|
|
|
Post Reply |
|
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
01-12-2012, 08:33 AM | #45 |
Lurker
78
Rep 812
Posts |
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 :-(
__________________
|
Appreciate
0
|
01-12-2012, 08:42 AM | #46 | |
Banned
7913
Rep 11,785
Posts |
Quote:
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. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
01-12-2012, 08:46 AM | #47 | |
Lieutenant
21
Rep 401
Posts |
I disagree, who said M = V8?
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. Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
01-12-2012, 08:52 AM | #50 | |
Lieutenant
320
Rep 548
Posts |
Quote:
In addition, I'd like to know what % of people that drive BMWs are truly enthusiast? as opposed to badge whores. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
01-12-2012, 08:53 AM | #51 | |
Moderator / European Editor
1583
Rep 6,752
Posts |
Quote:
Best regards, south
__________________
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
01-12-2012, 08:54 AM | #52 |
Second Lieutenant
18
Rep 203
Posts
Drives: 2014 F30 320d M-Sport EBII
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
|
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
__________________
Cape Town, South Africa
2014 F30 320d M-Sport, Estoril Blue II |
Appreciate
0
|
01-12-2012, 08:58 AM | #53 | |
Moderator / European Editor
1583
Rep 6,752
Posts |
Quote:
Best regards, south
__________________
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
01-12-2012, 09:03 AM | #54 |
Moderator
647
Rep 10,863
Posts |
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.
__________________
My recent ED photos: http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1026808
my not-so-recent ED: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31829 Please join BMWCCA http://bmwcca.org/index.php?pageid=c...&ref_by=300279 |
Appreciate
0
|
01-12-2012, 09:03 AM | #55 |
Brigadier General
506
Rep 3,445
Posts |
Looks good to me.
__________________
See my photography at http://ronscubadiver.wordpress.com
|
Appreciate
0
|
01-12-2012, 09:09 AM | #56 |
Private
9
Rep 95
Posts |
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?
|
Appreciate
0
|
01-12-2012, 09:11 AM | #57 |
the original brown guy
117
Rep 1,011
Posts
Drives: '22 MBB/SO X5M Comp
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: NJ/NYC
|
Bmw, Y U Mess Up M Brand
__________________
PREVIOUS
2019 G05 X5 M50 AG/BLK 2017 F15 X5 5.0 M Sport AW/BLK 2011 E90 ///M3 AW/FR 2008 E92 ///M3 IB/BLK |
Appreciate
0
|
01-12-2012, 09:13 AM | #58 |
the original brown guy
117
Rep 1,011
Posts
Drives: '22 MBB/SO X5M Comp
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: NJ/NYC
|
The funny thing is, the regular 335 was putting up S4 numbers, so I don't understand where this new M Performance slots in
__________________
PREVIOUS
2019 G05 X5 M50 AG/BLK 2017 F15 X5 5.0 M Sport AW/BLK 2011 E90 ///M3 AW/FR 2008 E92 ///M3 IB/BLK |
Appreciate
0
|
01-12-2012, 09:16 AM | #59 |
479
Rep 4,591
Posts |
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 Last edited by richb811; 01-12-2012 at 09:21 AM.. |
Appreciate
0
|
01-12-2012, 09:17 AM | #60 |
Brigadier General
4202
Rep 4,815
Posts
Drives: BMW
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Toronto, Ontario
|
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. |
Appreciate
0
|
01-12-2012, 09:18 AM | #61 | |
479
Rep 4,591
Posts |
Quote:
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. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
01-12-2012, 09:21 AM | #62 |
I have to return some video tapes
363
Rep 4,712
Posts |
if the M135i had the same engine as the 335is, wouldn't that just be the same engine as a 1M?
__________________
13 Carbon Black e70 X5M - 13 Black Sapphire e92 335i - 10 Le Mans Blue e92 335i - 09 Monaco Blue e92 328i xdrive - 07 Sparkling Graphite e92 328xi
|
Appreciate
0
|
01-12-2012, 09:23 AM | #63 |
First Lieutenant
9
Rep 348
Posts |
|
Appreciate
0
|
01-12-2012, 09:24 AM | #64 |
Second Lieutenant
18
Rep 203
Posts
Drives: 2014 F30 320d M-Sport EBII
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
|
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.
__________________
Cape Town, South Africa
2014 F30 320d M-Sport, Estoril Blue II |
Appreciate
0
|
01-12-2012, 09:30 AM | #65 |
Sameet
745
Rep 2,541
Posts
Drives: AY/B M4 '15
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Long Island, New York
|
Smart move for BMW!
|
Appreciate
0
|
01-12-2012, 09:37 AM | #66 |
Lieutenant
20
Rep 409
Posts |
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
__________________
In Memory of LeRoi Moore 1961-2008.
|
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
|
|