A lot of people accuse us of being anti-BMW.
Is it true? Well, the answer is YES and NO.
But, to understand our feelings in context, you really need to read between the lines.
We love the older designs...Cars like the old 5-series, M5, Z8, old 7-series and current 3-series. They could possibly be some of the best cars EVER! The M5 for sure!
But we are extremely lukewarm on the new designs like the 5-series. We've predicted for a long time, the new direction they're moving in, could come back to kick BMW in the rear.
We took a lot of heat over our statements but the evidence is finally starting to mount.
Check out this article from the Detroit Free Press:
Highlights...or in BMW's case, lowlights.
Bottom line: The 5-series has stumbled in a way uncharacteristic for a new BMW. Several factors might have contributed to its slow sales, including the new model's radical styling, its complicated iDrive control system and a parts problem that stalled shipments from the factory in Germany this summer.
The 5-series is far short of the kind of roaring success BMW expected when it replaced the car that was widely considered the best sport sedan in the world. However, it's too early to call the car a failure. BMW has yet to introduce the new 5-series station wagon, and the 500-horsepower V10-powered M5 super sedan is certain to draw fresh attention when it debuts next year.
Are we happy about this news?
No!
We have a lot of friends that work for the company and only wish them the best...Including Chris Bangle.
But you have to be on another planet to not acknowledge that these new designs aren't exactly beauty pageant winners!
Just take a look at the X3. For goodness sakes! In the words of one salesman I spoke with…it looks like a SHOE!
So, we're not anti-BMW, we're anti new 7, 5, X3 and from what we've seen so far...2006 3-series.
How do we prove it to you, that want the best for BMW?
Because we keep buying BMW’s for ourselves, in spite of the way they look.
Why? Because they haven’t screwed up the most important thing that makes a BMW a BMW.
They still drive and perform phenomenally well!
But many customers like us are having our patience tested while other companies are building cars that are beginning to catch up to BMW.
These companies are producing some really nice products.
Just go test drive an E500 or an Audi S4.
Not only do they drive great but they look WONDERFUL!
This competition will only be getting fiercer over the next few years.
What's a BMW traditionalist to do?
If they think we want retro, they're wrong.
We don't want old fashioned cars...we want new cars that break new ground in design that are also BEAUTIFUL!
Full article here:
BMW 5-series sales slumping