BMW ‘is’ Models To Be Replaced By M Performance Line: Report

In the past couple of years BMW started offering a new range of performance-oriented models aimed at customers looking for something a little sporty but not quite ready to upgrade to a dedicated M car. These models featured a small “is” badge on the end of their regular model designations and included cars like the 335is and Z4 sDrive35is.

In the future, these models may be replaced by cars falling under the recently introduced M Performance umbrella. For the uninitiated, M Performance models are essentially regular models fitted with exclusive engines, handling packs, and bodykits developed by the experts at BMW M.

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GermanNut - 8/22/2012 2:08:15 PM

-2 Boost

What a stupid idea. The true BMW "M" cars (from M GmbH) are known around the world for their performance and practicality. Now, "M" will really have no meaning. "M" can either be M GmbH developed, all-out performance monsters like the M3 and M5, or M can be slightly less powerful "M Performance"

If a regular person sees the letter "M" in front of a car, they will think that it is either a true "M" car, which it obviously is not, or the buyer is a poseur that sticks an "M" badge in front of the name.

This has to be one of the worst ideas BMW has though of in is history.

bmwm6 - 8/22/2012 2:25:21 PM

+3 Boost

Sounds like a great move. MXXX are equal to S-audis, and MX are equal to RS audis. They are giving the consumer more options. A majority of people who buy a luxury car do not want it to ride over bumps like a race car. For people who want a sportier ride can option for the sport package, or M performance, or full blown M depending on their preference.

The mistake Audi makes is only offering 6 cylinder A4s as an S4, and V8 A6's as S6s. Not everyone who wants a six in an A4 wants the quad exhausts, chrome boy racer side mirrors, stiff suspension, and bucket seats.

Some people want the extra power of a 6 cylinder without all the racer bits. So the BMW buyer could buy a standard 335 and have it look like a standar 3 series, if they want a sportier ride they can get the M335i or M3. More options, will satisfy more customers, and equal more sales.

85bmw745i - 8/22/2012 8:19:25 PM

+1 Boost

I couldn't have said it netter. This whole naming nomenclature BMW has been doing is ridiculous. They should keep it simple like it used to be. 312i, 325is, 325ix for AWD. they should really stick to the last two being for displacement, 325i meaning 2.5l, 320i meaning 2.0l etc. This whole Sdrive28is is stupid. 328is would describe all of that, as 328ix would more simply describe Xdrive28i. 330d and 330ds for the sports package. BMW is losing its way. every new generation of M car gets softer and less like what M was originally intended for.

iamdabest1 - 8/22/2012 6:27:43 PM

0 Boost

i think just adding the " is " across the board was good enough. how will the M drivers feel unique now ?
it will cheapen the"M" designation as every other car will now be an M