Changing the notation of their whole lineup?

i.e. m3 splitting to m4 and m3, 3 series splitting to 4 and 3, adding a 6 series, 2 series?

I would think that the cars have such profound reputations that changing the numbers would confuse buyers

 

The only thing they are really changing is making the 3 series coupe a 4 series. They made a 6 series years ago, they're just bringing it back now. It's pretty simple, if it's a coupe, it's an even number. A sedan is an odd number.

 

^^ so they have actually put some thought into this...humm

 

Allows more differentation (read price) between the coupes and the sedans. coupes always cost more, now they have their own series. It's all about marketing and price. Wouldn't you rather have a coupe that is not so closely related to sedan. you know just a modded sedan, and wahlaa, now it's a coupe!