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      02-19-2012, 07:47 PM   #1
southern6er22
Southern6er22
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Drives: 2012 650i xDrive M Sport Coupe
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Alabama

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M Sport Package Thoughts and Pictures

I wanted to start this thread to give my opinion about the M Sport Package and provide some pictures that specifically highlight what you get for your money.

M Sport Package Features:
1. M Sport Body Styling
2. Exhaust
3. M Steering Wheel
4. Wheels (20” – style 373M)
5. Door Sills
6. Rear Styling
7. Anthracite Alcantara Headliner
8. Misc. – Foot Rest, ///M License Plate Frame, & Carbon Black Metallic Paint

Aside from going Individual, the M Sport Package is the most expensive option at $4,400. When I first started building my coupe several months ago I decided to pass on this option as I could not justify paying the price of a Rolex for a purely aesthetic package. Although I hated to use too much rational, practical thought in building this beautiful beast, I really thought that this was an option I could skip and still be happy with my car. Furthermore, I really wanted Black Sapphire (which isn’t available with M Sport) and my build was slightly under the $100,000 mark, and I wanted to keep it that way…

1. BODY STYLING – I was in love with my build until my dealer got a Space Gray M Sport 650i Coupe – it was stunning! It was the first time I saw the full LEDs (which I did include in my original build) in person, and that definitely had to do with my impression of the M Sport Coupe, but seeing the M body panels, wheels, and Anthracite Alcantara headliner (with black interior) in person changed my mind. From that point on I knew that I would be disappointed if I didn’t add this package – not a feeling you want to have after dropping $100K on a car. The price was steep for pure aesthetics, but I believed that the package transforms the car from a sexy and sporty luxury coupe to an aggressive sports car. I was also looking at the 911 and Jaguar XK-R, so aggressive and sporty was very important to me. Don’t get me wrong, the non-M Sport version is also a beautiful car, but I am 22 years old, and I loved the aggressive appearance of the M Sport (and knew that an M6 would be beyond the price point I should be shooting for).

2. EXHAUST – At this point I had only seen the difference and did not know about the difference in the exhaust note. I had seen a sport exhaust mentioned in a few articles, but they also included info about European spec models (including the shadowline trim and hexagon aluminum interior trim), so I figured it wasn’t available to us in the States. The exhaust was not a big deal to me, so I didn't think much of it – I was going M Sport regardless. My test drive was in a non-M Sport convertible, and the exhaust sounded pretty tame (more country club cruiser than savage sports car).

Fast forward two months and my dealer got an M Sport coupe. My CA got me the keys, I sat down, pushed the Start/Stop button, and heard a glorious growl coming from the back of the coupe (and saw awestruck looks on the two CAs standing beside the car). From that point on I knew that they had done something special with the exhaust in the M Sport variant. I drove a non-M Sport convertible during my PCD/101 last weekend (after having my coupe for nearly two weeks) and was again shocked by the muted sound of the non-M version. Not once while I was on the track with that car did I think, “damn, this car sounds good!” It was very muted whether I was in Sport or Comfort.

Despite the BMWNA info not mentioning the apparent difference in the exhaust, I later found out (thank you for confirming, thom.one.two – see thread “Exhaust Sound Mystery Solved!”) that they tinkered with the timing on the M Sport exhaust (650i and 650xi only). Apparently the M Sport and non-M Sport have the same parts, but they altered the air intake and fuel mixture to create the burbling/popping sound. Now that I have had my coupe for three weeks I’ve been able to fully appreciate the amazing sounds this car makes, particularly in Sport mode. When you put your foot down and get into the higher RPMs the car really comes to life and sounds like a full-fledged sports car and not a sporty looking 7 Series with two doors chopped off. I use the Dynamic Driving Control (DDC) as a “mute” button when I see cops (try not to attract too much attention) or drive through neighborhoods. It makes a huge difference in sound (most importantly), shifting pattern, and handling/ride (although the engineers did a good job with Sport mode as the suspension is not so tight that you feel like you’re going to need to see your orthopedist after driving to the grocery store – this may also have to do with ARS I added to my coupe). My mpg goes down (I’m averaging about 12 mpg with a range of about 170 to 180 miles) in Sport mode, but only slightly. Sport mode definitely makes the world around me sound better… despite the deleterious effect on the atmosphere. I think the sound is a public service I’m providing. lol

3. M STEERING WHEEL – this addition to the package seemed like an added bonus and just one more place for them to stick an ///M logo. I certainly was not expecting the steering wheel, of all things, to be one of my favorite features of this package. When I first picked up my car I noticed the added thickness and padding in addition to the more defined thumb notches. The wheel is perfectly designed for comfort and optimal movement with your hands at 9:00 and 3:00. All of the wheel features are easily accessible, and the black panel display is easily visible (given proper seating position). When I was at the Performance Center driving the non-M convertible I was really able to appreciate the difference. There is nothing wrong with the non-M wheel, but I could feel and overt difference, most noticeably a lack in the thickness and padded when compared to the M steering wheel.

4. WHEELS – I don’t have much to say about the wheels. I think the design is beautiful, but that beauty definitely requires a little upkeep. They have some tight spots that love to hide brake dusk, and it takes me more time to wash the wheels than the rest of the car. As for ride and handling, I am very impressed with how well the car handles on the Dunlop run-flat Performance tires on these style 373M rims.

5. DOOR SILLS – The ///M door sill inserts are a very nice touch. The only problem I have with them is that they are not illuminated like the normal inserts. Not sure why they made this decision, but the lack of illumination is slightly disappointing – I wouldn't give up the other M Sport benefits for some LEDs in the door frame.

6. REAR STYLING – there are a number of changes to the rear of the car, including the rear diffuser, dark chrome exhaust tips, and different positioning of the reflectors (slightly higher than the non-M model; right beneath the taillights). These are subtle differences, but they are a nice continuation of the aggressive, sporty appearance of the exterior.

7. ANTRACITE ALCANTARA HEADLINER – this was one of the more important features of the M Sport package for me. I have the black interior, and I really like the look of the dark Alcantara with the black Nappa leather. I like the contrast of the Ivory leather with the black dash and door panels, but I’m not a fan of the standard gray headliner with the black leather. I think the black Alcantara and Nappa combination really emphasizes the high quality and luxurious materials of the inside of the redesigned 6er.
8. MISC. – Other notable additions are the foot rest (“dead pedal”), ///M license plate frame, and the M-exclusive Carbon Black Metallic color. The foot rest is a nice addition to the driver’s foot well. The aluminum, rubber studs, and M logo really stand out as a subtle but well-designed touch. I’m hoping they come out with some aluminum pedal covers for the other two pedals in the future.
The ///M license plate frame is NOT part of the actual M Sport package. I picked this up at the Performance Center last weekend. I debated about getting it as I didn't want it to seem like I was trying to act like I have a true M car, but I decided it was okay since the logo is also on the wheels, door sills, and steering wheel. What do y’all think? Too much or acceptable?
Carbon Black Metallic is one of the coolest colors I have seen. As I mentioned above, I was not happy when I first realized that I couldn't get Black Sapphire with the M Sport package, but I am now glad that BMW didn’t give me the option. I am in love with this color for two reasons: (1) Exclusivity – so many BMWs on the road are Black Sapphire or Jet Black. Even though the 6 Series is a rare sighting where I live, I think the unique color compounds the rarity and exclusivity of my car. (2) Color Change – in overcast weather the car is completely black, at least as black as Black Sapphire, but in direct sunlight, or at nighttime with light shining on it, the blue really comes out. The metal flakes also come and go depending on the light.

FINAL THOUGHTS: In my post-purchase survey sent by the dealer I did complain about the lack of shadowline trim (in addition to the missing soft-close doors and automatic trunk) – figured this would be the best time to maybe get someone to read what we’ve all been complaining about on these threads. I like the look of the aluminum trim, but I think I would prefer the shadowline. In the survey I expressed my displeasure with possibly having to pay a premium aftermarket to change the trim, an option that should have been standard in such a package, especially given the price of the package.
The M Sport package, I think, is one of the most transforming options available for this car. It is kinda the same idea as the new F30 (3 Series) with the Sport, Modern, and Luxury lines as sub-vehicles within the same Series. I think it is smart of BMW to extend the lines by making these types of aesthetic changes to the same car to increase the variety of their cars on the road. I worry that BMW is going to get into trouble with all of the new vehicles they are adding that decrease the gap between the Series. I think Mercedes is taking a better route by simplifying the letters where each letter marks a specific class of vehicle rather than what I fear may happen with BMW where they use every integer and there is no gap in class or price – just my opinion on this matter.

BOTTOM LINE: Despite the hefty price tag, I think this package is worth every penny. BMW is likely charging $4,400 because they can get away with it, especially on a car like this, but I’m still happy to pay the premium for the added features the package offers. The way I see it, if I upgraded the exhaust and added the M steering wheel, headliner, wheels, and tires as individual options I would likely be approaching the $4,000 mark. Therefore, the M-styled body panels are practically free! Haha. Okay, that’s a bit of a stretch, but I’d do it again without a second thought.

Please feel free to add your own pictures and thoughts to extend the utility of this thread for future F12/F13 customers. I tried to include information and pictures that I would have liked to know/see during the long, but incredibly fun, building process. Hope someone finds this helpful!
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