[esqu1re]

Read your original post. I can understand your logic. I think there will always be people who want that extra performance w/o compromising their warranty and going aftermarket. Some people just don't have the time to research their upgrades and deal with mechanics and tuners. That's where M comes in. People are willing to pay a premium for a ///M car because it's tuned (engine, suspension, visually, etc..) straight out of the factory---it's got full warranty and it's badged differently so they can feel special. I can understand that.

Sure, ///M cars may be heavier and less "pure," but one can say that about the rest of BMW's line as well. I don't think ///M's philosophy has really changed. They make faster, more special versions of BMW's normal models, like they always have.