As predicted by Auto Spies-BMW 5-series sales disappointing

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

Threepoint1415926 - 10/14/2004 8:15:20 PM

+1 Boost

Well said 001... Everyone here wants to see BMW do their best but all we keep seeing is an attempt without success.

Jon

TonyNY - 10/14/2004 8:38:14 PM

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Here's why I didn't buy the new five series. I waited anxiously for a year for the new car to come out. When I saw the design I was disappointed, but I said - "Maybe it looks better in person." It does, but its not stunning. Also, I was not bothered by the i-drive - anyone who has used a computer will find it fairly intuitive and the buttons on the wheel and the climate control knobs take care of the functions that are changed most frequently. I took it for a ride - of course it drives beautifully, but my wife was very uncomfortable in the passenger seat - the transmission tunnel intrudes so far into the area that you have to move your feet so that you sit slightly sideways. Finally, I drive about 25,000 miles per year, thus the car would be out of warranty in two years. I asked if they sold an extended warranty and they said NO. What are they nuts? Lexus- the cars I have been driving for the last 15 years and which are pretty reliable cars - offers a 100,000 mile warranty for about $1700 extra. For now Toyota Motor Corp. has my business - lets see what the new 2006 GS costs.

yrralis1 - 10/14/2004 9:51:15 PM

+1 Boost

The main difference between your opinion and mine is that I refuse to buy these newer models. My primary car has always been a Porsche , yet in various stages of marriage as well as times when a second (practical) car was necessary I felt that the BMW was a great second car . Both ex wives had 3 series and there was one 7 series as well --at one time I even bought an M5 for myself . It was agreat car but not a Porsche -- I only kept it two months.
These i drive BMW's have cheapened the name . In fact take a good look at any computer, wireless phone , home theatre system -- of lets say 5 years ago . All of that technology is outdated and surpassed. A person who buys an i drive BMW today will have a technologically passe car in 5 years . On top of that the exterior and interior flimsy quality would show much more on this new model above the previous 5 .
In fact --if BMW simply brought back the old 5 with a few minor upgrades found in the new 5 --I speculate their sales would improve .
Are they stubborn to satisfying customer demand ? Oh yes they are -- and it's for that reason that after having so many of their cars --I refuse to buy another until they improve .
I'll just use my new 997 S as my daily driver --I'm certainly not complaining .

kurtismac - 10/15/2004 12:58:24 AM

+1 Boost

Auto spies again u're letting me down. I'm currently doing some work in england and the 5 series are here a plenty...so maybe sales are low in the US (which may account for an appreciable number of cars they sell) but it doesn't seem to be the case in England they seem to love it here. And also if you can give accolades to the dodge magnum and to the aweful, replusive lookin Cadillac SRX and give chevys not too wonderful looking suv (the Equinox) showers of blessing then i would have to say u guys are anti BMW. I have seen the x3 up close and personal and they look gorgeous, aggressive and a well thought out idea (except for the price)...and the 7 series is not as ugly as people make it out to be...It's biggest downfall from what i've gathered for magazines from both the US and England is the over use of and very technical technology....So lighten up guys because they have gone in a direction that you obviously don’t like don’t bash all of their products..we rely on you to be objective where most other magazines are not..so please call a spade a spade…

lewissalem - 10/15/2004 7:38:40 AM

+1 Boost

..the Chinese market. I'm not joking, look at where the largest growing market for the new five is. I really believe that these cars were designed for this emerging market. Perhaps they hoped that the roundell alone would sell stateside. That said, as an e46 owner I think the new designs are poor. I have not warmed up to 'em! Arrogant Bangle, shame on you.

Steve - 10/16/2004 11:21:57 AM

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Like 001, I have been highly critical about BMW's new design direction (outside and inside styling, and the I-(don't know why)-Drive). Being a pretty smart guy, I stated that in my *opinion*, the new styling direction is not attractive. Ultimately, if enough people liked The New BMW, sales would be the ultimate metric. After all, I'm no so pig-headed as to think that *my* tastes define good and bad styling.

As time passed, my criticisms have been supported: Most users don't like iDrive, in spite of it being "improved" (read "dummied down"); Most prospective and actual BMW customers don't like the style. And in case you have not heard, the Number One reason why a model of automobile will be passed over by a consumer is "style" (supported by numerous studies, and even by JD Powers & Assoc. research).

In case you are interested, I own 3 BMW vehicles (all pre-Bangle), and I love them all. They drive great, and look nice too.

Best wishes to BMW for a full and speedy recovery.

Steve - 10/16/2004 11:21:57 AM

+1 Boost

tblack - 10/17/2004 7:14:13 AM

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In my opinion Audi has for several years left BMW in the dust as far as design and finish compare. Just go and compare the cabin of any 3 Series with the lowest end Audi A4 and you will see what I mean. Let's face it, 90% of BMWs are bought for the reputation?? and being able to say "I drive a BMW".

tblack - 10/17/2004 7:14:13 AM

+1 Boost