[BoosTonian]

Can't wait for the 2-series GC..specifically the M235i gran coupe. If BMW wants to kill the 3-series, that's how they'll do it.

All this m performance models, unnecessary M models bullshit is outrageous. But I mean, the engines will essentially all be the same, so at least it'll be cheap to do..

[Staszek]

Originally Posted by C5 FOR

Being mistaken for an M Sport should be their biggest concern!!

Any M needs to stand out to every eye looking at it. Not just those that understand the nowadays small differences.

Otherwise what's the point?

Really? I dont see it that way there is way more of a point then the exact looks, and except for the E30 M3 none of the M cars were worlds different looking then their little brothers.

They have had Msport packages for YEARS, sure its getting more intense now, but really thats driven by competition from Audi and MB who have been juicing the heck out of the S line and AMG packages.

My 740i has the Msport package with M stickers on the steering wheel, shadow line trim, different suspension and diff, etc and that's an 01.

The E30s, E36, E46 all had Mtech packages that make it look more aggressive and had better handling. To the average buyer no one can tell the difference what is what.

I could care less what badge is on my car as long as it drives the way I want it too, I havent bought a MB or Audi because of that yet, I like them but not the exact driving experience I am looking for.

BMW is a business they need to sell cars, I am not sure why people expect something different from a mass market car maker, its not Ferrari or Porsche (and even they have diverged a bit).

[fuddman]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

Everybody knows an M Sport from an M. Well those that know BMW should.
The upturned air intake , side breather, aerodynamics packet , wider track , [sic] POWER DOME.

There, completed your list for you.

[SkeezyLP]

Originally Posted by bunker

Of Course There Will Be No M3 Touring Because Bmw Hates My Stinking Guts

This

[Suad9]

Mercedes is for folks 50 years and older.

[....,,,,..,,..]

Originally Posted by Suad9

Mercedes is for folks 50 years and older.

Lol yeah, as if..

The A45 is so much an over 50's car

http://www2.mercedes-benz.co.uk/cont...g/a45_amg.html


http://www2.mercedes-benz.co.uk/cont...ical_data.html


Shows just how bland a 335i actually is...




http://www2.mercedes-benz.co.uk/cont...mg_saloon.html

[Nkc]

Problem is, we're looking at bmw and hoping they become more like porsche but reality is, BMW is becoming more like mb and Audi and with a bit of an identity crisis.

I don't care if bmw makes a shit load of models that appeal to the masses, just keep M pure and true to the enthusiasts. All this awd and no more manual makes me want to cry. I can go to Audi or MB for that crap. Don't forget what made you special in the first place.

[JasonCSU]

Originally Posted by TheBingoBalls

+1. It's the same with the manual transmission. People say will they buy but every year the take rate decreases.

The take rate is going down as a percentage because overall sales are increasing. The take rate as the number of cars sold with a manual has remained steady though. Take a look at this article from Road & Track.

http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-cult...l-transmisson/

[Joe S]

Originally Posted by djsaad1

I am surprised by there not being an M4 GC. They might be scared of it eating too much of the M3 sales.

They should just replace the m3 with an m4 GC and call it the new M3

[Manbnda]

Originally Posted by fecurtis

I own an F30 M-Sport and whenever I see a new F80 or F82...which is virtually daily, the car looks like it wants to kill someone. I think they look night and day from an M-Sport.

I myself identify an M3 from a 3 very clearly too, but this wasn't my point I don't think anyone on this forum is a good example to judge that. We all geek about BMW.

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by fuddman

There, completed your list for you.

Only the M3/4 have the power dome. Other ///M models don't.

[W///]

Originally Posted by Nkc

Problem is, we're looking at bmw and hoping they become more like porsche but reality is, BMW is becoming more like mb and Audi and with a bit of an identity crisis.

I don't care if bmw makes a shit load of models that appeal to the masses, just keep M pure and true to the enthusiasts. All this awd and no more manual makes me want to cry. I can go to Audi or MB for that crap. Don't forget what made you special in the first place.

Wait wait wait... you mean, the same Porsche that offers the Panamera, diesel Macan and Cayenne? And then offer 30 different versions of the 911? And the fact that most of their cars are about to be turbocharged as well?

Just checking.

[chrisny]

Originally Posted by fecurtis

I own an F30 M-Sport and whenever I see a new F80 or F82...which is virtually daily, the car looks like it wants to kill someone. I think they look night and day from an M-Sport.

+1 and

M sports certainly blur the lines, but those of us that care about these cars the way we on here do can still spot the differences right away.

[chrisny]

Originally Posted by Manbnda

I myself identify an M3 from a 3 very clearly too, but this wasn't my point I don't think anyone on this forum is a good example to judge that. We all geek about BMW.

I think the point is that anyone that doesn't pay as much attention to these cars as we do wouldn't know the difference between a 528 or an M5 either… not visually or otherwise. And I'm including loyal BMW customers in that group as well. They sell thousands upon thousands of cars to people that don't pay attention to the level that we on these forums do. These are customers that would have no interest in an ///M and while they may know they exist, wouldn't necessarily be able to spot one on the road.

[C5driver]

Originally Posted by chrisny

M sports certainly blur the lines, but those of us that care about these cars the way we on here do can still spot the differences right away.

Exactly, and how many of us feel emasculated about that M sport Fxx sitting next to us at the light?

"those of us that care about these cars the way we on here" appreciate the cars for what they are, regardless of the model or the package.

[evanescent03]

Originally Posted by C5driver

It's marketing and I understand the attraction of the M brand and the associated look.

Ultimately though, consumers who purchase an M car buy it for different reasons and I would hope that being mistaken for an M-Sport is the least of their concerns.

bingo. our x3 is MSport but I'm not sure I'd want an x3m... but I wouldn't have wanted a 335i MSport just because it looks like an m3. I think MSport packages are a great way to make a comfortable road car feel a little more special for those who won't be tracking their car or just want the "best 3 series"

if I didn't track the m3 I wouldn't stuck with the 335i MSport for sure

[Ray knight]

i like the M sport options personally. they are great daily drivers without being full blown M cars. i own an M3, and an X5 M sport.

[Eddien123]

S63 AMG engineers : *sigh of relief*

[Jblack4083]

Originally Posted by Brigand

Lol yeah, as if..

The A45 is so much an over 50's car

http://www2.mercedes-benz.co.uk/cont...g/a45_amg.html


http://www2.mercedes-benz.co.uk/cont...ical_data.html


Shows just how bland a 335i actually is...




http://www2.mercedes-benz.co.uk/cont...mg_saloon.html

Surprisingly enough, everyone i see driving the GLA seems to be over 60

[ssstraub]

Originally Posted by Manbnda

From my point of view Audi handles this situation better than BMW and Mercedes.

Really? I can't even tell when an Audi isn't a VW because they look nearly identical other than the grill. Not even sure why someone pays Audi prices when they could simply buy the cheaper VW variant from the same company.

Audi cannot compare to BMW or MB.

[DCG]

X4M & X3M, about time!

An M3 Touring would be cool as well.

[Golden Arrow]

BMW M should've unveiled the M2 months ago.