///M badge on a 93 318is

[k318iS]

Ok... So here's the situation...

I recently purchased my first BMW, a 1993 318is, and I love it...that goes without saying... And I'm not going to lie, I didn't really know anything about BMW before I bought it, besides that they were a great car...

But my question is... On the rear end, where it should say 318is, I have a ///M badge... What exactly does that mean?? I know that people sometimes put badges on cars that aren't ///Ms, and I know that is frowned upon, but according to the guy I bought it off of, it came like that...

Was he lying to me, or is there something different about my car that I should know about?

[doughboyea]

It could've come like that from the owner before him, but from my understanding, it shouldn't have come with it originally if it wasn't an M3.

The only other BMW that I'm aware of that would have anything remotely like that would be the M-technic cars. Which, if I'm not mistaken, are 318i's with a different body kit from the factory. Teg would know better than me, I believe she's got one.

Dough

[witeshark]

Pretty sure it's just a fake ///M badge placement. There is no BMW Motorsport 318 model. Still a sweet ride though

[RealBmw 02]

Yup, you should probably just take it off. That is one of the things I hate most, non 'M' cars with the ///M badging on them

[cainchapman]

There are genuine 318iS E36 cars. 199 off memory. They were built due to the homolgation rules for racing in Europe. You can go to your dealer and ask if it was listed on the original specification. Mine has a model designation deletion to signify the rarity instead of slapping an M on it. If it is not a manual, it is not worthy of the M badge (IMO). No such thing as an automatic performance car. The M42 motor is a bit gutless, but handles like a dream.

[k318iS]

Mine is a manual, at least... Ok, I heard somewhere about an M package? Is there such a thing, and if so, what is it, and could it possibly be part of this situation??

(Excuse the stupid questions, but as a bimmer newb, I'd like to get things sorted out...)

[nick_318is]

I think that its just a bagde someone slapped on and probably has no real significance. Post up some pics and we might be able to tell for sure.

M42 power!

[BMWLotAttendant]

Don't forget, SOME 318s have an M-Sport package.

They have a small //M on the side doors to prove authenticity.

Buuuuuut, in this case, it does sound fishy. We had a car like that come in, but it said M3. It was tricked out with bling rims and nasty rice tail lights. In reality, it was a 328i. I hate it when that comes in....posers.

I think that's what he's talking about.

[Akuma]

if its not a real M3 or its not the M sport package as mentioned then be better off removing it. But thats personal preference.

[c1apton]

It's your choice if you want to fly the colours. For some, it's an ego boost (if it's not a real one) others do it for persoal pride/likes. If you're really tracking it do a VIN check and/or a car fax - that way you can track it back to point of origin. There's a whole lot worse out there than a 318 with //M badge.

[Rooz]

I tell you what... look under the hood, does it say "BMW M Power"? If not, drope the ///M badge

[Storamin]

Look at your vin.
Does it start with WBS? If so -- you've got an M car!.
If it starts with WBA somebody pulled a fast one with that badge.

[k318iS]

I'll check the engine and the VIN, but it's too damn cold out right now...lol

As for pics, here's a couple...

[Rooz]

No skirts, no mirrors, no bumper, I think it's just a debadge....

[doughboyea]

Nice Bimmer buddy, but, that, to me looks like someone just wanted to stick an Ebay bought M badge on the back. Don't take offense to this. It doesn't make it any less of a Bimmer.

Dough