VTEC_Junkie

like some people already have said, an m3 that does not share platform with any of the existing bmws will make this car significantly more expensive. some are guestimating around $70K for a car like that, but i personally think it would be more, probably in the $85K-$90K range. look at the nsx for example. it is a perfect case for a performance car that is exclusive from the rest of the honda/acura platform and look at how much that car costs--even after 12+ years. keep in mind that cars like the m3 are praised not solely for their performance, but equally for their performance/value ratio. a $90K m3 will definitely not be valued as a "bargain" performance car anymore, not to mention not many people can afford a car of that price. add to that, the fact that people who can shell out that much for a performance car will have other choices in that price range. with that said, if you are looking for an exclusive performance machine from these german luxo car companies, they do exist. bmw offers the z8 (although the motor in this car is shared with the m5, if i am not mistaken), mercedes will soon be offering the slr, and there is rumor that audi also plans on offering an "exotic" sportscar in the near future (although i think that car is based on the lamborghini). of course, for that type of exclucivity from these companies, be ready to shell out over $100K for those cars.