M-Series (M1, M3, M5, M6)General M-Series Discussion - If it does not fit into a more specific M Category above, please place it in here. In addition, previously archived M-Series discussion is located in this section.
BimmerWerkz.com is the premier BMW Forum on the internet. Registered Users do not see the above ads.
EDIT: Although BMW's decision to make an ///m SUV and not an ///m 1-series is proof positive in my mind that the m-class of cars is going the way of AMG - selling out. SUV's should not be ///m material, 1-series compacts should. Seeing as the guy heading the ///m division now (I think) was previously the AMG guy, I can see why it's selling out. I'm going to debadge my car.
no, in the end result isn't bad. What's bad is that something as hardcore as the Motorsport division is going after something markedly utilitarian (SUV) in nature, and not performance intended at all... It's... kind of like sacrilege? Like saying, "Oh, maybe we don't want to care about performance so much as make this SUV better so we can get more money because we know people will by it - not for perfecting any technology or anything but to get more money." And everyone in the US who likes to race their Tahoe against e46 m3's would want an ///mUV.
DISCLAIMER: I'm sure new technologyies will be evolved out of making an ///mUV. However, it's a crippled vehicle. It's inherently crippled. Like turning a mini cooper into a monster truck. You can make a hell out of a monster truck of a mini, but you just can't get as far as that Hummer H1 monster truck. Because the mini, as a monster truck, is inherently crippled.
notice that nowhere in that article did they confirm that there would be an M-X5 (or whatever). I get the feeling that even if it is produced, there will not be many sales, since ///M buyers are generally enthusiasts, not someone wanting an SUV with a rediculous amount of horsepower.
__________________ <span style='color:red'>Member: Bimmer/Beemer owner club</span>
<span style='color:red'>Founder/Sole Member: I-beat-a-Ferrari-because-it-stalled club</span>
Will dance for 1974 3.0CSL
<img src='http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v247/longhairedhippy/sig1.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Torque @ May 9 2005, 09:07 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'>Welcome to the biggest sausagefest on Earth... you can run from us now, but sooner or later -- we will hump you.
Originally posted by LongHairedHippy@May 18 2005, 11:55 AM notice that nowhere in that article did they confirm that there would be an M-X5 (or whatever). I get the feeling that even if it is produced, there will not be many sales, since ///M buyers are generally enthusiasts, not someone wanting an SUV with a rediculous amount of horsepower.
[snapback]345638[/snapback]
This is true. But do not underestimate the power of money, both as a marketing tool and a measure of social standing. I know that there are people out there who buy ///m's not because they are good cars but because they are highly desireable by others (how else can you explain, for example, the success of something like the escalade - it (used to) suck, but is highly desired as a measure of social standing - ?) And if they buy enough of the theoretical ///mUV's...
One can only hope the real enthusiasts cry out enough to turn Motorsports back on their heads and realize that it's making cars like the ///m6, engines like the ///m5-6, and designs like the z8 that make us happy. Not SUV's. We don't really care about social standing (I don't and I hope many of you don't) - we only care about the drive.
People were saying the same thing about Porsche when they came out with the Cayenne, now they have a 500 horsepower edition version out. The M truck is a good idea in my opinion. Same thing with the Dodge Ram SRT-10, many companies are coming out with performance trucks.
Yes, but a performance truck is still a truck. Even the Cayenne still produces shudders amongst enthusiasts - because it's still an SUV. Sure, the public loves them because they are SUV's and Trucks... but that's what I'm arguing - if the ///m comes out, the public will embrace it, and enthusiasts will hate it. Will it tarnish ///m? As much as the Cayenne tarnished Porsche at its best, as much as AMG impoded at its worst.
We can only hope that the market is NOT flooded with ///m's. Because then they really won't be unique. I.e. The civic is a GREAT car, all in all. But then if it's so reliable, affordable, safe, and performs well, why so we all hate it? Because there are so damn many.
What I'm arguing is let's keep the ///m where it needs to be. Where we want it to be. Granted, we're all consumers, not the Motorsports division, they'll do what they want.
Like I said, if that ///mUV comes out, I'm debadging my car. Maybe I'll put some kanji on the back with a "R-type" badge on the back.
if the ///mUV comes out, i'll carry a blow dryer around and debadge every one I see.
__________________ <span style='color:red'>Member: Bimmer/Beemer owner club</span>
<span style='color:red'>Founder/Sole Member: I-beat-a-Ferrari-because-it-stalled club</span>
Will dance for 1974 3.0CSL
<img src='http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v247/longhairedhippy/sig1.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Torque @ May 9 2005, 09:07 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'>Welcome to the biggest sausagefest on Earth... you can run from us now, but sooner or later -- we will hump you.
if they do make one (and I don't think they will), then they will likely introduce it 2 years or so into the next generation's production cycle.
__________________ <span style='color:red'>Member: Bimmer/Beemer owner club</span>
<span style='color:red'>Founder/Sole Member: I-beat-a-Ferrari-because-it-stalled club</span>
Will dance for 1974 3.0CSL
<img src='http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v247/longhairedhippy/sig1.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Torque @ May 9 2005, 09:07 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'>Welcome to the biggest sausagefest on Earth... you can run from us now, but sooner or later -- we will hump you.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
Linear Mode
