[TreDirtyFive]

Originally Posted by F30AM

As far as I am concerned there are only two cars 'for the real world' worth purchasing that don't cost an arm and a leg and are not the size of an oil tanker:

(1) BMW F30 3 Series
(2) VW Mk7 Golf

Both brilliant in their own right. Each is the best car from their makers' portfolio.

I'm actually excited about the mkvii gti, now that it will finally have more power. I still love to drive my a3.

[LemonOne]

Don't know how Audi is going to catch up with their boring looking A4s...
Mercedes C-class is already out of the game in my book.

[sonicbimmer19]

In the US or global?

[bimmerjph]

Originally Posted by Bama335

This why the 3 series has gotten bigger and "softer" over the years - the primary market is no longer the forum enthusiasts here.

And even enthusiasts on this site are getting more and more rare. You have people asking if upgrading their speakers will improve the sound of their fake engine sound for God's sake!

[remmib]

Here in Norway Audi sells more cars than BMW, the Audi A4 sold 1928 cars while the 3 series sold 1405 cars in 2012.

Audi is the 5th best selling car maker, while BMW is the 6th best selling car maker here.

How does BMW sells in the US compared to other cars?

[Never Convicted]

Originally Posted by Whostheboss

In a way its not good, everyone and their mom will be driving a BMW soon.
Then it looses that unique taste. But from a business point of view, its great.

You could always go for the Volvo S60 then. 4x as rare as the 3.

[DerekS]

Originally Posted by jtuds

Surprisingly good number for the ATS in December. Also, those Acura numbers should tell them something....like maybe they only need 1 car in the segment.

You think so ? GM sold a total of 72 ATS in all of Canada for December ! As for ATS sales in the US, it wouldn't surprise me if a big chunk of their December sales went to rental car fleets.

[F30AM]

Originally Posted by Lemon Jelly M3

Don't know how Audi is going to catch up with their boring looking A4s...
Mercedes C-class is already out of the game in my book.

Aldi is the 4th best selling brand in the UK in 2012. Just pipped BMW.

Market Share in the UK:
Ford No.1 - 13.86%
Vauxhall No.2 - 11.24%
VW No.3 - 9.03%
Audi No.4 - 6.91%
BMW No.5 - 6.11%
Nissan No.6 - 5.17%
Peugeot No.7 - 4.93%
Mercedes No.8 - 4.51%
Toyota No.9 - 4.19% .........

http://www.rankingthebrands.com/The-...7&nav=category

Best Car Global Brand rankings: 1.Toyota, 2.Mercedes, 3.BMW, 4.Honda, 5.VW, 6.Ford, 7.Hyundai, 8.Audi, 9.Porsche .......

[CirrusSR22]

Originally Posted by remmib

How does BMW sells in the US compared to other cars?

BMW was number 16 overall in the USA in 2012.

http://www.goodcarbadcar.net/2013/01...-rankings.html

[Falafel Combo]

BMW should be happy about this news, not us. This in essence means that we practically drive the Camry of compact luxury sedans.


Yay.


Everybody, say it with me: 'Brand Dilution'


There is no way that the same car that appeals to all these masses, will still be relevant to us (enthusiasts) in a few years. It just can't go no ways.


Good for BMW and its stock holders, bad for individuality, BMW legacy and enthusiasts all over.

[DerekS]

Originally Posted by shicobico

Good for BMW and its stock holders, bad for individuality, BMW legacy and enthusiasts all over.

How can the success of BMW be bad for its many loyal enthusiasts ?

Do you think that it would be better for us enthusiasts if BMW were breaking even or losing money, sales were decreasing and it was seeking government handouts ? Such a scenario would likely make it a takeover target ! The Chinese would love to buy BMW Ag at a fire sale price, just like they did with Volvo !

[Never Convicted]

Originally Posted by shicobico

BMW should be happy about this news, not us. This in essence means that we practically drive the Camry of compact luxury sedans.


Yay.


Everybody, say it with me: 'Brand Dilution'


There is no way that the same car that appeals to all these masses, will still be relevant to us (enthusiasts) in a few years. It just can't go no ways.


Good for BMW and its stock holders, bad for individuality, BMW legacy and enthusiasts all over.

Which is probably what your dad said when they discontinued the 2002 and started the 3 Series. There will always be enthusiasts, whether you're one of them or not. Sales up year over year...again. I'll bet even a couple of enthusiasts bought one.

[mesh77]

If the Lexus IS competes w/the 3series and the merc c-class then which bmw/mercs compete with the ES?

[dayday]

Originally Posted by noah123

i think while the BMW 3 series is spanking new, all other are pretty much 4-5 years old and are due for a redesign soon!!

That to me definitely explains such a big difference..

Anyways- CONGRATS BMW

It's true that the F30 is a brand new model, But it had some serious supply issue world wild pretty much for the first part of 2012. And if you look at December 2011's number, The old 3 series still out sold the others.

[bimmerJP]

3rd place Infiniti? Yes! I am very happy for them

[smashhell]

Originally Posted by mesh77

If the Lexus IS competes w/the 3series and the merc c-class then which bmw/mercs compete with the ES?

Nothing.
Seriously what is the point of ES?
The biggest competitor to it is probably the Camry. It's going after the same audience anyway.

[mynycbimmer]

Originally Posted by shicobico

BMW should be happy about this news, not us. This in essence means that we practically drive the Camry of compact luxury sedans.

+1

There is no longer anything special (in terms of status) about driving a 3 series, it literally is a slightly upmarket Camry.

[batislav]

Originally Posted by Never Convicted

Which is probably what your dad said when they discontinued the 2002 and started the 3 Series. There will always be enthusiasts, whether you're one of them or not. Sales up year over year...again. I'll bet even a couple of enthusiasts bought one.

Agreed. Also, many of the "enthusiast" concerns are generational issues, not engineering ones. BMW can't succeed by looking back to the "good old days."

[ORIGIN M.]

Imagine that...

[GT1281]

Originally Posted by 宝马.e90

It's like BMW can do no wrong. Competition is as tight as ever but the 3-Series is still leading the segment comfortably.

I'm shocked that Infiniti is above Audi. Something seems seriously off there. Then again I think the design of the A4 seems off and doesn't gel well. On the other hand the A5 is gorgeous! I also might be biased since I drive a BMW and have worked for them for 10 years.

[rallybull]

damn... bmws are becoming too common on the road..time to buy a ferrari.

[Imola.ZHP]

"Compact"

LMAO

ITS A BOAT!