BMW 1- and 3-series coupes to become 2- and 4-series

[Philisophe]

Im under the impression BMW is going to change the 1 and 3 to

2/4 series based on Car Magazine


So I will be able to keep my inline 6..after all


http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/News/Se...-and-4-series/

[ATSR]

The only problem I see with this new badging philosophy is what's going to happen with the M3 coupe? Is it just going to transform into the M4??? That would suck BIG time.

IMO the M3 badge is one of the best and most recognized badges out there, and when you think of an M3, you think about a glorious high performance COUPE. The M3 sedan was an afterthought.

[Vlaze]

Originally Posted by alejotrujillo

The only problem I see with this new badging philosophy is what's going to happen with the M3 coupe? Is it just going to transform into the M4??? That would suck BIG time.

IMO the M3 badge is one of the best and most recognized badges out there, and when you think of an M3, you think about a glorious high performance COUPE. The M3 sedan was an afterthought.

I think the M badge in general is associated with glorious high performance

[doublevanosrc]

BMW really needs to rethink some of these model changes, I mean really an M4?? Isn't that an assault rifle?? BMW keeps neglecting its past and what has made it great today by veering down ventures and risky paths with changes that don't reflect its past. At this rate they will just be another expensive German car with leather and wood interiors.

[amancuso]

I hope this rumour will die. It really makes no sense to do this, especially since M-Benz is coming after BMW with their new C and E class coupes to compete against 3 series coupe and 6 series coupe. If anything BMW needs to come out with a 4 series coupe along the lines/pricing of the 5 since the 6 is sooo damned expensive (base 640i coupe costs 73,600!!!).

[1SerieStud]

The rumor is that the body style that we know as the 1-series in America today will become the 2-series, while the new 1-series will employ the smaller/newer engines, possibly fwd, and in hatchback format.

Also, it is being said that the m3 will become a sedan, while the m4 will be its coupe counterpart; similar to the relationship of the m5 and m6.

[amancuso]

Originally Posted by 1SerieStud

The rumor is that the body style that we know as the 1-series in America today will become the 2-series, while the new 1-series will employ the smaller/newer engines, possibly fwd, and in hatchback format.

Also, it is being said that the m3 will become a sedan, while the m4 will be its coupe counterpart; similar to the relationship of the m5 and m6.

It still blows. Terrible idea. What ever happened to history behind a model?

[jkoral]

The Car article is date June. I wondered if there was any more recent news. Here's one from yesterday:

http://www.caradvice.com.au/141253/b...-new-3-series/

"BMW Group Australia product and pricing manager, Alan Swanson, admitted executives at BMW headquarters were in discussions over the brand’s future naming structure.

Although no decision has been reached..."

I seem to recall a lot of concern over a 1-series and devaluing the brand when it was discussed a year or two before release... so I don't feel strongly either way about this.

[yaymitch]

I've heard from my normally very knowledgeable sales guy that the changes will reflect coupe vs. sedan. Thus, the even numbers will signify coupes and odd numbers the sedans. - i.e. - 3 series is sedan and 4 series is coupe, just like with the 5 and 6 series. So the current 1 will become a 2 series. This way they can now have an M2 instead of the 1M. Anyway, it appears this will be forthcoming with the next generation BMWs.

[Pangloss]

Well, for what it's worth, I like the idea of 2- and 4-series lineups, and I think M2 and M4 are great model names as well.

[bbbradley]

Originally Posted by Vlaze

I think the M badge in general is associated with glorious high performance

Not anymore...M = Marketing nowadays.

[danielbeast]

As long as they come out with an equivalent car to my 135i, I don't care what it is badged. Not too long ago the 1-series didn't exist and look at how fast we all jumped on that.

[david.orr]

Originally Posted by yaymitch

I've heard from my normally very knowledgeable sales guy that the changes will reflect coupe vs. sedan. Thus, the even numbers will signify coupes and odd numbers the sedans. - i.e. - 3 series is sedan and 4 series is coupe, just like with the 5 and 6 series. So the current 1 will become a 2 series. This way they can now have an M2 instead of the 1M. Anyway, it appears this will be forthcoming with the next generation BMWs.

It's possible that a new 1M would be created by the M Division for the new F20 sporthatch.