Recently Car magazine had a brief post about the discontinuation of the inline six that powered everything from the E36 through the E46 and E86. And that got us thinking about that engine, the cars it powered and how they stacked up against all the other M offerings through the years.
There are countless opinions about what an M car should be and what truly is the best yet. In my mind there are a handful of cars that exemplify the qualities of the Motorsports division. First and foremost there’s the original E30 M3. Created with incredible pedigree and highly successful motorsport history the E30 M3 in some ways is the pinnacle of the brand. That would probably be out pick for the ultimate ///M car across the entire range.
But what modern M car deserves this title? While we love the last two generations of the M3 they’re simply too heavy a car in our minds. And as much as we love the E39 and E60 M5s, it’s hard to argue that they haven’t become bloated as compared to the original E34 example. The modern M6 also exemplifies this all too well.
With that rational the Z3 M and Z4 M seem start to seem like obvious choices. But the convertible tops do way too much in limiting ultimate performance. Decreased torsional rigidity make these less than ideal choices for attacking mountain roads let alone track days. They are inherently flawed as any gorgeous classically proportioned roadster is.
The coupes are the natural answer then. The Z3 coupe was brutal and (in my mind at least) a gorgeous yet almost vulgar looking car. But it’s the Z4 M Coupe that is both looks and performs the part of the ultimate modern M car. It’s mechanical sounding inline 6 will never be equalled in it’s character or purity now that we’re in the V8 and forced induction era at the M Division.
There are not one but two fantastic looking BMW race cars currently on eBay. The first is a 1973 CLS which was converted into the race car it is today. Here’s a description:
1973 CSL it is belived that this car was converted in Germany by Alpina (the badge showing number “046” is still on the dashboard) in 1973 and was then raced from 1974 on in Group 4 specification. At some time (probably in the early 1980s), the CSL was imported into American and sold to an owner in California. On his death, it passed (via an Estate sale) to the last owner who raced it for about twenty years. It has the two-valve 3.5 liter engine, now on Weber carburetors and the correct Getrag 5 speed close ratio gearbox and is running and driving well. I do not have any proof of its racing heritage in Europe unfortunatlly.The car was raced in Vintage races in the mid-west up untill a few years ago.
The second is the famed E46 M3 PTG race car from the a few years back created for IMSA.
A very unique opportunity to purchase a ex PTG factory built BMW E46 CHASSIS #1 . Originally built and campainged by the BMW North American factory team PTG. In its first season of Grand-Am competition this car posted 3 GT class victories and a total of 7 top 6 finishes. After its pro race career was over the car has contined to race in the HSR SVRA vintage race series.
The car has a fresh PTG 3.4 liter full race motor, Hewland 6 speed gearbox, massive Brembo brakes. EFI management system. This car has been maintained to the very highest standards with no expense spared.
BMW is continuing with the Z4 offensive. This latest video in the series is a look at the prototyping processing that went behind the car. It’s a fascinating glimpse into all the work done to create what we often take for granted everyday.
Detroit News columnist Neil Winton and Fiat CEO Sergio Marchione aren’t so sure. Considering all of the economic pressures combined with environmental ones, BMW will have a long battle ahead of it. Here’s an excerpt:
All this has plunged Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne into a gloomy mood. “I have totally revised what I will do in the first part of 2009. We’re just going to slam the brakes on, use as many temporary layoffs as needed, cut everything back to essentials. I am going to have one week of production between now and the beginning of January. After that we’re in the dark because I have no idea what demand will be. None,” Marchionne told Automotive News Europe in an interview.
Official Press Release: Fascination and innovation – precisely these features clearly describe the stance and look of the BMW Group at the 2009 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.
Highlighting the world debut of the new BMW Z4 and the presentation of future-oriented drive concepts, the world’s most successful manufacturer of premium cars offers the public a truly attractive outlook at the new year and beyond from 17–25 January 2009. More than ever before, customers in the North American automobile market may also benefit in 2009 from the results of BMW’s EfficientDynamics development strategy. For all BMW models presented at the 2009 NAIAS come with power units combining the dynamic performance typical of the brand with truly exemplary fuel economy and emission control.
The long awaited ///M Sport packages seen elsewhere in the world are finally coming to the US. Here’s an excerpt from an internal BMW release:
With the launch of the Model Year 2009 vehicles, BMW has decided to release M Sport Packages (ZMP) for our US models. Each M Sport Package was developed for the specific Series so that the equipment contained is matched perfectly to the vehicle. The M Sport Package allows customers to further individualize their vehicles for a more aggressive and athletic appearance.
The current or regular Sport Packages will continue to be available for all models. The equipment differentiation between the M Sport Packages and the current Sport Packages are:
M door sills
M footrest
M gearshift lever
M steering wheel
M wheels
Available with an M exterior color
Anthracite Headliner (not available on Convertibles)
Aerodynamic package
The 5 series and 135 will be the first to get the treatment beginning with January production. The ZMP package can now be ordered and includes styling cues from the ///M line. We will post more info as we can!
Now that snow, ice and other winter messes are showing up all over the world we have received many question about the functions of Dynamic Stability Control (DSC). The following information is a brief synopsis of each of its functions and the basics behind it all. We hope that this information is useful and provides you with some answers to your questions. The information here is for the newer generation of cars equipped with DSC.
DSC is ON by default, there is no need to press any buttons on start up. DSC uses a series of sensors to detect wheel spin, yaw rate of the car and other properties. Using sensors and other electronics it can apply the brakes as needed, cut engine power and with Active Steering it can make small steering corrections to better keep the car under control. In layman terms, all the nannies are on by default and help to keep the car from spinning out. When DSC is intervening a caution light will flash in the instrument cluster.
BimmerFile is dedicated to bringing you the most interesting news, links and reviews related to the BMW brand and it's vehicles.
We believe in the old school BMW ownership experience. We believe in garage nights with a six pack and some friends. We believe in 2002s, in E30 M3s and E34 540s with the 6 speed. We believe in progress in both design and engineering but we haven't lost sight of what made the brand and its products great all those years ago. And yes, we believe in the manual transmission.
We long for the days of the wave and for the days of roll-up windows. Yet we love the gadgets on the inside and the xenons on the outside.
In short, we can't get enough of BMWs. This is BimmerFile.
Sections: //M\\, E36/E37 Z3 Roadster/Coupe, E86 Z4 M Coupe Dec 31st, 2008 20 Comments 
