[MalibuBimmer]

But does it have twin dual exhausts?

[SakhirM4]

Originally Posted by MalibuBimmer

But does it have twin dual exhausts?

Nope - just dual exhausts

[yco]

Originally Posted by Dlpfcb

Because you can basically get any series with an M badge on it because it has an M package. Slap some M door sills and different suspension and it is magically an M car.

M badged car and an M car is a different thing and everyone who needs to know the difference knows it.. at the corner or at straight line becomes obvious for everyone..

[GuidoK]

Originally Posted by SakhirM4

It has been that way for along time and the ///M brand wasn't diluted. My 1986 325es had several ///M logos on it from the factory. Nobody ever mistook it for an E30 M3 nor was it even close. My 2001 Z3 3.0 has several ///M badges on it from the factory. Nobody thinks it is an M Roadster. Doesn't dilute the brand. Do I think people should put ///M badges that don't come from the factory on their cars. No - that is fake.

Are you sure those weren't dealer fitted?
Ive seen a lot of z3 3.0i's but never one that claimed to have m badges factory fitted.
325es I've never seen as I think thats fitted with a restricted/detuned US only engine? (compared to the 325i)

Imho this is different to the current situation where bmw's with 'm style' accesoiries are fitted with m badges and launched at international motorshows this way (for instance a 218d active tourer FWD minimpv's fitted with m badges on international motorshows on display).
That kind of dillution wasnt there in the 80's
Back then you could have a m535i.

[ska///235i]

You can make fun of these M parts and all, was at the dealer today and saw a X4 M440 (or whatever is called), that thing was $70k...OMFG

[GuidoK]

^ and still no LSD?
(in contrary to that z3 3.0i that I believe had an LSD factory fitted?)

[MalibuBimmer]

Originally Posted by SakhirM4

Nope - just dual exhausts

Attachment 1752053

Fake M then.

[SakhirM4]

Originally Posted by GuidoK

Are you sure those weren't dealer fitted?
Ive seen a lot of z3 3.0i's but never one that claimed to have m badges factory fitted.
325es I've never seen as I think thats fitted with a restricted/detuned US only engine? (compared to the 325i)

Imho this is different to the current situation where bmw's with 'm style' accesoiries are fitted with m badges and launched at international motorshows this way (for instance a 218d active tourer FWD minimpv's fitted with m badges on international motorshows on display).
That kind of dillution wasnt there in the 80's
Back then you could have a m535i.

I don't have the 325es anymore so can only show pictures of what it had. This is the steering wheel and shit knob.



After 17 years, I still have the Z3 and this is a picture of its interior with a close-up of the shift knob.

[GuidoK]

Thats an M shiftknob and m steering wheel.
Seperately purchaced or option ticked parts.
It's basically ordering a z3 and pay for fitting an z3m steering wheel.
So its something you've asked$paid for. Indeed bmw has been doing that for a long time.
So its not really fitting m badges, but equipping the car with parts meant for an m (but usually they were listed in the brochure, often even before the m version was available. In the e30's days they had a whole line of parts called 'M technic' I think, but as far as parts bolted on the outside I think those never were fitted with m badges like they are now)

I tought you had like a base model where bmw just put m badges on (so on the outside at the type badge)

[SakhirM4]

Originally Posted by GuidoK

Thats an M shiftknob and m steering wheel.
Seperately purchaced or option ticked parts.
It's basically ordering a z3 and pay for fitting an z3m steering wheel.
So its something you've asked$paid for. Indeed bmw has been doing that for a long time.
So its not really fitting m badges, but equipping the car with parts meant for an m (but usually they were listed in the brochure, often even before the m version was available. In the e30's days they had a whole line of parts called 'M technic' I think)

That is wrong!! I ordered my Z3 and am the only owner. The steering wheel and shift knob came on the 3.0i with the sport seats. The parts on my 325es, which I also purchase new, came that way on the es model (not 325e). No extra $$$, no extra parts. I know what I bought.

[yco]

Originally Posted by SakhirM4

That is wrong!! I ordered my Z3 and am the only owner. The steering wheel and shift knob came on the 3.0i with the sport seats. The parts on my 325es, which I also purchase new, came that way on the es model (not 325e). No extra $$$, no extra parts. I know what I bought.

can be a different between EU spec and US spec..

[JMD]

Originally Posted by HFW003

I know it's a free world but I really don't get the point of posts like this, especially when the topic has been done to death in many other posts.

Just another excuse for someone who drives an M car, big deal, to show how "big" their dick is?

....Yeah! But lets keep on killing it,...until those that don't get the point,...Get The Point!

[GuidoK]

Originally Posted by yco

can be a different between EU spec and US spec..

Or a special edition fitted with the parts.
If SakhirM4 posts the last 7 digits of his z3's VIN we can exactly see which option codes it had coming from the factory and where the parts came with.
BMW lists both steeringwheels as base parts, so its not a part that comes on the base model, its part of some optional packeage.

I can see that the gearknob is an option in the S435A packeage, which could be delivered without m badge on the knob (part 25111434610) or with m badge (part 25112229677). Careful with that gearknob, its expensive at over $200 nowadays
In the ETK you can exactly see which part came with which option packeage.

[SakhirM4]

Originally Posted by GuidoK

Or a special edition fitted with the parts.
If SakhirM4 posts the last 7 digits of his z3's VIN we can exactly see which option codes it had coming from the factory and where the parts came with.
BMW lists both steeringwheels as base parts, so its not a part that comes on the base model, its part of some optional packeage.

I can see that the gearknob is an option in the S435A packeage, which could be delivered without m badge on the knob (part 25111434610) or with m badge (part 25112229677). Careful with that gearknob, its expensive at over $200 nowadays

The Z3 has the Sport Package, which included sports seats, M steering wheel, M shift knob, 17" cross spoke wheels. I never said that I had a base model. It is a 3.0i which has a higher trim level than the 2.5i In addition, my Z3 is a Dinan S-1 including Dinan serial number. Dinan S-1 includes big bore throttle body, cold air intake, Stage 3 software, lower springs and shocks, bigger sway bars, and exhaust.

Last 7 of VIN is LJ57885

[GuidoK]

double post...

[GuidoK]

But then they're option ticked parts yes?

Originally Posted by GuidoK

Thats an M shiftknob and m steering wheel.
Seperately purchaced or option ticked parts.

Your vin lists option 710 M Leather Steering Wheel, probably sold as packeage deal with seats etc as the Sport Package you mention.

Like I said in my previous post, bmw has been doing that for a long time.
However m badges on the outside on non m models is I think something from the last few years.

[SakhirM4]

Originally Posted by GuidoK

But then they're option ticked parts yes?



Your vin lists option 710 M Leather Steering Wheel, probably sold as packeage deal with seats etc as the Sport Package you mention.

Like I said in my previous post, bmw has been doing that for a long time.
However m badges on the outside on non m models is I think something from the last few years.

Yes they were options from the factory. BMW NA has many of it's own packages which are not necessarily the same as other countries.

[GuidoK]

Originally Posted by SakhirM4

Yes they were options from the factory. BMW NA has many of it's own packages which are not necessarily the same as other countries.

yes packeages, but those packeages are usually a collection of option numbers.
Most countries/importers make these action packed models. For instance where I live a (prefacelift) z4 3.0is, 2.5is etc has been sold. But thats just a z4 with leather, parking sensors chromeline interior and some other goodies.
You can buy the exact same trim level in any other country if you tick the options. Theyre not options that are bespoke for that country.
The only thing not tickeable was the letter s on the badge; I dont know if that was fitted at the factory or that the importer fitted that (my guess is the last)
Usually the parts themselves (optional parts that is, mechanical parts is different mostly due to regulations) can be ticked in any country.

[SakhirM4]

Originally Posted by GuidoK

yes packeages, but those packeages are usually a collection of option numbers.
Most countries/importers make these action packed models. For instance where I live a (prefacelift) z4 3.0is, 2.5is etc has been sold. But thats just a z4 with leather, parking sensors chromeline interior and some other goodies.
You can buy the exact same trim level in any other country if you tick the options. Theyre not options that are bespoke for that country.
The only thing not tickeable was the letter s on the badge; I dont know if that was fitted at the factory or that the importer fitted that (my guess is the last)
Usually the parts themselves (optional parts that is, mechanical parts is different mostly due to regulations) can be ticked in any country.

I didn't say they were bespoke - just that they might be packaged or optioned differently.

In the case of the 325es, the es was a single emblem that was mounted next to the 325 emblem. This was done at the factory not by the importer.

[GuidoK]

^yes I know, the es was a model solely made for the us with a detuned, emission regulated engine, with larger capacity etc. That car and its parts is also seperately listed in the ETK under the us market section.

[Adieu]

Originally Posted by ShaunPatrick220

What the Christ were they trying to accomplish with the headlights?!?

Cutoffs for ChinaHID in reflector housings? Maybe?


Idk but i saw a loooooot of those weird "eyelashes" on old e36's in eastern europe

[Adieu]

Originally Posted by jester17

"That SunTek bumper guard really ties the car together," said The Dude, never.

Originally Posted by EJT86

Of course! Why would you want a hideously ugly scratch on your car that's visible when you look up close? Especially when you can install an even larger uglier item to your bumper to protect from possible scratches

pretty sure people put those solely over EXISTING tears/scratches, as theyre priced similarly to touchup paint kits, but a loooot easier to apply


If not for PDCs being in the way, I'd have bought one.