NYIAS: We Discuss M5, M6, M3 and M Performance Automobiles with BMW M

[Jason]

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NYIAS: We Discuss M5, M6, M3 and M Performance Automobiles with BMW M

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We had the chance to speak to BMW NA M Brand Manager Matt Russell and BMW M Marketing Director Thomas Schemera at the 2012 NYIAS about many things M. We covered some hot topics/models, including the M5, M6, M3 (current and future generation) and M Performance Automobiles.

M5 / M6

Can you tell us about the changes to the 2013 M5 from the 2012 M5? Why the wait for the 2013 model year for the US market?

It's nothing major. It's small things; it's electronics underneath, little computer things. It's definitely not customer-facing changes and not a great deal of functionality change.

How does the manual transmission affect the M5's performance?

About 0.10 second 0-60mph difference (slower than DCT). We don't have official EPA MPG estimates yet, but it's not much. I [Russell] drove the 6 speed manual a very long distance and the onboard computer indicated a 77 MPH average speed with 24 MPG consumption.

What's the difference between M5 and M6 Coupe in terms of handling?

The M6 coupe is a little more sporty in terms of handling by the design of the front and rear axle and the rigid connection to the car body. But you have to be a very very good driver to experience the difference. And the powertrain of the two cars are exactly the same. Other differences include a 4.5" shorter wheelbase on the M6, 100 pounds lighter for the M6 coupe (compared to M5), and the carbon fiber roof brings the center of gravity down on the M6 coupe.

How much weight does the CFRP roof on the M6 save?

About 10 pounds compared to a steel roof and way more than that versus a sunroof.

When will US ordering guides be made available for the M5 and M6? When can orders be submitted?

Ordering guides will be available in the next two weeks for the M5 and M6 coupe/convertible. F10 M5 order bank opens the week of April 23rd. M6 convertible orders will start before that and M6 coupe will be the same week or a week after (the M5).

[Note: US pricing for the 2013 M5, 2013 M6 coupe, and 2012 M6 convertible was just released yesterday, along with some preliminary M5 options/standard equipment info]

M Performance Automobiles

Dr. Nitschke ruled out any M version of the X3 and Z4 for us at Geneva. Can you rule out or in the possibility of M Performance version of X1 coming? What's the first M Performance model NA can expect to see?

We would like to make our brand more accessible for younger customers and more affordable. M is not all the time very cheap. We have a couple of things in mind, but no final decision have been made yet. We would love to do it; it depends on business case and market demand. We can't say what the first M Performance Model the US will see, but it won't be a diesel.

E92/E93 M3 and F80/F82 M3-M4

Can you provide any more specific time frame for the end of production of E92/E93 M3?

The E92 M3 coupe will cease production in the middle of 2013 (as a 2013 model year) and the E93 M3 convertible will stop production a few months after the coupe's end of production. [To repeat what Matt Russell has said in an earlier interview, there will be no successor M3/M4 until all E9x M3 models cease production, so expect the next M3/M4 to come as a 2014 model year].

Demand for the E92/E93 M3 is still very strong. In the States from a sales perspective, we have something on the order of four times the demand for the M3 over the supply. One in four dealers may have inventory currently. It is still an icon and the measuring stick [in its segment].

On the next generation F80 M3 (F82 M4?):

There will be a tremendous change in technology which comes from innovation. This has nothing to do with a change of BMW M's character or change of philosophy. We stick to our philosophy, to our DNA. We set our objectives then we think of the appropriate technology - how to put the objectives into practice. It will be for sure the best M3 ever - lighter (than previous M3), faster, better acceleration, and more efficient.

I [Schemera] already had the chance to drive the new M3, or however it's called, and it's really really great. I can tell you that this new M3 at this stage is better than the previous one.

[Follow our F80/F82 M3-M4 coverage @ http://www.bimmerpost.com/m3/f30m3/]

[Jblack4083]

SO does this mean there won't be the typical 1 year gap between M3's ?

[TheRealOrosie]

Originally Posted by Jblack4083

SO does this mean there won't be the typical 1 year gap between M3's ?

Probably between the e92 and the F82...yes.

[Mako]

I would be shocked if any form of the new M3/M4 comes out in 2013 calendar year. If there is one it will be the sedan in late 2013 but my guess would be early 2014 possible still being a 2014 "model year" I wouldn't expect the coupe until early 2015.

If I remember correctly 2 generations ago started as a 2001 model, then 2008 model for last generation so that means 2015 for new generation... And the 2008 model was actually early 2008 calendar year release. So we could be 3 years away from the next M3! BMW really sticks to the 7 year cycle thing.

[MthreeWannabe]

I like how he didn't even entertain the idea of an M4, he just referred to it strictly as M3. Fingers crossed they don't jack up the name of the 2 door M3!!!!

[OdomPHD]

Ty for the update, Jason. This iPhone app plus forums keep me entertained throughout the day. Great info!!

[Jason]

Originally Posted by MthreeWannabe

I like how he didn't even entertain the idea of an M4, he just referred to it strictly as M3. Fingers crossed they don't jack up the name of the 2 door M3!!!!

That's not exactly accurate. Everyone refers to the next 'M3' simply out of habit and convenience and because of course no one is going to refer to an 'M4' at this point even if it's been decided upon.

If you look at one of the interview responses (copied below), it's clear that they at least acknowledge that there's speculation out there that the next generation models may not all be called an M3.

I [Schemera] already had the chance to drive the new M3, or however it's called, and it's really really great. I can tell you that this new M3 at this stage is better than the previous one.

[kdbryce]

i really hope they don't call the coupe an m4

[bimmerjph]

Hey next time you talk to anyone at the M-Division can you ask them if they are going to redo the Z4 35is into a M-Performance Z4 (Not a Z4M for clarification). If there is any car in BMW's line up that needs to be a little sportier its the Z4.

[chrisny]

Do I understand this correctly:

M-performance is somewhere in between an actual ///M model (M3 etc) and the regular version of the car? Seems odd to me... A 335 to an M3 is only like .4 seconds difference to 0 mph to begin with.

So, would an "M-performance 335i" (if one exists/will exist) basically equate to the 335is?

[chrisny]

*** to 60 mph (obviously...)

[GOLFFRR]

Nice info, thanks for getting this info for us!

[advantage20]

Originally Posted by chrisny

So, would an "M-performance 335i" (if one exists/will exist) basically equate to the 335is?

Yep, the M Performance range is replacing the "is" models and the M335i (or M340i? However it will be called) will replace the 335is and directly compete with the Audi S4.

[Mako]

Originally Posted by chrisny

Do I understand this correctly:

M-performance is somewhere in between an actual ///M model (M3 etc) and the regular version of the car? Seems odd to me... A 335 to an M3 is only like .4 seconds difference to 0 mph to begin with.

So, would an "M-performance 335i" (if one exists/will exist) basically equate to the 335is?

Well I am pretty sure Car and Driver tested the 335i at 0-60 in 4.9 seconds and the M3 in 4.1 seconds, so thats a 0.8 second gap which is pretty big.

The M Performance version of a 335i would replace the 335is, there would not be an "is" and a "M Performance" version.

take for instance the new X6, you can get the M Performance package which boosts the power to 315 on the 35i or 440 on the 50i, but there is no "is" offered. Basically its a re-badging of the "is" to capitalize on the M brand name. and with the new M3, I would bet 0-60 times will be under 4.0 seconds, so something in the low to mid 4s will be appreciated by some who can't afford a full blown M3. Although who is BMW kidding with the 15 extra horsepower? that is a joke! it needs the 1M HP ratings of around 340 to really be worth any extra charge, you can get simple cpu chip upgrades for $1,000 that give you more than 15 HP!

[positiveions]

I [Schemera] already had the chance to drive the new M3, or however it's called, and it's really really great. I can tell you that this new M3 at this stage is better than the previous one.

I don't know if current M3 owners will take this statement as a blessing or a simply bad news.

[MMMMM3]

Looking forward to more details of how much lighter they can make the new M3. Much much lighter hopefully.

[SCOTT26]

Originally Posted by bimmerjph

Hey next time you talk to anyone at the M-Division can you ask them if they are going to redo the Z4 35is into a M-Performance Z4 (Not a Z4M for clarification). If there is any car in BMW's line up that needs to be a little sportier its the Z4.

The forthcoming Z4 Life Cycle Impulse will see the Z4 35iS absorbed into the BMW M Performance Automobiles line.

[BMW0412]

did they install a carbon front lip for the m6? sexy

[chrisny]

Thanks for the clarification. I thought the M3 was more like 4.3 but either way, knowing it replace the "is" makes more sense, though IMO just makes it more confusing, we all knew what the is was.

Re: the s4 competition though, isn't that already the 335? I would expect the M335i to beat the S4 not match it, and cost more. Basically creates a 4th segment that Audi doesn't compete in ( nor anyone else), which certainly isn't a bad thing for us...

[Mako]

Originally Posted by chrisny

Thanks for the clarification. I thought the M3 was more like 4.3 but either way, knowing it replace the "is" makes more sense, though IMO just makes it more confusing, we all knew what the is was.

Re: the s4 competition though, isn't that already the 335? I would expect the M335i to beat the S4 not match it, and cost more. Basically creates a 4th segment that Audi doesn't compete in ( nor anyone else), which certainly isn't a bad thing for us...

For 0-60 times the 335i and S4 are pretty close if not exact. But my money would always be on the S4 because of better traction. As far as track times I think the S4 is more like the 335is or in between the 335i and 335is. As far as style (sporty looks) inside and out the S4 is much nicer than a 335i. But if they make a M performance with m sport exterior and M seats that would compete head on with the S4. Also remember 0-60 times aren't the only thing buyers look at, price and AWD may sway some to the Audi over a 335i with M performance.

Also just to clarify M Performance package and M Performance car are different things. For instance the US is getting the X6 with an optional M Performance "package" which is different than the X6 M performance Diesel Europe is getting.
The M performance option on a 335i or Z4 35i would not be the same as if they made a Z4 M performance car. It's a package vs a model option.

[ilidon]

I would love to have the coupe but would rather have the gran coupe due to practicality. BTW, BMW should've put an ///M plate frame instead of a regular one, for a car like this it doesn't deserve that kind of treatment.

[chrisny]

///M, M sport package, M performance package, M performance parts, M performance vehicles........ Someone needs to have a talk with their marketing people!

On the one hand, I like the ability to get a meaner looking 3 (m sport package) for not a whole lot of money, on the other hand, I still kind of hate that even the base model 3 can look almost like an ///M3..