The Not-So-Lightweight Lightweight M3 (E92)
The new M3 boasts an impressive list of technologies to lighten the car: a lighter engine (by 33lb), a lighter suspension (by 5.5lb), carbon bumper supports (by 12lb), composite seat structure (by 15lb) and a carbon-fiber roof, along with removing the sunroof in the process (weight savings undisclosed, but probably at least 30 pounds). All totaled, around 95 pounds of things they told us about - and probably many more they didn't mention that I can't see.
Then why is the new M3 150 pounds heavier than the last one?
It seems that with every subsequent model we gain 150 pounds. I am sorry, but 3,650 pounds is too much for a sports car - or even a sport sedan. Where is all this weight coming from, you ask? I don't know for sure - but I would guess it comes from having a lot of air bags, sound deadening, and gadgets - as well as each subsequent model getting slightly bigger.
But I appreciate the effort BMW went through to make the car lighter. Think how heavy it would have been if they hadn't! To be honest, their hands are tied: The car must have the airbags to meet current government crash requirements. Besides, dead customers don't purchase new cars, so this is good for repeat business.
However, when I ask why there are so many gadgets in the car, they say they do this because the marketplace demands it. If that's true, I respectfully request that all my fellow BMW CCA members hereby stop wanting the gadgets - and start wanting a lighter car.
Demand for a product is what will change a manufacturer's priorities, because obviously they want to sell more cars; so if you ask for it, it will come.
- Steve Dinan
Roundel Magazine, Sept 2007
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