[Uli_HH]

Originally Posted by Minimization

Wow, people are really emotional on these boards. These are Germans. They are logical. Based on the naming of the rest of the series, the F30 Coupe/Convertible should be the 4 Series, including M4.

Don't worry, the M3 may live on, as a sedan!

This is long overdue in my opinion. Should we name the 6 Series the 5 Series Coupe instead? If you are going to use alphanumerics nomenclature, make them so that they actually follow a formula. It is bad enough the last two numbers are now nominal displacement and they do not designate body style or drive train type any longer with letters.

I'm sure everyone will welcome the 2 Series since the next 1 Series will be FWD.

Rename the 1 Series M Coupe the M1 while you are at it. Who cares about a sub-par 70s supercar. I don't, because my Sedan will eat it for lunch.

Good post ... you are totally on the right way.

I think the only problem was that this descision comes three 3er generations too late ... the E30 comes only in Sedan (2- and 4-door!), Touring and Convertible forms ... so many forgot that the M3 starts as 2-door sedan.

With the E36 the problems started, because they named the 2-door 3er "Coupe" and created an M3 Coupe ... so that many people think that M3 and coupe are the same ... but this is not the real history.

The only logical descision could be to bring an F30 M Sedan and name this M3 ... and the M3-lable only come back to its origins ... and correct the E36 mistake and name all coupes and convertibles 4er and their M models M4

This is the only alternative to leave all undone ... all other choises (ala 4er M3!) are BS!

Greets Uli_HH

[bavarian19]

this again?

[GTFan712]

M3 can have a tri-turbo V6 if the M4 gets the S65.

[ORIGIN M.]

Well considering the 3 series coupe is so huge as of now, maybe it is befitting.

[roho3323]

Q. Hey man, that is a sweet looking car...what is it?
A. "It's the new BMW M4 Gran Coupe Xdrive"

Huh?

[Zen]

2 and 4 series.. why bmw.. why? The current branding system is fine..

[Auto Pilot]

Originally Posted by Minimization

We can rename it the 13 Series there instead.

Actuallly 8 would be best.

[Taipei-TT]

I'm not convinced by the idea that a 4 series won't sell in China simply because of the four.

I have lived in Taiwan for ten years. A4s sell well here, rav4, 747 and so on.

Personally I think it's a wise move to differentiate premium products by name. However the m3 issue is a tricky one as you can't sell a 4 series 335 without the cache of it being a cousin of the mighty m3.

[daixloxbmw]

Consider this nomenclature that would be consistent with all but one of the existing models.

Odd numbers for all chassis that are available in 4-door form.

Even numbers for all chassis that are ONLY available in 2-door form.

The existing even number models are the Z4 and 6 Series, both of which are ONLY available in coupe/convertible form.

However, the existing odd number models are X3, X5, 1, 3, 5 and 7 Series and they are all available, but not exclusively, in sedan, hatchback or SUV form.

The only exception to this rule is the X6, but one could argue that it is a coupe-like SUV.

So with the introduction of a 2 and 4 Series, BMW could make these models coupe/convertible-ONLY models, like the 6 Series is to the 5 Series. The 2 and 4 Series could be loosely based on the 1 and 3 Series chassis respectively, but it would have an entirely unique body work and could blend in features from the higher models (3 and 5 Series) to bridge the gap, again much like the 6 Series does with the 5 and 7 Series. So I think the 2, 4 and 6 Series should be dedicated coupe/convertibles that are loosely based on the 1, 3 and 5 Series respectively but command a higher price tag due to the body style and greater features.

That way the M3 can stay M3 Coupe and that allows BMW to bring back a M3 Sedan whenever they want. The new 2 and 4 Series would not be a simple 1 or 3 Series with two doors and a roof chopped off. It would be its own model like a baby 6 Series.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by Minimization

Don't worry, the M3 may live on, as a touring!

Fixed. SCOTT's recent comments suggest a touring is likely. A sedan, on the other hand, is not since they are going to push the M3 (or M4 as it may be) Gran Coupe as the 4 door option now. (And yes, I realize that the M5 and M6 Gran Coupe will be allowed to coexist - but apparently BMW does not think that strategy needs to copied for the smaller M cars).

I'm sure everyone will welcome the 2 Series since the next 1 Series will be FWD. Rename the 1 Series M Coupe the M1 while you are at it.

Actually if they go with 2 series, then the 1M will be renamed "M2". M1 wouldn't make sense unless they do a 1 Series hatchback M model or 1 Series FWD M model.

[mshab356]

Originally Posted by 3XTR3M3

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

1000000

[iwannabimmer]

I don't understand the point and mission of Gran Coupe and GT models. They are just going to "steal" sales away from the sedan (F30), coupe (F32) and X3 (F25). I didn't get why they created that ugly X6 model either. Just because Mercedes created their ugly monster (CLS), it doesn't mean BMW has to follow suit.

3-series sedan, coupe, wagon and convertible are enough and reasonable market choices for the consumers. Also, I'm so disappointed that there wont be a F30 M3 - I was saving money for that.......Now it looks like I would need to save less money and go for a F30 335 M-sport.

[Ryan_T]

Every single segment in the Audi line-up is different and has its own niche. If BMW is doing this, it looks like they're just taking existing line-up and spreading it around or overlapping different body styles under the same series to fill up the list.

[e36power]

This is the worst idea since Coke II. The 3-series is an iconic car. Leave it as it is.

[Raine]

M4 LOL

[simianspeedster]

For those who doubt the 4 thing being a big deal for the Chinese, consider this article and remember that these are Chinese families in America:

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-arcadia-numbers-20110521,0,6077634.story

That issue aside, I don't like the idea. Why follow Audi? Everyone in the car world knows what the 3 Series badge stands for, even if it's getting dilluted by having so many variants. But the 3 Series is still the 3 Series and that has brand equity.

[SCOTT26]

The next Coupe and Cabrio of the 3er are extremely signifcant for BMW in many ways , as is the next generation of 3er platform.

For example. The 3er segment - defined as Premium Entry is expected to grow this decade thanks to new emergring markets and customers downsizing to smaller more efficient premium cars.

The 3er platform is defined by the Sedan and Touring , Coupe and Cabrio and of course the X3.
With the new generation of modular structures designed to accomodate the 3er and 1er it is a particularly good investment for BMW. Because it makes both the 1er and 3er more profitable for the company. The modular platform begins with a central piece where front and rear sections are adapted (depending on the size of the concept) this allows BMW to seperate each model by relocating firewalls, suspension mounts etc to suit the character of each vehicle. This process will allow each the 1er and 3er to become more profitable between each unit.

The Platform can accomodate many "hats" or various body styles leading to each unit and body style to become more profitable than the previous E87/E90. Given that the 3er is in the Prime segment for growth that is why BMW are expanding and splitting the model line.

The new Coupe and Cabrio are defined by this , because the new car although it will remain within the current cars price range. It gets a stylish new appearance , again like the E92/E93 it will not be a Two door Sedan but again continue it's own identity , just like the E92/E93 which is BMW's successful 3er Coupe/Cabrio to date. originally the E92/E93 were to be called 4er that is why it is not simply, a two door sedan.
There is a mini-6er vibe to the new car which is signifcant because in Europe customers are specifying their 320d Coupes with the premium features normally found in high end luxury coupes.

The folding hard top remains due to the fact in key markets where a Blue sky is practically (at times) a permanent feature, outsells the relevant Coupe.
In China - The Cabrio outsells the Coupe especially between young females in China who like the Premium feel and security of a folding hard top.

The new Coupe and Cabrio continue there individual appearance with specific design treatment and individual appearance at the front and rear of the car, lower roof line and a more sporting character than the 3er sedan as you would expect the Coupe to be. Again the Coupe will be used as the basis for the M3 and as BMW M tell you and which other manufacturers fail to grasp is that to do an M car you must have a successful chassis , a perfect basis to start off with. And the 3er Coupe is a very good car to drive.

The testament to this is of course the M3. It is now four years since it's launch and we have heard the competition stress their car is the M3 killer but simply do not live up to this claim. Granted they are faster but an M3 is never about the straight-line , M3 updates are more about enhancing the driving experience which is why the Audi RS5 failed to conquer it and the Mercedes-Benz C63 Coupe failed to dethrone it. But you have to take note of the progress where it used to be miles behind the competition are getting closer yet.

The M3 is not your average faster 3er Coupe the engineering and development of the M3 takes on the aspects that need to distinguish an M car and something BMW M do very well it is all about bringing a new character with an Mcar and focusing on the individual aspects.
BMW M is the other sub-brand and you will see more scope for individuality.
The M3 will not die , because people will know it's an M3 just like the 1er M coupe is in fact an M1 to most (because it is based on the 1er). Even though it is marketed as 1er M Coupe. M3 and 4er can co-exist.

[GotM]

Wasn't this a topic BMW considered either late in the 1990s or early 2000s. I am sure there was a reason it was not done back then, please do not do it now. I think it will just add confusion.

on another note:
I guess we could then have a 4M forum...haha

[WingZeroX5]

LOL @ F22/F35

doesn't look good already, from an acquisition point of view

[the_stranger]

Originally Posted by erhanh

Well, the example with the porsche guy is worse:

- Hey what do you drive?
- Oh I have a Porsche 911
- Which one?
- What do you mean?
- Is it, C2, C2S, C4, C4S, Turbo, Turbo S, Turbo Cabriolet, Turbo S Cabriolet, GT3, GT3RS, GT3 RS 4.0, GT2 RS, Targe, Targa S, Targa 4S, Cabriolet, Cabriolet S, Cabriolet 4, Cabriolet 4S, GTS, GTS 4, GTS Cabriolet, GTS 4 Cabriolet, Black Edition, Black Edition Cabriolet, or Speedster?

[BimmersMania]

6 is a coupe version of 7
4 will be a coupe version of 3
how about a coupe version of 5?

[southlight]

6er is the coupe version of the 5er.


Best regards,
south