Why F85 and not F15?

[avi8tir]

Why is the new X5 M an F85 and not an F15 per the historical norm with BMW?

I have owned M versions of E46, E60, F10 and they all obviously held the same internal code as their non-M counterparts.

[tastelid]

This may be a dumb question, but are you thinking of the "M Sport" variants of vehicles? For example, you can get an X5 M Sport, or you can get the X5M.

[UrbanExtant]

BMW has, as of late, been trying to further differentiate there lineup. The M Division has been expanded so much, and they are wanting to separate it further, by giving their models their own internal numbers. Part of this plays into the "M Sport" this and that they've pumped out recently, and others are because of such idiotic productions such as the X4 M40i which is a quasi "M Car" but isn't a true M Car, but also isn't an M Sport. There comes a point where there is too much, and it is easier to segregate, and track by offering special vehicles their own internal tracking number, such as F85, F86, F80, F82, etc. If you'll notice, the M division version usually has a very high number compared to its sibling, such as F30, F15 to the F85 and F80, this isn't by coincidence. I've been told the upper numbers, going forward are held for the M version of the vehicles.

[JNoSol]

Originally Posted by UrbanExtant

BMW has, as of late, been trying to further differentiate there lineup. The M Division has been expanded so much, and they are wanting to separate it further, by giving their models their own internal numbers. Part of this plays into the "M Sport" this and that they've pumped out recently, and others are because of such idiotic productions such as the X4 M40i which is a quasi "M Car" but isn't a true M Car, but also isn't an M Sport. There comes a point where there is too much, and it is easier to segregate, and track by offering special vehicles their own internal tracking number, such as F85, F86, F80, F82, etc. If you'll notice, the M division version usually has a very high number compared to its sibling, such as F30, F15 to the F85 and F80, this isn't by coincidence. I've been told the upper numbers, going forward are held for the M version of the vehicles.

+1. The F80 and F30 (M3 vs regular 3) for example, are very different. The F80 has wider quarter panels and lots of reinforcement done to stiffen/lighten the chassis. Same goes with the F85 and F15, the M version is more rigid and doesn't share too many parts with its non-M counterpart.

It would create confusion for the buyers, owners, and parts/service department if they share the same chassis code.

From a marketing standpoint, it makes the M owners feel more exclusive than driving a beefed up non-M.

[remmib]

Same with the next 5 series that will be called G30, but the M5 will be G90.