[Falafel Combo]

Originally Posted by Levi

No, BMW claims M cars have 80% of parts different compare to non m-cars. This is not the case of M235i.

That is not the case with the upcoming f80 M3 either, so that can not be a distinguishing criteria for M cars either (at least not anymore).

[Meeni]

If you want to read a bit, they had this M135i in europe for a year already. It is the same chassis as the 2 series, with different boot and a different front bumper.

Here is a review.
http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/24/2...-drive-review/

[PopsnBurbles]

Lol as I would put it when I was in middle school and stupid, BMW M's only have an 'M', (possibly) an additional letter, and one number at most. M3, M4, 1M, M1, M5, M6, X5M, X6M, Z4M. As far as factory and unmolested badging goes, this makes sense with the current cars.

As for the insides, I've heard of the 80% different parts thing. I also heard of BMW M designing a new engine for the car and not just retuning a standard engine. I also heard from one of the techs at my local dealer that true M cars use different engine oil than the standard variants. All these lead up to challenge the 1M's identity as an M car. However, I also heard that M tunes not only the engine but the suspension, brakes, LSD, etc. makes an M car. That reinforces the 1M's case.

For me, the 1M is an M car enough. The upcoming M235i is just like my 135is, a glorified version of the standard model. The M235i is the replacement for the 135is.

[Captain_Burgundy]

It's probably right in the middle just like Audi's S

Level 0 = Standard BMW
Level 1 = is
Level 2 = M Performance
Level 4 = M

This is really all nonsense as what counts is how it feels and drives. I don't understand how 135is owners are overlooking the extra standard equipment and available options that we're never available on an is model.

[Ramos]

Originally Posted by Captain_Burgundy

It's probably right in the middle just like Audi's S

Level 0 = Standard BMW
Level 1 = is
Level 2 = M Performance
Level 4 = M

This is really all nonsense as what counts is how it feels and drives. I don't understand how 135is owners are overlooking the extra standard equipment and available options that we're never available on an is model.

Except the M performance designation now replaces "is"

[BMW269]

Originally Posted by ///M235i

That is not the case with the upcoming f80 M3 either, so that can not be a distinguishing criteria for M cars either (at least not anymore).

Read the press release. M3 F80 is completely different according to BMW, thus the different internal code.

[termigni]

Originally Posted by Ramos

Lol why is this so hard !!
BMW is offering 3 levels of performance to emulate Audi

228 = Audi A3
M235 = Audi S3
M2 = Audi RS3

but what's good about this M235 is that it matches the performance of the RS3. Props to BMW.

M235 = Audi RS3
M2 = Audi RRRSSS3RRRSRS

[auggiem3]

Originally Posted by as7920

1) Go to www.bmw.com
2) Look under M cars section
3) don't find M235i
4) look under 2 series section
5) find M235i

Enough said.

well said.

Lots of moving requirements for M cars these days.

Used to require rear wheel drive - now the XM series promotes AWD.

Used to require a manual then the E36 M3 had an autobox option. Now we say it needs a DCT option.

Used to require a bespoke motor from M GmbH - 1er M coupe eliminated that requirement.

Based on the current environment, I'd say these are the mandates for BMW to dub a car M worthy:

1. Motor either purpose built by or highly tuned by BMW M GmbH.

2. Limited Slip Diff (standard on the car - not an extra option)

3. M gizmos - some combination of M Dynamic Traction mode, DCT transmission option, Electronic Damping Control, etc. that are not offered on a non-M peer chasis.

4. M signature styling (obviously fluid but recent trends suggest quad exhaust, side gills, more aggressive stance with lower springs and a wider track, etc.)

Just my 2 cents...

[Falafel Combo]

80% no : 20% yes

[bimmerfile]

Originally Posted by ///M235i

80% no : 20% yes

It would have been interesting had there been more choices rather than just a YES or NO.
It's sort of like asking "Is American beer really beer - YES or NO?".

[Falafel Combo]

Originally Posted by bimmerfile

It would have been interesting had there been more choices rather than just a YES or NO.
It's sort of like asking "Is American beer really beer - YES or NO?".

What are some other options you would have liked to see?

[bimmerfile]

Originally Posted by ///M235i

What are some other options you would have liked to see?

Dunno, but the implication is that this version of the 35i is not worthy of the //M235i badge.
While all here would agree that it couldn't and shouldn't be badged as an //M2, the question is - is it, in totality, worthy of the //M235i badge?

[yourfriend]

Originally Posted by bimmerfile

Dunno, but the implication is that this version of the 35i is not worthy of the //M235i badge.
While all here would agree that it couldn't and shouldn't be badged as an //M2, the question is - is it, in totality, worthy of the //M235i badge?

I believe that if BMW gets consistent with the Mx35i badging, it is worthy. If that designation becomes a direct competitor to the basic Audi S models, and the true M car more like the RS models, then sure. It makes sense.

The real question for this thread is, does it really matter if it's a true M car? People should stop getting so caught up in the M badges and start caring how it feels to drive. Is the steering too numb, or is it nicely weighted? Is the chassis well balanced? Is it, most importantly, fun as hell? That's what I care about, whether it is an M car or not.

[Falafel Combo]

*

[jackmcclane]

Originally Posted by ///M235i

Or just hype ... Do you consider it a true M car? If so, then why? Or why not?


At what point does the transition to an M car happen? Obviously M Sport models are not ///M cars, but this here is different. The M235i is unique in that regards.

You haven't understand what the M Performance cars mean, NO it's not a M car. That's just marketing, the same category as Audi's S-cars, and there will be a M2. The end.

[imserious]

Originally Posted by as7920

1) Go to www.bmw.com
2) Look under M cars section
3) don't find M235i
4) look under 2 series section
5) find M235i

Enough said.

+1

In a recent article, BMW exec also called M235 an M performance car and not an M car. He said there may be room for an M2.

Pretty clear the M235 is an exciting car and that it is not a true M car.

[swagon]

Do you consider the M550xd, X5/X60 M50d real M GmbH cars? Yes or No? I bet you don't. So why the heck is there even a poll about the M135i/M235i being a real M vehicle developed by chaps in Garching? Have you ever read what people from BMW said when they first announced the M Performance range and cars?

M Performance models:
M135i
M235i
M550d
X5 M50d
X6 M50d

M GmBH models:
M2 (if we ever see it)
M3
M4
M5
M6
X5 M
X6 M

[OrangeCrush]

Its basically the replacement for the 135is. Is that an M car? If BMW doesn't claim it as an M...then no M.

[jackmcclane]

No it isn't a M car. There are really 13 people in this forum who said yes?

[BMW269]

Originally Posted by jackmcclane

No it isn't a M car. There are really 13 people in this forum who said yes?

Everything with an M badge is an M car.

[jackmcclane]

Originally Posted by Levi

Everything with an M badge is an M car.

My fault, so do you have some left over M stickers for me?

[SCOTT26]

Originally Posted by swagon

Do you consider the M550xd, X5/X60 M50d real M GmbH cars? Yes or No? I bet you don't. So why the heck is there even a poll about the M135i/M235i being a real M vehicle developed by chaps in Garching? Have you ever read what people from BMW said when they first announced the M Performance range and cars?

M Performance models:
M135i
M235i
M550d
X5 M50d
X6 M50d

M GmBH models:
M2 (if we ever see it)
M3
M4
M5
M6
X5 M
X6 M

The M Performance cars are no poor relation they are quasiM cars.
They provide BMW M with the elements and features considered taboo for BMW M. Such as Diesel , and in this case an exclusive performance diesel.
And XDrive. M Performance has been a huge success.

I have been driving the X5M50d this past week and I really love it, its an understated beast , even stealth like. Only the keen eye will be able to guess if this is the M50d or an M-Packet 30d given the badges have been deleted.