[Mani59]

Interesting article from AutoCar with an interview with Frank van Meel who said that M cars will be offered as a 4 wheel drive option:

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/ne...ur-wheel-drive

[gthal]

Although many purists will lose their marbles over this, having the option for AWD is a great thing as long as the cars are primarily developed around the RWD architecture. Choice is always good and, regardless of what some feel, AWD does have some advantages.

Besides, it would be fun to have an AWD M3 for the winter and a RWD M2 for the summer

[Sephiroth]

He added that it’s already getting hard to sell rear-driven M cars with 600bhp-plus in markets such as Canada and Switzerland.

Surely Canada and Switzerland are not important markets for M cars?? Last i saw it was China and the US at the top in terms of sales. So how is this a good argument for AWD M cars?

Although many purists will lose their marbles over this

When the people complaining accept that M doesn't make cars they want anymore and don't care what they think, they can finally get some peace

[gthal]

Originally Posted by Sephiroth

Surely Canada and Switzerland are not important markets for M cars?? Last i saw it was China and the US at the top in terms of sales. So how is this a good argument for AWD M cars?

Much of the top half of the US isn't a lot different than Canada in the winter

Although AWD is beneficial in winter, there are reasons to have it other than just snow and ice Like putting 600HP to the ground.

Yes, I know, there will be the inevitable "learn to drive", "ruins the car", "too much understeer", etc, etc comments. I don't disagree with those comments but the vast majority of M buyers (who aren't coming to the forums and fanatical like the rest of us here) aren't pushing the car hard enough on the street and not taking it to the track for much of this to matter (yes, I know everyone here does ). For some, AWD is a good option. Note I said "option" because I would personally continue to buy a RWD platform notwithstanding I live in Canada

[ShocknAwe]

All as a result of HP wars. If BMW M would focus on making lightweight cars again, they could build models with less HP and TQ, keep it RWD, and keep it simple. And no, trying to cut a 4000 lb car down to 3500 lbs doesn't count as making lightweight cars.

AWD=More Power To Ground=More Weight=More Required Power=No RWD

[Sephiroth]

Originally Posted by gthal

Much of the top half of the US isn't a lot different than Canada in the winter

Although AWD is beneficial in winter, there are reasons to have it other than just snow and ice Like putting 600HP to the ground.

Yes, I know, there will be the inevitable "learn to drive", "ruins the car", "too much understeer", etc, etc comments. I don't disagree with those comments but the vast majority of M buyers (who aren't coming to the forums and fanatical like the rest of us here) aren't pushing the car hard enough on the street and not taking it to the track for much of this to matter (yes, I know everyone here does ). For some, AWD is a good option. Note I said "option" because I would personally continue to buy a RWD platform notwithstanding I live in Canada

Sure i can understand that. My issue is with the article.

I think 600 hp is insane, heck 400hp is overkill for the street no matter how heavy these cars are getting.

[Fundguy1]

I hope they finally build transfer cases etc that can except real power and not the cap they pit on the 335xi

[Shazz]

If I wanted Awd, I would have just bought an Audi. At least they have Quattro rally heritage.

[F83]

Originally Posted by Sephiroth

Surely Canada and Switzerland are not important markets for M cars?? Last i saw it was China and the US at the top in terms of sales. So how is this a good argument for AWD M cars?

When I lived in Michigan I avoided an M (got a 335xDrive instead) because of this. I got my M when I moved to Seattle. I admit I think of an M as being RWD but the fact is RWD does indeed suck if you need to deal with hard core winter on a regular basis. Not impossible with good tires, but not good either.

[gthal]

Originally Posted by Sephiroth

Sure i can understand that. My issue is with the article.

I think 600 hp is insane, heck 400hp is overkill for the street no matter how heavy these cars are getting.

Completely agree.

[ChuckAWDM2]

Only thing that will sway me away from a M235ix is a M2x

[PappyVR4]

Originally Posted by Shazz

If I wanted Awd, I would have just bought an Audi. At least they have Quattro rally heritage.

And they also have nose heavy understeering cars. I love Audi styling and interior design, and their AWD is arguably in top spot with Subaru. However, BMW does make a better, more neutral handling AWD than Audi. Audi needs to stop putting their engines way in front of the axle.

This news is disappointing, but I understand why they're doing it.

[Fundguy1]

Originally Posted by PappyVR4

And they also have nose heavy understeering cars. I love Audi styling and interior design, and their AWD is arguably in top spot with Subaru. However, BMW does make a better, more neutral handling AWD than Audi. Audi needs to stop putting their engines way in front of the axle.

This news is disappointing, but I understand why they're doing it.

+1. Audi still consistently is third behind BMW and Mercedes for performance. I was thinking Nissan GTR more.

[jpdchicago]

Would not be surprised if the next M3 comes out with an Xdrive option. It might differentiate it even more than the M4 and release dates could be totally different in that case.
Would be a blow to purists but I am sure it would sell like hotcakes and be able to compete with Audi in the rain and/or snow.

[ChuckAWDM2]

Hoping for a M2x - otherwise I'll stick with the M235ix