[UNO///M]

Originally Posted by advantage20

There will very probably be an M135i and an approx. 340ps M340i to compete against the Audi S4 (M335i would sound too close to basic 335i) at least But expect the M Performance range to extend to many models like the Audi S range.

The problem is that Audi have the S and the RS division. So you know the RS is all business. But now everybody is going to have a car with the M badge. The M badge should be reserve for the best of the best, not this. They should just call it the BMW performance.

[Yurka]

Too. Many. Letters/Numbers.

[SL%%]

in actuality, in my best educational guess, the reason why BMW did this is that, Diesel sales now are higher for BMW than those of Petrol engines in Europe that is. With the Euro becoming more stringent in CO2 emission, BMW diesel engine emits far less carbon as opposed to its gasoline counterpart. the fact that also diesel engines can produce so much torque specially when equipped with a turbo, it is sensible enough for them (IMHO) to do this.

We are used to the term ///M exclusively for Petrol engines but give it a few more years and the diesel engine can rev as high like those of the Petrol Engine. If you noticed the Le Mans 24 hours race, Audi is already using its TDi engines for the race and it can rev like the Petrol engines already.

[Stronie]

Originally Posted by Yurka

Too. Many. Letters/Numbers.

Amen, The Aero Packs look good.

[kmarei]

Imagine that engine in an E90/92
Yummy

[rollinstone157]

Before we get all up in arms about a letter being in front of a model, let's look at the M550d xDrive.
1. 4.7 seconds 0-60
2. Close to 40 MPG estimates. That's in prius territory in terms of fuel economy, and I'll let you decide the class of fun it's in.
3. AWD + Torquey diesel will probably give some absurd launches
4. AWD + some blizzaks will give you some serious snow-crunching ability
5. There's a wagon version that goes 0-60 in under 5 seconds, and also gets close to 40 MPG estimates.

I bet if BMW didn't throw an M in front of these models, everyone would be raving BMW.

[chrisk03]

Originally Posted by mojaito

The problem is that Audi have the S and the RS division. So you know the RS is all business. But now everybody is going to have a car with the M badge. The M badge should be reserve for the best of the best, not this. They should just call it the BMW performance.

Bingo! Can you say M brand dilution. Dumb move for BMW, IMO.

I'm sure the marketing geniuses think "performance" would be too long of a name/brand to use and no way they are going to us "P"... P335i or 335iP, etc.

[advantage20]

Originally Posted by bimmerjph

Second. Why did they feel the need to create a whole new line. Couldn't they have just have just added an "s" or "is" to the end of the number like they have always done?

No, -is wasn't differentiated enough from the basic model and few would want to pay the extra price tag witout a label upgrade (implying an image boost) consistent with the model's purpose. On the other hand, use a specific and charismatic label (as debatable the use of M might be) just like Audi uses S_ instead of A_ and the car will be perceived as more upmarket so buyers will be willing to pay the extra price because they get not only extra performance but also extra image and differentiation from basic models (what the -is range lacked). Although these M Performance models look just as close to the M Sport as the -is did... but the label changes it all.

[宝马.e90]

Originally Posted by mojaito

The problem is that Audi have the S and the RS division. So you know the RS is all business. But now everybody is going to have a car with the M badge. The M badge should be reserve for the best of the best, not this. They should just call it the BMW performance.

...Looks like the "mislabelling" has already begun. In January's issue of Autocar UK, the front page lists the new ///M 550d as "BMW's new diesel M5". So wrong in many ways, it's not a "M5". Soon everyone is going to bunch all ///M cars as one regardless if it's M Performance or true ///M. This goes beyond "it's just a badge" argument.

[cmk227]

Love the models disappointed about the name. BMW you are the segment leader why are you copying Mercedes and audi with attaching the ///M logo on everything.

:

[cs4444]

Awesome stuff, and impressive numbers..but Wow, people like to complain..christ. There was an M535i back in 1979, this labeling is nothing new get over it.

I think most can people grasp that an M with a single number is reserved for the most focused M models, and an M in front of a regular BMW number series are M "tuned" models not full fledged Ms.

Also if your worried about too many M badges, I think your missing the point. 1st these will not be HUGE volume sellers, and second if your worried about exclusivity buy a Porsche, or a lotus.

[crooked I]

Originally Posted by antzcrashing

because no American would pay $80K for the MPG bump. Diesel is more expensive than premium, and most people put regular in their BMWs.

If you do the math, in US it is more economical to buy the 550i for $62K and take the hit for poor MPG.

prices are a bit different up in canada. $1.38 for 91 vs $1.29 for diesel. i hope bmw makes plans to bring these diesels to north america in a few years.

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by advantage20

There will very probably be an M135i and an approx. 340ps M340i to compete against the Audi S4 (M335i would sound too close to basic 335i) at least But expect the M Performance range to extend to many models like the Audi S range.

What tells us that these cars would have petrol engines?

To me, a 320hp 335i xdrive with sport pack is pretty close competition to an S4 already, no?

[Jason]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

What tells us that these cars would have petrol engines?

BMW tells us that there will also be petrol/gasoline models in the M Performance Automobiles line. See this: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=634571

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by Jason

BMW tells us that there will also be petrol/gasoline models in the M Performance Automobiles line. See this: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=634571

I see, thanks!!

Then I don't get it.

[JKM320]

There will be a lot more emblems on eBay now. LOL

I really hope that the F15 gets that setup here in the US, but doubt the 50d will make it here in any line. Besides the plant where they build them here in the US.

[DontHait]

Originally Posted by dadealus

M550D
0-60 : 4.7
37: US MPG

why wouldn't they bring this to the USA?!

Imperial miles per gallon is different, it's different. Look up the conversion, I'm guessing around 20US MPG

[JulieDriving]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

I see, thanks!!

Then I don't get it.

From what I deduced from reading Insider Scott's comments about this new M Performance Line... these M Performance models are meant to fill a void. Take the regular cars to a higher level of performance while making them AWD or putting diesel engines in them.... things they cannot do to the 100% M models if the latter are to remain the very best in class.

I accept this argument.

However, the proof will be in the pudding, right?

If M badges show up everywhere, and the "real" M cars don't continue to be the very best, well then... you've lost your eggs and the hen that hatched them too...

[jozeff]

Jason, there are no mentions of LSD of M diffs in these cars obviously because they are AWD. Is there any mention of diffs finding their way into other m performance models?

[Jason]

Originally Posted by jozeff

Jason, there are no mentions of LSD of M diffs in these cars obviously because they are AWD. Is there any mention of diffs finding their way into other m performance models?

I don't have any information on this. We'll see soon I guess if the M135i comes and retains its RWD configuration. Guess it all really comes down to how far or close BMW really wants these M Performance models to be to the M models.

[doozyj]

I like them but maybe they should of went with a new "M-Line" emblem which looks different from the traditional "M" embem.

[WERKE]

Quite ridiculous, what a shame, BMW M is not aware that to sell more M. .. something for 2-3 years will completely ruin the last 30 years of M branding? A certain exclusivity is selling pretty well, but selling too many products exclusive is the negation of the concept. Please, somebody pinch me.