M Power Kit - M for Marketing?
Discussion
I'm sure this topic has been done to death, but I would once again like to reiterate my disdain at the use of M Sport kits throughout the BMW range. I saw a ponce driving like a fool in a sporty looking E90 complete with kit and lack of model designation. Out of curiosity and being a bit sad (with clearly too much time on my hands) I checked the model on the HPI website. I discovered that the car was in fact a 318d M Sport - being considerably off the boil re BMW's model range I was shocked that such a model even existed.
The E60 is the worse perpetrator; the 520d M Sport looks very similar to an M5. In the good old days sport models were introduced mid-life in an attempt to raise interest in the model a kit was only available on higher models until the very end of the model year. It also wasn't called an 'M Sport' kit.
My rant is now over...
The E60 is the worse perpetrator; the 520d M Sport looks very similar to an M5. In the good old days sport models were introduced mid-life in an attempt to raise interest in the model a kit was only available on higher models until the very end of the model year. It also wasn't called an 'M Sport' kit.
My rant is now over...
I know what you mean, 520d M sport debaged, I have one, but is a nice looking car for the money/ cheap to run and I am sure it helps BMW shift lots of units.
I don't really agree with all the M badging on the M sport models, but I do like the styling - apart from the looks we all know these cars are a world apart from the real deal.
I also have a Z4MC for the weekends! But it looks like the M badge has been stuck on and doesn't look right.
I don't really agree with all the M badging on the M sport models, but I do like the styling - apart from the looks we all know these cars are a world apart from the real deal.
I also have a Z4MC for the weekends! But it looks like the M badge has been stuck on and doesn't look right.
After looking at older E46's, the trend seemed to start in ~ 2003.
Previously called 'sport' they are now called M-sport...
On the BMW site it's scary, I think EVERY model (1/3/5) is available as either SE equivalent or an M-sport. They are even seperated in tables, ie, SE's top, from 1.8 > 3.0, and then underneath the same models again, but as M-sports.
Quite worrying, and Audi have done the same with the S-line.
I think in a way what it has done is mean the real sporting models now have to look even MORE outrageous, which isn't always so great if you like a wolf in sheeps clothing.
Dave
Previously called 'sport' they are now called M-sport...
On the BMW site it's scary, I think EVERY model (1/3/5) is available as either SE equivalent or an M-sport. They are even seperated in tables, ie, SE's top, from 1.8 > 3.0, and then underneath the same models again, but as M-sports.
Quite worrying, and Audi have done the same with the S-line.
I think in a way what it has done is mean the real sporting models now have to look even MORE outrageous, which isn't always so great if you like a wolf in sheeps clothing.
Dave
I'm not sure theres really been a realy M-car since the E30 M3, They just use the M badge on the market tool. I like almost all of the M3's, M5's etc but i thought the M on the original M1 and M3 stood for Motorsport.
I seam to remember that someone in BMW wanted to call the E36 M3 a 330 sport because it didn't have the motorsport origins of the E30.
I seam to remember that someone in BMW wanted to call the E36 M3 a 330 sport because it didn't have the motorsport origins of the E30.
I would disagree. Any car with a straight six engine inherited from the original M1 has the right to use the M name, thus the E30 M3, E28 M5, E34 M5 and M635csi. Some would argue that the E12 M535i 1979-81 should also be included, I am not so sure but can understand their arguement.
The E34 M5 in 3.8 guise is the last true M car, because of its hand built nature and direct ascendancy from the original M1.
The E34 M5 in 3.8 guise is the last true M car, because of its hand built nature and direct ascendancy from the original M1.
m3pilot said:
I'm not sure theres really been a realy M-car since the E30 M3, They just use the M badge on the market tool. I like almost all of the M3's, M5's etc but i thought the M on the original M1 and M3 stood for Motorsport.
I seam to remember that someone in BMW wanted to call the E36 M3 a 330 sport because it didn't have the motorsport origins of the E30.
I'm not knocking your views, but do not understand what this Halo is that the E30 M3 has. Sure, it was great in it's day and I love how they look etc...and I understand that they had a motorsport history etc. But I don't see that the E36/E46 M3s are any less of an 'M' car. And I thought there was a race series for E36/E46 M3's...indeed it was V8 powered in one instance wasn't it?! So why is the E30 more M car than it's later siblings? If anything, it's the E30 M3 that's lacking...it's not that quick by todays standards. Everything's got 200bhp these days. So what's the big deal?I seam to remember that someone in BMW wanted to call the E36 M3 a 330 sport because it didn't have the motorsport origins of the E30.
Cheers,
J.
Edited by jezzaaa on Tuesday 31st July 16:18
belleair302 said:
I would disagree. Any car with a straight six engine inherited from the original M1 has the right to use the M name, thus the E30 M3, E28 M5, E34 M5 and M635csi. Some would argue that the E12 M535i 1979-81 should also be included, I am not so sure but can understand their arguement.
The E34 M5 in 3.8 guise is the last true M car, because of its hand built nature and direct ascendancy from the original M1.
I thought the E30 M3 was a four cylinder 2.3 litre lump??The E34 M5 in 3.8 guise is the last true M car, because of its hand built nature and direct ascendancy from the original M1.
jezzaaa said:
m3pilot said:
I'm not sure theres really been a realy M-car since the E30 M3, They just use the M badge on the market tool. I like almost all of the M3's, M5's etc but i thought the M on the original M1 and M3 stood for Motorsport.
I seam to remember that someone in BMW wanted to call the E36 M3 a 330 sport because it didn't have the motorsport origins of the E30.
I'm not knocking your views, but do not understand what this Halo is that the E30 M3 has. Sure, it was great in it's day and I love how they look etc...and I understand that they had a motorsport history etc. But I don't see that the E36/E46 M3s are any less of an 'M' car. And I thought there was a race series for E36/E46 M3's...indeed it was V8 powered in one instance wasn't it?! So why is the E30 more M car than it's later siblings? If anything, it's the E30 M3 that's lacking...it's not that quick by todays standards. Everything's got 200bhp these days. So what's the big deal?I seam to remember that someone in BMW wanted to call the E36 M3 a 330 sport because it didn't have the motorsport origins of the E30.
Cheers,
J.
Edited by jezzaaa on Tuesday 31st July 16:18
It was made specifically as a car for motorsport purposes, before a car for general sale.
Dave
It's not a new thing. In the 80's we had the 325i Sport which came resplendent with m-tech as it was then spoilers, skirts steering wheel suspension wheel etc etc etc.
The kit was made available across the range.
Have a peruse through here.
http://www.bmwcarclubgb.co.uk/rm/adverts.asp?secti...
It's not new, get over it.
Ok any more threads in bash M week or is that it?
The kit was made available across the range.
Have a peruse through here.
http://www.bmwcarclubgb.co.uk/rm/adverts.asp?secti...
It's not new, get over it.
Ok any more threads in bash M week or is that it?
Hmmmm.....
333i motor sports (SA) 1987 3.3 litre
Details: Special Limited Edition, M-Tech body kit, Alpina 16" alloy wheels, electric sunroof, electric windows, ABS braking, central locking, LSD, Alpina sports suspension, sports gearbox, sports seats, rear headrests,computer, stereo, tinted glass, very very rare vehicle. Made by BMW in South Africa No. 149 of 150 made. Used daily util July, No MOT.
333i motor sports (SA) 1987 3.3 litre
Details: Special Limited Edition, M-Tech body kit, Alpina 16" alloy wheels, electric sunroof, electric windows, ABS braking, central locking, LSD, Alpina sports suspension, sports gearbox, sports seats, rear headrests,computer, stereo, tinted glass, very very rare vehicle. Made by BMW in South Africa No. 149 of 150 made. Used daily util July, No MOT.
Olf said:
Hmmmm.....
333i motor sports (SA) 1987 3.3 litre
Details: Special Limited Edition, M-Tech body kit, Alpina 16" alloy wheels, electric sunroof, electric windows, ABS braking, central locking, LSD, Alpina sports suspension, sports gearbox, sports seats, rear headrests,computer, stereo, tinted glass, very very rare vehicle. Made by BMW in South Africa No. 149 of 150 made. Used daily util July, No MOT.
Was that not a motorsport special for the local SA market??? ie CKD Kit333i motor sports (SA) 1987 3.3 litre
Details: Special Limited Edition, M-Tech body kit, Alpina 16" alloy wheels, electric sunroof, electric windows, ABS braking, central locking, LSD, Alpina sports suspension, sports gearbox, sports seats, rear headrests,computer, stereo, tinted glass, very very rare vehicle. Made by BMW in South Africa No. 149 of 150 made. Used daily util July, No MOT.
Once upon there was a car called the M5 introduced in the mid eighties
It was a Q Car.... it looked just like a 520i with nice wheels till it ripped the doors off your Porsche / Ferrari / Aston Martin and all you saw as it went into the distance was a 'M5' badge on its rump
And oh how the driver of said M5 laughed
M Bodystyling who wants/needs it even on an M Powered car!
It was a Q Car.... it looked just like a 520i with nice wheels till it ripped the doors off your Porsche / Ferrari / Aston Martin and all you saw as it went into the distance was a 'M5' badge on its rump
And oh how the driver of said M5 laughed
M Bodystyling who wants/needs it even on an M Powered car!
belleair302 said:
I would disagree. Any car with a straight six engine inherited from the original M1 has the right to use the M name, thus the E30 M3, E28 M5, E34 M5 and M635csi. Some would argue that the E12 M535i 1979-81 should also be included, I am not so sure but can understand their arguement.
The E34 M5 in 3.8 guise is the last true M car, because of its hand built nature and direct ascendancy from the original M1.
If you look at all the M cars the E30 M3 and the M1 stand apart from all the others. The M1 was BMW's attempt to build a supercar and go racing with it and E30 M3 was produced for homologation purposes. Every car that followed was produced for a different reason: to have a motorsport-linked range topping car for each model. The E28 M5, E24 M635csi and E34 M5 all used derivations of the M1 engine but weren't built to go racing (although the E24 did make it into Group A racing during the 80's). My E24 M635csi was definitely not a race-derived car, it was a cruiser with sports suspension, brakes and engine. Likewise, the E39 M5 and E46 M3 were range toppers but not homologation specials (it is interesting that the E46 'road-race' and 'true-race' cars i.e. the CSL and GTR were very different beasts and didn't even share the same engine). The E34 M5 in 3.8 guise is the last true M car, because of its hand built nature and direct ascendancy from the original M1.
What's also true, and has already been pointed out, is that you've been able to buy M-badged non-M motored cars for years. Despite the growth in M-badged cars I think the cachet is still there though: if an E34 with an M-badge pulled up behind you in the 80's it would be difficult to tell it was a real M5 until you moved over and it shot past with that amazing straight 6 soundtrack. Same thing today with the E90, only this time the soundtrack is V10.
In the end we all know that it doesn't really matter. If you know your BMW's you can spot an M because you know where to look, and if the look has been copied perfectly your ears will always out the 'imposters'. If you are lucky enough to have an M-car, I would just treat the M-badged cars as the sincerest form of flattery as I think nearly all of their owners would love to be in your position if they could.
Richard
i am amazed that you dont think an e46 m3 is a true m car. i have and e46 m3 smg and have previously owned an e36 m3 evo.both of these cars have been a joy to own even if they have been somewhat expensive to keep on the road.
i loved the e36 evo because it was raw and although it may have not been as pure as the e30 m3 it was scary fast and you just knew it needed your full attention especially in the wet!.
the e46 in my opinion is the best looking m car ever (csl guise included).that is not because i have one, that is why i was determined to own one. since i have had it (6 months) i have fell in love with the noise and dont think that i will ever replace the sound unless i can afford a f355 ferrari in the future.the car has smg and without starting a debate on it i can honestly say i am impressed with it but more often than not i would prefer a manual as smg takes out the rewarding feeling when YOU drive it quick.
it is a bit flashy with the 19's and commands a lot of attention on the road sometimes unwanted from all the saxo and corsa brigade, but i am constantly suprised by how good the car is and apart from the slightly wooly steering (and thats proper scrutiny) for me its perfect.
granted the e30 m3 was lovely and i also liked the e39 m5, two cars i would love to own but i wouldnt swap my e46 for anything.
i loved the e36 evo because it was raw and although it may have not been as pure as the e30 m3 it was scary fast and you just knew it needed your full attention especially in the wet!.
the e46 in my opinion is the best looking m car ever (csl guise included).that is not because i have one, that is why i was determined to own one. since i have had it (6 months) i have fell in love with the noise and dont think that i will ever replace the sound unless i can afford a f355 ferrari in the future.the car has smg and without starting a debate on it i can honestly say i am impressed with it but more often than not i would prefer a manual as smg takes out the rewarding feeling when YOU drive it quick.
it is a bit flashy with the 19's and commands a lot of attention on the road sometimes unwanted from all the saxo and corsa brigade, but i am constantly suprised by how good the car is and apart from the slightly wooly steering (and thats proper scrutiny) for me its perfect.
granted the e30 m3 was lovely and i also liked the e39 m5, two cars i would love to own but i wouldnt swap my e46 for anything.
mc_blue said:
I'm sure this topic has been done to death, but I would once again like to reiterate my disdain at the use of M Sport kits throughout the BMW range. I saw a ponce driving like a fool in a sporty looking E90 complete with kit and lack of model designation. Out of curiosity and being a bit sad (with clearly too much time on my hands) I checked the model on the HPI website. I discovered that the car was in fact a 318d M Sport - being considerably off the boil re BMW's model range I was shocked that such a model even existed.
The E60 is the worse perpetrator; the 520d M Sport looks very similar to an M5. In the good old days sport models were introduced mid-life in an attempt to raise interest in the model a kit was only available on higher models until the very end of the model year. It also wasn't called an 'M Sport' kit.
My rant is now over...
Get out (a lot) more.The E60 is the worse perpetrator; the 520d M Sport looks very similar to an M5. In the good old days sport models were introduced mid-life in an attempt to raise interest in the model a kit was only available on higher models until the very end of the model year. It also wasn't called an 'M Sport' kit.
My rant is now over...
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