BMW lost their way when they introduced the 318ti.

I went to a local, small BMW dealership recently to get my airbag recall done. They had a couple nice cars on the showroom floor, but the clear “pinnacle” was the XM. The salesman said every single dealership got one, and also they they cannot sell them to save their lives. Funny enough, an older lady was there for something and she said “is that like the new minivan?”. That’s what the average person thinks of this monstrosity. They think it’s a fucking BMW minivan 🤦🏻‍♂️ The pinnacle of the M lineup looks like a Lego minivan

Not only have they ruined M for M Enthusiasts, they have ruined MINI for MINI enthusiasts.

I remember when BMW made a big deal of the carbon fibre roof on the M3 CSL as a way to save weight. Now they are making a big deal of fancy lighting in it to remind you of a nightclub, and they’re proud of that. Says it all - the brand for playboys rather than serious drivers. Sadly you are right in your analysis and I agree with every single word you say.

As a long time E46 owner, everything said here was spot on. Something that makes me sad day to day is noticing new KIA’s that look better on the road than my favorite brands new line up.

As someone who works at a bmw dealership and sees these cars every day I can definitely agree with you. The other day I was thinking about this exact topic because an x2 with an m sport package came in and had m stripes on the grills. I can only imagine what the original 400 members of the bmw Motorsport division in the 70s would have to say about seeing m badges on a grocery getter crossover

How did we get soo far away from early 2000's perfection? This must be exactly how muscle car guys felt as the years went by.

You're dead right about the M3/M4 situation. I recently bought an E46 M3, which was my childhood dream since NFS Most Wanted. Next up on my list are E30 and E24. Sadly, this just shows that the brand doesn't offer me anything relevant from today's lineup.

One of the best essays about an automotive brand ever published on KZfaq.

The entire auto industry has lost their minds... In so many way and you nailed all of it in the case of BMW.

As an AMG fan i will offer my condolences to M enthusiasts, as (at least to me) AMG badge has also lost it meaning

Bmw client advisor here over the last 4 years especially it’s really gotten out of hand, the B58 is very well crafted and the M340 while it wears a fake M badge is honestly a great car, I’m worried next gen will kill it. Very well said man, nice to not feel alone. It’s made me hate my job. It gives you nothing to look up towards to stay inspired besides a commission check which only gives you the warm feeling so many times. I loved this brand. I was a die hard with my 06’ 330 and my tuned 340, best cars I could have possibly dreamed for and still afforded in those stages of my life. I hope that they lean into their motorsport fans even just marginally otherwise I really plan to leave and go work for porsche bc I just cant do it anymore lol.

Completely agree. Their older cars are just better and really have a soul. Getting an E34 5-series as a daily was one of the best ideas I ever had^^

What bmw really needs is a guy like Andreas Preuninger as the head of the M department. It’s quite impressive Porsche is still making a aspirated 6cil with a manual gearbox and analog instrumentation

Yup. Agreed. I think most people will say that the E46 era was peak BMW. BMW has turned from the Ultimate Driving Machine to the Ultimate MARKETING Machine...

Many of us share the sentiments in this video. Please bring back the classic //M we've all grown up to love. Thank you for making this video!

Man. You're definitely great at speaking your mind without insult. I love your perspective and the ability to listen and grow. Full disclosure I'm an Audi guy but I see total value in every angle shared. Kudos!!!

I am not a BMW fan, nor am I a BMW detractor. I found this video interesting and informative. What I especially liked was how well you made your case and how articulate you are. Great video!

BMW, like pretty much every other car maker now, doesn't want to cater to enthusiasts because they work on the cars themselves. They want people who pay $300 for an oil change and tire rotation at the specified intervals. Because that continued maintenance money is the subscription model that makes them the most money. And especially true of people who love the older models and probably can't even afford even a base-model new car.

You really spoke straight out of my heart. Im also really impressed since you were part of BMW's history while it kind of was what it used to be. For me the M8 GTE and the M6 GT3 kind of mark the beginning of BMW's move away from their past, but I dont know why. These racecars simply look kind of odd to me and do not spread the emotion an Z4 GT3 or M3 GT2 could. Im also saddened by current developements and I hope that someday the pull the emergency brake and turn into the right direction. Greetings from Germany :)

You absolutely nailed it 100% and with your knowledge of past and present I feel it is a valuable take on someone who drives with passion, that being said, that’s what you’re missing is the passion and I can hear it in your voice. How much do you long for those other vehicles from the past.

As a poor kid growing up in late 2000s and early 2010s Turkey, movies like "The Transporter" or games like Most Wanted made me fall in love with BMW and I couldn't wait to grow up to buy the latest BMW when I would make it big. BMW inspired me to work hard in my classes and get a good job, and now that I've finished High School, and now I'm in a country where cars are more accessible, I choose to drive anything else because modern BMW is not the same BMW that raised me.

Couldn't have said it better myself, Mike. I LOVE old BMWs. I LOVE them. But what they are pumping out today just leaves me absolutely baffled. I mean every car company has had their ups and downs, but BMW for the past 10 years or so has felt like they're a gigantic troll effort to see how much shit they can get away with.

I’ve never looked at it that way before, but now that you mentioned it I completely agree with you and I would be happy for the m3 to return to its roots.

When I was young, my father had a Opel Kadett GSi, the one with the 2.0L engine, 16V and 150HP. It was an incredible machine and the Joy I felt driving with my Pa is irreplacable to this day. Than, he had to replace the car because the Turbo busted two times in a row. This was the first time my father went with BMW. And he bought the E39 540i. My God what a beautiful car it was. That growling V8 is still ringing trough my ears. He had the car for 4 yeaes and when I turned 14, he bought the M3 E92, wich I still consider the last true M performance car since it was the last naturally aspirated M model. Now dont get me wrong, Im not saying that the modern BMW M models are bad, in fact, they are better and more powerful. Cars like the M5 CS are incredibly capable machines. And Ive driven em all. From the F80 M4, all the way back to the E36 M3. Every single M model (RS and AMGs aswell because I have a big pool of connections) Not a single one of the newer M models compare to the M3 E92 or older M models when it comes to PURE DRIVING PLEASURE. Not just because of the V8. But because of the entire package. The Looks, the feelings, the design of interior and exterior. Everything. Something no modern BMW can give me. And while I could have gone with a BMW M model myself, I simply choose a Opel Corsa E GSi with 210HP. Now of course this doesnt compare to any BMW M model, but actually, on country streets and curvy roads, it delivers a way more fun experience than any BMW can deliver you nowadays. My father felt like a young teen too once he driven the hell out of my GSi. Small hatchbacks feel like a Go Kart on the street. We had to sell our M3 E92 due to high maintenance costs. But I know one thing for sure: Nothing is good ng to replace the sheer Joy that an old BMW M brought you.

You’ve hit the nail on the head. Sad how the M division is just watered downs their vehicles. They should have made the 4 series the “4 door” and kept the M3 as the coupe.

A very (sadly) accurate assessment of the current state of affairs at BMW M. I’m also a lifetime fan and it’s become increasingly difficult to A) Get excited about the brand B) Defend the brand from naysayers Yes, most manufacturers are moving to “cleaner” alternatives, but that doesn’t mean you get to completely ditch the formula that made you great (///M especially). The glaring comparison that was made to Porsche was absolutely spot on… Despite modernisation, Porsche has not forgone their heritage. I guess my only option now is to get a Porsche the next go around 😔

I totally concur. Mike, I literally bought my E28 because you hard work both building and documenting the history of classic BMWs had demonstrated the rich heritage of the brand. Had it not been for Stanceworks and Rusty I don't know if I would have been able to appreciate the understated design of the 80's 5 series.

Absolutely right. I grew up with the original M1 being the pinnacle of aspiration. I used to walk to school past a BMW dealer with a metallic grey E24 635CSi in the showroom window, and every day I stopped to stare at it. The E28 and E30 were the finest daily drivers in their classes. When I could afford them, I bought and drove and drove and drove my E46's, my E91 and most of all my several beloved E39's, sedans and Tourings, in which I must have done half a million miles. It is many years since I have felt the urge to pass a BMW dealership and look at what's inside. I have an old Porsche and an old Mercedes too and you're right, those brands have paid far better respect to their heritage, especially Porsche. My current all-weather do-everything daily, though, is no longer a BMW: it's a Toyota. If you'd told me that in 1989 I'd have laughed in your face.

Well said Mike. I will never understand why the M badge ends up on everything. I miss the days when it really meant something.

Hard to believe people were complaining about how big the E36 is when compared to the E30. The new 3 and 4 series are the same size as the 7 series used to be.

I agree. I had the E90 generation 335i and I’ve not driven another generation of 3 series that I felt as connected to as a driver since. They can be objectively be a better car on paper but they never felt like a drivers car like that generation.

Loved the video and passion. Good on you!!!

Long time BMW fanatic, here. I remember buying and fixing up my first one back in the early 90's. It was just a lowly e21 that lit the fire I have for the brand. This is the best video I've seen on this topic. You're spot on in every way. I remember a time when M actually meant something. What a time to be alive.

You have summarised my thoughts perfectly. As a proud owner of my e46 M3, e39 540i-6M and e38 740i as my daily, I have totally disconnected from the brand. Sadly it’s all about chasing shareholder value. If only the world shifted to focus more on authenticity than market share growth. I’m sharing this vid with everyone I know. Greetings from South Africa

Honestly man I love this video I couldn’t agree more and your closing remarks really show that you have so much love for this company and it’s history and it’s clear you just want them to do right by us again

Great video. Your points are balanced and well articulated.

You absolutely nailed it. I feel like you voiced every BMW enthusiast out there. Thank you.

This is the nerdiest, most true and relevant video I've seen in a while. Thanks for saying it cuz a lot of us feel this way. It's why the used car market is so out of control. Not just BMW but a lot of other companies are losing their way.

I have an E39 530i and I'm obsessed with it to the point, where I'm feeling more love towards it every time I get to interact with newer BMWs. It's just like I'm proud that despite the age and affordability of that car, it still remains a role model for the balance of things it provides to the users. So far it has been a car for me that always makes me turn around for a glance when going back home, always got me roomy, comfortable, stable, relaxed and easy to speak when going 200 at the highway sitting in passenger/back seats, when I've got the occasion to being driven in it. It always gave me the feeling of quality, none of washed switches, nothing falling apart, no squeaks, this feeling of solidity hits me especially when I'm jumping in it straight after driving other car (E60 of F10 for example), moreover it's really easy to use, it's mostly wise designed, can come with almost every option that the E38 7 series offered and it's spot on the line when it's not getting all to heavy to drive well. Man, that car slides exactly like you order, there is no surprises, there is no interruptions in the connection between the car and the driver, it's blasting through the corners planted and I could basically continue all day long. As long as all of that paradise isn't covered by rust, it's even very reliable. I'm pretty sure I'm not getting any other car as I've tried many other BMWs and nothing else gives me the same feeling and satisfaction, it might be tempting, nice to get something new, but at the end of the day, it's disappointing. That's why I'll just put the money in E39 to make the upgrades, cause it makes much more sense for me anyway 🫡

Mike, I love your videos. They're always so well done, and your voice is fantastic for the narration. I'm relatively new to the BMW family, having picked up a mint, 2011 E90 328 xDrive with 39K miles on it back in 2016. I've since purchased a '19 X3 M40i (G01) as my wife's daily driver and the B58 is an amazing engine. My daily is a 2015 M235i (F22) and it's been fantastic. I do feel the 4-series wasn't needed and only muddied the waters, so to speak. I wanted an older BMW but most E30/E36/E46 are way overpriced if it's a nice, low mileage example, otherwise they've been clapped out by some flat bill, vaping bro-dog. I was giddy to pick up an '83 320i Sport that is completely rust-free and am working to bring it back to life. It needs SO much work, but as a guy who loves the old BMW designs, I am really looking forward to the day that I can have a 100% analog driving experience. No RGBs needed.

Completly agree! I’ve been saying this for years! The e46/e39 was the last true enthusiast built car in my opinion. BMW is making cars for profit now and not for the true heart of the brand.

I think my favorite quote, 'Impressively fast night club on 23 inch wheels'. I agree that a lot of these brands have diluted themselves - Audi S-class, BMW M-class, etc... This episode was spot on with a lot of things in the auto industry. ❤👊

Wow… I can sign under this video 👌 very well presented, thanks ✌️

Absolutely right!! I thought I was the only one thinking this. Have had four and not keen to carry on.

Completely agree. It's a strange feeling when you get more excited about concept cars from Hyundai (N Vision 74) than you do from BMW.

Very well said. Even if I don't own an M car (1992 7 series) I am still left puzzled by the direction BMW and the M division are going in.

Cheers Bro. Thats the best point of View I've every heard. I am a german Engineer in automotive industry. In 2012 I worked for BMW in their huge plant in Dingolfing. Looking back now makes me cry. Only 11 years later and M GmbH transformed into commercial bullshit, fucking up its own legacy

Love the look of the BMW GTP IMSA car, the front end pays tribute to their history. Colors and Carbon fiber looks incredible. Thanks for the video, like all car MFG's some of the cars they make are awesome some not so much.

Agreed. M now stands for Marketing Division

The "old" DTM was THE BEST Touringcar series ever! The cars, the sound and the drivers were just perfect!

Excellent arguments! As someone that drove and loved a Z3 for twenty-three years, neither BMW, nor the bloated Z4 were considered when it finally came time to say goodbye to the Z3 and its amazing I-6. I drive a Miata now because it's a well made, driver-focused car--the kinda car BMW used to make.

Spot on. Last time I was at the dealership the only cars I was remotely interested in where all in the pre-owned area.

Absolutely nailed it. I spent 3 days at the Goodwood Festival of Speed a couple weeks ago and was pleased to see that BMW had an entire courtyard to showcase. Disappointingly, aside from a 2002, there were no historically significant cars on display. Only their new luxury electric line. Given that the FOS is meant to be a celebration of history and heritage, I was saddened to see BMW disregard it. All other brands there had showings of their old race cars. Everything from F1 to DTM. Yet BMW failed to bring even an M3. I think we’ve all noticed this new behavior, and you’ve summed it up very concisely.

In 1987 I walked past a red shark nosed car. I knew it was a BMW and looking at it with my 10 year old eyes I knew it was special , but the tri coulored M before for the single chrome number six was something I had never seen before. Despite growing up with the Countach as the poster car, I fell in love with the M brand. Other kids drooled over Italian exotics , I found myself feeling that way about an E28 M5 or E30 M3. I’ve owned about a dozen BMW’s ,M3’s and after my final f80 , I felt that the Mbrabd was so diluted and just had strayed so far from its heritage. Your video was the most fact and feeling based video that not only made sense but was so relatable. Thank you for making this. You put in words what so many of us feel.

9:45 "we have a impressively fast nightclub on 23 inch wheels" - almost spit my drink out. Ouch. Loved my E92 335i and my E46 330ci. I had been feeling your sentiment, but hadn't put it into words. This hit me hard. I don't know that I can look at newer BMWs with any level of respect.

I’m 23 and all i love is old bmw cars, the new ones are just sad, like you described..

Totally agree with everything you said! - BMW and M have been in the hands of the worst crop of corporate executives and chief designers to ever land in Munich! - it started with the trivialization of the M brand and then embarked on the most horrendous designs that not a sober person can understand.

I really hope BMW manages to eventually change course. I can't see that happening without some staffing switches, and I can't see that happening without pushback from their target audience. I appreciate you putting this together, Mike, you're doing all that you can.

I couldn't agree with you more, Mike. I've got older BMWs too, and I look through my rose tinted glasses at the "good old days"...

Spot on. I did a CF wide body E46M driver. Now I don't even have a Bimmer in the fleet. Hard to believe they drank that much of the "Kool Aid".

I totally feel the same as you! I live in Germany / Bavaria and drive E30s since 1994. I simply don't understand BMW styling any longer, they lost me. Nevertheless there will always be a BMW in my ownership. My newest one in an E39 as daily driver 😊

I 100% agree with everything you said. I was a BMW STEP student in LA in 2012 which in retrospect, was the end of the era of decent BMW vehicles. I was proud of BMW and being an advocate, But now, they’ve gone so far off in the other direction, I don’t know if it can ever come back to what it was. The feeling just isn’t there with the new stuff. I want to like it but it’s so hard. 🍻

That XM looks like a gym bro Transformer...that turns into a 1996 Dodge RAM pickup when Megatron calls for battle.

I love your passion and agree with everything you’ve said. Sincerely, A Ford guy in a world where the Mustang Mach E exists.

I became a BMW enthusiast in 1971(at the age of 14) after reading about the Bavaria and its ability to cruise at 120 mph - as well as finding a copy of Turn Your Hymnals to 2002 by David E. Davis. In 1983 I finally bought a 1973 Bavaria and since then I’ve owned 11 other BMWs, including the two I still own. I’ve also been an active member of BMW CCA for over four decades. Last year was the first time I have ever replaced a BMW with a vehicle other than another BMW. I did consider buying a G42 M240i, but after an extended drive I found it to offer little more from an enthusiast standpoint than my F22 M235i. In addition, as one magazine noted, the G42 styling brief appears to be, “make it look like a Lego version of the F22.” An F87 M2 Comp will still turn my head, but not much else in Munich’s current lineup appeals to me.

It's about time someone made this video. I've been a die hard BMW fan since I was a small child. I could never afford BMW insurance when I was in my teens, so I didn't get an M3 until I was in my 30s - a Euro spec E36 M3 Evo, then another one several years later. When the E36 M3 came out it was a little fat and heavy compared to the E30, but undoubtedly an amazing piece of machinery. When the E92 came out, it was literally too big and too weighty to feel like a proper M3 in my opinion, and felt more like a GT car than an M3, but, it was still a beast of a machine nonetheless. I feel like the E92 was the beginning of the big fat heavy monstrosities we have now. Today I have a RWD F22 M240i. With some performance and suspension mods it definitely now feels like a proper M car, and reminds me of my E36 M3 - light, agile, fast, and RWD. BMW really lost it for me when they started making their performance cars AWD. I'm lucky to get a late last gen M240i that is a proper RWD, I don't honestly know what to make of the G Series M240i, it's fugly to say the least. I'm also old enough to remember the BMW adverts on TV that stated 'all' BMWs were RWD, and that depiction of a ball being powered from the rear and not the front.

This is where I love Porsche, they’re so tuned in into their identity.

Former BMW 135i owner here… The most BMW non-M car even IMO. I’ve never owned an M car, but I can see not only has the M brand been watered down but BMW overall has lost its way. There are some highlights, but it’s just in a sad state overall. Thanks for making this video. I enjoyed it immensely!

Like this style of content, Mike. Video essays on cars definitely are a dime a dozen, but seeing your unique take on the formula is refreshing. Wouldn't mind more of these!

After the big ass grill ( yes. That grill ) and the digital speedometer ( seeing that rev counter go as you speed up ) something snapt

Sad but true... I agree with you. Great video 👏.

The M1 that crashed at FOS is a true reflection of where the styling is going

Agree with you on most points. Once we got into SUVs with M badges is when it all went wrong. I don't see an issue between drawing a line between the 2 and 4 door M3s and calling the 2 door an M4. The E90/E60 generation was brilliant, even if plagued by reliability issues.

When covering the early BMW Motorsport origins, please remember the South African E12 530 MLE (Motorsport Limited Edition) from 1976. These were true race cars sold for road use and they were FRIKKIN' AWESOME. Their acceleration and road adhesion were mind-blowing for a regular commuter car of those days. Had lots of fun in one many, many years ago and STILL love it.

Great video. It’s how I have felt about BMW for some time. I think their 2 series is the closet thing to what BMW used to be. Playing up their M badge like AMG or F Sport or S Line shows how bad they lost their way as I believe those lines set their sites on the M badge. I have owned BMW before, it was a 3.35, to me German cars have a spirit the American and Japanese cars often mis the point on. The BMW 3.35 had a soul. That said it also had so many issues I drive Lexus, Toyota and sometimes Honda. Once you take the soul away from the German cars you run into an issue where they are just bad appliances and I believe that’s that you are really getting at. People put up with Toyota and Lexus because of their reliability, but they are more like a washing machine than a BMW in my opinion. I also think you hit the nail on the head with Porsche example of them understanding their image/way they want to be seen vs their actual customers and how retaining heritage is what will ultimately retain their uniqueness in the market.

I loved this video. You did the M brand an absolute service in a respectful manner. I love the brand, they were all posters on my wall. Absolute dream fuel. I agree with you. Thank you again.

Glad someone finally has the guts to say it. Nobody ever talks about how bad the XM is or about how M has declined. It’s about time that someone dedicated a 20 minute video to this deeply, deeply original opinion.

2:30 Driscoll and team AutoTechnic. One of the most passionate individuals I’ve ever met with regard to the brand, and supposedly quite fast around Lime Rock in his old alpine E30 M3. Also one of the nicest humans you could ever meet. Cheers to all the amazing people in the BMW community!

I really appreciate the depth and work it took to make this episode. I watched it up to 6:28 then some kind of strange abomination popped up, I threw up in my mouth and had to stop.

You are right. They seem to slap an M badge on everything nowadays.

I felt the EXACT same way you mentioned in regards to the new CSL. I was absolutely in love, feeling like M had FINALLY remembered what made them great in the first place. Until I saw the price tag and the expected number they were building. Unfortunately just sealed the deal for me that BMW doesnt care about what or who it was, nor the greatness that it's lost in the pursuit of profit.

Worked on bmw’s for over 20 years starting in the late 90’s. When the e65 came out I knew things had changed, and not for the good. 😢

such a fair, instructive and respectful way to tell the truth

Spot on. As a Audi guy, I can say the same. It's realy sad. But as it seems, Toyota is building some interesting cars at the moment.

E9x is the last true M3 in my opinion. Last of the hydraulic steering rack, normal aspirated engine, and the only one with a V8.

I could not agreed more! I feel you Friend! We are a Groupe of M Drivers from Germany and i drive M for more than 10 years (M560->M6GC->M6GC) and M lost me/us completely! Best regards!

100% agree. I got nothing more to say, you are talking just as I am about to if I'm eloquent with words.

“An impressively fast night club on 23 inch wheels.” That’s close to “She’s built like a steak house, but she handles like a bistro.” Excellent writing.

I love this take. Your love of BMW and M almost exactly mirrors my love and feelings for AMG and Mercedes

THANK YOU! Somebody with some social influence NEEDED TO SAY THIS! I grew up dreaming of owning a BMW "when I grow up"... because of the M heritage! Even after I got my first car, and it was a rare 60's muscle car... I still had in the deepest places of my gut... still wanted to own a BMW someday, because of "M". Flip the calendar through from the 1970's to mid-2010's (after owning 17 cars and motorcycles) and I was looking to be an early adopter into an electric car. I was considering all my options, but when I discovered that BMW had engineered the (albeit odd looking) i3, it got my attention. I'm a lifetime Design engineer, well versed first in electronics design, and second in mechanical design. When I started reading and consuming all of the information about the freedom those engineers were given to explore and develop new ways of building cars... I was convinced. I had grown up learning that German Engineering was some of the best in the world... especially in BMW automobiles. And so I bought a 2015 i3 BEV Tera, with absolutely every option... except for the "smokers package". 94k miles later, and I found out that the corporation behind the engineers had forgotten about something important... the Customer. My little 2600 lb RWD ev friend became one of a growing group of i3 owners who found that BMW engineering isn't flawless, when the drive motor bearings failed... and then found out that it's non-repairable. I heard that several other i3 owners with this exact same problem had been able to get BMW NA to provide Goodwill assistance by providing a replacement motor for free, the owner just had to pay for installation expenses... fair enough. Except when I approached the BMW NA "I team", I was told "No"... and given the reason of "your car has too many miles on it". So clearly BMW doesn't expect this car to last much over 94k miles... when in reality - an EV should EASILY surpass the lifetime of ICE vehicles... there's just so few drivetrain parts to go bad. I'm DIY-ing the repair myself, because BMW estimated it at $7225 for a new electric motor. The 2018 model year introduced a revised drive motor, with tapered roller bearings... fixing the faulty design of the first several years. This new BMW Company turned me into a one-and-done BMW owner... too bad too, because I'm now at the peak of my earnings career... and with both our boys soon to be out of the nest, our "disposable income" will be increasing substantially. (if interested, I have a video on my channel as an example of what bad drive motor bearings sound like...)

The pre-1999 thing is probably a good idea. The last BMW I had was a 92 325is, and it was a great car to drive. I think I’d like to remember them that way.

They are taking the M and making it apply to luxury, not performance. I am no marketing expert but I would rather they adopt a new model and tout that as their luxury flagship. Your spot on about Porsche, they have been doing and doing it well. I hope BMW takes a hard look at has some folks that have the stones to make a direction change. Great video Mike.

You incredibly accurately conveyed my bewilderment and indignation at what is happening with the brand now and it is very correct that you mention the people guilty of this “m”perversion

I work for BMW and could not agree more with all your comments. This is a conversation I have had many times with various enthusiasts. Its sad really...

Brilliant video. Sums up exactly how I feel about the brand. Such a shame.

As a dude who spends his free time fixing up an e23 and lusted after the m cars as a kid I would say you hit the mark. There really isn’t much past the 90s BMWs that I would be interested in owning. At least there are lots of old BMWs out there for us to keep alive so the new generation can see how truly special these cars were and we can all wonder together what the hell BMW is doing.

You are ABSOLUTELY right! M is meaningless if you slap it on anything. The M3 should have continued being a coupe and the sedan be called an M4.

Congratulations of the material. It is difficult more agree with what you say!

Honestly I think BMW "m" cars stopped being just about motorsport back when they first launched the x5 & x6 M. The new XM just a continuation of that kind of thing to me. With that being said, I think that BMW M cars, and even BMWs in general will always be somewhat associated with motorsport. Go to any track day at any racetrack and there's bound to be at least a few bmws there. You can actually buy some half decent parts for your car from bmw M, like coilovers, limited slip diffs, big brake kits, ect. And the M2 and M4 are still popular cars in various racing series. I think the XM is just BMW realizing that the people who buy their performance SUVs are a different demographic than the people who buy their performance cars. As long as they keep their sports cars the way they are, I could care less what they do with their SUVs.