Are we going to be envious of these new machines?
I'm not concerned about power differences because I have a Supercharger. I just get this weird feeling like I may want one when I see the first one, just because it's a cool new toy.
I'll probably pull a neck muscle when I drive by the first one!!!:D
Maybe it's just me. Should I go to a dealer and put my cash down for next year????
Let's let them iron out the details first.

What do you guys think?

Greg

Yeah, I know what you mean. Being envious of the E46 performance capability is the driving force behind me getting a SC for my E36 M3.

The big question I want to answer is whether I'll like the styling of the E46 over my E36. Even if I am envious I'll still keep the E36 (121k miles and going strong) 'cuz I'm attached to it. I wonder which one I would drive more if I had an E46, too.

"Iron out the details"

I try to avoid buying the first model year of a car for that exact reason, but in the case of the E36, I didn't want to wait. Mine is a '95. Aside from the well-documented plastic water pump problem, the gamble paid off because the car has been bulletproof. That speaks loads to me about the quality of BMW these days.

I'm happy with my E36, but it'll probably be best to avoid test-driving the new one unless I'm in a position to buy one.

Can ya imagine what kind of goodies Dinan, AA, et al. are gonna cook up for that E46 motor??!!! 333hp, bone stock: what will a SC/TC do? Better apply for a pilot's license now!

Hey Greg and others ... Not to be a dick but you might not be to safe with a SC M3 against a E46 M .. I was in one on monday and WOW .. The E46 will beat you from 0-80 hands down

333hp stock it may have but that's not that much more than the stock 321hp of the 3.2L European E36 M3. The difference in 0-60 time is mainly due to better traction off the line (M-diff helps a lot here).

I bet my Euro E36 can keep up with an E46 in most real world driving conditions!

Still, am considering buying E46 M3 in the next 2-3 years. Will wait until the bugs have been sorted and there's a decent 2nd hand selection. I never buy cars new - I don't like seeing 10% of my cars value disappear when I drive out of the showroom!

Michael.

I drove an E46 M3 last weekend and I have to agree with Blown that it is faster than my S/Cd car off the line. The new M3 revs very very quickly. However, on the top end, my car will pull away but not effortlessly.

I'm number 12 on a list to get one but will most likely pass on getting it. I prefer to have the bugs worked out of it and a year or so of history on it.

I'm looking forward to seeing them and hearing about them.

Envious, heck no...I'm just not that type.

Bob ///M3