BMW M3 Sedan Reported to Face the Axe

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed)
Apr 15th 2010 at 11:01PM

If you've been eying that BMW M3 sedan on the dealer lot on your commute home from work, we've got some news for you. First of all, it may be sitting there for a while already. Secondly, it may be your last chance.

According to reports, BMW hasn't been able to sell the four-door M3 as fast as expected (or as the car can travel down the road, for that matter). Although North American buyers clamored for the opportunity to buy the M3 sedan in the last generation, their wallets haven't been speaking as loudly as their mouths. As a result, sales have been lagging, and BMW is reportedly not going to renew its production for the next-generation model.

That means that when the current M3 – with its high-revving V8 engine – is replaced by the new twin-turbo six, it'll only be available as a coupe or convertible. Which is a bit of a shame, but not as big a shame as its prospective buyers evidently feel.

Tags: bmw, bmw m3, bmw m3 sedan, m3, m3 sedan

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

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cmabel15 Apr 16th 2010 12:45AM

there was no 4 door e46 m3

MAGOOS Apr 17th 2010 9:11AM

My first ever BMW sedan was a Wendler bodied 327/28 of 1938 vintage, a war reparation by courtesy of a returning army officer. I owned my first BMW motorcycle in 1954 and have never been without one since. I have owned several BMW cars through the ages but now drive a Ford. Why? For much the same reason as the M3 is on the block. Good as BMW cars are, the bread and butter makers have now closed a large gap and produce excellent vehicles for very much less money. The BMW roundel no longer supports the legend in terms of economics; prestige ownership vanishes in hard times. BMW still offers exciting cars but many others are equal to them and these days, last just as long with lower maintenance costs.

tnschira Apr 17th 2010 10:34AM

you are so correct sir.
BMW is great but the price makes it a white elephant

jpdr1100 Apr 17th 2010 10:33AM

So BMW is considering canceling a "popular" model because it can't sell them? Isn't that claim an oximoron in and of itself?
And the next generation M will feature a twin turbo six in place of the V8. But that is the engine (likely in lower HP form) that BMW already offers across its full product line. So you can now, and likely will be able to in the future get a twin turbo six in a four door 3 series, even if it doesn't carry the M3 badge. Buy an M badge and stick it on yourself.

visconti24 Apr 17th 2010 11:13AM

The writing is so poor (where do they get these "reporters?" But the implication is that the 3 series BMW will be cancelled, which is not true. They want to hook you so you read the story and the advertisement around it, of course. the writers do not know the difference between "sought by many" and "popular."

Droopimedic2154 Apr 17th 2010 3:27PM

JPDR, you are somewhat mistaken about the BMW straight-6 powerplant. Up until last year, the 6 cylinder they used was a sequential twin turbo, ie. not one turbo per 3 cylinders but one turbo kicking in at low RPM's and the other kicking in at mid-range RPM's with higher boost to all 6 cylinders. That powerplant was rated at 300 HP and 300 lb/ft of torque. Last year they introduced a single turbo 6 that produced the same numbers. The current turbo V-8 they use in the M3 produces, I believe, 415 HP. In a nod to better environmental and fuel efficiency, next year the M3 will come with a new twin turbo straight-6 that will equal or better those numbers. BMW, like them or not, produces a great car. Even if you don't like them, you have to admire that german engineering and craftsmanship.

Droopimedic2154 Apr 17th 2010 3:31PM

My mistake, I mistyped. The current M3 uses a normally aspirated V-8, not a turbo V-8.

Ralph Apr 17th 2010 10:39AM

I drive an '01 M5, and though I normally trade every 3 years or so, I can't get away from the M5. Fast, quiet, not overly electronically controlled, and comfortable to drive. Reasonable fuel economy too, when driven with care.
I looked at the M3 a couple of times, but the price:value relationship seemed out of kilter to me. It's just a fast little car, and a little coarse in terms of road noise, etc. for $65K (which is about what it costs with minimal options) there is a whole world of cars that offer a better value and more owner satisfaction. Add to this the typical BMW dealer style ("we're not satisfied until you are dissatisfied") and it is tough to part with that kind of money.

Pat Apr 17th 2010 11:15AM

I wish BMW would make new Z3s like their 2002 model and earlier. German design is the absolute best.

jpdr1100 Apr 17th 2010 11:18AM

I didn't take it to suggest a cancellation of all 3 Series. No one would buy into that story, though a writer may love the sensationalism of it. AOL, through which I linked to the story, is a master at the tease; giving you just enough info to get you to click. Guess they think deceiving their customers makes for good business.

pnut166 Apr 17th 2010 11:28AM

I agree with most posters on here. While the M3 is undoubtedly a cool car, there are better, cheaper alternatives out there nowadays. Not to mention, BMW has gotten away from what made them "the ultimate driving machine" in recent years, by adding all sorts of electro-nannies and bulk and weight, which has all served to dilute the driver / car / road connection. Sorry, BMW. If I want to spend that much on a "performance" car, I can get a Corvette or GT-R. Now I know Chevy and Nissan don`t carry the same panache as Bavarian Motor Werks, but value is value, and nameplates are little plastic discs when you get down to it.

D. Apr 17th 2010 11:42AM

Has BMW worked out the automatic transmission problems (reverse gear failure), camshaft position sensor failures, power window motor failures, power sunroof guide failures, rear subframe fractures and heat/ac problems in it's 3 series vehicles yet? I know the expense and frustration of owning a bimmer :(

Elaine Apr 17th 2010 11:46AM

My X5 is very light for an SUV . When I move, it moves, and it is engineered to be light. I love it and it is the Ultimate Driving Machine. If I drove one, I wouldn't want a sedan that was too light. You really need some steel wrapped around you in a sedan for safety. Nissan and Chevy are no comparison to the BMW at any level, and will n-e-v-e-r be in the same class. The corvette is a little low for a smooth ride, and I have seen them swerve on a take-off. The maintenance on the BMW may not be that bad if you let the dealer know that you are on to their games, and won't take their greediness. But, until you put your foot down, you may be taken for a real expensive ride, especially if you are a female.

David J Guthrie Apr 17th 2010 1:15PM

You do NOT need massive amounts of steel around you for safety. Lighter metals and carbonfibre have made less weight a wonderful thing indeed. Crash zones are there for a reason. I don't know how you bought your BMW but ours carries a free maintainance program.

frothe3 Apr 17th 2010 11:50AM

Cadillac outperforms both BMW,Audi and Mercedes in its class;look at the CTS. Quality is better than the Euros and the controls are more simple and are not hazardous or dangerous,especially with the MMI on Audi and the iDrive with BMW. Gadgets and geegaws do not make the car;it is the underpinnings and the cost of ownership over the life of the vehicle that make American makes a much better value.

Count Snobulah Apr 17th 2010 11:54AM

YOU WANT FAST? GET A 2004 VOLVO V70 2.5T. IT'S A ROCKET!

red28360 Apr 17th 2010 1:24PM

lol..you rich people are so funny. common sence would say if something want sell ,then lower the price.lolllll thats why the world is like it is today.. the rich ripping the poor off. an the poor getting poorer. the poor always has to bail the rich out ,that is not right.

red28360 Apr 17th 2010 1:26PM

lol..you rich people are so funny. common sence would say if
something want sell ,then lower the price.lolllll thats why the world
is like it is today.. the rich ripping the poor off. an the poor
getting poorer. the poor always has to bail the rich out ,that is not
right.

scrod83 Apr 17th 2010 1:48PM

What a shame. It is such a great car!

thomasshunter Apr 17th 2010 1:45PM

Everyone knows BMW stands for "Big Money Wasted." The most overrated cars on the market. They have become what Jaguar was 20 years ago....a sign of utter lack of economy and narcissism. If BMW is really the "ultimate driving machine," I'd rather take a city bus.

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