German Car Zone

but why stopping at sDrive35i then? isn't a 5er with 4.4 V8 worth DPC?
it is the small range of engines that gives me the inclination that it can be for an RWD version of the small X1, or even maybe a future X2
if sdrive were RWD with DPC i would tend to believe it would have a full range of engines so it can be applied to the full range of cars

In 5er, 7er, 6er case the classic designations will be used: 550i, 750i, 650i, 545i, 745i, 645 etc. sDrive badges can be added separately. Just like xDrive badges in the case "xi" / "xd" designation will be ditched.

While models like X1, X3, Z2, Z4 could use xDrive35 and/or sDrive35i, 23i etc designations.

The only model missing is RWD + DPC F5 PAS with V8 engine. If offered ... Perhaps V8 F5 will have xDrive standard. Who knows ...

Hm ... Some latest not so good news.

USPTO Appeal Board denied trademark registration for the entire "F" range (from F2 to F9).
So, now eg. F5 & F3 trademarks can't be used in the US. Except in the case BMW make a deal with a third party who appealed. I have no idea who it was. Could it be Ford again?

This is the second trademark registration failure for the PAS range (BMW was also unsuccessful with "V" range registration (Volvo / Ford made objections).

BMW AG now consider to either badge the PAS cars as 2er (F3) & 4er (F5), or coming out with a completely new series: Y-series.

"Y" range has been already registered in Germany by BMW AG (from Y3 to Y7).

It is also possible BMW will use "K" designation - since they already owe K-series trademark due their motorcycle range (same case with "R" but Audi is using it already).

Btw, BMW AG are still in talks with Alpina to buy the rights for Alpina "B" trademarks.

Thanks for the info.
I don't think that is a terrible news, as there are options at their disposal.

New ones ... very interesting ... from end of May 2008:


X5 M

X6 M






Also interesting non-BMW related info:MB: CLE, BLK & GLC - all in combination with numbers from 160 to 300
Audi: RS8
Opel: Opel Insignia Action, Opel Lithia, Opel Electra
Hyundai: iX35, iX45, iX55

HMMMM, very interesting, I second that. We were sure that the X6M would be a production model, but the X5M registration raises alot of questions in my head. Why file both? Either way, I'm looking forward to hearing more about these two in the end.

What thrills me the most is
RS8

X6 M thrills me much more.

eDrive and Sdrive trademarks are almost dead now.

eDrive registration has been denied in US market (Yokohama complained due its e.drive trademark).

Regarding sDrive trademark Yokohama also filed a complaint (owning s.drive trademark) ... so we can expect a result analog to eDrive case. Ouch! And that coming in the times Z4 is about to be introduced.

hDrive trademark is already completely registered & secured. So are the xDrive & iDrive.

Hmmm...looks like it's not quite working out with new trademarks for BMW lately....