BMW still a good company?

[nando]

you can hate all of BMWs new products but it doesn't matter. we're just lucky they didn't go tits up like some other companies should have. We would have been totally screwed as far as parts availability. as long as they make money, that means they can still manufacture parts for our old BMWs. How easy do you think it is to find new OEM parts for other 25-30 year old car brands.. most of them aren't supported in any fasion (aside from basics) after 10 years or so.

[tjts1]

Porsche is the most profitable car company by far. The had so much cash on hand that they tried to take over VW. That deal failed due to some really stupid financing decisions and VW ended up taking over Porsche instead.

[quickervicar]

The M doesn't stand for Motorsport, it stands for Marketing.

^Sad, but true. :(

And as far as Porsche not making money off the GT3, that I would have to disagree with. Have you priced them? Starkest interior with appropriate bodywork & great suspension/brakes options out @ $141,640. Carrera S optioned to the max is around $115,000. I think they're making money.

[ben312]

*Insert E30 M3 history lesson here.*

Leather seats, 5 pounds worth of stereo, and a 30lb sunroof haven't really slowed me down...

and its still what most bmw enthusiasts regard as the greatest M car ever made.

plus the new cars have much more safety then the old cars. side and rear view cameras, warning lights if you get to close a car going slower then you, blind spot sensors and much more are all either already standard or soon will be. bmw may be going down hill in the numbers and performance area, but they are going up in the luxury and safety area.

[naplesE30]

BMW is a luxury brand it is the sportiest of that segment, but it is still a luxury brand. If you dont like it, and want cloth, cheap light materials etc buy a nissan. Also yes Merc and Audi may be faster in a straight line, but around a track the m3 is still king. Also, with all the new mpg regs in the future they must turbo the new M motors to get the power and efficiency needed, I dont like it but thats reality. Bottom line their job is to sell as many cars as possible. If that means x5m and x6m so be it. The days of light minimalist cars are over. The vast vast majority of people want all the do dads and new tech in their car.

[Stephen]

It would probably be a hit, look at the Porsche GT3. People love them. Right now the baby boomers are retiring which is what is dictating the market. Cars are going soft to sell to this market. That will change in 10 years I think.

Well yes people like to look and talk about them... But im not convinced porsche makes any money off them

[shiftbmw]

As far as there M line gose I don't think BMW every really had it right, but are really off course now. The M stands for Motorsport meaning you should have something close to a race car. They shouldnt have leather seats and options for everything. In my opinion all the M cars should have been what the E46 M3 CSL was. More power and lighter with better brakes and suspension.

*Insert E30 M3 history lesson here.*

Leather seats, 5 pounds worth of stereo, and a 30lb sunroof haven't really slowed me down...

[Paukert11]

Everyone has their ups and downs, I just hope that bmw is done with their downs. I like that older car feel, but today cars have more boxes to check off. So they will never have the 2002 and even the e30 feel. So there for the cars are never going to be as light as they were.

[02stu]

Well make all those optional or a stripped out version optional. It would be sweet if you could buy a new car and option out the heavy seats leather radio sunroof carpet.

It would probably be a hit, look at the Porsche GT3. People love them. Right now the baby boomers are retiring which is what is dictating the market. Cars are going soft to sell to this market. That will change in 10 years I think.

[Massimo]

I disagree with this. Yes it wold be cool for a CSL option that removes leather, sunroof, etc. but if I were buying a new M3 I want leather and all the features

Well make all those optional or a stripped out version optional. It would be sweet if you could buy a new car and option out the heavy seats leather radio sunroof carpet.

[Holland]

Since we're on the subject, wtf is up with the X5 and X6 M's? What "motorsport" are these things possibly going to compete in?

I've been trying to stay on BMW's side through all of this, but with those things and the new FWD model driving around, I just can't do it.

The M doesn't stand for Motorsport, it stands for Marketing.

[BeirBrennerE30]

As far as there M line gose I don't think BMW every really had it right, but are really off course now. The M stands for Motorsport meaning you should have something close to a race car. They shouldnt have leather seats and options for everything. In my opinion all the M cars should have been what the E46 M3 CSL was. More power and lighter with better brakes and suspension.

I disagree with this. Yes it wold be cool for a CSL option that removes leather, sunroof, etc. but if I were buying a new M3 I want leather and all the features

[Massimo]

I used to like all BMW's becuase unlike other car companies they produced small, relativly light RWD cars. Then around the time of the E46 that all went to shit and they started to change there path. Now you are lucky to get a car that is under 1800kg and the E90 wheel base is nearly the same as the E30 but just looks huge and not to mention 4 doors are pointless with the lack of leg room in the back.

As far as there M line gose I don't think BMW every really had it right, but are really off course now. The M stands for Motorsport meaning you should have something close to a race car. They shouldnt have leather seats and options for everything. In my opinion all the M cars should have been what the E46 M3 CSL was. More power and lighter with better brakes and suspension.

As far as Audi and Mercs and what not been faster who cares. I don't care if a merc is faster then me. BMWs moto is Driving Pleasure you don't need the fastest car for that you need a car that is fun to drive. For example my 318is its not the fastest car in the world but i would never sell or trade it for anything because it's a fun car to drive.

I don't think BMW is still a good company but that is because i am a car lover and love my racing cars. BMW has to adapt to the market it is presented, and these days the marked is different. So as much as i may not like there new line up I support it because it keeps BMW on top and i just pray that one day they may go back to there roots.

[xwill112x]

ill stick to the only BMW's i can afford!!!

[BeirBrennerE30]

being a owner of a new bmw as well as old ones i still think BMW is a great company. They have surprised me with all the extra and great service on my 135i. Every problem I have had with it have been solved quickly and with out question. Driving the car it doesnt feel over weight and handles great. Its a great driver and I love all the extras. DOnt get me wrong the e30 is a great car and i love driving mine but i dont know if i could commute with out heated electric seats and all the little gizmos. The 135 isnt a keeper though... when the warranty runs out its going bye bye.

As for BMW pulling out of F1 and going green and the "M" SUV and the turbo "m" engines. I frankly hate it but I will give them the benefit of the doubt for now.