Why is the current M3 /M4 not called the F30?

[Sensibleboy]

So the latest M3 is called the F80. Why is it not called the F30 like the other current 3 series cars?

[MDMA .]

From car and driver -

The fifth-generation M3 and the M4 are the first M cars to use different chassis codes than the models they’re based on. The M3 sedan is the F80, not the F30, and the M4 coupe is known as the F82 rather than the F32. The inevitable M4 convertible will use F83, while F81 has been reserved for an M3 wagon. Don’t get your hopes up, though: BMW hasn’t committed to a long-roof M3 for any market. The new internal naming scheme isn’t just a marketing ploy targeted at those who speak the language of BMW. Company officials say that the new chassis codes reflect a change in how the corporate office manages the finance books for these models.

[Mike335i]

New M5 is also F90 rather than G30.

[Mr Whippy]

M for marketing then, even down to the internal codes, marketing got a hand in.

I do worry about the marketers at BMW.

I bet the designers and engineers have fun names for the marketing team

[Pica-Pica]

Mr Whippy said:

M for marketing then, even down to the internal codes, marketing got a hand in.

I do worry about the marketers at BMW.

I bet the designers and engineers have fun names for the marketing team

..and marketing teams have fun names for the finance team.

[Sensibleboy]

Ok. Thanks.

Is there any suspicion that BMW want people think it's more different to other 3 series cars than it really is?

[ftypical]

“Market Segmentation” says tou need to differentiate everything.

In future models, expect different colours (so some other differentiator) to have separate model codes.

The model designations might be a problem mind

“3 Series GT Gran Coupe M 345i Laguna Blue Individual”

[Mr Whippy]

ftypical said:

“Market Segmentation” says tou need to differentiate everything.

In future models, expect different colours (so some other differentiator) to have separate model codes.

The model designations might be a problem mind

“3 Series GT Gran Coupe M 345i Laguna Blue Individual”

Reeeeee! Wheels!

Style 607_a (a for the paint code)

[SebringMan]

Sensibleboy said:

Ok. Thanks.

Is there any suspicion that BMW want people think it's more different to other 3 series cars than it really is?

Not just BMW. Everyone is. It's one way the manufacturers can will wave over making more models than anyone else. Look at Mercedes' website ; they differentiate the estates from the saloons on their page!

[PorkInsider]

Sensibleboy said:

Ok. Thanks.

Is there any suspicion that BMW want people think it's more different to other 3 series cars than it really is?

They are quite different, to be honest.

[Wills2]

Sensibleboy said:

Ok. Thanks.

Is there any suspicion that BMW want people think it's more different to other 3 series cars than it really is?

Something like 80% of it is different, wheels/chassis/suspension/axles/differential/bodywork/prop shaft/gear box/engine/brakes/tyres/electronic systems/exhaust etc......the list is endless.

Common parts are things like interior mouldings/door handles and ICE/Nav systems.