[///My5UV]

I like it. Just like the M5 was originally the M535i, it's a nod to history.
They can rename the "1 series M coupe" the "M135", the BS turbocharged upcoming "M3" the "M335", and the current "M5" the "M555".
Then they can reserve the single-digit M names for true M's with NA engines, like, um... nevermind :-(

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by ///My5UV

I like it. Just like the M5 was originally the M535i, it's a nod to history.
They can rename the "1 series M coupe" the "M135", the BS turbocharged upcoming "M3" the "M335", and the current "M5" the "M555".
Then they can reserve the single-digit M names for true M's with NA engines, like, um... nevermind :-(

I was thinking the same thing.
Apparently no one here remembers when they " Diluted the brand" with the M535 and the E30 M technik and the M635..

Bunch of Luddites you all are. These cars will sell like hotcakes... these lower level M branded cars have been selling like crazy in Europe.

[KevinJ]

Seems like your saying that the 335is engine is not good enough because????The 1M was developed by the M division which makes it an M. Look if they developed a quad turbo 4 cylinder it would still be an M. If your getting at that the lack of a V8 engine doesn't mean M then the M3 didn't always have a V8. So what do you call all previous M cars?

Its about driving dynamics as well as performance. Would it makes sense for BMW to have a V8 1M when the engine from the 335is is a M tuned version and delivers more power than a 335is for such a small car.

I disagree that its just branding or they would have called the 335is an 335M.

Originally Posted by e92_m3

I understand what you mean and it's definitely BMW's way of following Audi's S Line models, but the "M" name is just being used a lot by BMW on their new model lineup nowadays.

It's basically a 135i acquiring the N55 engine from the 335is, so IMHO 135is sounds better.




^^^My point exactly man!^^^

M750iL sounds like a motor oil blend. LOL! Hahahaha.

[mkoesel]

So:

BMW MSport = Audi S Line
BMW M Performance Automobiles = Audi S
BMW M = Audi RS

Yes?

[jraymond]

///m Badges For Everyone!!!!!!!!!!!! Lol

[i128]

Originally Posted by tirana

How is this a dilution? If you worry that other drivers won't be able to tell whether you are driving an M5 or an M550d, you are driving the wrong car. BMW doesn't care whether a dick or an enthusiast buys their cars and having a dick drive an M car is a lot more toxic to the brand than pushing out a few more M badges. BMW is a performance brand and yet it sells a ton of vehicles that are low end. Should BMW abandon those sales? If there is a market for between a 335i and M3, they would be foolish to ignore it.

You know what car you are driving and you bought it for various reasons. Isn't that ALL that matters?

Agreed...

In addition, I'd like to know what % of people that drive BMWs are truly enthusiast? as opposed to badge whores.

[southlight]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

So:

BMW MSport = Audi S Line
BMW M Performance Automobiles = Audi S
BMW M = Audi RS

Yes?

Yes, even though M Performance goes further by having both petrol and diesel models.


Best regards,
south

[v1p3r]

What is this about losing loyal customers if there are other M-fettled cars? If a customer cannot stomach to see an M135i, and thinks less of the ///M3 and can't enjoy it for what it is and always has been, good riddance, he was never a loyal customer then.

The point is, are you going to move to another brand because BMW make M tuned cars that aren't M3's or M5's? People thought a turbo M car was a travesty not too long ago, but saw the light after plenty of favourable reviews, and are now sucking the M5's nuts.

BMW aren't going to screw up the pure M cars, but to remain competitive with their rivals they have to offer alternatives in the same price and mould, or someone WILL buy a Benz or Audi. The M badge itself will remain "hoooooo godddddd it's an M, my toes are curling", but 5 people threatening to stop buying a car they weren't intending on buying anyway won't change BMW from trying to make more money to remain at the top, and be able to offer every potential BMW customer an option within it's range.

When the ///M Performance Automobiles 135i or 650 or whatever car they choose to work their magic on is awesome, and the next ///M car that follows everyone will sit down and pipe down again

I don't see how anyone can think ///M being involved in more BMWs is a bad thing, it makes all our favourite cars better...and the ///M cars themselves will still be, as they are now, the pinnacle of BMW performance cars.

Jeez

[southlight]

Originally Posted by v1p3r

What is this about losing loyal customers if there are other M-fettled cars? If a customer cannot stomach to see an M135i, and thinks less of the ///M3 and can't enjoy it for what it is and always has been, good riddance, he was never a loyal customer then.

I agree wholeheartedly!


Best regards,
south

[stressdoc]

I think many of you are missing the main point here.

Before we had to wait years for BMW to release higher performance variants of standard models, viz E46 330 ZHP, the 335is, etc.

With this new marketing approach, those interested in higher performance variants will be able to get them much earlier in model life history. That is a very, very good thing in my opinion, and counters the strategy of Audi.

I don't much care what you label these models. M - something has an excellent precedent. I come from the days of the 2002tii; adding "i" or "is" never had the same impact as the "M" for good reason.

The only risk that I see here is the dilution of "real" M sales, and a corresponding reduction in R&D. But the overlaps are so seamless in many areas: for example, many of us have installed, you guessed it, all sorts of M3 parts on our E9x 335s. We would have loved to have had the option of spec'ing our cars at the factory this way.

I see this new M strategy as furthering the essence of freude am fahren.

[Diver]

Looks good to me.

[Dieselmd]

Like it has been stated already, if BMW M-performance vehicles ups the performance, all that means are M cars will be even better performance vehicles so as to create a clear distinction between models. Give me an M3 that can compete with a GTR please?

[ferrari6891]

Bmw, Y U Mess Up M Brand

[ferrari6891]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

So:

BMW MSport = Audi S Line
BMW M Performance Automobiles = Audi S
BMW M = Audi RS

Yes?

The funny thing is, the regular 335 was putting up S4 numbers, so I don't understand where this new M Performance slots in

[richb811]

This is pretty fantastic news. I loved the M535i.

Make the handling better and keep the engines about the same, and you'll have happy campers!

I agree with what stressdoc is saying. Most of you guys think that M was exclusive from the get go, look back in time and see that this was done before. BMW is returning to its early 80's roots.

This doesn't dilute the brand more than say an X5M would, I think the category definition provides boundaries that strengthen the ///M Division

[TheBingoBalls]

HAHA...and people though having an X5M and X6M was diluting the M brand the decision to manufacture those two vehicles actually seems sane when you compare it to this new "M Performance" brand. BMW is awfully getting close to Audi with their marketing ("plagiarism is the sincerest form of flattery" eh BMW?)

I would understand this move if BMW was hurting for money but they're not, there was nothing wrong with their old model which was much more streamlined and focused. With the addition of all these new models (2, 4-Series) and now the "M Performance" line, it just feels like BMW really have a focus and they're throwing everything at the wall and seeing what sticks. Sure, they can tell you that this M-Performance line is suppose to be this and that and fills this space but they were already doing the same without this new line (see: 335is/Z4 sDrive 35is models).

I've always looked at BMW as that manufacturer that didn't to have models that covered the whole number scale or the alphabet. Boy has a lot changed.

[richb811]

Originally Posted by ferrari6891

The funny thing is, the regular 335 was putting up S4 numbers, so I don't understand where this new M Performance slots in

Thats just Audi being behind the curve. Their base engine still is no match for BMW's base engine (207hp 2.0 turbo versus 240hp 2.0 turbo) but then again the VW Group has always traditionally lagged in engine development.

Heck, they are still trying to sell the terrible 2.0 liter NA motor in the new Jettas... yep, the EXACT same 115hp lump that was in their 1996 offerings. That's a 15 year old engine!!! Its why you never see VW or Audi on Ward's 10 best engines. They are lazy when it comes to engine development.

[kdbryce]

if the M135i had the same engine as the 335is, wouldn't that just be the same engine as a 1M?

[muskamatt]

Originally Posted by ferrari6891

The funny thing is, the regular 335 was putting up S4 numbers, so I don't understand where this new M Performance slots in

+1

[v1p3r]

Originally Posted by ferrari6891

The funny thing is, the regular 335 was putting up S4 numbers, so I don't understand where this new M Performance slots in

Above the S4. Not putting up S4 numbers, but setting a benchmark for what the S4 wants to be. And that leaves the ///M to do the same to the RS model.

[sA x sKy]

Smart move for BMW!

[Jake C]

I also think this could not impact the US market as much anyway. We don't have the 135 Hatch. The X6 M50d is not for the US according to the above information and neither is the M550d xdrive likely to see the US shores. The move itself is interesting. I do understand some of the reasoning behind it to fill niches and increase volume.

- J