Can the M3 be considered an Icon?

LarThaL · 07-06-2013, 05:17 AM

What constitutes "iconic" status in a car? To me it says that a car has had longevity, has been some sort of benchmark in it's class, has developed a heritage, and a renowned reputation.

The most iconic car of all time, may not even be a performance car, actually. That title may well go to the VW Beetle. Certainly, amongst performance oriented cars, the Porsche 911 and Corvette are likely the two most iconic cars of all time. The Mustang is iconic and I think even the Nissan Z falls into that category.

So.....is the M3 an icon?

phrozen06 · 07-06-2013, 05:45 AM

M3 is an Icon because it wins races.

donovan · 07-06-2013, 06:03 AM

Hell yes its an ICON...

BMW M3
Porsche GT3
Nissan GT-R
Chevrolet Corvette
Dodge Viper
Ford Mustang
Toyota Supra

Hagasan41 · 07-06-2013, 06:05 AM

Great Post!

Absolutely! As you mentioned it's been a benchmark for the segment for years. Mercedes, Audi, Lexus and even Acura all developed cars around the M3. And while it may not have the same history and resume as a Corvette, Mustang or even the Nissan Z, it paved the way for styling, performance and practicality in an all around performer. It defined a new category in the automotive industry and created a very loyal following. Maybe even a "fanatical" following. LOL

But a tell tale sign is when we don't even need to say, "BMW M3". All we need to say is, "M3" and even folks with little to no interest in automobiles, know what it is. They recognize the model name and can tell by the huge smile on our faces that it's something very special...

///M Power-Belgium · 07-06-2013, 06:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LarThaL

What constitutes "iconic" status in a car? To me it says that a car has had longevity, has been some sort of benchmark in it's class, has developed a heritage, and a renowned reputation.

The most iconic car of all time, may not even be a performance car, actually. That title may well go to the VW Beetle. Certainly, amongst performance oriented cars, the Porsche 911 and Corvette are likely the two most iconic cars of all time. The Mustang is iconic and I think even the Nissan Z falls into that category.

So.....is the M3 an icon?

When a car (BMW///M3) becomes a legend on the streets, it actualy starts on the circuit (track) where it wins and becomes a legend for many years.
And we drive our ///M3 on the roads with the spirit of a legend, and a legend is actualy .... Icon v v v (look the scale of rpm's)

Trip3's · 07-06-2013, 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hagasan41

Great Post!

Absolutely! As you mentioned it's been a benchmark for the segment for years. Mercedes, Audi, Lexus and even Acura all developed cars around the M3. And while it may not have the same history and resume as a Corvette, Mustang or even the Nissan Z, it paved the way for styling, performance and practicality in an all around performer. It defined a new category in the automotive industry and created a very loyal following. Maybe even a "fanatical" following. LOL

But a tell tale sign is when we don't even need to say, "BMW M3". All we need to say is, "M3" and even folks with little to no interest in automobiles, know what it is. They recognize the model name and can tell by the huge smile on our faces that it's something very special...

Excellent post!!!!

Hagasan41 · 07-06-2013, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ///M Power-Belgium

When a car (BMW///M3) becomes a legend on our streets, it actualy starts on the circuit (track) where it wins and becomes a legend for many years.
And we drive our ///M3 on our roads with the spirit of a legend, and a legend is actualy .... Icon v v v

Slight thread jack...

Does anyone know if we can we get the photo above as a poster? That would be perfect for my garage!

cprx7 · 07-06-2013, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by donovan

Hell yes its an ICON...

BMW M3
Porsche GT3
Nissan GT-R
Chevrolet Corvette
Dodge Viper
Ford Mustang
Toyota Supra

I agree with this list

///M Power-Belgium · 07-06-2013, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hagasan41

Slight thread jack...

Does anyone know if we can we get the photo above as a poster? That would be perfect for my garage!

I think that there are companies that make posters when you send a picture to them(to theire website)
So i think... Google search... is your solution

Mr. ///M3 RD · 07-06-2013, 07:27 AM

Great Post indeed!

Often it is up to the eye of the beholder as to what constitutes an icon I think

Last March I had the great fortune to come across a car that has been for me an icon since I was a young fellow, namely a Mercedes 280 SL Pagoda. I drove that car in the early 60s the price then was around $9,000- Canadian. Even then cars were more expensive here then in the US. Anyway now this car if in good to excellent condition can be had for $45K to $170K on the Internet. The Pagoda series was manufactured during the 1963 to 1971 period and this year celebrates it's 50th anniversary all over the world.

Will the M3 be an icon ... I think so time will tell. One reason I purchased my M3 is to enjoy the last N/A engine V8 made for the M3 by BMW.

Here is my first purchased BMW a 1987 535is, not an icon, however, my daughter now drives it and will never sell it. In her eyes it is an icon.

I do think this will be an icon one day, perhaps in 50 years (like the one below) from now some of us will not be around ... so will it be an icon ... who knows time will tell. I like to think of it as one, mainly for me it is a fun automobile. Putting a smile on my face.

This is the little car I was lucky to find this past spring and added to my garage in May a 1969 Pagoda 280 SL. As mentioned Mercedes made those during the 1963 to 1971 period now celebrating it's 50th Anniversary. It may be called "timeless" if you ever see one and check out the lines you may agree it to be worthy to be an icon. As said it's all in the eyes of the beholder.

You all enjoy your future icon ... the great ///M3 may it be a e90, e92 or e93

STi_traitor · 07-06-2013, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hagasan41

Great Post!

Absolutely! As you mentioned it's been a benchmark for the segment for years. Mercedes, Audi, Lexus and even Acura all developed cars around the M3. And while it may not have the same history and resume as a Corvette, Mustang or even the Nissan Z, it paved the way for styling, performance and practicality in an all around performer. It defined a new category in the automotive industry and created a very loyal following. Maybe even a "fanatical" following. LOL

But a tell tale sign is when we don't even need to say, "BMW M3". All we need to say is, "M3" and even folks with little to no interest in automobiles, know what it is. They recognize the model name and can tell by the huge smile on our faces that it's something very special...

Well said!

Chicken Little · 07-06-2013, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hagasan41

Great Post!

Absolutely! As you mentioned it's been a benchmark for the segment for years. Mercedes, Audi, Lexus and even Acura all developed cars around the M3. And while it may not have the same history and resume as a Corvette, Mustang or even the Nissan Z, it paved the way for styling, performance and practicality in an all around performer. It defined a new category in the automotive industry and created a very loyal following. Maybe even a "fanatical" following. LOL

But a tell tale sign is when we don't even need to say, "BMW M3". All we need to say is, "M3" and even folks with little to no interest in automobiles, know what it is. They recognize the model name and can tell by the huge smile on our faces that it's something very special...

+1 ^

positiveions · 07-06-2013, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. ///M3 RD

Great Post indeed!

Here is my first purchased BMW a 1987 535is, not an icon, however, my daughter now drives it and will never sell it. In her eyes it is an icon.

Smart woman. And that's a clean E28.

M3 an icon: born on the racetrack for the purpose of racing. Overcoming challenges from various sport cars. And living up to it's expectation.

atopa2002 · 07-06-2013, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hagasan41

Great Post!

Absolutely! As you mentioned it's been a benchmark for the segment for years. Mercedes, Audi, Lexus and even Acura all developed cars around the M3. And while it may not have the same history and resume as a Corvette, Mustang or even the Nissan Z, it paved the way for styling, performance and practicality in an all around performer. It defined a new category in the automotive industry and created a very loyal following. Maybe even a "fanatical" following. LOL

But a tell tale sign is when we don't even need to say, "BMW M3". All we need to say is, "M3" and even folks with little to no interest in automobiles, know what it is. They recognize the model name and can tell by the huge smile on our faces that it's something very special...

10000+

I can relate to that, dropping my kids off one morning and all the kids where shouting "m3,m3,m3"
Even 7 year old kids knows its an icon.

MKE_M3 · 07-06-2013, 08:45 AM

I don't think there is any question, at least not in my heart. It was THE car I dreamed of owning from High School on.

IB M · 07-06-2013, 09:05 AM

Yes without a doubt M3 is an Icon. In my opinion it is also THE halo car for BMW. The M5 is an amazing car as well but the M3 carries the torch and is the heart and soul of the enuthisiast base.

F1Venom · 07-06-2013, 09:06 AM

The S65 is an iconic engine, IMO.

duk · 07-06-2013, 09:09 AM

of course, many of us dreamt of owning one one day

FogCityM3 · 07-06-2013, 09:58 AM

Yes it is an icon by virtue of its enormous brand recognition, cachet, performance, praise and racing heritage. BMW invented and cultivated the high performance sports sedan category, creating a concept that others would attempt to imitate.

NA V8 · 07-06-2013, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F1Venom

The S65 is an iconic engine, IMO.

+1

tuco44 · 07-06-2013, 10:24 AM

I would agree that the M3 is an iconic car; but it is highly unlikely to become a rare car with over 40,000 coupes, 10,000 sedans, and 16,000 verts built in E90 - E92 series over the five + years. That's global production, of course, but still a lot of cars.

Maybe that's good in that those that want to own one at some point, should be able to find one.

The Automotive Enthusiast · 07-06-2013, 11:32 AM

When you have an engine that wins International Engine of the year for 6 years back to back over and over again, you know this car is an icon. The S65 is a masterpiece.

07-06-2013, 05:17 AM	#1
LarThaL Colonel 338 Rep 2,940 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: West Springfield, MA iTrader: (0)	Can the M3 be considered an Icon? What constitutes "iconic" status in a car? To me it says that a car has had longevity, has been some sort of benchmark in it's class, has developed a heritage, and a renowned reputation. The most iconic car of all time, may not even be a performance car, actually. That title may well go to the VW Beetle. Certainly, amongst performance oriented cars, the Porsche 911 and Corvette are likely the two most iconic cars of all time. The Mustang is iconic and I think even the Nissan Z falls into that category. So.....is the M3 an icon? __________________ **Audi S6 Audi S3 * Porsche Cayman GTS* --Former BMW M3 owner**
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07-06-2013, 05:45 AM	#2
phrozen06 Lieutenant Colonel 229 Rep 1,773 Posts Drives: 328it, RIP M3, E46 Sold Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: 39°27'33"N 77°58'04"W W. Virgina, Kansas iTrader: (2)	M3 is an Icon because it wins races. __________________
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07-06-2013, 06:03 AM	#3
donovan Brigadier General 371 Rep 4,167 Posts Drives: R8 - Ford Raptor Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: National iTrader: (17)	Hell yes its an ICON... BMW M3 Porsche GT3 Nissan GT-R Chevrolet Corvette Dodge Viper Ford Mustang Toyota Supra __________________ Audi R8 v10 Ford Raptor m3e46freak@yahoo.comfor all euro parts!! ebay/craigslist verified/ m3post/e46fanantics/m3forum/zpost/bimmerforum
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07-06-2013, 06:05 AM	#4
Hagasan41 First Lieutenant 268 Rep 349 Posts Drives: 2013 E92 ///M3, 1999 E36 ///M3 Join Date: May 2013 Location: Florida iTrader: (1)	Great Post! Absolutely! As you mentioned it's been a benchmark for the segment for years. Mercedes, Audi, Lexus and even Acura all developed cars around the M3. And while it may not have the same history and resume as a Corvette, Mustang or even the Nissan Z, it paved the way for styling, performance and practicality in an all around performer. It defined a new category in the automotive industry and created a very loyal following. Maybe even a "fanatical" following. LOL But a tell tale sign is when we don't even need to say, "BMW M3". All we need to say is, "M3" and even folks with little to no interest in automobiles, know what it is. They recognize the model name and can tell by the huge smile on our faces that it's something very special...
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07-06-2013, 07:27 AM	#10
Mr. ///M3 RD Happy Camper 613 Rep 7,869 Posts Drives: C63 AMG & 280 SL on Weekends : Join Date: May 2010 Location: GTA, Ontario - Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 1969 Restored Merce ... [7.50] 2011 M3 Coupe TRADED [7.34] 1987 BMW 535is [1.00] Cars from the Past [6.50] The ///M3 Engine S65 [9.59]	Great Post indeed! Often it is up to the eye of the beholder as to what constitutes an icon I think Last March I had the great fortune to come across a car that has been for me an icon since I was a young fellow, namely a Mercedes 280 SL Pagoda. I drove that car in the early 60s the price then was around $9,000- Canadian. Even then cars were more expensive here then in the US. Anyway now this car if in good to excellent condition can be had for $45K to $170K on the Internet. The Pagoda series was manufactured during the 1963 to 1971 period and this year celebrates it's 50th anniversary all over the world. Will the M3 be an icon ... I think so time will tell. One reason I purchased my M3 is to enjoy the last N/A engine V8 made for the M3 by BMW. Here is my first purchased BMW a 1987 535is, not an icon, however, my daughter now drives it and will never sell it. In her eyes it is an icon. I do think this will be an icon one day, perhaps in 50 years (like the one below) from now some of us will not be around ... so will it be an icon ... who knows time will tell. I like to think of it as one, mainly for me it is a fun automobile. Putting a smile on my face. This is the little car I was lucky to find this past spring and added to my garage in May a 1969 Pagoda 280 SL. As mentioned Mercedes made those during the 1963 to 1971 period now celebrating it's 50th Anniversary. It may be called "timeless" if you ever see one and check out the lines you may agree it to be worthy to be an icon. As said it's all in the eyes of the beholder. You all enjoy your future icon ... the great ///M3 may it be a e90, e92 or e93 __________________ Cheers, Rolf-Dieter Life will take us to some interesting places, fortunately The ///M3 will too with a many of us know this very well, now my C6.3 AMG with 487 HP does it too ---> Click here for some good stuff I found Last edited by Mr. ///M3 RD; 07-06-2013 at 07:34 AM..
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07-06-2013, 08:45 AM	#15
MKE_M3 Lieutenant Colonel 65 Rep 1,705 Posts Drives: 2011 e90 M3 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Milwaukee, WI iTrader: (0)	I don't think there is any question, at least not in my heart. It was THE car I dreamed of owning from High School on. __________________
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07-06-2013, 09:05 AM	#16
IB M Brigadier General 2789 Rep 4,252 Posts Drives: 2017 M3 MG/SO ZCP DCT Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: North Carolina iTrader: (1) Garage List 2017 BMW M3 [8.50] 2013 BMW M3 [10.00]	Yes without a doubt M3 is an Icon. In my opinion it is also THE halo car for BMW. The M5 is an amazing car as well but the M3 carries the torch and is the heart and soul of the enuthisiast base.
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07-06-2013, 09:06 AM	#17
F1Venom Banned 73 Rep 961 Posts Drives: ZCP E90 M3 Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	The S65 is an iconic engine, IMO.
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07-06-2013, 09:09 AM	#18
duk ///M 158 Rep 3,195 Posts Drives: 2011 AW/FR 6MT E92 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Irvine, CA iTrader: (0)	of course, many of us dreamt of owning one one day __________________ 2011.5 AW/FR E92 M3 6MT
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07-06-2013, 09:58 AM	#19
FogCityM3 Colonel 500 Rep 2,400 Posts Drives: M3 (E90) & Porsche GT3 RS Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: San Francisco iTrader: (0)	Yes it is an icon by virtue of its enormous brand recognition, cachet, performance, praise and racing heritage. BMW invented and cultivated the high performance sports sedan category, creating a concept that others would attempt to imitate.
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07-06-2013, 10:24 AM	#21
tuco44 Colonel 645 Rep 2,294 Posts Drives: 2018 340i xDrive M Perf Edtn Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Western Canada iTrader: (0)	I would agree that the M3 is an iconic car; but it is highly unlikely to become a rare car with over 40,000 coupes, 10,000 sedans, and 16,000 verts built in E90 - E92 series over the five + years. That's global production, of course, but still a lot of cars. Maybe that's good in that those that want to own one at some point, should be able to find one. __________________ 2018 340i xDrive M Perf Edtn Sunset Orange Previous BMWs - 19 others since 1971.
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07-06-2013, 11:32 AM	#22
The Automotive Enthusiast Retired BMW Genius 2903 Rep 3,404 Posts Drives: 2018 Audi S5 Coupe Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: DMV iTrader: (1)	When you have an engine that wins International Engine of the year for 6 years back to back over and over again, you know this car is an icon. The S65 is a masterpiece.
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