is it true v8 m3 comes out in 2003?

I just been hearing this from a lot of people

Yes, but only in Europe through BMW individual. It will cost about ~$225,000

No, not in 2003. I understand from one of the auto mags that the M3 will switch over to using V8's in 2006. Only time will tell.

Originally posted by DKJBama330ci
Yes, but only in Europe through BMW individual. It will cost about ~$225,000

$225,000...?! Where in the world did you hear that..?

which is "streetable" to fulfill the requirements of ACO for lemans series running.

those cars are the M3 CSL type cars with the same 4.0litre v8 as used by PTG racing cars (now banned).

i don't see why a small v8 wouldn't be likely. it's known that the v8 weighs the same/less than the current inline six and it would have far greater torque characteristics.

Originally posted by IndyMike
No, not in 2003. I understand from one of the auto mags that the M3 will switch over to using V8's in 2006. Only time will tell.

That's only speculation. The inline 6 in the E46 M3 is at it's theoretical MAX in what a naturally aspirated engine can output at 3.2 liters...It's about as efficient as an engine can possibly get.

However, there are other means of putting more power in the M3 without having to resort to a V-8...Turbo/Supercharge (they did it in the M1), larger displacement (3.5 liter I-6 anyone?), all aluminum engine block with Valvetronic/electromagnetic valves...etc. They DON'T need to put a V-8 to produce more power.

However, if rumors of the impending V-10 being developed for the new M5 is true then I can see them stuffing the lightweight V-8 from the current M5 into the new 3 series chasis. But I think a better alternative would be to remove weight from the car rather than go bigger with the engine.

Originally posted by The HACK

However, if rumors of the impending V-10 being developed for the new M5 is true then I can see them stuffing the lightweight V-8 from the current M5 into the new 3 series chasis.

*drool* :thumb:

Originally posted by Chris330ci


$225,000...?! Where in the world did you hear that..?

Bimmer Magazine
February 2002 Issue
In the Werkes Section p.10

Direct quote of entire article:

BMW TO Build V8-Powered M3 For The Road

" Those who've been salivating over the prospect of getting to drive a V8-powered M3 GTR are in luck, at least in Europe. For just 250,000 euros, or about $225,000, BMW will sell you a road-legal version of the M3 GTR that has been racing from victory to victory in ALMS races this year. Extremely limited production (undoubtedly to order) starts in January 2002 at BMW individual.
The two-seat M3 GTR road car will be as close to race-spec as possible. The bodywork is carbon fiber or CRP, and all comfort equipment has been deleted to keep dry weight to just under 3000 lbs. Bodywork and aerodynamics are the same as on the race version, while the suspension settings are what BMW describes as "extremely lowered" and "enourmously sporty." Wheels are 19- inchers front and rear. The car also features dry-sump lubrication, a six-speed transmission, twin-plate clutch, and the Variable M Differntial Lock. The car's 4.0 liter 90 degree V8 engine puts out over 450hp in race trim, but emissions and noise regulations knock that back to 350 in the road version.
We'll take one in silver, please!"

Wow... I wasn't doubting you, just couldn't believe it cost that much..! Thanks for posting the article

Originally posted by DKJBama330ci


Bimmer Magazine
February 2002 Issue
In the Werkes Section p.10

Direct quote of entire article:

BMW TO Build V8-Powered M3 For The Road

" Those who've been salivating over the prospect of getting to drive a V8-powered M3 GTR are in luck, at least in Europe. For just 250,000 euros, or about $225,000, BMW will sell you a road-legal version of the M3 GTR that has been racing from victory to victory in ALMS races this year. Extremely limited production (undoubtedly to order) starts in January 2002 at BMW individual.
The two-seat M3 GTR road car will be as close to race-spec as possible. The bodywork is carbon fiber or CRP, and all comfort equipment has been deleted to keep dry weight to just under 3000 lbs. Bodywork and aerodynamics are the same as on the race version, while the suspension settings are what BMW describes as "extremely lowered" and "enourmously sporty." Wheels are 19- inchers front and rear. The car also features dry-sump lubrication, a six-speed transmission, twin-plate clutch, and the Variable M Differntial Lock. The car's 4.0 liter 90 degree V8 engine puts out over 450hp in race trim, but emissions and noise regulations knock that back to 350 in the road version.
We'll take one in silver, please!"

:thumb:

As I understand it they've got to build it (V8 M3 GTR) or they lose everything they've gained on Porsche in the ALMS races this past year. And, it would have to be the same engine, though probably detuned a little, and not the 540i's V8 or a V10 as some have speculated since the old (6-cycl) M3 GTR had the same engine as in the street M3 just race tuned. If they don't build it to sell on the street they've got to (I think I'm correct on this - don't have my Autoweek handy) drop an extra 200lbs in the car plus add a larger restrictor plate (I'm not entirely sure on the restrictor plate thing but I do know that it will limit power to the engine somewhat).

Not that I'm advocating it, but I believe the new S4 is rumored to have Audi's 4.2 V-8 when it's released (later in '02?).

Oh yeah, almost forgot. And in order to compete with the new G35, Audi expects to start the S4 pricing in the high $20's (U.S).