Fifth Gear: Tiff Needell drifts new E92 BMW M3
 

I thought the M3 review on this week was bo**ocks. Considering it's main rival is the RS4 there were no comparisons between the two at all. In fact it wasn't even a review of the M3 - just an excuse to Tiff to show off his drifting. Roll on October and the return of Top Gear:)

Yep Agree 100%, hardly a review, just Tiff and his ego!

How right you are!:sleep:

Why? Audi have stopped making the RS4.

Steve

My office is opposite a BMW dealership, Monday was spent staring out of the window at a new M3 in black, trying to decide whether I like it or not.

Front end YES Back end NO

There are still a few in the dealers, and besides BMW have only just started making the M3 so you think they would review that;)

News to me! I was toying with the idea of buying one in a year or two.

Is there a new model coming out? It's only beem in production a short while.

Just had a test drive in one yesterday. I used to have a CSL so I was expecting to be dissapointed... pleasantly surprised to say I was wrong.

I could easily write a Tolstoy epic on my experience but instead I'll try to sum up with the following points:

Engine - fantastic, sounds NASCAR-esque, if a little too muted. 'Felt' bombproof (only time will tell on that front...) and will make a good basis for the CSL version...

Handling - surprisingly good for such a lardy beast - EDC (adaptive damping) had a lot to do with, I suspect. Also, having M-Dynamic Mode (bit like M-Track) allowed for some provoked, but safety netted, yaw action - all nice and predictable, but good.

Appearance - Jerez Black was a bit too stealthy for my liking and obviously didn't contrast with the carbon fibre roof (like Saphire Black CSLs...). M details were bold enough though - bonnet bulge (from the driver's seat) is very reminiscent of my old 02 Sti's scoop! Quad pipes, side 'vents' and the funky new wing mirrors are all positives.

Interior - solid, comfortable. i-Drive was easy to use. Steering wheel rim too thick. Nice place to be generally.

Overall - will undoubtedly sell by the bucket-load, even though the one I drove was specced to £59k!!! I realise it hasn't been the assumed 5 star hit with motoring journo's but for those lucky enough to be able to buy, I'm fairly sure they'll not be dissapointed.

Cheers,

Steve.

I thought the new M3 was a contender for the upcoming RS6 and not the 4???

The A6 is roughly the size of the 5 series, and the A4 is roughly the size of the 3 series, so I'd have thought not.

apparently the new rs6 is the contender for the m5 but will be pushing around 560 bhp or so iv heard....and got to agree can't w8 for top gear to start....tiff needell just doesnt do it 4 me!!:sleep:

I think it is something to do with only making a certain amount. I was told they had sold (or at least shipped to dealers) all of their Saloons. Only the Avant and Cab were available.

I really hope that isn't true though.

I read they only make one RS model at a time The RS6 is being readied now so no more RS4s.

Steve

That's just what i was thinking when someone mentioned there was no more RS4's.

I'd agree the 6 is too big for competition with the M3, but they still must have an "enemy". :D