JayArras

I'm not quite as in to all of this as some of you guys, so go easy on me. I'm trying to understand what you mean when you refer to something as "M" or "non-M". I totally get the difference between the M5 and the other cars in the 5 Series lineup, but would "non-M" just mean anything other than an M5 (or M3), or does it go beyond that? For example, are M wheels those that are styled after stock M3 or M5 wheels, or does the classification infer that the style is non-standard from "i" models? I've also heard the term "M-sport". Is that just another name for the sport package? I know that the M cars are manufactured by BMW's Motorsports division, so are M parts just those manufactured by that division? Also, a devil's advocate question would be: what is the appeal of modding your car with M parts? I suspect I know the answer, but would just like to hear your commentary.

I apologize in advance if these questions seem naive to you.

swajames

Generally speaking, M and non-M is exactly as you suspected - it simply delineates between the M cars (M3, M5 and M6) and their standard siblings.

Cars may have M parts or M suspension but these cars are still 'non-M', the 'M' designation and honor is reserved for the real thing.

JayArras

Thanks. So what is "M-Sport"? An M car with the Sports package? Sounds kind of redundant. BTW, what "packages" can you buy with an M5? Are they the same as for non-M cars?

bloomjbmw

The "normal" sports package usually includes upgraded suspension, top speed limiter increase, different wheels, and some trim changes.

M-Sport is a higher level of sports package that does all of that and a more aggressive trim package (side skirts, front and rear bumpers), different wheels (from base cars and the regular sports package), and sometimes M labeled steering wheel and shift knob.

xBMWx

In Europe you could order the M-Sport package for your E60/E61, in the same way you could order any other option or package.

The M-Sport package includes:
- M-Aerodynamic pack; front bumper, side skirts and rear bumper. The trunk spoiler was an option at extra cost
- 18" M135. The 19" M172 was an option at extra cost
- M-Sport suspension, which is 15mm lower than standard suspension
- Carbon Black metalic paint, only optional with the M-Sport package (or via BMW Individual for silly money!)
- "M" steering wheel
- "M" gear knob for manual gear box
- "M" door sills
- Black Anthracite headliner
- Flashlight-Nappa half-leather for seats (or you could opt for full leather as with any other model)


My 550i is a German spec model with the M-Sport package. I refer to it as a 550i M-Sport, because its notibly different (visually) to the standard version and those familiar with the package will understand what M parts it all has on there.

Hope that all makes sense!

JayArras

bloomjbmw, I noticed you owned an E39 M5 and now have an E60 M-Sport. I've read some of the comments on the M5 board on how expensive the M5 is to run. I'm curious if that was a factor in your "stepping down" to an M-Sport, and do you think it was a good compromise?

bloomjbmw

I decided to sell the M5 with about 85K on it. I had an absolute blast driving it and I miss it. Basically I sold it because of two things: 1) I wasn't sure if I wanted to pay for all of the maintenance it would need going forward. 2) I wanted all of the new bells and whistles that come on the newer models (vented seats, better nav, bluetooth, etc). So in the end I have a car that is nearly as fast/fun, gets a little better gas mileage, and has all of the new goodies I wanted - plus I bought it with 18K miles so I should be able to drive it for a while. But make no mistake - the e39 beast will forever have a place in my heart!! BTW, I am watching this 1M Coupe stuff closely. If they outfit the inside with M3 seats and such, maybe I'll be moving that direction...?

JayArras

I hear you! Thanks.

Presley348

A

Presley348

A