Quote:
Originally Posted by W///
Here's a history lesson for you. This was back in the 80s btw:
The M535i was introduced as a sporty version of the regular 535i, although the M535i does not feature any unique BMW Motorsport-designed drivetrain components it is, however, equipped with an M-Technic suspension, wheels and body panels not found on the standard 535i. Combined, these items distinguish the M535i from the regular 535i. The E28 M535i was introduced at the 1984 Paris Auto Salon. Unlike the hand-built E28 M5, the E28 M535i was assembled on the standard E28 assembly line in Dingolfing, outside of Munich. An additional batch of cars was built at BMW's Rosslyn, South Africa factory using Complete Knock-Down kits supplied from Germany. BMW did not import the E28 M535i to North America for two reasons: 1# the M brand had not yet been established in North America at the time and thus held little equity with the consumer and 2# the cost of adapting the M-Technic body panels to fit the contours of the government-mandated bumpers was highly prohibitive. Instead, BMW of North America created the 535is, essentially a standard 535i equipped with front and rear spoilers, sport suspension and sport seats, which was sold exclusively in the U.S. and Canada. Total M535i production: 10335 cars
I couldn't care less what the name is to be honest. If it bothers people that much, debadge and carry on. Just my humble opinion.
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This ^.
It started with the first generation 5 series (E12), which was available in 'Motorsport Limited Edition' versions, then as an M535i version. So that's 33+ years ago.
The iS badge, doesn't date back quite as far, and where the Mxxx has only been used so far on the most power versions of a car available, the iS badge has been used on E30 318's, 320's and 325's, as well as the E36 318iS (and possibly the 328i Sport (although I don't think that's actually been officially called the 328iS at all).
I'm down with it being Mxxx or xxxiS, doesn't bother me either way.