[asian010]

thats why bmw is sellingi minis.

[simp0man]

minis might be small but heavy though. If they were like the originals, oh yeah!

[yazz]

minis and 1-series seem to fit the bill for a compact and simple vehicle

[longodj]

http://tcklineracing.com/coupe.htm

[bmw-blog]

Originally Posted by gearhead

There has been a fair amount of discussion regarding the M3's increasing weight over the past couple of generations, as well as all the other technology add-ons and creep. This phenomenon certainly applies to the 3-series lines in general.

I was wondering how many people on this forum (besides me) would like to see a BMW that goes back in time in some ways, but of course is manufactured with all the best quality and technology that is available. It wouldn't have to be an "M" car in its base version, but certainly would have the capacity for upgrades and would have the potential to be a high-performance vehicle, also through aftermarket add-ons (Mini does a fine job in this regard).

Would it be possible for BMW to bring a "simple" car to market, while keeping many of the features that we admire about the brand, with regards to steering, suspension, build quality, handling, acceleration and braking? Remember, the E30 and E36 platforms were much simpler, more compact and lighter - just imagine designing from scratch a new platform that truly captures what we liked about those cars, while taking advantage of modern design and manufacturing advances. (I realize that given modern safety regulations, it is more difficult to truly achieve a lightweight car).

We saw an attempt by BMW to go smaller and lighter in the 1-series, but the jury is still out, I think. It sure didn't achieve the goal of being light weight.

Here are some design elements that I would like to see:
- a key (no start/stop button)
- 4-cylinder high-revving engine, or a turbo-4
- smaller overall dimensions and reduced weight
- non-RFT's
- consider 2-seat configuration to get the weight down - a coupe in the classic sense!

Thoughts?

as far as the 4-cyl high rev engine, that will be coming before 2010, along with a quad-turbo four cylinders engine.

[ik999]

Originally Posted by bmw-blog

as far as the 4-cyl high rev engine, that will be coming before 2010, along with a quad-turbo four cylinders engine.

twin turbo 4 cylinder with a quad turbo version?

I wonder what the weight will be, and what the turbo lag will be like

if they put this in the e92 with the DCT, I would be seriously interested

[ik999]

Originally Posted by HIS4

Also, if you were to build say an E36 M3 to meet today's crash test and safety standards, it would be much heavier than what it was back in the mid 90s. Then, like the others were saying, add all the comfort technologies in and you've got a heavy car. I think they've done their best to keep the weight down while still producing a car that maintains a level of comfort and performance as good or better than it's competitors.

To lose significant weight, you'll have to give up soe of the comfort features which most buyers in this price range are not willing to give up.

apart from compliance to regulations, what does the e90 have that the e36 doesn't?

other than that the e90 is a larger car, I can't think of anything.

[Whostheboss]

Originally Posted by chuck92103

What is with all the circles in the back. It looks liek a Ferrari on crack.

6 tail lights 3 left 3 right
6 exhaust pipes, 3 left 3 right

[gearhead]

Originally Posted by bmw-blog

as far as the 4-cyl high rev engine, that will be coming before 2010, along with a quad-turbo four cylinders engine.

Yes! Not a week after my original post, the announcement was published regarding 4-cylinder engines.

[synclastica_86]

BMW had no choice, it need to stay with the competition. Now even Mazdas has start/stop buttons... and they sell for half the price of a 3 series.