[Ximian]

The answer to the original question is ///Marketing

There was no original sacred intent that BMW is going away from in sacrilegious acts of making M3s safer, more comfortable, functional, and durable.

[m630]

Originally Posted by frankiebones

You can't begin to measure the enthusiasm and excitement the community has for the M2 vs the M3.

Oh I agree 1000% and I share that hope that the next M2 retains the history of what was the M3 icon or i may no longer be an owner of a Roundel after what would be over 30years of continuous ownership.

To some who dont understand, I cant help it, but understand I too luv the M3 and just came from an F80.

But I can be honest to myself when I look at what the G series M3/4 offer, which is two quite large cars, the G-M3 now bigger than the E39 M5 and the G-M4, now bigger than my E63 M6 and arguably as big (tho not as wide) as an 8er.
The M3/4 are just different and are too big to be the toss arounds the originals were that made the icon.

Of course it will still be a great car with more performance, luxury (and weight) than ever and be the fastest ever, but that doesnt mean much to me as im not a professional driver and can only go so fast, the originals were about engagement as much as anything and today anyone can drive an M which was not the case when the cars where made to be icons. Jmho

[solstice]

BMW quality of engineering and Motorsport know-how inserted into an already superb driver’s car (E30) created an exceptional car and a new segment. I was around then and it was an instant icon. It remains as such since no one have been able to better BMW since then. Maybe the Guilia QV has come closest to match the M3 concept due the engine and chassis being on similar level but overall it’s not fully there in terms of quality.

The G8X will likely axle the mantle and status quo continue

[Salespunk]

The original M3 was a homologation car from the golden era of Touring Car racing. Because of the rules it was completely differentiated from the standard E30 with different bodywork, a motor based on their F1 block, etc. Mercedes had the same thing going with the 190E 2.3/16, Volvo was racing their wagons, it was a truly an awesome time in motor racing.

Now we have a different situation where M has become a brand and it is about consumer tastes, not building race cars. Nothing wrong with that, but to say the intent has not changed from the original is not close to accurate.

FYI people forget that the original E30 M3 was so extreme that they could not get people to buy them. Some sat a dealerships for YEARS before finally selling at huge discounts. Even as recent as 5-10 years ago one with 100K miles could be bought for less than $15K and a nice low mileage all stock example was $25K.

[PLF69]

The advent of isolated, ultra safe, throwable and electric cars as really triggered interest in older models.

It's funny because when we were driving 90's cars, 60-70 cars were all the craze and now same thing is happening to 90's cars...

[EXE46]

Originally Posted by m630

Oh I agree 1000% and I share that hope that the next M2 retains the history of what was the M3 icon or i may no longer be an owner of a Roundel after what would be over 30years of continuous ownership.

To some who dont understand, I cant help it, but understand I too luv the M3 and just came from an F80.

But I can be honest to myself when I look at what the G series M3/4 offer, which is two quite large cars, the G-M3 now bigger than the E39 M5 and the G-M4, now bigger than my E63 M6 and arguably as big (tho not as wide) as an 8er.
The M3/4 are just different and are too big to be the toss arounds the originals were that made the icon.

Of course it will still be a great car with more performance, luxury (and weight) than ever and be the fastest ever, but that doesnt mean much to me as im not a professional driver and can only go so fast, the originals were about engagement as much as anything and today anyone can drive an M which was not the case when the cars where made to be icons. Jmho

E63 was a behemoth in it's time so your analogy doesn't quite add up. At least today the G82 isn't considered a behemoth when compared to similar cars since everything else has grown in size. Also, regarding the bit about anyone can drive an M car today versus before. Kindly elaborate on that fragmented statement since as it stands now that makes no sense.

Many of us here have been around way before these new cars, we know the history. We've owned some of the classics or what today one would consider a classic and I am still at a loss as to what you're attempting to convey.

[SYT_Shadow]

Originally Posted by EXE46

E63 was a behemoth in it's time so your analogy doesn't quite add up. At least today the G82 isn't considered a behemoth when compared to similar cars since everything else has grown in size. Also, regarding the bit about anyone can drive an M car today versus before. Kindly elaborate on that fragmented statement since as it stands now that makes no sense.

Many of us here have been around way before these new cars, we know the history. We've owned some of the classics or what today one would consider a classic and I am still at a loss as to what you're attempting to convey.

Some people want M to become like some other brand, where only a select few are deemed worthy to enter the holy mecca of the XXX models. Waiting lines, allocations, having to own previous models, selling your soul to the dealer, all kinds of horseshit.

That is not what M is about. M is about democratizing performance and bringing power to the people!

I celebrate that 'whoever wants to have an M can have one'. Good!

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by SYT_Shadow

Some people want M to become like some other brand, where only a select few are deemed worthy to enter the holy mecca of the XXX models. Waiting lines, allocations, having to own previous models, selling your soul to the dealer, all kinds of horseshit.

They have a forum for that:

https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/

[antzcrashing]

It is considered the affordable M car in a size that is not too big, not too small. Not everyone will agree with that (one size never fits all) but it is the reason

[02M3ForMe]

M3s have always been the best all-arounders of their respective times. You always got good/great looks, legit sports car performance, and everyday practicality with the M3. They check lots of boxes.

Example - E46 M3. It gave you a high-revving 8000RPM NA motor with Corvette/911 power (333hp, sub-5 second 0-60), great handling, 4 seats, real trunk, high quality driver-centric interior, and solid fuel efficiency, all wrapped up in a beautiful, classic perfectly-sized coupe body and coming from a brand with a lot of equity and credibility. Personally, I thought the car was perfect.

[VetteGuy]

Originally Posted by 02M3ForMe

M3s have always been the best all-arounders of their respective times.

Exactly! And as times changed, so has the M3.

Now it appears that they (M3 and M4) might just remain the best all-arounders in their segment in ‘21.

[2011ninja]

I'm 100% positive OP works for BMW marketing, and posted this question to get some fresh new ideas.

Asking about an M3 in an M3 forum is equivalent to
Going to NYC and asking a Yankee fan why they are New York Yankees fans.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by 2011ninja

Asking about an M3 in an M3 forum is equivalent to
Going to NYC and asking a Yankee fan why they are New York Yankees fans.

I mean... if you yourself aren't a Yankee's fan.... isn't this a viable question? If you want to know why something is beloved, you ask the people who love it. Did you expect him to go to the 7 series forum to ask why the M3 is an iconic car?

[2011ninja]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

I mean... if you yourself aren't a Yankee's fan.... isn't this a viable question? If you want to know why something is beloved, you ask the people who love it. Did you expect him to go to the 7 series forum to ask why the M3 is an iconic car?

It's such a specific car by the time you get to this forum you know why it's an iconic car.

It's not like researching a Honda Accord.

I'm guessing it's a quarantine question

Or this is someone who's not driving yet

Cheers BMW M3 marketing; your strategy is working.

This may very well explain how this person found this forum

BMW and Kith, a lifestyle brand founded by Ronnie Fieg, have come together to create a limited edition 2022 M4 Competition, the M4 Comp x Kith. Fieg, as a connoisseur of BMWs, personally created the design elements of this M4 Competition, of which only 150 will be built.

[khanyam4]

Originally Posted by xlover

Too many traditionalists on this board just point to their favorite date in history and say "THAT IS THE REAL M3, all others are less real".

[khanyam4]

Because it's the perfect fusion of luxury and performance at an affordable price.

[M3PGH]

it is loved because
1.It is a sporty sedan, so young men with kids can still enjoy their hobbies and being single days.
2. relatively cheap
3. Certainly cheaper than having an average DD and a weekend sports car
4. By the time people done with college and have money to spend on cars , they are usually married with kids , so M3 is a great compromise and still a lot of fun

[Scorp!on]

Originally Posted by buddenfan

I never had one but I know the M3 gets alot of love from BMW enthusiasts. How come the M3 is such a beloved iconic car?

Yes.

[MmmmmM2]

They've gotten softer over the years, but they are still pretty damn cool.

[deli333]

Originally Posted by 02M3ForMe

M3s have always been the best all-arounders of their respective times. You always got good/great looks, legit sports car performance, and everyday practicality with the M3. They check lots of boxes.

Example - E46 M3. It gave you a high-revving 8000RPM NA motor with Corvette/911 power (333hp, sub-5 second 0-60), great handling, 4 seats, real trunk, high quality driver-centric interior, and solid fuel efficiency, all wrapped up in a beautiful, classic perfectly-sized coupe body and coming from a brand with a lot of equity and credibility. Personally, I thought the car was perfect.

Completely agree on this. I think with the new g8x series M has lost this due to several reasons.

When I first tried E46 I was shocked, the car was doing alot according to its price and capabilities you expect from such a car. I used to call it "Cheap f360 modena".
Years after I got f82, the same. speed, braking, handling, styling, daily driveability, fuel efficiency, track capabilities, trunk etc.

Recently I have been driving porsche macan and it made me understand how great M3/M4 is for its price and capabilities. It is sad that we have come to an with new g8x platform.

[Tacoma]

Originally Posted by heavyD^2

That's not really true. The M3 was never a small compact sports car relative to small cars of the eras. I owned a 1991 Accord and by today's standards it's a small car but it was a big car in 1991. There's not a single enthusiast forum today where a group of posters aren't lamenting how big their favorite car of choice has become and that's because people have a hard time letting go of the past. The G82 is still based off the 3 series platform which is a mid size offering in today's market. It is what it is yet people keep trying to hammer this narrative that the M3 used to be small. ALL CARS USED TO BE SMALL RELATIVE TO TODAY! Some of you need to get over this.

Not clear what you're arguing here because the 3-Series (including M3) as far as I recall has always been categorized as a compact sports sedan/coupe. Even recently, for example, the G20 is listed by Motor Trend in the "Best Luxury Compact Sedans to Buy in 2020."

If your beef is with the term "big expensive car" then your counterpoint that the current M3 isn't big relative to other cars of the same generation, doesn't really disprove that today's M3 is still a big expensive car.

And I disagree that enthusiasts "lamenting how big their favorite car of choice has become" is thus having a "hard time letting go of the past." Timeline isn't the point, I think it can be generally accepted that, all else being equal, small cars are more nimble and by extension more fun to drive than larger cars - regardless of time. It's not about the past, it's about the size.
Weight is also an issue that enthusiast want less of.

And finally, I don't think enthusiasts posting about how cars are getting bigger "need to get over this." This is a car enthusiasts forum and size and weight of cars are legitimate discussions and self-righteous statements like you need to let go isn't really appropriate in the context that this is a discussion forum where fair opinions and comments should be encouraged.

[Powerslide]

Originally Posted by m630

Sorry guys but theres zero connection today between what the M3 originally stood for.

The M2 is the M3 of icon period.

Right - the M2C and the F8X are both great cars - with most considering the M2C to be more "pure."

HOWEVER - the M2C weighs over 3,500 lbs. not only is that barely less than an F8X, but since when did the E30, E36 or E46 ever weigh anything close to 3,500 lbs? Not sure 3,500+ lbs was ever what M cars of the past "stood for..."???