interesting...... (and civil, so far)<ul><li><a href="http://bimmer.roadfly.org/bmw/forums/e46m3/6230497-1.html">http://bimmer.roadfly.org/bmw/forums/e46m3/6230497-1.html</a</li></ul>

i dont see there being any more diff between 3 series and m3 than there is between a4 and S4...In fact, i would be tempted to say the m3 is more of a base 3 series than the s4 is a a4. suspension, engine, brakes, etc. are diff in both but we get those recaro seats and M3 guys have the same thing that some 330's have dont they (like the zhp, etc)?

staggard wheels, flared fenders, dual exhaust, different front end...and more I'm sure.

i thought there was another 3 series variant with them but i could be wrong. The exhaust is a fakie, the tips on both sides are done for looks only (i.e. air flows through all of them but it is not efficient). Many m3 aftermarket exhausts actually increase performance by making the exhaust only go out the two left tips (ala ALL the other 3 series cars) and providing fake right tips for looks. The S4 has similar body upgrades, (lights, rear end, front end?) though it is more subtle (not a bad thing imho). I do like your sportec kit quite a bit though. If i get anything, that is what i would get.

more HP, better suspension, better brakes, better seats and a few body touches on the outside for visual clues.

the one exhaust vs. two exhaust (on the M3) is just a reason for Dinan to take your money. they actually couldnt improve it so they just made it weigh less. and Dinan will gladly empty 10k out of your bank account and the car may do 0-60 in one-tenth sec. better.

the list goes on and on--as a matter of fact the M3 shares no body panels with the regular 3, with the exception of maybe the roof and trunk lid. Further, the seats, although not as appealing as the S4 Recaros, are different than those in the base 3 series cars. IMO, the M3 is much more distinguishable from the regular 3 than the S4 is from the A4. That being said, I'm selling my M3 for a B7 S4 (ordered-coming in April) b/c I have a little one on the way and I fell in love with the V8 and the more refined character of the S4.

of the same body panels as an e46 coupe....different fenders, hood, bumper, etc....pretty much the same doors and trunk...also the seats in an m3 are not the same as the sport seats in a 330....the 330 zhp has only the lip spoiler off an m3..altho the front bumper looks similar its different you'll notice...not flaming here as i have an m3 and am thinking about a b7 s4...i too wish that audi would differentiate the s4 from the a4 a bit more other than just wheels and a kit...any of u guys feel that way?