BMW make break age rule for CEO Panke and extend his contract

I actually enjoyed reading your post because it seemed well put together, HOWEVER..........I have had 6 BMWs, and having a new e90 330 I can tell you it is a world better than the old car, at least driving wise. Interior quality I think has decreased slightly which is cause for concern. The e46 just seemed solid inside, whereas the e90 seems a little more "plastic". It is still worlds better than the competition, and BMW should have stepped to the plate and brought out the 335i from the start, it is going to kill the resale of the 330i. Who would want it? Overall I'm still loyal to BMW, nothing drives the same and I have driven about every premium car you could name. Anyways, just wanted to let you know I agree with your post and disagree at the same time, but you had some valid points.

I think the new car is a huge improvement in performance. The engine is much improved over the e46, drive both back to back and the improvement is quite noticable. As for looks, that is subjective, I happen to think the e90 looks pretty nice, but I'm also a fan of the 5 series styling. Overall it was hard to improve upon the e46 that much because it was such a good car, but I'd say out of 10 it's about 8.9, if we're being technical. I think they could have done better, but overall for the price and given the competition I think it is a homerun. I would definitely change a few things on it, but overall I love it and would never go back to an e46.

You don't give us facts. Just rants, showing what we all know: you hate BMW. <br>
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First, the latest 3-series is a considerably better car than the one it replaced. I owned a 2001 E46, and now own a 2006 E90. The new one is better in almost every way, other than some minor details like cup-holders and seat-belt anchors. Engines are better too, with a 12% increase in power and 10% improvement in fuel efficiency. New, even more efficient direct injection engines are coming. And I don't feel bad about the availability of a 300+ HP turbo version next year - 255HP is plenty for me.<br>
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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 (V5?), 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. <br>
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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! <br>
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Finally, your Rolls-Royce comment really shows that you don't know what you are talking about. BMW fully owns Rolls-Royce car operation. They are just divesting from Rolls-Royce airplane engines division. And mostly for tax reasons.

Audi and BMW.... As for LJ saying its AWD tech is behind now, WRONG ANSWER....Pick up a R&T and see the comparo....Audi and Subaru were #2 & #1 with BMW and Lexus trailing in their dust. Also please remember that BMW sales figure totals include MINI as well as Rolls. Why I don't know so Rebadge, check on that before you post. Also Rebadge Audi being a brand of "little prestige and respect" How do you figure that one out? Audi has a rich race heritage.
The unforgotten Auto Union “Silver Arrows” caused a sensation in Grand Prix sport between 1934 and 1939. In 83 races, no less than 42 victories were won. Tazio Nuvolari, Hans Stuck and Bernd Rosemeyer are the stars before the Second World War abruptly ended all motorsport activities.

The DKW brand played a key role in making front-wheel drive more popular. When the first DKW ‘Front’ (the F 1) was introduced in February, this was the first occasion on which a front-wheel drive vehicle had been produced in high volume.

The Audi emblem with its four rings identifies one of Germany’s oldest-established automobile manufacturers. It symbolises the amalgamation in 1932 of four previously independent motor-vehicle manufacturers: Audi, DKW, Horch and Wanderer. These companies form the roots of what is today AUDI AG.

It seems you may know numbers or whatever those stats you are throwing out about Audi, however it's obvious you don't know Audi's prestige and respect and history.