[hector]

Originally Posted by 3aficionado

Mine is smg. There is no comparison between an auto/step and SMG. Those are two completely different animals. If those were my only two options I would go for the m3 smg. But my fiancé doesn’t drive my car.

Assuming your wife doesn’t want to shift and she is the primary driver of the car I think she would prefer the auto over the unsmooth smg auto mode. In this case you’ll get plenty of enjoyment out of step while she gets the auto and you will have a happy wife (possibly more important than which transmission is in the car).

My debate is between manual 335 and smg m3. Since I’m not racing I think I can forgo the smg and be happy in a manual 335. If I have time to race again I will have a good excuse to buy the latest and greatest smg m3. The lack of smg in the 335 is not worrying me as I don’t race on the streets. I’ll miss it but a manual will do just fine. The auto/step isn’t an option for a purist like me. Its a great transmission for those who prefer it. A step won't ever match a manual or smg so it's not the best of both worlds but it's a real good compromise.

Everything I wrote here is just my personal feelings based on these very finite circumstances to help hector and his wife choose a car from 2 options. I think each transmission has its place – hopefully that's enough disclaimer to keep from starting a transmission debate.

thanks again, thinking about it she does really like her 330ci w/step, probably no real need to have smg although since she does keep her step in manual mode almost all the time the jerkiness of smg auto mode is not a big issue, at this point looks like it'll be 335ci step hopefully with paddles.

[stressdoc]

If the 335 is being released in June, why would BMW have just announced the Z4 coupe with the current 255bhp 3 litre and the old M3 3.2 ? Not looking good for a June release IMO

[Bimmerista]

So far, no M engine is turbo in BMWs book so one announcement does not preclude another - note as well that Ulrich Buehnke is on record as saying that the current generation M3 engine is not at the end of its lifecycle development - meaning output can still be increased, meaning that even if at first the 335 engine has higher output, in typical BMW fashion the Z4 M coupe engine's output will be likely increased thereafter.

[thunderbirdsarego]

I was wondering if any of you guys have any ideas as to whether the new coupe (be it bi-turbo or whatever) and any more powerful sedan variant of the e90 would likely be offered with AWD ?

I have a 330xi on order (December production) so this is of some interest to me!! The answer would not cause me to re-think my order, but may help me in the decision as to whether to lease or purchase the vehicle outright.

I think BMW could benefit from a high powered AWD vehicle. Then again, for reasons of engineering or marketing I could imagine a decision to pitch the xDrive in the 3 series somewhere lower than the fastest cars. I guess that partly depends on whether philosophically the company believes that a real high performance car should always be purely rear wheel drive.

For example I suspect that BMW will not produce an xDrive M variant of the new 3 series. But a 300 hp AWD sedan would be an interesting proposition (for me at least!).

Thoughts? Comments? Jokes?

[stressdoc]

If they release the 335 in NA I would bet on a 335xi after a bit. Nothing in the engineering models nor the repair histories would contraindicate that application. I cannot imagine the 335xi selling hot in the euro market, although Audi has done well in that niche.

[thunderbirdsarego]

Thanks stressdoc.

So what date would that put a new AWD sedan? I'm guessing it would release 6 months of so after the new engine reaches the sedan (based on what happened with the current e90) ?

[SpeedFreak!]

Originally Posted by Bimmerista

So far, no M engine is turbo in BMWs book so one announcement does not preclude another - note as well that Ulrich Buehnke is on record as saying that the current generation M3 engine is not at the end of its lifecycle development - meaning output can still be increased, meaning that even if at first the 335 engine has higher output, in typical BMW fashion the Z4 M coupe engine's output will be likely increased thereafter.

You can count on it.

In fact... it is strongly believed that the current Z4 was built with a V8 in mind. Don't be surprised if the M roadster and coupe only use the S54 for a year or so. The possibility of the new M3 engine (as with the release of the E46 M3 in '01) finding it's way into future M roadsters and coupes.

[SpeedFreak!]

Originally Posted by thunderbirdsarego

Thanks stressdoc.

So what date would that put a new AWD sedan? I'm guessing it would release 6 months of so after the new engine reaches the sedan (based on what happened with the current e90) ?

That would be a safe guess.

[Squawks]

Originally Posted by hector

thanks again, thinking about it she does really like her 330ci w/step, probably no real need to have smg although since she does keep her step in manual mode almost all the time the jerkiness of smg auto mode is not a big issue, at this point looks like it'll be 335ci step hopefully with paddles.

I've been reading up on SMG for a while now, and have been quite impressed as to what others have written. I sure do hope that SMG (or the rumored ZSG) are available options on the 335 or any non-M model, for that matter.

I just picture SMG as a technologically advanced entity (superior over the purists' clutch-pedal-manual) with the comforts of an automatic mode for those bombarded with traffic or poor road conditions.

As per the lurchiness of the automatic mode with SMG, 3aficionado, isn't it true that the SMG II has a learning curve in order for you to truly master a smooth ride? I've heard A3 constitutes the smoothest mode...

[cntlaw]

Originally Posted by stressdoc

If the 335 is being released in June, why would BMW have just announced the Z4 coupe with the current 255bhp 3 litre and the old M3 3.2 ? Not looking good for a June release IMO

Sounded true.
One reason can explain this, is the time Z4 coupe was designed, the 335i engine wasn't becoming available for incorporating to the Z4 coupe. Yes, BMW does have a justification for a bigger engine to compete with MB's SLK350 272hp. The 258hp Z4 coupe possibly coming with a lighter weight than the SLK350 might still have a slightly better performance figure anyway.

[cntlaw]

Originally Posted by Squawks

isn't it true that the SMG II has a learning curve in order for you to truly master a smooth ride? I've heard A3 constitutes the smoothest mode...

My experience being on my friend's M3 told me that SMG II will not give a smooth ride for another life. It does jerk badly when downshift.
Audi's DSG is the smoothness which I have tried it on the A3. AMG Speedshift only comes second. Porsche Tiptronic is as bad, if that makes all of us feel better.

[cntlaw]

Originally Posted by SpeedFreak!

You can count on it.

In fact... it is strongly believed that the current Z4 was built with a V8 in mind. Don't be surprised if the M roadster and coupe only use the S54 for a year or so. The possibility of the new M3 engine (as with the release of the E46 M3 in '01) finding it's way into future M roadsters and coupes.

Speedfreak

Where did you get the information about Z4 was designed to house a V8 ? This is something I am curious as whether a V8 engine block can fit into the Z4 ? It was almost considered as a close to impossible job to mod the SLK to house the 5.5 Litre V8 engine. Of course, MB did it.

I really dont mind to take the Z4 coupe with the current M3 engine block, as it has been a perfect engine, right among of power, possibly slightly lighter weight than the new V8 and definitely the V6 will mean that the Z4 can be more affrodable than if the coupe were built to support a 400+hp v8. And, who would pay double to get a 645i/650i for less/same power as the coupe?

[warot]

Originally Posted by cntlaw

Speedfreak

Where did you get the information about Z4 was designed to house a V8 ? This is something I am curious as whether a V8 engine block can fit into the Z4 ? It was almost considered as a close to impossible job to mod the SLK to house the 5.5 Litre V8 engine. Of course, MB did it.

I really dont mind to take the Z4 coupe with the current M3 engine block, as it has been a perfect engine, right among of power, possibly slightly lighter weight than the new V8 and definitely the V6 will mean that the Z4 can be more affrodable than if the coupe were built to support a 400+hp v8. And, who would pay double to get a 645i/650i for less/same power as the coupe?

Hartge Z4... it uses the E39 M5 engine which is a V8 and it fit... although barely. Whether it was designed to accomodate a V8 specifically I don't know, but it can be done.

[cntlaw]

Originally Posted by warot

Hartge Z4... it uses the E39 M5 engine which is a V8 and it fit... although barely. Whether it was designed to accomodate a V8 specifically I don't know, but it can be done.

Thanks. Guess it can be done. But and then another concern is the added weight to the front. I am expecting a 300-400hp Z4 coupe will win on the weight distrbution than the SLK55 AMG.
I still vote that 258/300hp 330/335 engine for the Z4 coupe is a more balanced design for day-to-day street use.
Can't imagine how bad it can be when the amount of V8 engine heat radiating back into a Z4 coupe interior in the hot Summer But it is fine in cold Winter

[wyrm11]

Hey RichReg, can you change the title of this thread to change the "It's Official" part? I'm not sure if you can do that, but if you can, it'd be much appreciated. Even though I've been quite forthright in that I totally believe SpeedFreak, it's technically not "official".

I just saw this at the top of the board and thought an actual official announcement had been made. It's just a little misleading.

[THE JEDI]

Trying not to brag to loud, but I answered that question a few months ago, I said no way bimmer, is gonna do the turbo thing, I can't wait to hear what those engines are gonna feel like under ya botty, and keep up the good convo guys this site is awsome..bimmers rule!!!

[BMW0]

Looking forward to the new engines, my 330i is still king of the hill

[RichReg]

Originally Posted by wyrm11

Hey RichReg, can you change the title of this thread to change the "It's Official" part? I'm not sure if you can do that, but if you can, it'd be much appreciated. Even though I've been quite forthright in that I totally believe SpeedFreak, it's technically not "official".

I just saw this at the top of the board and thought an actual official announcement had been made. It's just a little misleading.

I tried but it won't work.
Its official enough anyway.

[england1987]

Ive been waiting to see if the 335i rumors are true, I wish they would release more info

[Bimmerista]

Just a few more weeks and we should get the goods on 335/328 from the horse's mouth when the coupe/cabrio will be announced.

[SPoNGeBoB]

New member here... actually came and checked out the "Custom exhaust" Thread... what a riot!
A friend of mine just got the 325i Sport and I was really impressed. However, I'm a Coupe guy myself, so going to wait for the 335 coupe... or whatever is coming out.

... "Custom exhaust"... what a riot!

-Sponge.

[SpeedFreak!]

Originally Posted by cntlaw

Speedfreak

Where did you get the information about Z4 was designed to house a V8 ? This is something I am curious as whether a V8 engine block can fit into the Z4 ? It was almost considered as a close to impossible job to mod the SLK to house the 5.5 Litre V8 engine. Of course, MB did it.

I really dont mind to take the Z4 coupe with the current M3 engine block, as it has been a perfect engine, right among of power, possibly slightly lighter weight than the new V8 and definitely the V6 will mean that the Z4 can be more affrodable than if the coupe were built to support a 400+hp v8. And, who would pay double to get a 645i/650i for less/same power as the coupe?

It was definitely designed with that in mind. In fact... if you take the new M3 V8... much lighter then the one used by Hartge... and shorter then the S54 placing the weight further back and making the weight distribution even more perfectly balanced with over 400+hp... now that would kick major ass.

I would not be surprised at all if we saw a one year engine run with the new face, and then saw the 328/335/M3 engines debut a year or so later in the Z.