Latest BMW sales results-Ain't no stoppin' us now

BMW's 3 series probably have boosted their sales along with Mini-me-midget cars. I think 3-Series are doing great so far! BMW repair shop is probably doing fabulous also:)

BMW's 3 series probably have boosted their sales along with Mini-me-midget cars. I think 3-Series are doing great so far! BMW repair shop is probably doing fabulous also:)

Meat and potato of the business is the Net Profit.
So what? if you sold over a billion cars and earned 25 cents profit for an entire year or better yet running under a redlines? Think about it. GM is losing around $1,500 to $2000 bucks per cars while Toyota is making around $2000 bucks per car each sold! Even if GM or BMW or Isuzu makes strides in her net sales numbers, the real question is "Was there a net profit or a net loss?"
Eitherway, I think BMW is doing great so far.

Meat and potato of the business is the Net Profit.
So what? if you sold over a billion cars and earned 25 cents profit for an entire year or better yet running under a redlines? Think about it. GM is losing around $1,500 to $2000 bucks per cars while Toyota is making around $2000 bucks per car each sold! Even if GM or BMW or Isuzu makes strides in her net sales numbers, the real question is "Was there a net profit or a net loss?"
Eitherway, I think BMW is doing great so far.

I agree with the writer (001Buster) who highlights that BMW's future product pipeline looks rather weak. That said BMW typically have maintained enthusiasm for their vehicles by changing engines as much as redesigning the bodies - so we'll see a lot of that I suspect.

Also much will depend on the strength or weakness of the dollar versus the Euro (I almost wrote Deutsche Mark!). If the dollar weakens BMW will have to decontent or raise the price of the 3 Series a lot - and then I'd expect sales to decline sharply.

However if the dollar strengthens I imagine BMW will start to add content to its vehicles making them less expensive compared to the content-rich Japanese . . . so sales could soar.

Also in BMWs advantage, we note the following factors:
(i.) Mercedes is flatlining despite a ton of new models
(ii.) Infiniti products are great when introduced but are starting to age fast
(iii.) Acura has no real competition in the over $40k price range
(iv.) Lincoln is dying
(v.) Jaguar is dying
(vi.) Volvo and Saab are
(vii.) Alfa Romeo and Porsche four seater vehicles are a long way from introduction in the US
(viii.) Maseratis are too expensive
(ix.) Cadillacs are still butt-ugly and appeal to a different segment of the population
(x.) Audi dealers in the US don't have the critical mass and profitability to grow quickly
So the only threat in the near term is probably Lexus in the US. I can't understand why Lexus is making marketing errors like (a.) not having a 5 or 6 speed manual option on the IS 350 at launch (b.) not making the engine on the GS 300 bigger at launch (c.) taking so long to introduce an IS coupe and convertible (d.) letting its SC convertible decay without substantial updates - just as the previous SC300 and SC400 coupes were not updated (e.) not redesigning the LX 470.

In the face of these "errors" by Lexus I think BMW will do just fine for the next three or four years - as long as the dollar doesn't collapse against the Euro.

I have now read 4 full lengths Blogs about why you hate BMW. What's the deal?
Since BMW originated with RWD they can't add AWD to their cars? Why is it so wrong to add more options to your line up? Audi didn't start as an AWD company. Yes they have had it for 25 years, but does that make someone stupid for buying Quattro 20 years ago when it was still fairly new? Or should Audi have stuck with FWD like Hondas and VWs.

Now you think BMW is overcharging with the 3 series...but really the A4 2.0 is. For example, the A4 has a base price of $28,240. That is FRONT WHEEL DRIVE, and a 4 pot turbo. The 325i, starts at $30,900 and you get RWD, an I-6 with more horsepower than the A4. The 325i carries 50.3% of it's wait on the front, 49.7% on the rear. What is the A4's weight distribution? Oh yeah, has Audi started using timing chains yet, like BMW, or are they still using belts, like VWs?

In simple numbers... It takes 6.7 seconds 0-60 in a 325i. The A4 2.0T takes 7.1, and you have to get th A4 3.2 to reach 60 mph in 6.7.

It really looks like the 3 is a great deal!

First off...I agree BMW has used timing belts in the past, the key word is PAST. They haven't used them for years.

Now for weight distribution. You state that Porsche and Ferrari don't have equal weight distribution, so it must not be that important. But there is a big difference between a rear heavy RWD car (Porsche & Ferrari), and a front heavy FWD car. Try driving a Jetta VR6 fast through a corner and you will know exactly what I mean. I used to own said Jetta, it's one of the reasons I'm convinced about BMW and rear wheel drive being superior.

As for..."They focused so much on the 50% that they made their new E90 unfixable with ridiculous body construction technology that is so prohibitve to fix, you could possibly have to junk the car if it gets into the smallest fender benders." Cite your sources. I would be curious to see any proof that a BMW is more expensive to repair than an Audi.

I actually agree with your statement that "A4 turbos are the choice of avid tuners." I've seen impressive results with hp gains. But what if you want to keep the car stock? Many people don't want to buy a car, just to add mods, especially if it effects your reliability.

"Today, more than at least 10 to 1 is the ratio of FWD cars sold to RWD." Another fact I won't argue. FWD is cheaper to build, that doesn't make it better. If volume sold is what you are using to prove a point, what are the ratios on AWD?...or is that a different story?

Next point..."Their RWD R8 has just clinched the best race car title for the most achievements in racing History and in a dominating fashion.

You have nothing on Audi on that argument." Can't argue. RWD produces great results. But, does it prove Audi can build a great road car?

But seriously 001Buster, how long have you been working for Audi?

001Buster you stated that "a- The 2.0's HP per liter output is a high 100 HP/L while the BMW's 3.0L is 71.67 HP/L. I'll remind you before you try to downplay that aspect, is that BMW sang so long and loud about how wonderful the 100HP/L rating it achieved on the S54 M3 and S85 M5. Audi doesn't boast about stuff like that, just puts down its nose and delivers the good and lets others worry about hype.
b- The 2.0 bests the 325i by a good 2-4 miles per gallon depending on quattro or no quattro."

Why are you trying to compare a normally aspirated 3.0L I-6 to a turbocharged 2.0L I-4? I know you are comparing the A4 2.0T to the 325i but you're talking engines. In both "a" and "b" you conveniently left out that the Audi engine is turbocharged even though you stated it further down in your post. Your incredibly one side rants are just so silly and tiring. The old turbocharged 2.0L 4 cylinder in the 91-95 US Toyota MR2 made 200hp also, so what? Hey wait a minute, Toyota came out with that engine quite a while ago. Does that make Audi copying Toyota with a 200hp turbo 2.0L four? Stupid. I actually have an '04 Audi A4 1.8T in my garage right now (not my car). And have owned BMW's and a Porsche. They're all great cars and have their good points. I do enjoy driving the BMW's and Porsche more though.

I hate Nascar and could try to write a long winded post twisting my opinion around on people but at the end of the day, Nascar is still currently one of the most popular spectator sports in this country. Sometimes the numbers just can't be argued.

Only time will tell how the automakers will fare. I feel BMW, MB, and Audi all have their attributes and will co-exist greatly. It gives the consumer choices.

I have to agree with g_car...BMW and Audi are both great cars. I personally prefer BMW, but when it comes down to it my second choice is definetely Audi.

LONG LIVE GERMAN CARS!

You don't give us facts. Just rants, showing what we all know: you hate BMW.

One clear example is the rant against AWD and trucks. All manufacturers are adding those. Mercedes offers AWD on all models these days, they just launched ML- and GL-class SUVs, and they'll add MLK (X3-competitor) in the future. Audi is launching Q7 now and the (A4-based) Q5 later. Lexus, Infiniti, Cadillac, Volvo, and others have increasing numbers of AWD and SUV models, particularly for the US. BMW is just keeping up with the competition.

Another assertion that's a lot more your wishful thinking than reality is the pipeline of new BMW models being thin. The 3-series coupe will be out in a few months. The new X5 later this year. After that, M3, X6, and the R-class competitor, as well as many new versions of the 1-series, including one for the US market. Once all of those are out, it'll be time to start over with a new 7-series.

BMW growth is real. Whether you like it or not. Audi growth is also real. Lexus' too. And that's good -- the more competition, the better the choices for all of us!