[bloozemanAZ]

While logging in earlier today I hit the wrong link and found myself in the "General BMW News And Cars Discussion" forum. One thread that caught my eye when the page loaded was "BMW moving away from M Performance vehicle branding" (https://f92.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1686369) so I clicked on it. After reading through several of the 38 pages of discourse I walked away as I couldn't take it any more.

In this forum we do not discount a 840 vs a M850i vs a M8/M8C as they are all truly great cars with a fit for purpose to the owner that made the purchase. In the thread they bash anything not being a "full" M car and wax the poetic with analogies that the M Performance models are there just for those that cannot afford a "full" M model. Obviously that is not the case as we've all discussed the "why" as to what we chose including several members forgoing BMW for Porsche 911's, etc. No bashing whatsoever but rather respect for everyone's choice.

[DRA]

I actually think that the branding makes perfect sense.

M is just for motorsport.

A full M car is track oriented from ground up. Reliable enough to take up the constant suffering of high performance driving in extreme conditions.

A car with M parts has some of the high performance parts (i.e. suspension, or body kits, tuned engine etc).

A car without an M index isn't targeted for constant high performance driving, usually more oriented towards everyday usability and comfort.

All BMWs are GREAT CARS.

[noushy]

Originally Posted by Drunken_Russian_American

I actually think that the branding makes perfect sense.

M is just for motorsport.

A full M car is track oriented from ground up. Reliable enough to take up the constant suffering of high performance driving in extreme conditions.

A car with M parts has some of the high performance parts (i.e. suspension, or body kits, tuned engine etc).

A car without an M index isn't targeted for constant high performance driving, usually more oriented towards everyday usability and comfort.

All BMWs are GREAT CARS.

Nicely said. I always felt the M Perf models were better daily drivers built to compete with Audi S and some of the AMG models that didn't end in 63s. They are great cars but the concern is BMW diluting the once vaunted M brand. I see both sides and I didn't feel that thread was bashing the non M 840i or the M850i at all.

Noushy

[bloozemanAZ]

Originally Posted by Drunken_Russian_American

I actually think that the branding makes perfect sense.

M is just for motorsport.

A full M car is track oriented from ground up. Reliable enough to take up the constant suffering of high performance driving in extreme conditions.

A car with M parts has some of the high performance parts (i.e. suspension, or body kits, tuned engine etc).

A car without an M index isn't targeted for constant high performance driving, usually more oriented towards everyday usability and comfort.

All BMWs are GREAT CARS.

Originally Posted by noushy

Nicely said. I always felt the M Perf models were better daily drivers built to compete with Audi S and some of the AMG models that didn't end in 63s. They are great cars but the concern is BMW diluting the once vaunted M brand. I see both sides and I didn't feel that thread was bashing the non M 840i or the M850i at all.

Noushy

Agreed as very well stated. In regards to Audi I test drove a S5 as well as RS5 and definitely felt the S5 would be the better daily driver. I also understand the brand dilution aspect but that is a decision BMW I'm sure is making with their eyes wide open. Then again maybe it will be a total faux pas and they'll revert back. Most of the bashing was around the M340i and likely just because the example used for the branding update was the 3 series and got a little out of hand in several posts.

[Ozzie8]

bloozemanAZ thanks for your post, I agree this is a very non-judgmental and supportive forum.

The professional reviewers are very helpful in the early release period. Especially here in Oz as we are 6 months behind on vehicle release and 12 months behind on availability. But they have very specific biases towards firm handling and lots of noise, or they are porsche / merc lovers doing a BMW road test.

This forum gives the full gambit of views on all of the models, by mostly bimmer fans, who appreciate the continuity of design and features across the generations.

[RJC-1]

With large GT performance cars heading the way of dinosaurs of late, those of us discerning enough to still recognize their greatness, make up a shrinking yet discerning group, and I for one am happy to be a part of it. This forum is indeed a great place for us all to share our thoughts and experiences.