[J1n]

Originally Posted by screenshot

Tell me about it.

2 months down, another 4 to go. I don't know how I will survive this. I should have just picked up one off the showroom floor lol.

Man lucky u didnt.. the ones stocked on the showroom floor are so half arsed.. in terms of spec.. its embarrasing.. i reckon they are built to a price so it entices people on the floor.. they goo wooo this price is ok. but little did they know they're misssing out on all the goodies

[Bmwphile]

Originally Posted by David328M-Sport

Yep. I had a good one today climbing Mt Dandenong. That turned out a little disappointing because the driver of the car leading the pack drove so slowly up the hill.

Same thing happened on the way down towards Burwood Hwy. Even slower driver, so I couldn't do terribly much.

Had the car in Sport Mode with flappy paddle manual over ride. Engine sound in the cabin is too muted.

Must admit. I prefer climbing Mt Dandenong on my road bike. BTW any other road (cycling) warriors amongst us??

[screenshot]

Originally Posted by J1n

Man lucky u didnt.. the ones stocked on the showroom floor are so half arsed.. in terms of spec.. its embarrasing.. i reckon they are built to a price so it entices people on the floor.. they goo wooo this price is ok. but little did they know they're misssing out on all the goodies

I don't get it when you go to dealerships and ask to see their stock that they put together, which they consider in their grand wisdom are builds that people like and they can sell easily. It's always very minimum spec with stuff like Sunroof, rear view camera ... but then again, you have to take a step back and put yourself in the mind's of an average Joe or Jane, they don't know what most of the options even mean, let alone care. They would be happy to drive away in a BMW just for the status it brings them.

Much like a friend of mine, didn't know how many cylinders were in his 320i.

[J1n]

Originally Posted by screenshot

I don't get it when you go to dealerships and ask to see their stock that they put together, which they consider in their grand wisdom are builds that people like and they can sell easily. It's always very minimum spec with stuff like Sunroof, rear view camera ... but then again, you have to take a step back and put yourself in the mind's of an average Joe or Jane, they don't know what most of the options even mean, let alone care. They would be happy to drive away in a BMW just for the status it brings them.

Much like a friend of mine, didn't know how many cylinders were in his 320i.

I think alot of ppl buy a BMW just for the brand.. many will be happy owning a 320 318 520 (aka base models) just throw in a sunroof and probably rear sensors. I think the selling approach needs to change.. (it is not the ultimate driving machine if you dont get the crucial options) .. It may be the only way to keep prices competitive.. If i wanted a 8 sec car that is reliable and has good fuel consuption.. any other car will meet that criteria.. (Accord Euro, Passats, etc).

[Bmwphile]

Originally Posted by J1n

I think alot of ppl buy a BMW just for the brand.. many will be happy owning a 320 318 520 (aka base models) just throw in a sunroof and probably rear sensors. I think the selling approach needs to change.. (it is not the ultimate driving machine if you dont get the crucial options) .. It may be the only way to keep prices competitive.. If i wanted a 8 sec car that is reliable and has good fuel consuption.. any other car will meet that criteria.. (Accord Euro, Passats, etc).

This may be true, but I think the cachet of the BMW logo plays a part in all our decisions to part with our hard earned. In other words, if your F30 had a VW badge or say a Skoda badge, would you still buy it even if was $10K or even $15K less? I probably wouldn't.

[J1n]

Originally Posted by Bmwphile

This may be true, but I think the cachet of the BMW logo plays a part in all our decisions to part with our hard earned. In other words, if your F30 had a VW badge or say a Skoda badge, would you still buy it even if was $10K or even $15K less? I probably wouldn't.

Maybe.. lol

So when's the meet?

[David328M-Sport]

Originally Posted by J1n

I think alot of ppl buy a BMW just for the brand.

Absolutely. They know it's a top European brand, safe, reliable (yes, I know - debatable point there for some) and very well built (flame suit on) - well mine have been. Pretty much that's it for them.

For us, it's a very different approach. We understand the cars and the BMW philosophy & approach to building the cars they build. I mean, who else, except for us would even consider watching the F30 build videos on YouTube?

[David328M-Sport]

Originally Posted by Bmwphile

if your F30 had a VW badge or say a Skoda badge, would you still buy it even if was $10K or even $15K less? I probably wouldn't.

Neither would I, but I've been a 'one eyed' 3 Series BMW fan for over 25 years. For me, there isn't any other car to consider except for Aston Martin.

[screenshot]

Originally Posted by Bmwphile

This may be true, but I think the cachet of the BMW logo plays a part in all our decisions to part with our hard earned. In other words, if your F30 had a VW badge or say a Skoda badge, would you still buy it even if was $10K or even $15K less? I probably wouldn't.

Hmmmm... IF VW or Skoda did design something as sexy and masculine as the F30, then yes I might seriously consider it. Yes there's the branding and marketing hype around the product and the company that builds it, but if they built something which wasn't to my taste (yes there are BMW models which I would never touch) then I would not buy it and certainly not for this sort of money. But alas, they make beautiful cars and design it such that when you are in that hot seat, it's ALL about you.

I've had 5 cars so far, Nissan, Mazda, BMW, Ford and BMW. Brand loyalty hasn't being at the forefront until now.

Recently another mate of mine bought himself a X3 320d M Sport. I asked him why and he said it's because in his profession (IT) everybody drives a BMW, esp X3 so he bought one to blend in. When I asked him if he had Bi-xenon lights as options, he wasn't sure.

Thing is, it's such a waste isn't it? When you spend something like $70k to $100k, that's someone yearly wage on a car, wouldn't you get more out of it other than status, luxury etc to really get to know your car.

watching the F30 build videos on YouTube?

You what?

[Tra08R]

I used to buy BMW for the Brand, but they are now soft... really soft. They suck infact in terms of performance vs Audi's equivalent cars at the M level. (serious check them out). But despite that I still liked BMW coz they dont look boring. That said, I no longer hold the infallible view that they are as good as they once were nor will i pay attention to their past track record. Look at how many of us here with our brand new F30 experience all kind of embarassing defects/issues/rusty seats, knocking steering racks, cracked trims etc etc.

[J1n]

Originally Posted by Tra08R

I used to buy BMW for the Brand, but they are now soft... really soft. They suck infact in terms of performance vs Audi's equivalent cars at the M level. (serious check them out). But despite that I still liked BMW coz they dont look boring. That said, I no longer hold the infallible view that they are as good as they once were nor will i pay attention to their past track record. Look at how many of us here with our brand new F30 experience all kind of embarassing defects/issues/rusty seats, knocking steering racks, cracked trims etc etc.

I totally agree with you I was seriously considering the A5 for a change but the exterior cosmetics did sway more towards The Beemer. Interior wise I still think the Audis and Mercs have a more prestigious feel to it.

The base models of each of those brands didn't appeal to me much either but the RS5 and C63 oh dear ...,

[screenshot]

Out of curiosity, I looked up the number of 2012 '3' series currently advertised on Carsales, as a indicative/rough guide measurement of what models 3 series customers generally want. The findings are not surprising but gives you a good idea of 80% these customers really want.

Note: includes E90 generation coupes

Model Qty Perc My comments
320d 264 52% Want value for money, diesel motor makes good power and saves fuel costs
318d 85 17% Really budget conscious, don't care at all about performance
320i 77 15% Don't like diesel motors
328i 55 11% That's people like us
335i 19 4% Those who have a bigger budget and want the ultimate 3 series
325i 10 2% Mid range 3 coupe
335d 2 0% If you wanted top line diesel, you'd prob buy a X5
Total 512 100%

If you added up all the entry level models (i.e. cheaper than 328i), that's accounts for 83% of 3 series. 328i/335i petrol-heads are definitely in the minority

[Sephanite]

note: there is still a waiting list on 328's so lower chance they will get on carsales

[J1n]

Some of us are meeting there this Friday ~ 6:15-6:30.. feel free to pop by even those awaiting their F30's

[quote=David328M-Sport;13366584]Good news,
CCP is opening a small store around the corner from my home!!!!! YAY!!!
Just received an email newsletter. Opening evening Friday 1st Feb at 73 Poath Rd Murrumbeena 1730 - 2000.
QUOTE]

[Sephanite]

who is going?

[Sephanite]

google and found mr detail?

[JOHN328]

I went to Mt Dandy with my friend in the civic type r.
Good run with him, it was fun.
I felt turbo has a bit more power when gets a bit hotter after about 5 min of pure thrashing.
I put it in sport plus with Flappy paddle.
My car has active suspension, car feels tight around corners too.
Anyone interested for the next run?

[screenshot]

Originally Posted by Sephanite

who is going?

Three so far. 2 owners, 1 owner to be.

[Sephanite]

Originally Posted by JOHN328

I went to Mt Dandy with my friend in the civic type r.
Good run with him, it was fun.
I felt turbo has a bit more power when gets a bit hotter after about 5 min of pure thrashing.
I put it in sport plus with Flappy paddle.
My car has active suspension, car feels tight around corners too.
Anyone interested for the next run?

ive got a run to black/reefton spur on sunday morning. interested?

[Sephanite]

Originally Posted by screenshot

Three so far. 2 owners, 1 owner to be.

Will try to drop in to say hello

[J1n]

Pop by man time to show off the mods

[Sephanite]

mods? u wont see anything