What's to consensus on buyers going for the SMG option that's supposed to be available by the end of this year?

As the years roll by and E46 M3's are sold as used cars, will the non-SMG M3 or the SMG M3 be more desireable?

Bob ///M3

I'm waiting for a number of things that should be available, but aren't for no apparent reason:


More exterior color choices (like a decent blue).
SMG as an option - don't know if I'll get it, but I'd like the option.
Two tone leather seats - All the other M cars have this, why not the M3?
Interior trim options - Wood and aluminum are available in other 3-series cars, why not the M3?


Obviously, the SMG is the only performance related bit. I'm not ready to buy one right now anyways, but all these things are acting as excuses to not order one.

The V8 GTR would be something to wait for, too :)

--
MattL

Yea Matt, I agree it would be nice to have some addtional colors to choose from. And without a doubt, there will be additional options and features offered in the second year of production.

What I'm most converned about however is any engine changes that might be made during the first year, like happened to the M5's engine. Also, colors and of course...the possibility of a V8!

Bob ///M3

My allocation came up already, but I passed it up as I'm waiting for the September.....as this should be a 2002 model (no first year manufacturing defect, Topaz Blue offered [hopefully], and SMG [reportedly it's happening in September build dates]). I want my Topaz M3!

I'm number 12 on a wait list at a moderately large dealership who knows me very well. I have told them I would most likely wait for the '02 M3, even if I did have a chance to get a '01. My reasons are very similar to both of yours; more color options, maybe the SMG, etc., but most importantly to "not" have the first year's model...

I don't want to be a "tester" (for them to use me to cut in all the fixes and mods) so the following year's model is "right"!

It will be interesting to see the various things that must be fixed and/or changed as time goes by. It never fails!

Bob ///M3

Hey, what about the '95 M3 did you consider this a tester car? Sure they changed it for 96, but the major changes resulted from OBD II which I don't think of as a positive change. So granted they may have some bugs to work out, there is always the change of less then optimal alterations.
just my 25 cents

Very true! And no disrespect for the '95 M3 as it has proven to be a fine car, especially with the OBDI (if you want to highly modify the engine).

As with any car, refinements are made, faults are corrected and options are enhanced as the next year's models come out. This is true of any model and any brand but in particular during the first year and/or when the second year's model becomes available.

Maybe I should have referred to it as something other than "tester", however all car makers learn more about their newly introduced models during the first year that owners have them than any other time. This is the true "testing" (for lack of a better word) for the car because multiple millions of miles are being logged collectively by all the owners.

Bob ///M3

Aren't they giving the E46 a facelift soon...
I wouldn't get M3 before that facelift...
Also, according to the newest Roundel, there will be V8 for M3!! (Don't quote me on this since I haven't finish reading that article.)

Bob, are you selling your E36 for the E46?
:)

No, I'm planning on keeping the E36 M3 for a long time! Most likely I'll wait to get a E46 M3 until at least the '02 models come out. I'm in no hurry.

Bob ///M3


Originally posted by JT-KGY
Aren't they giving the E46 a facelift soon...
I wouldn't get M3 before that facelift...
Also, according to the newest Roundel, there will be V8 for M3!! (Don't quote me on this since I haven't finish reading that article.)

Bob, are you selling your E36 for the E46?
:)

The facelift won't apply to the E46 M3. The E46 3 facelift is minimal, just designed to keep up w/ MB and Audi, because of the new C class, and the upcoming A4 (I think that the E46 is much prettier than the new A4 and C combined, just my opinion.) The V8 will not come to the US according to a man known on boards as "Mr Vanos", who's spoken with Tom Salkowski (BMWUSA M Brand Manager) personally about the M3 V8. Apparently, Mr Salkowski has also said that SMG and Topaz Blue are go for '02 (starting September Builds).

Just my .02 (don't quote me on this as it's second hand info)




Originally posted by JT-KGY
Aren't they giving the E46 a facelift soon...
I wouldn't get M3 before that facelift...
Also, according to the newest Roundel, there will be V8 for M3!! (Don't quote me on this since I haven't finish reading that article.)

Bob, are you selling your E36 for the E46?
:)

Does anyone know how easy (and quick) it will be to change from one SMG "Drivelogic" program to one of the other eleven that are available? In other words, can it be changed by pushing a button or moving a stalk?

Bob ///M3