Get the M bark without the M bite

helldorado

Grad

Spirit: -2
Offline

Offline

Location: NJ
Posts: 2627

sono affamato!

Get the M bark without the M bite

« on: December 29, 2008, 02:18:03 PM »

The only way I can reconcile this in my head is to say its a bit like the S-Line treatment that Audi offers and its an easier option for those who plan to build a lower model out through the aftermarket so it makes more sense not to start with an M. Otherwise, it seems like another lame-o outlet for the various egomaniacs who drive BMW's for the status chic, which I anticipate to be the case for most buyers.

Quote

The long awaited ///M Sport packages seen elsewhere in the world are finally coming to the US. Here’s an excerpt from an internal BMW release:

With the launch of the Model Year 2009 vehicles, BMW has decided to release M Sport Packages (ZMP) for our US models. Each M Sport Package was developed for the specific Series so that the equipment contained is matched perfectly to the vehicle. The M Sport Package allows customers to further individualize their vehicles for a more aggressive and athletic appearance.

The current or regular Sport Packages will continue to be available for all models. The equipment differentiation between the M Sport Packages and the current Sport Packages are:

* M door sills
* M footrest
* M gearshift lever
* M steering wheel
* M wheels
* Available with an M exterior color
* Anthracite Headliner (not available on Convertibles)
* Aerodynamic package

The 5 series and 135 will be the first to get the treatment beginning with January production. The ZMP package can now be ordered and includes styling cues from the ///M line

If I had a M though, I think I'd be pissed. Because unlike Audi who clearly states "S-Line" vs Sx on all the trim, this is saying M/// like a regular M would.


	Logged

Your premiere Northeast DIY Car Enthusiasts Club; Project Forward Motion

Liquid Platinum M35

Faculty
PostGrad

Spirit: 3

Offline

Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 5367

Sweet Gsus

Re: Get the M bark without the M bite

« Reply #1 on: January 04, 2009, 08:54:10 PM »

there's always going to be posers.... can't get worked up over wanna-bes.


	Logged

09M35 (yes)

helldorado

Grad

Spirit: -2
Offline

Offline

Location: NJ
Posts: 2627

sono affamato!

Re: Get the M bark without the M bite

« Reply #2 on: January 04, 2009, 09:16:14 PM »

Quote from: 07G35S on January 04, 2009, 08:54:10 PM

there's always going to be posers.... can't get worked up over wanna-bes.

Yep, but now BMW is making it easier. Guess they're just catering to who they think the majority of their buyers are now? Tongue


	Logged

Your premiere Northeast DIY Car Enthusiasts Club; Project Forward Motion

oztiks

Administrator
Grad

Spirit: 6

Offline

Location: Central/South Florida
Posts: 4390

Re: Get the M bark without the M bite

« Reply #3 on: January 05, 2009, 01:17:04 AM »

I was surprised to see this too; I remember reading about it a few days ago - was gonna post a topic but didn't get the chance. It does kind of further 'dillute' the BMW line in my opinion (along with the 1 series). BMW's options are particularly poseur-esque in themselves, though. Why the hell do you need an M door sill/footrest/etc on a car that ISN'T an M? People doing it after purchase as enthusiasts is one thing, but BMW doing it themselves is just plain weird.

Mercedes has taken a similar stance in the past 2(?) years; allowing you to get a lot of the things that were previously excusive to the AMG models, on the non-AMG trims (exhausts, rims, interior, fascia, etc).

Oh well.. they gotta make money some how these days.


	Logged

helldorado

Grad

Spirit: -2
Offline

Offline

Location: NJ
Posts: 2627

sono affamato!

Re: Get the M bark without the M bite

« Reply #4 on: January 05, 2009, 11:48:34 AM »

Just wait until the first moron tries to brag about his "M1," lol.

BMW already said they won't make a 1 series M model and call it a M1 because of the old M1 supercar. So that makes it even more ridiculous. You can buy crap with the M logo on it when they don't even make an M version of that model.


	Logged

Your premiere Northeast DIY Car Enthusiasts Club; Project Forward Motion

helldorado

Grad

Spirit: -2
Offline

Offline

Location: NJ
Posts: 2627

sono affamato!

Re: Get the M bark without the M bite

« Reply #5 on: February 20, 2009, 11:38:46 AM »

What does it cost to get one step closer to the ultimate poseur machine? Well, now we know.

Quote

BMW has released pricing information on its new "M Sport Package" for specific 3 Series, 5 Series, and X5 models. The package allows buyers to purchase many of the "M-Technik" (aka Motorsport) go-fast hardware and cosmetics commonly found on the BMW M3 and BMW M5 in a factory package (sans the screaming V8 or V10 and the upgraded brakes, of course). While the "ZMP" package varies from model to model, it generally includes sport-tuned suspension, upgraded wheels, sport steering wheel, sport gearshift lever, anthracite headliner, aggressive sport bodywork, and several strategically-placed "M" badges. BMW's official pricing:

BMW 3 Series E90 Sedan $3,750
BMW 3 Series E91 Wagon $3,270
BMW 3 Series E92 Coupe $3,250
BMW 3 Series E93 $3,250
BMW 550i $4,800
BMW X5 3.0 and 4.8 $6,500


	Logged

Your premiere Northeast DIY Car Enthusiasts Club; Project Forward Motion

Ohmster

Resident Lunatic
Administrator
Grad

Spirit: 12
Offline

Offline

Location: SoCal
Posts: 3555

Re: Get the M bark without the M bite

« Reply #6 on: February 20, 2009, 11:47:38 AM »

^Amazingly silly....


	Logged

GTR M45S G35C

Turboale

Faculty
Junior

Spirit: 2

Offline

Location: New Orleans, LA
Posts: 882

^ I'm With Stupid

Re: Get the M bark without the M bite

« Reply #7 on: February 22, 2009, 03:29:48 PM »

Considering a chipped 335 is faster and lighter than an M3, is it really posing? High revving NA cars are fun but the rush of torque from a forced induction engine is just as gratifying.


	Logged

--Austin
06 M45 Sport - Beauty
96 4Runner - The Beast

AndreyATC

Faculty
Junior

Spirit: 5

Offline

Location: Near NYC
Posts: 580

Re: Get the M bark without the M bite

« Reply #8 on: February 22, 2009, 04:11:34 PM »

^^ yep
This is why next ///Ms will have FI on all of them
I personally think that TT is the way to go
You get smaller/lighter engine for the same power with much better fuel economy and with load of torque and great ballance
Honestly, how do you get 400HP with 30+ mpg?
It's obviously not gonna be the same case with V8/V10, but you get an idea
And now, since they have dual-clutch 7-speed it should mate with any BMW TT nicely
Even better performance and fuel consumption


	Logged

2012 X6M AW/Silverstone II Full Leather/Driver Assistance Pack/HUD/Active ventilated seats/Rear Climate/Cold Weather
Premium Sound/BMW Apps/Soft-Close Doors/Side-top-rear Cameras/Comfort 20-way Seats/3-Seat Opt/Comfort Access (keyless)
X6 M

Liquid Platinum M35

Faculty
PostGrad

Spirit: 3

Offline

Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 5367

Sweet Gsus

Re: Get the M bark without the M bite

« Reply #9 on: February 22, 2009, 06:16:05 PM »

if they would just gimme the TT diesel 5 series, I think they'd have a sale


	Logged

09M35 (yes)

helldorado

Grad

Spirit: -2
Offline

Offline

Location: NJ
Posts: 2627

sono affamato!

Re: Get the M bark without the M bite

« Reply #10 on: February 23, 2009, 12:06:29 AM »

I can make a base A4 faster than a RS4, still doesn't make it a RS4, same with the 3 series. If you go back to the old school muscle guys, you normally don't get a lot of respect for making a clone of a SS or any kind of classic performance model. I can build a civic that will house all those cars, but it's still a Civic when the day is done.

Its one thing if you want to mod a lower trim vehicle to be faster and more capable, but it doesn't make it the uplevel trim. And trying to call it that is being a complete poseur. If you want the prestige of the badge, buy the car with the real badge. Otherwise, why bother with the stupid trim pieces that have the badge? If I'm going to build a 335 that can match a M3, its a hell of a lot more fun to draw the distinction that its NOT a M3 rather than playing make believe.


	Logged

Your premiere Northeast DIY Car Enthusiasts Club; Project Forward Motion

AndreyATC

Faculty
Junior

Spirit: 5

Offline

Location: Near NYC
Posts: 580

Re: Get the M bark without the M bite

« Reply #11 on: February 23, 2009, 10:40:22 AM »

Quote from: helldorado on February 23, 2009, 12:06:29 AM

Yes, you can make EVO to be faster than anything on the road, but it's still EVO
I got that
Your analogy however is not exactly aplicable here, well, at least i disagree with it
Think about S-line of Audi, just a nice looking trim that make the lower end car a bit more appealing
I dont know if it actually going to show ///M on the regular 3-series when ZMP is purchases, but itdefinetely will look nicer overall
It's not "poser" to me
It's nice to have an option to upgrade your suspension and bodywork when you want it
It's not like 335i is low trim, and there is not much extra M3 has over 335i either
Last, i dont want to mod my 335 to be faster than M3, but it just happens with simple chip
It just BMW, this time around, brought high-end 3-series to close to M3


	Logged

helldorado

Grad

Spirit: -2
Offline

Offline

Location: NJ
Posts: 2627

sono affamato!

Re: Get the M bark without the M bite

« Reply #12 on: February 23, 2009, 10:54:37 AM »

Sho looks like it says ///M all over the interior to me. And this is just a 320d.

http://www.bmwblog.com/wp-content/uploads/img_0049.jpg

http://www.bmwblog.com/wp-content/uploads/img_0050.jpg

http://www.bmwblog.com/wp-content/uploads/img_0044.jpg

http://www.bmwblog.com/wp-content/uploads/img_0042.jpg

http://www.bmwblog.com/wp-content/uploads/img_0043.jpg

Only thing its missing is the ///M logo on the rear and the quad exhaust.

http://www.bmwblog.com/wp-content/uploads/img_0040.jpg

And only if you're looking close enough do you realize it doesn't sit quite as low or its lacking the larger brakes. But from most angles, it apes the M3 a lot, and the inteior has ///M logos all over. Only real giveaways are the lack of fender flares, or the bump in the hood.

Its still lame. If you want ///M parts, you should have to buy the M vehicle. It diminishes the value of the brand. I'm most disappointed it DOESN'T upgrade your suspension or any of the mechanical options. Its 100% aesthetic which is really the worst aspect of it.

Get the M bark without the M bite