M-Sport F30 no foglamps: what were they thinking?

I'm configuring a 328i for special order; I was drawn a bit to the M-Sport edition, although to me it's a bit dishonest to claim it's an M car without it having an M motor, suspension, brakes, real pneumatic tires (no runflat hard rubber disks), etc.

However, I just discovered that the front fascia of the M-sport edition conflicts with having fog lamps.

Who thinks a bigger opening in the air dam for the brakes (I assume this is what the reasoning is) is more important than fog lamps for real world driving on real world roads?

Originally Posted by CalfeeRider

Who thinks a bigger opening in the air dam for the brakes (I assume this is what the reasoning is) is more important than fog lamps for real world driving on real world roads?

The openings are for the 2 additional auxiliary radiators in M-sport line.

They are thinking $ave $ave and $ave

Same as spare tire idea

And the suspension idea.

And there's a difference of course between MSport and the M division of BMW. MSport is mainly a cosmetic change while M division as you know is nearly a complete redo of the car for aggressive drivers with lots of cash. MSport will save you about $20K in this regard.

To make sure the M sport was able to handle all temp ranges while on the track the fog lights were removed in favor of additional cooling.

Tim

Do you really believe that?

Originally Posted by tim330i

To make sure the M sport was able to handle all temp ranges while on the track the fog lights were removed in favor of additional cooling.

Tim

I see no reason not to.

Originally Posted by tim330i

To make sure the M sport was able to handle all temp ranges while on the track the fog lights were removed in favor of additional cooling.

Tim

I thought, fog lamps were available as on option on the Europe-Spec MSport?

Originally Posted by thegandalf

I thought, fog lamps were available as on option on the Europe-Spec MSport?

Yes. We have hotter climate tracks in the US, so extra cooling was required.

Tim

It doesn't get warm in Mediterranean countries?

Originally Posted by tim330i

I see no reason not to.

Originally Posted by Robert A

Do you really believe that?

But EU doesn't need the additional cooling?

It's a cost saving measure.

OP - get a sport line and add the M Performance suspension, much better if you really WANT the sport seats.

I didn't like the M sport body moulding, too M3-wannabe like, so I bought a base, got the fog lights, and added the M Performance suspension...I guarantee you I'll run better lap times than an M Performance model.

Originally Posted by suneil

But EU doesn't need the additional cooling?

Correct. The tracks in the EU don't get as hot as the track in the US.

Originally Posted by tim330i

Correct. The tracks in the EU don't get as hot as the track in the US.

I'm sorry, I don't buy it. Track time in the summer in EU or US are going to be the same, when I've traveled there, it's just as stifling and hot in August whether I'm in Paris or Giants Stadium in NJ. I've only tracked here in the spring/summer, so can't comment on how my car would respond.

The avid trackers using F30's have noted the brake air supply is weak, which can be corrected with some larger air diverters. Other than that, I don't see a reason why the OP should buy an M Performance line...the IC looks like another item that needs a gentle upgrade as well for additional cooling.

Alternatively, OP can get the EU bumper after the fact with fog's...just cost $$.

Originally Posted by tim330i

Correct. The tracks in the EU don't get as hot as the track in the US.

Tim. You are in Boston. I think you should come to Climb to the Clouds.

That is all. Carry on with the conversation

Originally Posted by suneil

But EU doesn't need the additional cooling?

It's a cost saving measure.

OP - get a sport line and add the M Performance suspension, much better if you really WANT the sport seats.

I didn't like the M sport body moulding, too M3-wannabe like, so I bought a base, got the fog lights, and added the M Performance suspension...I guarantee you I'll run better lap times than an M Performance model.

It is as simple as that.

Anyone complaining about no fog lamps just don't get m-sport, real men don't need no stinkin badges or fog lamps on the track

Originally Posted by Technic

It is as simple as that.

If it was only that, they would be able to propose them as an option for a few bucks...
I understand additional cooling could be interesting, but I would think a large % of owners (even M-SPORT owners) will never track their cars, so why not have it as an option?

Originally Posted by dtc100

Anyone complaining about no fog lamps just don't get m-sport, real men don't need no stinkin badges or fog lamps on the track

I agree...
Since I am not planning to take the car the track, I am looking into the Sport Line (just for visual effect, and the imporved suspention). I am still on the fence about ZDH...

Originally Posted by CalfeeRider

I'm configuring a 328i for special order; I was drawn a bit to the M-Sport edition, although to me it's a bit dishonest to claim it's an M car without it having an M motor, suspension, brakes, real pneumatic tires (no runflat hard rubber disks), etc.

However, I just discovered that the front fascia of the M-sport edition conflicts with having fog lamps.

Who thinks a bigger opening in the air dam for the brakes (I assume this is what the reasoning is) is more important than fog lamps for real world driving on real world roads?

M-Sport makes no claims to be an M-car. There are no M exterior badges aside from the wheels.

BMW has done M-technic and M appearance packages dating back 20+ years. You could even get an 318TI in the E36 generation that from the front could not be distinguished from a same year M3.

Originally Posted by thegandalf

I agree...
Since I am not planning to take the car the track, I am looking into the Sport Line (just for visual effect, and the imporved suspention). I am still on the fence about ZDH...

You miss out on the more aggressive brake pads and staggered wheels/tires of the M-Sport on the 328.

OP, you are absolutely right! What BMW did this to us customers is simply lame. I found out my 335i m sport without fog light after I placed the order. Stupid me! If I had known that, I would certainly get a sportline instead and option for the staggered wheel. Lame, lame, lame!

Originally Posted by dtc100

Anyone complaining about no fog lamps just don't get m-sport, real men don't need no stinkin badges or fog lamps on the track

As I have found out through the course of my job, I am always seeking out peoples approvals.

How about one of us sets his smartphone calendar to remind him/her to update this thread after the Valencia, Budapest and Monza races - they always tell you air+track temps multiple times during the event. And let's NOT forget humidity. Especially the Budapest race

It's not about DIRECT dollars savings - for the same reason you MUST have a moonroof if you get 335i (don't ask). If you want low price (BMWNA billed by BMWAG, not YOU billed by BMWNA), you have to limit options and production variations. That's all there is to it. No European would buy this price level car with restrictions we have, but they also pay a pretty penny for it. If I have to guess, it would raise the price for a car about 5% on average if we were to have same freedom here.

Interestingly, last time I checked (about a year ago), Volvo gave you all the freedom to spec a car just as if you were buying it in Europe if you opted for ED with them. That meant all colors not available for US delivery, all interior options not available here and mostly "unpackaged" options for cherry-picking.

It would be awesome if BMWNA would let us do it, wouldn't it? They can keep 7% discount in that case as far as I'm concerned.

How dare BMW not include fog lights! It's not a BMW without fog lights!

Do people find they need fogs or just like the look of them?