Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark
I have to agree with southlight on this one. To say that BMW has 'lots its way' based on how the car looks or what color trim it has its a bit off the target IMO. I would only say a BMW lost its mark based on how it drives and if I have fun driving it or not.
The answer to that question will come after this car is released to the public IMO. But coming off the heels of the 1M, I have no doubts at all...
As for BMW becoming Toyota, hows that? Because of volume? I think the debate on that was long over, if BMW doesnt sell more volume it ceases to exist, you didnt forget that quickly what GM, Chrysler and Ford just went through right? In any event, selling more volume doesn't change the car IMO, I think there are good examples of companies keeping their core values intact despite volume or popularity. I'd cite Apple and Google as good examples.
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Perhaps HotIce and I are the minority here. While I do not completely disagree with what you say, I must say I agree with HotIce more. We own BMWs like most everyone here.
Why did we buy one? Why did I buy one? I grew up around these cars. I was passionate about them since I was 5. My father's 7 series cars and my mother's 5/7 series cars over the years. When I was old enough to afford one of these cars, and I first set eyes on the E46 M3, it exuded passion, elegance, luxury, sportiness and the spirit of BMW. It would inspire you and make you smile and it would excite you to just look at it. So elegant, so well executed. No fuss and no pretensions. I had the same feeling when I first saw the E92 (the 2006 E90 did not excite much). Simple, elegant lines and pure BMW characteristics. I did not need to tell myself I am driving a sporty car, or a luxury car or a modern car. I did not need a badge on the side of the car or a BMW salesman to tell me that either. I felt it from the moment I saw it. And I felt it when I drove it. There was passion in engineering and design.
When I see this new 3 (and the new 1 series, the X1/X3 and the i3), it does nothing to me. No excitement, nothing inspires. They seem to be trying too hard and everything looks like an afterthought. It shows in the design. A Jaguar CX16 brings the passion back. I sigh and shake my head in somewhat disbelief and feel defeated. At the end of the day they need to sell more cars but to do it in this manner is unfortunate.
Sorry for my rant. I guess I am too passionate about design and engineering. Something that they need to get back.