[Quasimodem]

This makes perfect sense, considering recent history.

We now have more model numbers in spite of having the same number of chassis.

Why? Because BMW is more concerned about the "perception" of consumers than in honest marketing. BMW thinks it can make up for fewer choices with better marketing. If this is the current mental state of BMW, it makes perfect sense to cut costs, consolidate on the best selling platforms, claim it can do this because those platforms have been recently improved and are now more adaptable to different market segments (possible but it would require more expensive platforms, think F-35 Joint Strike fighter), and actually increase marketing efforts and expense.

If this is true, then we will see a reduction in chassis and an increase in model numbers (a BMW 935 anybody?)

That being said, it is possible to make fewer basic chassis cover more models IF money and technology are poured into the basic chassis so it is adaptable to multiple platforms. Is this what is going to happen? Do you feel lucky? Punk?