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BMWs - Still The Ultimate Driving Machines? - READ ONLY

31 messages,  Last post on Dec 22, 2012 at 3:47 PM

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#2 of 31 Re: BMWs - Still The Ultimate Driving Machines? [hpmctorque] by lemko

Jun 07, 2012 (5:03 pm)

Replying to: hpmctorque (Jun 07, 2012 2:32 pm)
Is BMW trying to be Lexus?

#3 of 31 Re: BMWs - Still The Ultimate Driving Machines? [lemko] by hpmctorque

Jun 07, 2012 (8:16 pm)

Replying to: lemko (Jun 07, 2012 5:03 pm)
Since some have said that Lexus tried to be a better Buick, maybe BMW is trying to be the ultimate Buick.

#4 of 31 Re: BMWs - Still The Ultimate Driving Machines? [hpmctorque] by au1994

Jun 08, 2012 (5:28 am)

Replying to: hpmctorque (Jun 07, 2012 2:32 pm)
One man's opinion who in the interest of full disclosure is a BMW driver...
 
1 Series: Yes. Probably harkens back to the 'good ol' days' of BMW more than anything in the current line up. If it goes FWD that is blashphemy.
 
3 Series: Yes. But it seems to get a little softer with each iteration.
 
5 Series: Outside of the M5, no.
 
6 Series: This was always meant to be a Grand Tourer so I think it executes that pretty well.
 
7 Series: No. Just a big luxury car at this point. Probably more driver oriented than say an LS but thats not too difficult.

#5 of 31 Re: BMWs - Still The Ultimate Driving Machines? [au1994] by hpmctorque

Jun 08, 2012 (6:10 am)

Replying to: au1994 (Jun 08, 2012 5:28 am)
I've only owned one BMW, an E30, so I don't presume to have first hand knowledge of the new models you listed. However, your comments square with what I've read. Heck, reports suggest that even the Z4 sports car has gone soft, or, at least, softer. If this is true for the models mentioned, it calls the veracity of "The ultimate Driving Machine" tag line into question.
 
BMW used to differentiate itself with superior driving dynamics, but this appears to be significantly less true today. However, it still charges a premium price. I'm wondering whether the company will continue to be the leading world luxury brand in sales. If it does, it means that most premium car buyers are more interested in luxury and features than performance and an outstanding driving experience. I'm thinking that a lot of brands deliver premium features, luxury and comfort at a lesser price, and lower cost of ownership. What am I missing?

#6 of 31 Re: BMWs - Still The Ultimate Driving Machines? [hpmctorque] by steve_ HOST

Jun 08, 2012 (7:15 am)

Replying to: hpmctorque (Jun 08, 2012 6:10 am)
Some say they lost "it" (as did Porsche) when they started building SUVs.
 
That argument kind of begs the question of what they heck they were thinking with their version of the Isetta then.

#7 of 31 Re: BMWs - Still The Ultimate Driving Machines? [steve_] by fintail

Jun 08, 2012 (7:42 am)

Replying to: steve_ (Jun 08, 2012 7:15 am)
They weren't the "ultimate driving machine" in the 50s.
 
7er is little more than a S/LS competitor now, that's true. 6er has remained true, still something mostly for women with large sunglasses, and trust funders. 5 has been softened bloated up and toned down since the E39 - an E class from Bavaria now. 3er offers debatable value unless in a sweetheart year end lease and the right options. 1er it is then, but we don't get the cool dorky 3 and 5 door models seen elsewhere.

#8 of 31 Re: BMWs - Still The Ultimate Driving Machines? [fintail] by lemko

Jun 08, 2012 (11:55 am)

Replying to: fintail (Jun 08, 2012 7:42 am)

 
Remember the "Baroque Angel?"

#10 of 31 Re: BMWs - Still The Ultimate Driving Machines? [steve_] by hpmctorque

Jun 08, 2012 (1:16 pm)

Replying to: steve_ (Jun 08, 2012 7:15 am)
I'd give them a pass on SUVs and the Isettas. Insofar as SUVs are concerned, they're functional transportation modules, and I wouldn't expect those adorned with a propeller to be exceptionally fun to drive. I'd expect them to be competitive, which they probably are. As for the Isetta clones, well, that was a different time. Survival was a primary goal, and these cute runabouts served as place holders for what came next.
 
Although the porky BMW cruisers don't happen to appeal to me, I give the company lots of credit for offering what the marketplace wants. To me, though, they've forfeited the right to call themselves the ultimate driving machines. I mean, do they offer a more ultimate experience than, say, Ferrari. or, arguably, the Corvette?

#11 of 31 Re: BMWs - Still The Ultimate Driving Machines? [hpmctorque] by roadburner

Jun 08, 2012 (4:59 pm)

Replying to: hpmctorque (Jun 08, 2012 1:16 pm)
The only BMWs that currently interest me are 1ers, 3ers, and M cars. We currently have an F10 528i service loaner and I absolutely despise the steering- devoid of feel, it belongs in a Buick or Lexus. It's also quite porky. My 1975 2002 and 1995 Club Sport 3 Series are exponentially more fun to drive than the bloated 5er. As for SUVs, my wife's 2004 X3 does a remarkably good impression of a 3 Series, and by doing so makes it a more involving drive than most any other non-M or non-SRT SUV.

Messages Page 2 of 4

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