Breaking News: BMW M Director Dr. Segler confirms E82 M

[south]

It's an open secret that BMW M is preparing a hot version of the 1 series coupe, internally known as E82. In an interview with BMW M GmbH's Director Dr. Kay Segler back in November, we learned that BMW was evaluating a possible M-variant of the E82 1 series. We're pretty excited to bring you the news that the car now got green-lighted:

On the occasion of the victory of the M3 GT2 at the famous Nürburgring 24 hours race, the German publication Auto-News had the opportunity of an interview with Dr. Segler. He confirmed the E82 M is coming. Even more exciting, he unveiled that this car is to be expected in the second quarter of 2011. There was also some light shed on the highly discussed naming issue. While there's no clear word from Dr. Segler himself, the fact that he wasn't willing to comment on the name suggests that it won't be called M1. Instead, Auto-News puts "135i M" on the table. We heard too many different possible names to comment on this, other than it won't be called M1.

While at it, Segler also talked about the F10 M5. It's no surprise that he confirmed a V8 Turbo for the M5. While not explicitly mentioned, he's clearly talking about the S63 found in the X6M and X5M. Output is likely to be higher in the M5, 570-580 hp is the ballpark figure we often hear. Also mentioned is that the M5 will inherit the next step of M's "Two cars in one" philosophy. This means that the next M5 will be both a comfortable sedan and a real sports car. Future owners will be able to switch between both modes at the touch of a button. If you read some of the older comments from SCOTT, he mentioned this several times.

Finally, Dr. Segler also told Auto News that his division pretty much got rid of any dogma as to the tech they're using. This showed both the introduction of the X6M and the fact that Turbo engines are getting introduced even in their core models. He went on to say that he wouldn't rule out Diesel powered M cars, even though their high revving philosophy impedes them for now.

Also have a look at the original interview at Auto News if you're good in German.


Best regards,
south

 

[Mr Robert]

I wonder which will be more "M", the X5M or the 135M... going by the name, it must be the X5M. Otherwise the 1-series car would be named 1M.

That said, they an call it the Turd Matster 1, for all I care. Naming is more important in the other end of the scale.

 

[Levi68]

I would like it to be called M1 Coupé and Convertible, but anyway I'll debadge it, so I don't care if it is called 135M, what it 100 % won't be.

 

[chonkoa]

135M, that is the most ridiculous suggestion for a name for this upcoming M car.
If this were a Mercedes AMG product I can understand suggesting the 135M.

 

[south]

Sorry guys, there was an error in my post. They suggest "135i M".


Best regards,
south

 

[Osnabrueck]

I think they should go with M1 BUT NOT REALLY

 

[Mr Robert]

Haha, why not "a real M product but not the way you have been showed lately".

 

[bmwownage]

The F10 M5 is more worrying, that V8 in the X5M X6M doesn't sound good at all.

 

[footie]

Normally I don't the kind of guy that gets hung up in names, mainly because it's what the car does right that's important, because as the M1 was such an iconic symbol at the birth of M-Division that there was no way this car could or should have been called the M1.

I kind of like the idea of 135iM, this type of badging also has history with M-Division and shouldn't be classed by purists as a fake M car. In any case I am sure the ability of the car will be enough to convince those who doubt whether it's of that caliber.

 

[Centurion]

It cannot be called 135 M given that there already is a 135i M Sport in the 1-series portfolio. My money is on M1 or 1M.

 

[klier]

Normally I don't the kind of guy that gets hung up in names, mainly because it's what the car does right that's important, because as the M1 was such an iconic symbol at the birth of M-Division that there was no way this car could or should have been called the M1.

I kind of like the idea of 135iM, this type of badging also has history with M-Division and shouldn't be classed by purists as a fake M car. In any case I am sure the ability of the car will be enough to convince those who doubt whether it's of that caliber.

Even when you have an opinion about BMW that is not meant to troll or as a flamebait like this post, I completely and utterly disagree with you....

 

[Levi68]

Normally I don't the kind of guy that gets hung up in names, mainly because it's what the car does right that's important, because as the M1 was such an iconic symbol at the birth of M-Division that there was no way this car could or should have been called the M1.

I kind of like the idea of 135iM, this type of badging also has history with M-Division and shouldn't be classed by purists as a fake M car. In any case I am sure the ability of the car will be enough to convince those who doubt whether it's of that caliber.

How can you want to defend the M1 name if you do not like BMW M ? I am sure, you don't want it to be called M1, because in this way many will think it is not a real M car and so prefer the Audi RS3 or TT-RS.

 

[Giannis]

Levi68 your posts adds nothing to the discussion and it even seems you are trying to start a flame-war. Please stop it right here.

 

[footie]

How can you want to defend the M1 name if you do not like BMW M ?

As a past owner of an M3 I don't see how you could class me as someone who doesn't like them. Do you own an M car?

Also I think the problem is that I understand the significance that the original M1 give to BMW and why using such a name wouldn't sit well with the true purist's of the breed. In my opinion the name M1 should only be used on something that is a landmark in engineering excellence and preferably a supercar product, not to say that the E82M won't be an exceptional car in it's own right.

I am sure, you don't want it to be called M1, because in this way many will think it is not a real M car and so prefer the Audi RS3 or TT-RS.

Listen, stop turning this into a BMW vs Audi debate, I don't want to discuss Audi here and I doubt too many do either.

Even when you have an opinion about BMW that is not meant to troll or as a flamebait like this post, I completely and utterly disagree with you....

I have nothing wrong with you disagreeing with me, in fact I relish the prospect because if you did then I would know that my opinion would be somehow be tainted.

 

[rollo]

The name is irrelevant IMHO. BMW is building the darn thing!

 

[Sunny]

As a past owner of an M3 I don't see how you could class me as someone who doesn't like them. Do you own an M car?

He doesn't need to own anything to have an opinion here. It take doesn't take beyond a Internet connection to come to Internet and claim you own everything under the sun. You should know that all too well.

 

[Osnabrueck]

I got it!

It will be called... "M ONE"

 

[Sunny]

The name is irrelevant IMHO. BMW is building the darn thing!

No shit.

But just for kicks, my money is on M135/M135CSi like M535 or M635CSi (which was really a full fledged M car and even called M6 in NA).

Trivia, what car was a M (as indicated by the VIN number), but didn't have a M in the name?

 

[Giannis]

850CSi?

 

[Sunny]

850CSi?

Yup.