What is up with The "M"?

[Bryan330i]

I just got my 330i performance package and the car is great. This is my first BMW and from what I see so far it will not be by last, a fantastic cat to say the least.

I understand that "M" is a car type, like M3 & M5. Why does BMW put the "M" logo stuff on the 330i Performance? It is a nice car and I don't like that people may think I am some sort of freak with the 'M' thing going on. It has "M" logo on wheels, "M" logo steering wheel, "M" logo shifter. I like the "M" cars but I don't like that it could be viewed as a wannabe thing.

 

[epj3]

M stands for their motorsport division. So the "performance parts" that you get with that package will have the M logo on them. The M3 and M5 signifies that it's the Motorsport division's 3 series or it's 5 series. Same with the M-Z3.

 

[MrElussive]

They put the M logo all over your car because you have M 18" allow wheels, M Sport Steering wheel, and I guess an M shift knob. This is a good thing to have on your car, even though it is not an M car...having the M logo on those parts means they are from the Motorsport division of BMW and at the very least it is only a compliment.

 

[Bryan330i]

Thanks Elussive and epj3. I was not aware of the motorsport division and that this is where the M came from. I never thought about it too much until I started reading posts about people with M things on non M cars. Thanks.