M Sport package considered an "M" car?

04-21-2026

Who gives a crap about this, buy what you like or what you have money for or what you think suits you needs.
There will always be haters and different opinions, and you know what they say about opinions, just like a_______, everybody has got one hahaha.
Some will always consider lets say BMW X6 M60isnt a real M but only X6M,
Porsche gang will say that anything under GT3 isnt a real Porsche, Ferrari folks will say why did you buy Ferrari California didnt you have money for Real Ferrari, some people say Urus shouldnt be made and its a Q8 ripoff.
I guarantee, if you took 1000 car enthusiasts of all age and nationality, and told them you bought Koenigsegg Jesko or Ferrari La ferrari, a certain number of them will still disagree with your choice, say "that car isnt worth half that money" or "why didnt you buy Pagani its much more beautiful...
See where im going with this hahaahha.
Stay cool

04-21-2026

My sister in law just bought a 24 X7 M60i and it has the same S68 engine though not the same hybrid power as a 24 M5. I would call it at least partially M.

04-21-2026

B58-M340iX wrote
BMW says they are M cars, although many don't want/consider them to be.

https://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/bmw-m/models.html

M Sport package is not listed as making an M car.

BMW is cheating. People know that as purchase/maintenance/ownership price differences do hurt. It's like "You are a fool to pay that MUCH for what I got for almost nothing by comparison.". That's insulting.

For what BMW says you should look a bit further:

https://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/bmw-m/models.html#faqs.

Entire BMW M vehicles and basic vehicles featuring enhancements from BMW M are not the same.

04-21-2026

No one wrote
M Sport package is not listed as making an M car.

I'm not suggesting that the "M-Sport" models are M models. I'm only speaking to the "M-lites" / M-Performance models being listed as M models from the person I responded to here in the thread (they mentioned the M240). Both URLs that I posted show the Mxxx models (and the first also shows the Xx-Mxx) as M models directly from BMW. I am aware of the differences between the M340/M3 (also, no, I don't go around calling my M340 an "M" car). I'm simply calling out that BMW says it is and providing BMW as a source.

04-21-2026

B58-M340iX wrote
I'm not suggesting that the "M-Sport" models are M models. I'm only speaking to the "M-lites" / M-Performance models being listed as M models from the person I responded to here in the thread (they mentioned the M240). Both URLs that I posted show the Mxxx models (and the first also shows the Xx-Mxx) as M models directly from BMW. I am aware of the differences between the M340/M3 (also, no, I don't go around calling my M340 an "M" car). I'm simply calling out that BMW says it is and providing BMW as a source.

I had quoted you to expand your idea of letting the manufacturer call it the way they choose :thumsup:

(as it's trickier than it seems from the model list: "somewhat Ms" are listed, not all "true Ms" to those who notice prices) and link it closer to the thread. :happy0180:

04-21-2026

My IS 500 isn't even an "F" model.

04-21-2026

I just bought an X3 with msport package. It's not an M car. If someone asks me, I probably would just say its a fake M from BMW. But I like the car, and thats what matters.

04-21-2026

I_squared_r wrote
I just bought an X3 with msport package. It's not an M car. If someone asks me, I probably would just say its a fake M from BMW. But I like the car, and thats what matters.

Only 1 way to define a true M vehicle...

04-22-2026

Tejas1836 wrote
Only 1 way to define a true M vehicle...

By the VIN. BMW made it pretty simple. If your car starts with WBS it is an M car, if it starts with WBA it isn't. There is the delineation.

I don't make the rules.

04-22-2026

Dagamus_NM wrote
By the VIN. BMW made it pretty simple. If your car starts with WBS it is an M car, if it starts with WBA it isn't. There is the delineation.

I don't make the rules.

I guess Z4M coupes and M2s aren't M cars, who knew? :confused2

04-22-2026

Dagamus_NM wrote
By the VIN. BMW made it pretty simple. If your car starts with WBS it is an M car, if it starts with WBA it isn't. There is the delineation.

I don't make the rules.

US made X5M, X6M, X3M vins start with a 5... not wbs... neither does the M2 since its made in Mexico and starts with a 3.

04-22-2026

freakystyly wrote
I guess Z4M coupes and M2s aren't M cars, who knew?

F87 M2’s of all flavors have VINs that start with WBS.

04-22-2026

Dagamus_NM wrote

I don't make the rules.

Yeah, you just falsly QUOTE them :clap:

04-23-2026

Factually stated, BMW M cars are full, motorsport-derived machines, while M Performance models are upgraded versions of regular BMWs.

Aside from 'stickers', badges, VINs, and marketing jargon et all - -
BMW ///M cars are built by BMW’s dedicated M division as true performance cars, developed with track capability as a priority.
M Performance models are essentially sportier trims of standard BMWs, meant for daily driving with extra punch.

> ///M car = street-legal race car
> M Performance = fast daily driver

Let's highlight just a few unmistakeable differences for understanding:

Engine and Power

///M cars:

Unique engines developed specifically engineered by BMW M
Higher rev limits, more aggressive tuning
Bespoke engine designations =>ie S65

M Performance:

Modified versions of regular BMW engines
Still powerful, not as extreme

Chassis and Handling

///M cars:

Heavily redesigned suspension, wider track, reinforced chassis
Advanced differentials (like active M differentials)
Designed for track precision and aggressive driving

M Performance:

Improved suspension and brakes vs base models
Fundamentally same platform as regular series car
More comfort-oriented

Transmission & Drivetrain

///M cars:

Special transmissions (e.g., M-specific automatics or manuals)
RWD-focused or performance-tuned AWD

M Performance:

Standard BMW transmissions
xDrive is common and less aggressive

Design & Features

///M cars:

Wider bodies, aggressive aerodynamics, quad exhausts
Unique interiors with M-badged displays and controls

M Performance:

Sportier styling (M badges, wheels, trim)
Less unique visually and functionally

Price & Positioning

> ///M cars: Top-tier, significantly more expensive
> M Performance: Mid-tier, positioned between base models and full ///M

So there you have it...
Perhaps it is time to close this debate, this thread...shall we? :slap:

An image attached to this post, provided by the poster

04-23-2026

Again, BMW says M performance cars are also M cars, although many don't want/consider them to be. If we're being literal, BMW, the father and mother of all of our cars, decides what is ///M and what is not. I hate that logic, because the creator of .gif says it is pronounced "jiff" and not "giff", but it is what it is

. "M Sport" optioned cars are not labeled as M cars.

https://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/bmw-m/models.html
https://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/3-series/3-series-sedan/bmw-3-series-sedan.html
__________________

04-23-2026

Lots of opinions in this topic.....My X5 has the M Sport Package, not an "M" vehicle with my VIN beginning with 5UXCR......, not with WBA........

04-23-2026

Three Stents wrote
Lots of opinions in this topic.....My X5 has the M Sport Package, not an "M" vehicle with my VIN beginning with 5UXCR......, not with WBA........

Exactly! My X3 M50 VIN begins with 5UX73. There isn’t any confusion which is which because new and used real M cars are priced significantly higher and once you get behind the wheel and accelerate the real M cars convince you.

04-23-2026

There was a guy at my wife's work who was bragging about his new "M" car. Owning an '23 M5C I said "oh, let me check it out". When we get outside, he has a M440i. I just looked at him and chuckled.

05-04-2026

'The pen is mightier than the sword' but not in the case of an m sport badge being compared to an M.

05-04-2026

smokinjoe64 wrote
Factually stated, BMW M cars are full, motorsport-derived machines, while M Performance models are upgraded versions of regular BMWs.

Aside from 'stickers', badges, VINs, and marketing jargon et all - -
BMW ///M cars are built by BMW’s dedicated M division as true performance cars, developed with track capability as a priority.
M Performance models are essentially sportier trims of standard BMWs, meant for daily driving with extra punch.
> ///M car = street-legal race car
> M Performance = fast daily driver

Let's highlight just a few unmistakeable differences for understanding:

Engine and Power
///M cars:

Unique engines developed specifically engineered by BMW M
Higher rev limits, more aggressive tuning
Bespoke engine designations =>ie S65

M Performance:

Modified versions of regular BMW engines
Still powerful, not as extreme
Chassis and Handling
///M cars:

Heavily redesigned suspension, wider track, reinforced chassis
Advanced differentials (like active M differentials)
Designed for track precision and aggressive driving

M Performance:

Improved suspension and brakes vs base models
Fundamentally same platform as regular series car
More comfort-oriented

Transmission & Drivetrain
///M cars:
Special transmissions (e.g., M-specific automatics or manuals)
RWD-focused or performance-tuned AWD
M Performance:

Standard BMW [...]

Whos fact and what decade are you dreaming of? 38years of continous BMWs and life long but please this is 2026 not 2006 the last time a true motorsport derived engine was used, i had it in my S85 E63M.
There is nothing motorsport about the current generations thats just the reality of the modern bmw m. It is what it is and all the rest of this noise is bmw fans fighting with other bmw fans to think of they spend more they have exclusity cause they are insecure, who cares what anyone else has or says anyway. The fanboys thin M means motorsport and that an m performance is lesser than a M which is lesser than an M comp which is lesser than an M CS which is lesser than an MCSL, just all bs. They are all fine regular cars but not sportscars in any way shape or form. And whether its an ugly G80, or the beauty of my F98, which share same engine as alot of other cars, no real motorsport heritage though fine performing cars, one ugly duckling and one a muscular beast.
Gents, stop trying to convince yourself and others of anything other than ure trying to justify your own insecurities with all this ranting and fingerpoint, remember, when you point a finger at someone, ure reall pointing 3 at yourself. Live and let live if BMW markets m performance as M, those are the only real facts as they own the brand, not you or any other keyboard warrior defender of ye mightly M. :cool:

05-05-2026

m630 wrote
whether its an ugly G80, or the beauty of my F98, which share same engine as alot of other cars, no real motorsport heritage though fine performing cars, one ugly duckling and one a muscular beast.
Gents, stop trying to convince yourself and others of anything other than ure trying to justify your own insecurities with all this ranting

So you "