BMW E92 M3 Coupe Drives Off Into Sunset as Last Ever Built Rolls Off the Line

[monkawekrue]

[Pinz]

Originally Posted by fuddman

I think the profit from the M3 E9x series, very likely, exceeded BMW expectations.
When you evaluate what the M3 did for BMW profit you need to go beyond just E9X M3 production numbers. You need to consider the effect of the reputation of the M3 on the sale of other BMW series cars. For example, were more 3/5/7 series cars sold because of the E9X M3 performance (racing, magazine comparisons, etc.) accomplishments over its 5 year lifespan? Judging simply from the M logos on wheels and other M options bought by 3/5/7 customers, I think the answer would be "yes." How do you measure that effect? Go to the BMW Balance Sheet and look for the line item titled something like "Goodwill." That will give you a clue.

I totally agree with that. It's not just about a single model making profit from the sales, but the effect the flagship M-car has on BMW as a whole. The M3 is the reason I got into BMW in the first place, and it's the reason my wife wants a BMW as her next car. If it wasn't for the M3, I probably wouldn't be considering other BMW models in the future. But when a company can make a car like the M3, it says a lot about the company and makes me have more faith in their other models, knowing they come from the same manufacturer. Granted, the sales of the M3 weren't spectacular, but it made BMW look good and is for sure making me excited about their future M3/M4.

The only debate I have is whether to keep the E92 M3, or "upgrade" to the new M3/M4 when it comes out. I have a feeling the naturally aspirated engine will last quite a while if properly maintained, compared to a turbo engine. I always had the idea that turbos were harder on the engines, thus making them wear out quicker.

[TTSam]

The last true (literally) M3 coupe which is naturally aspirated should have been saved for the BMW museum.

Can`t believe it would be a customer order.

MT is also appropriate as it is also sadly becoming a relic of days gone by.

[Eau Rouge]

Originally Posted by fuddman

I think the profit from the M3 E9x series, very likely, exceeded BMW expectations.
When you evaluate what the M3 did for BMW profit you need to go beyond just E9X M3 production numbers. You need to consider the effect of the reputation of the M3 on the sale of other BMW series cars. For example, were more 3/5/7 series cars sold because of the E9X M3 performance (racing, magazine comparisons, etc.) accomplishments over its 5 year lifespan? Judging simply from the M logos on wheels and other M options bought by 3/5/7 customers, I think the answer would be "yes." How do you measure that effect? Go to the BMW Balance Sheet and look for the line item titled something like "Goodwill." That will give you a clue.

I can agree with all of that.

Originally Posted by Pinz

I totally agree with that. It's not just about a single model making profit from the sales, but the effect the flagship M-car has on BMW as a whole. The M3 is the reason I got into BMW in the first place, and it's the reason my wife wants a BMW as her next car. If it wasn't for the M3, I probably wouldn't be considering other BMW models in the future. But when a company can make a car like the M3, it says a lot about the company and makes me have more faith in their other models, knowing they come from the same manufacturer. Granted, the sales of the M3 weren't spectacular, but it made BMW look good and is for sure making me excited about their future M3/M4.

The only debate I have is whether to keep the E92 M3, or "upgrade" to the new M3/M4 when it comes out. I have a feeling the naturally aspirated engine will last quite a while if properly maintained, compared to a turbo engine. I always had the idea that turbos were harder on the engines, thus making them wear out quicker.

Same here many years ago. [WARNING: micro-CSB ahead] Also years ago I met the person that eventually became my wife. She came from a Mercedes Benz lovers family. It was a family tradition to buy the MB without even looking at BMWs. My future wife drove an MB as well...the family thing. After she drove a BMW she began a process of turning away from MB in favor of BMW. Since we've been married she's passed on the MBs in favor of BMWs. Does what I did count as a conversion of a lost soul to the BMW faith?

[1MOREMOD]

Originally Posted by Eau Rouge

Does what I did count as a conversion of a lost soul to the BMW faith?

it does. now BMW has to keep restoring all of our faith.

[STi_traitor]

I am sure this one will be marked up to around 150k because it's the last M. I have already seen one at 115 or 125k.

[OC ///M]

Originally Posted by aajami

The last purpose-built ///M engine that we'll see in a loooooong time. End of an era for BMW.

My E92M is the only BMW I ever bought, even though I had been a fan of the brand ever since I first laid eyes on an E21 as a 6-year old boy. I was a particular fan of the 2002, the E34, the E36M -- god did I want an E36M so badly -- the E36/8M, the E46M CSL, and the E90M CRT. I tried getting into an E46M back in 2001, but I couldn't afford it. I'm glad I finally got to live the BMW experience with my E92M. I know it's heavier and more refined than the BMWs that I grew up coveting, but that S65 more than made up for it. What a glorious engine.

Sadly, I think this will be the last new BMW I'll get into for the foreseeable future. I was seriously considering getting the F86 when that comes out, but I have a hard time believing that it won't be even softer and less involving than this generation of ///M cars. And, frankly, I don't want a turbo engine. To that, I've resolved to trade in for a CPO E90M and then get a 981 Cayman R whenever that car comes out. Lightweight, NA, rear-wheel drive, with a good manual transmission. No need to get one car that tries to do two things poorly when I could get two that do different things really well. The E90M for hauling people around quickly, and the 981CR for a proper driving experience.

I hope BMW comes around and makes a proper driver's car again sometime in the future. I really do think the company was at its best when it was making those kind of cars.

^+1 This is

[TTSam]

I know there was another thread on this, but not this link as far as I know.

Should have made the title of the thread last E92 M3.

What are the white cars before and after - i3's I assume - if so how ironic, and look how many of them are on that line?

http://www.tflcar.com/2013/07/modern...assembly-line/