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Re: 96 or 97 M3

        Reply to:   RE>96 or 97 M3

Congrats TM on the new M3!
 I've been reading all the M3 info I can find in this newsletter since
subscribing last week. But there seems to be an enormous amount of confusion
among readers about certain M3 features. 
I drove a 96 M3 a month ago here in Silicon Valley area and it had a 3.2L and
standard traction control (I tried the ASC out!). These two features are also
discussed in the 1996 M3 brochure the dealer had.  So why are people saying
that the 97's have a 3.2 VERSUS 3.0L engine and ASC standard instead of
optional? Usually California is behind on getting the neat stuff; did we just
do a "Sliders" thing here?
Any more info that could clear this up would help.

I'm also interested in hearing if you got a good "discount" as I'm looking to
go for the Euro pickup program if I can't find another way to get 4 grand off
the sticker (I've got a loaded '97 M3 on order for November in Munich). Bay
area prices are too high. 
Jay

- ------------------------------

From: tmoody@domain.elided (Tony Moody - listed)
Date: Tue, 3 Sep 96 13:16:55 EDT
Subject: 96 or 97 M3

Hi,

There has been alot of traffic on this list regarding the changes to the new
M3s, what they include and when they are expected.  Hopefully my recent
experience can help.

After reading in a few car mags that the "new" M3 would include ASC as
standard, I rushed out to order one and turn in my Saab 900 SE Turbo Coupe.

The car I just :-) (!!!!!!! 3 glorious days !!!!!!!!) took delivery of is a
brand spanking new M3 Lux (Techno Violet/Magma), loaded but wingless. 
Differences in it from the prior year include:
- - -different size wheels front to rear
- - -ASC standard
- - -computerized AC
- - -slightly more/nicer leather on the regular M3
- - -3.2L engine with similar power (earlier delivery) and slightly more torque
(also earlier delivery)
- - -there may be other changes I'm not familiar with

I don't see ANY cosmetic changes and the transmission is a 5 speed, not a 6.

Mine seems to be the "new" M3 I read alot about on this list. However, it was
delivered as a 1996 model, not a 97.  I know this because 
a) the dealer told me
and
b) my insurance company (the dreaded Allstate) said it couldn't be a 97 as
they hadn't received any info from BMW regarding 97s.

Anyway, hope this info helps.  The good news is, the car is PHENOMENAL!

TM