[3.0L]

Originally Posted by Bennu

So I am confused and a little disheartened because of the future of the diluted M name.

So while I see your point about it being a great car and that the performance is amazing and like I said I Love my M235i but it is NOT a true M car.

But like you said this topic has been beaten to death.

If it's any consolation, the M topic confuses me, too. As I previously mentioned, the 2014 M235i is basically 100% of the 2012 M3, performance wise. So, does that make the 2012 M3 not a real M car? Or, does it make the M235i worthy of any kind of M badge? Apparently, there's more to M than just performance. Looks? Cost? Prestige? All of the above?

Shoot, I was booking down the interstate last weekend at 80 MPH and I got passed on the right by a mid-80's M5. It was real clean and appeared stock, at least on the outside. Anyway, performance enters my mind again. If that particular M5 was stock, my stock M235i could give it a run for its money, and then some. Apparently, that is not enough in the world of M.

So like I mentioned, I think M is about money - the original (read expensive) cost of the car. All M cars purchased new were/are expensive. I think part of M ownership is similar to wearing a Rolex watch. Less expensive imitations, even with the same performance, are sneered at by Rolex owners.

I'm beginning to think M ownership simply boils down to prestige. Perhaps if we had paid 20 grand more for the M235i...

[aajami]

Did people throw this much of a fit when the 335i was introduced back in 2005/6? BMW model designations haven't been informed by engine displacement for literally decades. It's time to get over it and move on. I think the Ferrari 458 is the only remaining car whose model name is in direct relation to its engine displacement and configuration.

[Safety2213]

Basically, BMW is responding to:

Mercedes with the new C300 and C400's

&

Audi's R and RS designations

Honestly, whatever...... BMW in the 80's had the 325e, 325es, 325i, 325is, for all 2 and 4 door models. In the 90's, BMW went to "is" for the 3 series coupes, in the 2000's it became "ic" for the coupes, and later shared the same with the 4 doors until the the 3 & 4 were recently created. I believe BMW started fudging names on displacement in the '90's so that's been ongoing for 20 years.

So, in my book, nothing really new except they are now doing it with their premium performance brand - a bit more in your face than MB's AMG logo's.

What I really do care about is the performance of these engines. I am honestly disappointed with the N20/N26 and hope the new generation doesn't continue to be plagued with the same sort of roughness, lack of refinement / sound and longevity as the current N20/N26.

[TheBingoBalls]

Can't believe so many actually care what the badge says. Don't see how it makes your car any less enjoyable or performs worse...

[scheneider]

I dont get this "i have M cars, so people who pay less money cannot hv any M badge on their car". Its really Not a big deal at all. The buyers know wether they r buying a real m car or not. No one gona argue with that.

[3.0L]

Originally Posted by TheBingoBalls

Can't believe so many actually care what the badge says. Don't see how it makes your car any less enjoyable or performs worse...

Badges or not, I love my M235i! Makes no difference to me. If certain elements of BMW owners want to look down their nose at my car, well, that's their problem. I hope they go cross-eyed. Heh!

[ska///235i]

Im happy with the n55 as its...im sure the new engine will be great but lets wait till they fix all the bugs

[Jockey]

Well, color me confused.

BMW, just stop already with the model name changing

[scheneider]

Originally Posted by 3.0L

Badges or not, I love my M235i! Makes no difference to me. If certain elements of BMW owners want to look down their nose at my car, well, that's their problem. I hope they go cross-eyed. Heh!

That thing deserve a badge. Great little car

[JP Medina]

Originally Posted by Echoz

Why cant you make it simple? Like call the 1.2L engine 12. The 335 should be called 330 because it has a 3.0L engine.

+1

[shamun160]

Originally Posted by scheneider

That thing deserve a badge. Great little car

+1

[akhter]

Originally Posted by Bennu

They should take the M out of it completely and stop diluting the M brand name. M should be exclusive to only true M power cars and quit this M performance crap.

But it's all about marketing since most people that see my car think it's a real M and that's why they won't change it.

lol the whole concept of 'M' badges and M cars is marketing and has always been.

[3.0L]

[mmmmm235i]

The M performance models have clearly been changed from "is" to reflect what other brands are doing. I assume the general public would be more impressed by an S4 than a 335is even though the "is" will outperform in every objective category. BMW is simply capitalizing on the M reputation and I agree with 3.0L and OThers, that they have not disrespected or diminished the M brand by doing this. For what seems like production reasons (shared factory w/ I3, etc.), it does not even seem like BMW is pushing the M performance models so hard. I was at the Miami Auto Show and they didn't even have an M235 there. It is my impression that they created a enthusiast car that isn't ridiculously priced and will out perform most anything in and out of its class (Better performance then S3/4/5, Any old C-Class/CLA is hideous, IS350/RC350). The M235i was pretty much what I was asking BMW to make for me and wow did they answer. Is this diluting the M Brand? For sure not, I have seen far more M3/4s already than 235s. Any enthusiast would know the 235 is not a full on M car, but it is M inspired, and I think everyone is waiting to see how impressive the M2 can be.
So don't worry M owners, most M235 fans or owners would love to jump into an M2 or an MAnything for that matter, but with a few easy mods or w/o the M235 is the best car around for the money and there is no way that has any negative effect on the prestige of the ///M brand. Enjoy yo cars because I know I'm enjoying mine.

[Bosozoku]

Originally Posted by scheneider

I dont get this "i have M cars, so people who pay less money cannot hv any M badge on their car". Its really Not a big deal at all. The buyers know wether they r buying a real m car or not. No one gona argue with that.

Agree. "M" is BMW's brand. They can and will do with it as they please.

Having said that, I'll be taking the "M240i" badge off.
To make room for that DINAN badge.

[Alumac]

I suspect most of the not a real M insecurity comes from people stretching to make lease payments on their real M.

If I made sacrifices in other parts of my financial life in order to drive a real M, I'd be pissed too that 'lower' models got the badge.

[abp689]

The name change is about time and should now highlight model variations.

Old: 235 - 228 = 7 units
New: 240 - 230 = 10 units

This shows that the 240 is now 3 performance units more than the 230.

[dmboone25]

Originally Posted by Alumac

I suspect most of the not a real M insecurity comes from people stretching to make lease payments on their real M.

If I made sacrifices in other parts of my financial life in order to drive a real M, I'd be pissed too that 'lower' models got the badge.

Yeah, I don't think it has anything to do with financial comparisons, or other versions of "my e-penis is bigger than yours"

My family has had two of the best ///M cars ever - the Z4MC and E46 M3. Those cars are on another planet compared to the 235. They felt like race cars - you could feel the freaking car working on you in a physical manner. And yes I have omitted the M from the 235 because it's stupid for this car to be designated in any way that suggests it's similar to one of those previously mentioned cars.

Additionally, I also understand that "M performance" is a limp wristed manner by which you can think you're getting a step closer to a real M. You just aren't in reality.

It's soft, squishy, overweight and devoid of any type of real feel. The engine is boring and not special in any way. There's no sense of pantomime or exceptional purpose in any way. In fact, to me, a standard issue N54 135 is a much better driver's car - and yes, I have owned both.

It has a real cool engine tweak for 20 extra BHP though ! Lol...eye roll.

A "real" M feels different. And special. Because it IS different and special. And has the chops to prove it. Not some half-assed attempt with 17 badges and blue brakes to try and fool the masses.

If the M2 is like the 1M, my faith will be restored. If the M2 is a massaged 235...well I will just move on.

[3.0L]

Originally Posted by Alumac

I suspect most of the not a real M insecurity comes from people stretching to make lease payments on their real M.

If I made sacrifices in other parts of my financial life in order to drive a real M, I'd be pissed too that 'lower' models got the badge.

If someone really had to make substantial financial sacrifices just to buy a prestige car, then I suggest that their priorities are bit out of whack. Such buyers would be a better fit with the M235i, and they'd still have the badge plus their beer money.

In any case, that is the funniest explanation I've heard yet. Or perhaps the saddest...

I imagine those BMW parts magazines that sell aftermarket M badges must really be on the financially stretched M crowd's defecation roster.

[ZilberGrau ZHP]

Originally Posted by ska///235i

Im happy with the n55 as its...im sure the new engine will be great but lets wait till they fix all the bugs

You said a mouthful there- I considered waiting 6 months for the 440i but BMW engines have had histories of first year of first runs having "issues". I like a few million miles on them and they tweak it in. So when i get a new 4 series 3-4 years from now- it will be a 440 GC

[StealYourFace]

Tell me that 228i doesn't sound cooler than 230i.

Doesn't matter anyway, but I would be happy 228i m sport stick owner Great cars.

[CF22]

Can't believe grown men lose sleep over which car has a factory installed M on it's name. Nobody cares.