[AdrianSi]

Originally Posted by BanziBarn

I agree.

Although I'm not a fan of the grill badge (probably because I've been conditioned into not liking it by being on this forum!) I don't really see the difference between the M sign being on the alloy, kick plate, or the steering wheel and it being on the grill.

As someone who is into cars, if I see an MSport 3 series with a badge on the grill I'm not fooled into thinking it's an M3, and it doesn't make me think the owner is trying to fool me into thinking it's an M3 either. This is because, firstly, it doesn't say M3, it just says M, and secondly, like I've said, the car has plenty of other identical badges on it already!

Agree fully with this statement! There are 2 badges... M/// = M Sport and M + a number/// = M Cars. Therefore a correctly placed M/// badge on an M Sport makes perfect sense to me... has to be aligned well and not just dumped on. M/// badges on the grill don't work as they look to big... however made smaller as per the M6 badge shown above looks great.

M/// badges on non M sport cars is a no no... its not an M Sport. M + a number badges on a non M Car also a no no as its not an M Car.

I drive a 330d M Sport manual. I dont drive an 335d as I didnt want a flappy paddle gearbox. I dont drive an M3 as I cant justify the running costs for a car that really wants to be on a track... not guzzling through my hard earned on the busy daily commute or break away. I do have a car that is an M Sport car that I can enjoy for the small amount of time when there is a clear road... plenty of power with handling to match.

I personally feel that half of what we see with 'clownage' is actually "M-snobbery" - people who have M Cars that hate the fact that BMW are appealing to the more general public with models that are M Sport - with handling tweeks and styling cues that are more sporting than a standard ES or SE model.

I hope that BMW introduce the smaller M/// badge onto the bodywork of the new F30 range... on the grille as per the M6 would be great.

Just my opinion that wont stop threads like these appearing periodically.

[jetblack07]

Just a way for bmw to get more money. IMO the M cars should be completely separate. Either it's M or not. Audi doest it with s-line and chrystler does it with srt design as well. It doesn't fool me but I'm not a fan.

[stupot]

Originally Posted by DavS1

What is you're point then?

I thought it was about sticking M badges on non M models, but the two pics you posted are officially "M" models... so i'm confused

It just looks a bit weird, sticking M badges in places you wouldn't normally see them.

The M6 with the badge on the grill is strange and the 550 with M badge before it looks weirder still.

They look like they have been to Halfords.

Still I'm sure we will get used them.

[pani_K3]

Doesn't the Z4-M also have the front grille M badge as well as a whole host around the bodywork? Whilst the new M550d may have had various tweaks to bring it above the spec of an M Sport, still a bit doubtful as to whether it should've had the M designation. Devalues the badge somewhat if it becomes loosely designated

[DavS1]

Originally Posted by stupot

It just looks a bit weird, sticking M badges in places you wouldn't normally see them.

The M6 with the badge on the grill is strange and the 550 with M badge before it looks weirder still.

They look like they have been to Halfords.

Still I'm sure we will get used them.

I do agree, it is a bit gay and not really necessary

[ss134]

I can see the value in BMW introducing cars with enhanced performance to fill a gap between a regular series car and the M variant - there are plenty of enthusiasts who cannot afford/justify running an M car. This is a great idea and i'm sure the cars will be successful.

An '///M 335i' for example with enhanced braking, power and suspension IMO would be more in keeping with what an M car should be than an X6M or X5M however why not just call the car a 335is????????? - The reason is that unfortunately M Division have turned into AMG - they are using the ///M badge on everything now - there is even an '///M550d X6 coming

The ///M badge is slowly losing the iconic status it had for so many years - sad

Debadged for me.

[spirocheter]

I actually love the idea of a diesel M car, I'm too tight to be burning fuel at a rate of 14-15 mpg and a combined figure of 44 is frankly an amazing achievement (plus I don't like looking for petrol stations, where I live they're many miles apart).

I have a 335d 'M Sport' which I don't really think earns the 'M' badge, now if it came with proper M suspension, an LSD, much better brakes and the sort of power liberated by a remap I think it could be justified.

Why didn't they call the M5D? Much less of a mouthful. I agree, it looks a little cumbersome. In the estate guise, this could very well be my next car, so long as RWD only (and when depreciation has chopped the price down considerably)!

[e92liv]

They should of named it M5d

[rich1068]

And I think Alpina got there first anyway