering that the CS a limited production model, it could be almost fully optioned, with individual paint, a unique aero package, an engine retune with a power bump, a special suspension tune, a carbon fiber bonnet, and other light weight bits. That's the way they'll try to justify the price

I'm not sure if the lightweight bits are exclusive to the CS or if it's possible to acquire them through the M Performance catalog. It is possible to assume that this CS is the result of the usual marketing exercise with this approach of "going out with a bang" from BMW and other makers of releasing special versions of cars that are near the end of their production date for the purpose of increasing the appeal and leaving a good image.

Shite that F30 design's aged well.

It is what I would call "understated elegance". Sometimes I feel the negative reaction to the F-generation cars of BMW is exaggerated. You can argue that the design of the F30 didn't look that modern or original when it was launched back in 2011 (time really flies! it's been 6 years already); it's just like a three piece suit, it is neither flashy nor "cool", but you still appreciate it afterwards.

I believe that's why concept cars look old and funny 10 years later...

 

[Centurion]

Shite that F30 design's aged well.

Is there any 3-Series generation that hasn't aged well?

 

[martinbo]

Is there any 3-Series generation that hasn't aged well?

True story - good to see that the observation aligns with consistency.

 

[klier]

Shite that F30 design's aged well.

Absolutely!
But I do think the F30 was too much of a smaller 5er than a 'real' 3er. Next gen is going to correct this, going by the spy shots. It doesn't look like a 5er at all, but much sportier as it should be.

Stunning car, but 97K?

M

Yes. which is ridiculously cheap. Like a goddamn steal. Stop moaning.