X3 M Series?

[BigO1120]

I was at a local grocery store this past weekend when I saw one of the new 2006 X3s in the parking lot (the ones with the painted bumpers). I decided to go and have a look to see if there is really any difference between my ’04 X3 and the new ’06 X3. To my surprise I noticed something…the ’06 model came with an ///M Series steering wheel and the rims had the ///M Series emblem on it (I’m not talking about someone putting an ///M Series sticker on the rims, I’m talking about actual ///M Series rims).

Since when is this feature available. Since my father works for BMW I asked him if there is now an ///M Series version available for the X3 but he hasn’t heard of that yet.

Anyone know about this?

[broknlgs24]

couldn't they have just bought M Series Rims?

[BigO1120]

That's a possibility but the rims they had were X3 standard rims with the M Series logo on them. Plus they had the steering wheel.

[cpRtech]

BMW have now decided to introduce MSport versions of almost if not all of thier model range.

In short this means M Style alloys/Steering Wheel Decals on the Speedometer and I think door entry seals.

In short a few M badges for extra bucks.....a car with some show but none of the go.

If you want an M model go out and get one.If you look at the MSport version of the 3 series even Stevie Wonder would notice that the M3 has 4 exhaust tips (2 each side) compared with 2 tips on one side on the M Sport versions.The wheel arches are much more flaired and most M drivers notice at the huge bulge on the hood concealing the beating heart of the beast.

[broknlgs24]

i hear ya, but how many people here
have the M steering wheel? there's
no M Series X5.

i'm sure someone will chime in though
w/ more knowledge than i though.

[cpRtech]

Basically through the Model lifecycle a few things happen...in the case of the previous 3 series (E46) it was introduced as a Saloon then came the coupe. A year or so in the M3 coupe was released.Approx 12 months later the M3 cabriolet was released then the M Sport versions of the standard saloon until finally the termination of the model range of this chassis the M3 ZCP (over ion the US) or CS over here in the UK.Then finally the e$^ was replaced by the Honda Acoord...ooops sorry they look so alike..E90 3 series.

In short in order to keep their product alive manufacturers have to slightly reinvent the model(cosmetic changes) to keep the product from looking tired or dated.

There has been reportedly an M version of the M5 as a concept...I have even seen a black one Mbadged in Guildford Surrey UK with a Nurhmbergring Decal on the back ...who knows may have been.As regards release no M version but the M Sport edition with badges stickers and non M tuned engine is due for release in 2006 in the UK.

[BigO1120]

If it's the case of just ordering the steering wheel and requesting the rims then I think it's a silly thing to do.

[drex]

actually, the 4.6 and 4.8 were touted as "M" series in the beginning, but changed to the designation 'HP' which was BMW's designation for 'high performance'. But there is no official X5 "M" version (yet).... but jeff and i are working on it!

[jaaX3]

It's the $1800 Sport Package. It comes with:


18 x 8.0 Star Spoke (Styling 113) alloy wheels, 235/50R-18 all-season tires
Shadowline exterior trim
8-way power adjustable front sport seats with 2-way manual thigh support
3-spoke leather-wrapped sport steering wheel
Full body-color aerodynamic kit with painted side skirts

Note: Sport suspension consists of stiffer springs and anti-roll bars. While these features improve the sporty handling of the X3, they can also create a firmer ride, which may not be acceptable for all customers.

I've heard the sport tuned X3 has a very harsh ride. But then again, isn't that what "sport" is all about?

[mavic1010]

M steering wheel is very different from the normal sport/non-sport steering wheel. Smaller diameter, nappa leather, thicker. I have the sport wheel one of my X3's and the M wheel on the other. I prefer the M wheel. I even put M3 seats in my X3, cuz I just hated the seats that came with it.