Take a close look at the rear doors of a BMW M3. Notice anything odd? The way the fender and door meet isn’t exactly a smooth transition. In fact, that area of the car looks a bit off, and now you can’t unsee it. A bit unsightly? To some, sure. To BMW, this design element was crafted with purpose and intent.
Recently speaking to Auto ExpressBMW M Boss Frank van Meel explained the reason for what looks like a slight design mistake. The BMW M3 wears wider rear axles compared to the standard car, which means you need wider fenders to cover the punched-out stance.
This explains part of the issue. Other companies run beefier bits on their more sporting models, yet the doors and fenders flow together. On the BMW M3, the rear doors are the same as you’d find on the lower-tier models. And that’s the point. BMW wants you to see the extra width required on the M model.
Frank van Meel describes the fender-to-door design as “being able to see the power.” I’d argue that the pumped out fenders do a pretty good job portraying a position of power, even if the door cut line flowed smoothly rearward.
Photo by: DW Burnett
Take, for example, a car like the Audi RS3. The compact luxury sports sedan boasts a properly aggressive stance in spite of its clean lines. You can say the same for the Audi RS6 Avant, as well.
This isn’t to say that BMW’s take on M fender and rear door lines is bad. In fact, I’d say the opposite—I agree with van Meel in this case. The BMW M3 does look tough, and this design decision helps tell that story. Another example of this rear fender treatment can be found in the aft haunches of the M5 Touring.
Not all BMW M models have this, however. Take a look at the coupes and you’ll see a smooth transition from the door to the rear fenders. Gander at the M SUV offerings and there’s more smoothness.
You can’t unsee the rear door-to-fender transition of the M3 and M5 once you see it—it’s certainly a special touch. Or maybe it’s just a way to save a few bucks on the production line.
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Source: DW Burnett
