Re: Q: 850Csi - M car or not? (end) (archive)

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: It was more than just the steering wheel, shift knob and door runners that are ///M badged. Even the exterior door handles have "BMW Motorsports" pressed into them. And then there is that great big colored "Powered by ///M" on top of the engine, besides all of the mechaincal changes you cite. Owning a 850 CSi, a '00 M-5 and a '00 M-Coupe, I would have to say that other cars have worn the ///M logo on their tails WITHOUT as many changes as the CSi over the Ci. The 850 CSi is an ///M car with the ///M everywhere BUT the trucklid. Totally a marketing decision, not a lack of ///M content.

Although I agree that there is an abundance of ///M content in the CSi, this is to be expected. After all, the 8 series is in the upper echelon of BMW production vehicles. To improve upon it could only mean integrating ///M content.

HOWEVER, a true ///M car is NOT just a base vehicle with all the bolt-on, ///M logoed stuff you can find from the parts bin, added to it (not that this is bad). A true ///M car reflects a no holds barred, fully integrated effort to create a wholly new vehicle... an ///M car. It is not just a tuner car.

Of course, the ///M versions of lower echelon base vehicles approach the heights of the base 8 series. So, it is understandable that the CSi, being the ultimate production iteration of the 8, is viewed as an ///M car. One might look at it as the "M850 CSi", a la the venerable M635 CSi, versus the M6. It is certainly a vast improvement, but it is still not a true ///M.

BUT, (wait for it...) they did produce one ///M8!
This bright red concept vehicle is quite different from the CSi. It has a third more horsepower, thanks to twin low pressure turbochargers and intercooler. It has a wider stance with stunning wide-body fenderflares (the rear flares have integrated brake cooling intakes). The hood has a bulging center section with integrated hood scoop (it looks less garish than it sounds). And, it is 3 inches lower than stock, with 19 inch BBS rims.

But, alas, some FOMOCO type got scared and called it a race car, not a production vehicle. It probable would have cost $200K +, but I bet they would have sold some. Of course, the same could be said about a convertible 850.

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