M Performance v M

[DgjoX6M2016]

Along with the general confusion and risk of diluting the 'Power of M' (pun intended) brand, I continue to get confused with the nomenclature surrounding the use of the letter M.

I (we) have a 'full' M car. I presume it has M specific, perhaps exclusive parts. There are a plethora of M-Performance parts available. Are M-Performance parts a level up from the M parts in our M cars? Do we have M or M-Performance exhausts in our cars? What's the difference.

I get adding M parts non-M cars, but past that my head spins.

[iconoclast]

Along time ago BMW had an S versus a stand alone i (325i/325is) then M-Technic. Audi had UltraSport (USP) and now S-Line. MB had Sport. MB switched to AMG appearance packages, then Audi did S-Line and BMW w/ M-Performance. It is just another way of marketing a "Sport Package" on a Plain Jane product versus their true ///M, /RS, AMG version. Best example I can give is I had a F31 M-Sport in the past with OEM M-Performance Parts it is not an M3 or a true M car.

[DgjoX6M2016]

As we have a full on M car, there should not be any superior BMW M mechanical part available. This may actually be the case, but I'm not sure. I understand trim and other non mechanical part offerings and have no issue with that.

Maybe they are going to mechanical part differentiation with the Competition architecture?

[HPIA4v2]

The easiest to remember,
M-sport mostly add "cosmetic"
Real M, has substance (Engine, suspension, brake, transmission)

AFAIK, BMW never trickle down M engine to non real-M car even from yesteryear. With exception, Z8 which inherits S62 (from E39 M5)

[iconoclast]

Correct; in most cases non M vehicles share similar motors but begin with an N and the "full send" version is labeled with an S. N54/S54. N63/S63. etc.

https://www.shopbmwusa.com/BMW-PERFORMANCE

[DgjoX6M2016]

Does M-Sport have M-Performance or M parts? Lol. See the confusion? Perhaps just me.

[iconoclast]

M-Sport could have M-Performance parts if optioned from the factory that way or purchased afterward.

This is an F31 M-Sport with all the M-Performance parts on it from the factory.

[PhillyX5M]

In my case I like the M Perfomance interior bits so I changed everything inside from M to M Perfomance. Just a preference....My car is still a true M car 👍

[Skyracer]

Originally Posted by HPIA4v2

The easiest to remember,
M-sport mostly add "cosmetic"
Real M, has substance (Engine, suspension, brake, transmission)

Originally Posted by iconoclast

M-Sport could have M-Performance parts if optioned from the factory that way or purchased afterward.

Indeed, the line is blurred even on OEM/factory optioned cars.

Here's an example:

Wife's m240xi has fixed front and rear M branded brake calipers, very nice.

My X5M has floating rear brake calipers, cheap and for the plebes IMO (but they function just fine, so more of a snobbish, cosmetic complaint).

[drchuck72]

Originally Posted by iconoclast

Correct; in most cases non M vehicles share similar motors but begin with an N and the "full send" version is labeled with an S. N54/S54. N63/S63. etc.

https://www.shopbmwusa.com/BMW-PERFORMANCE

Before the Competition Package was available for the M2, the M2 came with a tweaked N55. The M2 CP comes with a detuned 405hp S55 from the F8X. So, is the pre 2019 M2 a real M Car? Also, I think the 1M had a tweaked N54. May have even been the same motor that was available in E92 335iS. The one that came with overboost? Spiritually, I think this was a descendant of the E30 M3 (I know, blasphemy!).

Anyways, just thought I would stir the pot. Discuss?

[DgjoX6M2016]

Originally Posted by drchuck72

Before the Competition Package was available for the M2, the M2 came with a tweaked N55. The M2 CP comes with a detuned 405hp S55 from the F8X. So, is the pre 2019 M2 a real M Car? Also, I think the 1M had a tweaked N54. May have even been the same motor that was available in E92 335iS. The one that came with overboost? Spiritually, I think this was a descendant of the E30 M3 (I know, blasphemy!).

Anyways, just thought I would stir the pot. Discuss?

Good points. Have no idea. It's mind numbing.

Remember when it used to be a simple as adding a gold trim package. Lol.

I do note other brands seem to have similar problems brewing. I'm looking for a SUV for my wife and the new AMG GLE43 says the ending is 'enhanced' by AMG, and the AMG GLE63 is noted as being 'handcrafted amg'. Wtf.

Maybe the M2 you referenced is 'Enhanced by M'.

Jesus. That's all we need.

[BadCompany]

Originally Posted by DgjoX6M2016

Good points. Have no idea. It's mind numbing.

Remember when it used to be a simple as adding a gold trim package. Lol.

I do note other brands seem to have similar problems brewing. I'm looking for a SUV for my wife and the new AMG GLE43 says the ending is 'enhanced' by AMG, and the AMG GLE63 is noted as being 'handcrafted amg'. Wtf.

Maybe the M2 you referenced is 'Enhanced by M'.

Jesus. That's all we need.

There's a huge difference with the 43 AMG and 63 AMG in that distinction. 63 engines are built in a separate factory and each engine is literally hand built with a name plate from the builder. 43s are not - it's just a production car. Honestly, it's a shame that this kind of brand dilution exists. It normalizes a non-normal line. Not everyone agrees that AMG or F or M matters. I think it does... but given that I currently own a "real" version of all three brands... maybe my view is a little tainted.

[DgjoX6M2016]

Originally Posted by BadCompany

There's a huge difference with the 43 AMG and 63 AMG in that distinction. 63 engines are built in a separate factory and each engine is literally hand built with a name plate from the builder. 43s are not - it's just a production car. Honestly, it's a shame that this kind of brand dilution exists. It normalizes a non-normal line. Not everyone agrees that AMG or F or M matters. I think it does... but given that I currently own a "real" version of all three brands... maybe my view is a little tainted.

Yeah, but they sell the 43 just like a 63. Same badging nomenclature (different then main line cars) and all. They have created the same confusion as BMW has with M### and M#. Both a bit deceptive to the uninitiated perhaps?

[Skyracer]

It's shameless brand prostitution. Deceptive to the uninitiated? That is exactly the point: sales to people who say "oh look, I have an M (AMG) badge!"

Brand dilution and normalization of a non-normal line? Sacrificial lambs on the altar of sales. Well worth pi@$ing off a tiny minority of gear heads like us...

[BadCompany]

Originally Posted by Skyracer

It's shameless brand prostitution. Deceptive to the uninitiated? That is exactly the point: sales to people who say "oh look, I have an M (AMG) badge!"

Brand dilution and normalization of a non-normal line? Sacrificial lambs on the altar of sales. Well worth pi@$ing off a tiny minority of gear heads like us...

Unfortunately, this is exactly right.

[DgjoX6M2016]

Originally Posted by BadCompany

Unfortunately, this is exactly right.

It's very calculated, I agree. We are the 'gearhead' minority for sure. I guess as long as we have access to what we feel are the purebred Ms, and the masses continue to buy in bulk, they will be happy.

[iconoclast]

Originally Posted by drchuck72

Anyways, just thought I would stir the pot. Discuss?

I agree with you that it may be the closest thing to what an E30 M3 would be today very much like the RS3 would probably be what a B5 S4/RS4 would be now.

As far designation and nomenclature goes I have no idea why BMW would go the route they did with the combo except if it was to expedite production and used a tweaked motor versus a new build. Just a thought as well but no real idea or answer.