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BMW Considering 4-Series and 2-Series Badge for Coupes, Convertibles, Gran Coupes

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File this under history repeating. According to a new report from Autobild, BMW is considering reordering the nomenclature of their model lineup for consistency. If this happens, all sedan, wagons, and GT's will get odd numbers. All coupes, convertibles and Gran Coupe's get even numbers.

In other words, the successors of the E92 3-series coupe would become the 4-series coupe (F32), the E93 3-series convertible a 4-series convertible (F33). BMW had similar plans for the current generation E92 and E93 3-series but got cold feet for several reasons. Now the successful introduction of Audi A5 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe is reportedly making BMW reconsider the introduction of a 4-series again, says Autobild. If this pans out, this may be the next generation 3-series and 4-series models lineup:

3-series

F30 3-series Sedan (2012)
F31 3-series Wagon (2012)
F34 3-series GT (2013)

4-series

F32 4-series Coupe (2013)
F33 4-series Convertible (2014)
F35 4-series Gran Coupe (2015)

The idea makes some sense, but the M enthusiasts among us probably have noticed the big flaw already. This move would require the iconic M3 coupe to be renamed to M4 coupe in the next generation (which is not happening according to SCOTT26's latest information). Just imagine yourself standing at a petrol station and answering the question about the car you drive with "M4, the successor of the M3" and you'll see the issue.

F22/23 2-series
Following the same idea, Autobild also claims that the next generation 1-series coupe and convertible (F22 and F23) will be renamed the 2-series coupe and convertible. This move makes quite some sense as BMW is also planning the introduction of FWD 1-series models, and the designation reflecting the different layout seems reasonable. But, even here we see an issue, and that's related to the F20 and F21 hatchbacks which will be introduced imminently. Both cars will remain 1-series cars, and yet they're RWD. It remains to be seen how BMW solves this "mystery."

Stay tuned for more information and check out our previous coverage on the F30 3-series and F20 1-series in the meantime.

[TheBingoBalls]

I guess, like everyone says, choice is good but is anyone else overwhelmed with all these models BMW is now planning? I always believed that BMW would not follow Mercedes but they're looking like it everyday - from adding more model lines and throwing the M badge on anything with 4 wheels. I'm not saying they will all be flops but at the same time, BMW is known to produce dud or two...

[XC]

Don't like. If aint broke, why fix it?

[LemonOne]

quit playin' around with the badges! and leave the M3 alone

[antzcrashing]

the naming is so retarded.

I understand even numbers coupe (fits the 6 series)

odd numbers sedan (5 and 7 series)

so for the love of all that is logical, call the next gen 3 series M car, if coupe, an M4. I have this feeling the M3 gran coupe and M4 coupe will be as different as the M5 and M6 which already share an engine (all is well).

__________

and for the 1 and 2 series, now BMW is going to again break the coupe, 4D naming logic by using FWD RWD to designate cars!? Why not just make one rule and follow it.

[Mako]

M3 is the only think probably holding BMW back on this, everything else people will get over.

Cant get rid of m3 name, how do you solve that? And if they leave M3 even though it's a 4 and the gran coupe takes the M4 name... Wow now this is getting confusing.

[Mako]

Originally Posted by antzcrashing

the naming is so retarded.

I understand even numbers coupe (fits the 6 series)

odd numbers sedan (5 and 7 series)

so for the love of all that is logical, call the next gen 3 series M car, if coupe, an M4. I have this feeling the M3 gran coupe and M4 coupe will be as different as the M5 and M6 which already share an engine (all is well).

__________

and for the 1 and 2 series, now BMW is going to again break the coupe, 4D naming logic by using FWD RWD to designate cars!? Why not just make one rule and follow it.

Gran coupe would actually be a 4 series.

[JoosyJoos]

This issue happened with the last generation way back when. Stupid debate.

[3XTR3M3]

That is so ass backwards. Call the coupes 3, call the sedans 4.

[IancoleTX]

I'm guessing this came down from someone who has exactly ten perfectly sharpened pencils laying in perfect parallel on their desk.

[kmarei]

other than just blindly copying audi with the whole A5/A4 A6/A7 crap
what's the benefit of this?


does it make a difference to the bottom line if its a M3 or an M4?
do you get a tax break for even numbers??

previously BMW used to lead
now it seems they follow?

[mithiral67]

The m3 brand has to much value to do away with.

[Smokey]

4 series= NONSENSE

[BMWRL]

I think it makes total sense... I think they should get rid of the xDrive naming system and adopt something that's more consistent and makes sense...

[JoosyJoos]

It'll be interesting to see what happens when the next m3 launches with a Tri turbo six cylinder.IFC much rather have a v8 personally. That car is wicked heavy though...

[AngelinIsRich08]

This is why Porsche is so successful. Because they don't mess around like this. They just perfect cars that have been the same for the last several decades.

[jaybird124]

If they're all about consistency, here's a thought: Go back to the days where the last two numbers actually stood for the engine displacement.

[BMWRL]

Originally Posted by jaybird124

If they're all about consistency, here's a thought: Go back to the days where the last two numbers actually stood for the engine displacement.

I dont disagree with you. I wish they would go back to these days as well, but I also think all 2 doors should be even numbered and 4 doors odd numbered.

[HpDellNestle]

Good luck selling 4 series in east Asia.

[Dackelone]

Dumb idea - big time! An M4 logo will be no icon like the M3 name plate.

[crackberry]

Originally Posted by XC

Don't like. If aint broke, why fix it?

exactly

[M3_WC]

Originally Posted by mithiral67

The m3 brand has to much value to do away with.

This.

Do they not understand the M3 has a cult following. Why mess with it?