[thermalc]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

You're wrong. When it was revealed by BMW officials that the future of M was turbocharging, it nearly broke the internet. More than once, as I recall.

Nah, I remember clearly there was outrage but not like this. Most people disagree with this move as it was completely unnecessary.

Turbocharging was forced by emissions regulations, huge difference...

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by gblansten

//M SAVs are a joke and there is no way in hell...

A joke how? SAV's have essentially kept BMW and other manufacturers afloat. I'm stating facts.

[gblansten]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

A joke how? SAV's have essentially kept BMW and other manufacturers afloat. I'm stating facts.

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[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by thermalc

Nah, I remember clearly there was outrage but not like this. Most people disagree with this move as it was completely unnecessary.

If internet forums are the gauge, most people disagreed with turbocharging too, but many assumed that their car wouldn’t be affected. First the S63 coexisted, then the S85 was gone, then the S55 claimed the S65. A slower burn.

Turbocharging was forced by emissions regulations, huge difference...

Not every manufacturer switched every vehicle, so it’s really a cost control strategy. Some M fans started buying Mustangs and Camaros because of the BMW philosophy change. Unprecedented stuff. But it eventually passed. Many stayed despite their initial reaction, others left and came back. And new fans were born too.

You are correct that the aesthetic changes aren’t motivated by regulatory concerns. But it will also have exactly zero affect on the way the car performs. Ironic, isn’t it.

This is people freaking out that their woman suddenly cut off her long flowing hair, only to realize she’s still the same person where it counts. Or, if not, then drop that and go buy the Mustang. But, don’t be surprised if there are ten more secure guys lined up to take the “ugly” BMW for a ride.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

If internet forums are the gauge, most people disagreed with turbocharging too, but many assumed that their car wouldn't be affected. First the S63 coexisted, then the S85 was gone, then the S55 claimed the S65. A slower burn.

Not every manufacturer switched every vehicle, so it's really a cost control strategy. Some M fans started buying Mustangs and Camaros because of the BMW philosophy change. Unprecedented stuff. But it eventually passed. Many stayed despite their initial reaction, others left and came back. And new fans were born too.

You are correct that the aesthetic changes aren't motivated by regulatory concerns. But it will also have exactly zero affect on the way the car performs. Ironic, isn't it.

This is people freaking out that their woman suddenly cut off her long flowing hair, only to realize she's still the same person where it counts. Or, if not, then drop that and go buy the Mustang. But, don't be surprised if there are ten more secure guys lined up to take the "ugly" BMW for a ride.

Well put Sir!

[FormulaMMM]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

This is people freaking out that their woman suddenly cut off her long flowing hair, only to realize she’s still the same person where it counts. Or, if not, then drop that and go buy the Mustang. But, don’t be surprised if there are ten more secure guys lined up to take the “ugly” BMW for a ride.

Right, but similar to a wife who just wants to test a husband's love with a shaved head and 50 lb. weight gain, this sure seems an unforced error and punitive on BMW's part.

Can't believe I'm stating this: The appearance of an M3 shouldn't have to be overlooked and excused to enjoy the vehicle… "Yes, it looks like a walrus, but 'where it counts' -- behind the wheel -- it's a gem."

This is where BMW M has cornered the faithful?? One now has to be secure in their automotive preferences to buy one? Come on.

But no doubt they've done their research, know where they're headed and the customer base they're reaching more than I do.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by FormulaMMM

Right, but similar to a wife who just wants to test a husband's love with a shaved head and 50 lb. weight gain, this sure seems an unforced error and punitive on BMW's part.

Similar, but also very different.

We both both know that a 33% (or more) weight gain would be superficial for neither a car nor a mate, because it would genuinely affect the way they perform.

[advantage20]

Originally Posted by FormulaMMM

Right, but similar to a wife who just wants to test a husband's love with a shaved head and 50 lb. weight gain, this sure seems an unforced error and punitive on BMW's part.

Can't believe I'm stating this: The appearance of an M3 shouldn't have to be overlooked and excused to enjoy the vehicle… "Yes, it looks like a walrus, but 'where it counts' -- behind the wheel -- it's a gem."

[FormulaMMM]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

Similar, but also very different.

We both both know that a 33% (or more) weight gain would be superficial for neither a car nor a mate, because it would genuinely affect the way they perform.

A new M3 release is imminent and we’re debating whether a wife cutting her long flowing hair or gaining a bunch of weight is more analogous. I think it’s a sign BMW’s probably taken a wrong turn, my man.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by FormulaMMM

I think it’s a sign BMW’s probably taken a wrong turn, my man.

Could be. Like you said before, they know the customer and the market. I guess we'll find out if that's true once the products hit the market and sales numbers roll in.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by FormulaMMM

Right, but similar to a wife who just wants to test a husband's love with a shaved head and 50 lb. weight gain, this sure seems an unforced error and punitive on BMW's part.

Can't believe I'm stating this: The appearance of an M3 shouldn't have to be overlooked and excused to enjoy the vehicle… "Yes, it looks like a walrus, but 'where it counts' -- behind the wheel -- it's a gem."

This is where BMW M has cornered the faithful?? One now has to be secure in their automotive preferences to buy one? Come on.

But no doubt they've done their research, know where they're headed and the customer base they're reaching more than I do.

Your final point is worth noting.

[SCOTT26]

One point I should menation is that many feel that this is pandering to China. Whereas there is a certain truth in some of that theory.
The demand for more presence , more luxury, and a level of bespoke-ness is also being driven by European,North American and Middle East customers.
It's BMW reacting to market demands.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

One point I should menation is that many feel that this is pandering to China. Whereas there is a certain truth in some of that theory.
The demand for more presence , more luxury, and a level of bespoke-ness is also being driven by European,North American and Middle East companies.
It's BMW reacting to market demands.

Thank you for clarifying that it isn't all about China's influence.

[Pinkoboe]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

One point I should menation is that many feel that this is pandering to China. Whereas there is a certain truth in some of that theory.
The demand for more presence , more luxury, and a level of bespoke-ness is also being driven by European,North American and Middle East companies.
It's BMW reacting to market demands.

I hope BMW enjoys its new friends that it is leaving us for. Bye, Felicia.

[Who's on first]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

Thank you for clarifying that it isn't all about China's influence.

Just a certain amount (86%).

[KoenG]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

Could be. Like you said before, they know the customer and the market. I guess we'll find out if that's true once the products hit the market and sales numbers roll in.

I seriously doubt they know the market and their customer.

When they would, they would not provoke us with perfect avoidable details like bad designed front grills or an ugly tail diffusor. For the same costs, or less, they could have done it right.

[Acturater]

This design had already been done in the past... by Hyundai... in 2010...

[pbar]

Originally Posted by Who's on first

Just a certain amount (86%).

Perhaps why the front grill of the concept is full of tiny number 4 digits? (lucky number in China)

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by pbar

Perhaps why the front grill of the concept is full of tiny number 4 digits? (lucky number in China)

Or maybe just because it's a 4-Series!?!? <shrug>

[solstice]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

Or maybe just because it's a 4-Series!?!? <shrug>

I’ll go with that since:
The number 4 (四, pinyin: sì; Cantonese Yale: sei) is considered an unlucky number in Chinese because it is nearly homophonous to the word "death" (死 pinyin: sǐ; Cantonese Yale: séi).

[pbar]

Originally Posted by solstice

I’ll go with that since:
The number 4 (四, pinyin: sì; Cantonese Yale: sei) is considered an unlucky number in Chinese because it is nearly homophonous to the word "death" (死 pinyin: sǐ; Cantonese Yale: séi).

Confusing my 4s and 7s again! ;-) . thx.

But now I know it's the 'DeathMobile' I will definitely buy one!

[kyrix1st]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

One point I should menation is that many feel that this is pandering to China. Whereas there is a certain truth in some of that theory.
The demand for more presence , more luxury, and a level of bespoke-ness is also being driven by European,North American and Middle East customers.
It's BMW reacting to market demands.

I understand English may not be your native tongue as neither it is for I, but when you say this change is “also” driven as opposed to “mainly/more so” it already implies that central focus is the Chinese market. More so if you cramp all the other regions together. Perhaps you can clarify this for us.

Originally Posted by solstice

I’ll go with that since:
The number 4 (四, pinyin: sì; Cantonese Yale: sei) is considered an unlucky number in Chinese because it is nearly homophonous to the word "death" (死 pinyin: sǐ; Cantonese Yale: séi).

Then it’s appropriate that the grill is full of 4s, because these grills serve as coffins for our beloved M3/M4s.