Chris Harris concerned about M and its future

[Zafiro]

"I’m having some M worries. It’s been happening for some time – like the gradual estrangement that creeps up on a couple who just aren’t getting on the way they used to."

Chris Harris laments the gradual erosion of the mighty M Power BMW

 

[klier]

Based on the X5 M which he hasn't driven, or what?

I am not going to read this. Every M car released in the last 10 years has been brilliant. His concerns are based on nothing. I want to know his thoughts again after the introduction of the next 'real' M car, the F10 M5. But after X5/6 M should be ok too, since I just know these cars are going to rock big time.

edit;
....Couln't help but reading it. Sentimental guy, longing for the past. Although not having ceramic brakes is a great crime for BMW. I just don't understand why they don't have them yet face_plain

 

[SCOTT27]

He should not fear much. There are markets who have substantial orders for the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M.

 

[coolraoul]

^^ I don't think he is actually worrying about X5/6M sales and the financial return it will give or not to BMW...

 

[Human]

He should not fear much. There are markets who have substantial orders for the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M.

Hi Scott, I do not want any detailed figures. Are the BMW Group satisfied with orders of the BMW X6 m & X5 M?

 

[SCOTT27]

Due to tracking , we have substantial interest in our 3 incoming product lines - The X-M's , 5er Gran Turismo and what is really exciting news , especially for a high volume model the incoming BMW X1 is tracking well.

Anyway whether there is concern over the X5 M and X6 M should evaporate in two weeks as the media will be driving the cars then.
Then the opinion on the new direction will be evident.

 

[Sayyaaf]

I believe even if the orders are not that encourging , BMW or any other manfucaturer won't announce it before launching the car, old school media politics

 

[martinbo]

He should not fear much. There are markets who have substantial orders for the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M.

For all the wrong reasons in my opinion.

The BMW X5 M and X6 M. Where M stands for Milking it.
Don't get me wrong. I don't blame BMW in the slightest. But from the enthusiasts' point of view (and that includes Chris Harris et al) we can't be blamed for appreciating the most basic of physics concepts that result in BMW's that are truly fun and inspiring to drive in all regimes of the activity. After all, it is BMW that espoused these concepts in the, up until now, consistent M ethos.

 

[andrazpotocnik1]

my mistake. Thanks to a reminder martinbo

 

[martinbo]

Chris Harris writes in an article about a car with 300 ps and 1250 kg, on the other hand, assess the Audi Q7 v12 TDI with five stars.

this is not logical

No no, you've got your wires crossed.

a. DR uses a ten star rating system.
b. You're probably referring to the user rating of the article.

Edit: in the article reviewing the Q7 around Cadwell Park: Driver's Republic - Monsters Inc 049 the Q7 gets six stars out of ten.

So, your post is irrelevant in the context of this discussion.

 

[LaArtist]

Agree with the article 100%

 

[martinbo]

my mistake. Thanks to a reminder martinbo

Ah, I see you corrected yourself before I went off and got the evidence.

Thank you...

 

[andrazpotocnik1]

I love M cars but I hate SUV. So I am now in a dilemma.

x6m will be a good car but not a sport car. M should represent only sports cars.



sorry for my English

 

[HighestOfHigh]

That is ridiculous. Grown man worried about a car that he doesn't even own. Foolishness. To like cars is one thing, but to sit their and worry about them because they don't fit your previous requirements....Shameful and a waste of human time.

 

[Human]

I love M cars but I hate SUV. So I am now in a dilemma.

x6m will be a good car but not a sport car. M should represent only sports cars.



sorry for my English

If you hate SUV's that is your personal taste, but not having BMW - SAV's - in M is pointless, afterall they ARE Sports Activity Vehicle's as well as a Sports Activity Coupe's and true too BMW's DNA.
The same goes for Porsche then? (e.g. Cayenne and Panamera) I don't think so......

 

[siko]

I don't want to sound like a broken record but...

Recent M decisions:
* No M version of the 1er (E8x)
* No M version of the E89 Z4
* Where a the CSL models?!

All three should have been engineered and released before even talking about possible even considering M badged trucks.

So yeah, I'm concerned too... way concerned.

He should not fear much. There are markets who have substantial orders for the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M.

I thought M was about making uber cars... and the regular series for volume.

If sales figures is top priority for M cars, then I think I will be switching companies when my lease expires, and thus ending my streak of BMWs at 3.

 

[coolraoul]

If you hate SUV's that is your personal taste, but not having BMW - SAV's - in M is pointless, afterall they ARE Sports Activity Vehicle's as well as a Sports Activity Coupe's and true too BMW's DNA.
The same goes for Porsche then? (e.g. Cayenne and Panamera) I don't think so......

Well, they may be called Sports AV/UV/AC/whatever BMW comes with, that doesn't mean they're sporty.

Having power way in excess of 500hp for barely sub-5 sec 0-100 times, 435 rubbers on 21" for having correct cornering abilities, super-stiff suspension not to feel like you're going to rollover on a corner, AWD to extract the car from the corner, and no drifting abilities...

Sounds a lot like Audi RSx to me.

I'm sorry, but AWD + torque-convecter tranny + turbo engine is not what M evokes for me. Especially not with 2.5 tons and a ride height in excess of 1.65m.

So M IS shifting its philosophy. Some will like it, some won't. But it is happening. Whatever the reason (economy, ecology...) may be.

This is why CH is complaining: he likes the old philosophy, and fears for the new one not to suit him.

He was careful to precise "people like me, M-obsessive". So he is only stating his very personal opinion on the subject.

The old M would never do anything with a torque-converter, AWD, or turbo.
The old M would never cancel the 1erM and the Z4M.
The old M would never lay an eye on an SUV.

A new M is arising.

Funny thing is that the X5/6M, with their huge motor and SUV basis, are also a thing of the past.


The next M cars could be very interesting, with lightweight turbo vehicle. Could be an awful lot of fun, and somehow the new M could be closer from a 2002 Tii or an e30 M3 than from something else...

Imagine what a Z2M could be: just the automotive heaven. Light, nimble, with an angry turbo 4-pot... almost Lotus-like (less extreme though) ... Making an e90 M3 look unecessary heavy and fat.

 

[Zafiro]

Chris H. isnt worried about sales. He is like me , a enthusiast of light and nimble M's. I dont want a 2000 kg SUV be be called a M. BMW should have given the name "si" instead.
Its sad to see every M car being bigger and heavier and abandon the highreeving N/A formula.
If BMW built a M version of Z4, 1-series and a new M3 CSL then it would be easier for me to forgive that BMW are producing M SUV and M7. But when BMW M priorities are on heavy and fat cars, I cant feel for these products.

I support Chris Harris.

 

[HighestOfHigh]

BMW are producing M SUV and M7.

Lol..Oh so they are doing an M7?

M priorities are on heavy and fat cars.

About time! Nothing like a Big car with power!

 

[SCOTT27]

BMW are not doing an M7.
However if the Alpina B7 is not enough , Alpina are working on the new BMW V12 for a future B7 S.