 | |
Considering a BMW - A Few Questions
BMW BMW General Discussions (alt.autos.bmw)
 |
| | Thread Tools | Search this Thread | Display Modes |
#61
 
| |||
| |||
|
Re: Considering a BMW - A Few Questions -
12-27-2005
, 05:38 AM
|
Really? I guess those RWD platforms are a pure illusion of marketing. I guess the reality is that the Mini is every bit the car as the "more expensive BMW's", which only sell for higher prices due to marketing or "badge engineering". |
7 Series?
Hint. The Mini is a premium priced product in its class in exactly the
same way as every other BMW.
--
*You can't have everything, where would you put it?
Dave Plowman dave (AT) davenoise (DOT) co.uk London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.
#62
| |||
| |||
|
|
V-6's (particularly those that represent 3/4's of a 90 degree V-8) tend to be rough as the RPM's climb. 60 or 120 degrees included angle in the V can solve that problem (or flat, just ask Porsche). Most these days use separate balance shafts. Which is a band-aid for an inferior design... Whilst partially agreeing, BMW also fit them to some 4 cylinder engines - and very well they work too. I prefer a straight six, but as has been said a bent one has packaging advantages. A four is a different story, obviously. |
earth are they doing fitting inferior 4 cylinder engines?
--
*Do infants enjoy infancy as much as adults enjoy adultery?
Dave Plowman dave (AT) davenoise (DOT) co.uk London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.
#63
| |||
| |||
|
|
In article <dph1r1ti9bjr2gcl57pqbgsmdj5v61387v (AT) 4ax (DOT) com>, dizzy <dizzy (AT) nospam (DOT) invalid> wrote: Really? I guess those RWD platforms are a pure illusion of marketing. I guess the reality is that the Mini is every bit the car as the "more expensive BMW's", which only sell for higher prices due to marketing or "badge engineering". So this means a 1 Series BMW isn't a real BMW because it costs less than a 7 Series? |
stupidity, I'll be forced to change my mind.
Quote:
|
Hint. The Mini is a premium priced product in its class in exactly the same way as every other BMW. |
#64
| |||
| |||
|
|
In article <g8i1r1t2i055lgb2radumuuq689pg2t6iv (AT) 4ax (DOT) com>, dizzy <dizzy (AT) nospam (DOT) invalid> wrote: V-6's (particularly those that represent 3/4's of a 90 degree V-8) tend to be rough as the RPM's climb. 60 or 120 degrees included angle in the V can solve that problem (or flat, just ask Porsche). Most these days use separate balance shafts. Which is a band-aid for an inferior design... Whilst partially agreeing, BMW also fit them to some 4 cylinder engines - and very well they work too. I prefer a straight six, but as has been said a bent one has packaging advantages. A four is a different story, obviously. Well, if BMW are this premium priced maker you think they are what on earth are they doing fitting inferior 4 cylinder engines? |
For many applications, the I4 is appropriate.
#65
| |||
| |||
|
|
Really? I guess those RWD platforms are a pure illusion of marketing. I guess the reality is that the Mini is every bit the car as the "more expensive BMW's", which only sell for higher prices due to marketing or "badge engineering". So this means a 1 Series BMW isn't a real BMW because it costs less than a 7 Series? Dave, I never thought badly of you, but if you persist in this stupidity, I'll be forced to change my mind. Hint. The Mini is a premium priced product in its class in exactly the same way as every other BMW. Mini's are not BMW's. |
I'll be forced to change my mind.
--
*Santa's helpers are subordinate clauses.*
Dave Plowman dave (AT) davenoise (DOT) co.uk London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.
#66
| |||
| |||
|
|
V-6's (particularly those that represent 3/4's of a 90 degree V-8) tend to be rough as the RPM's climb. 60 or 120 degrees included angle in the V can solve that problem (or flat, just ask Porsche). Most these days use separate balance shafts. Which is a band-aid for an inferior design... Whilst partially agreeing, BMW also fit them to some 4 cylinder engines - and very well they work too. I prefer a straight six, but as has been said a bent one has packaging advantages. A four is a different story, obviously. Well, if BMW are this premium priced maker you think they are what on earth are they doing fitting inferior 4 cylinder engines? Idiot. (See, you did it.) For many applications, the I4 is appropriate. |
--
*If God had wanted me to touch my toes, he would have put them on my knees
Dave Plowman dave (AT) davenoise (DOT) co.uk London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.
#67
| |||
| |||
|
|
In article <g1o3r1ts7rtv508vkp1bn2v3bluoso680g (AT) 4ax (DOT) com>, dizzy <dizzy (AT) nospam (DOT) invalid> wrote: Mini's are not BMW's. |
with this point of view.
Quote:
|
I never thought badly of you but if you persist in this apostrophe abuse I'll be forced to change my mind. |
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English...bbreviation s
Anoop
#68
| |||
| |||
|
|
My 2 cents/pennies worth... If you want a cosseting limousine like silky ride and lots of toys and gadgets in your car don't buy a BMW 3 series; a Mercedes C class (over priced)) or the new Lexus IS probably are better bets. If a classy luxurious interior is the priority the Audi A4 is probably the best bet. If reliability is the priority Lexus again, though any problems on BMW's are generally minor and few (according to various consumer surveys in the UK). Volvo and Saab win for seat and long distance driving comfort, the Saab 9-3 has the most comfortable car seat I've ever sat in. The Jaguar X-Type manages to be a great all rounder that sits somewhere in the middle of this lot and has one of the quietest diesel engines... which is meaningless in the USA If you want everything else a luxury/executive/premium sports car can offer in a practical package (seats for passengers, trunk for luggage) then it's the 3 series. BMW beats Audi/Mercedes/Jaguar/Saab/Volvo on refinement (it's quiet), performance vs. fuel economy (comparing 5/6 cyclinder engines and diesels if you are in Europe), space (more leg room than the others and equal best trunk/boot space) and of coarse handling and steering responses. The build quality and quality of materials is higher than Toyota/Honda/Subaru. I was able to get the additional equipment I wanted from the options list without spending too much extra, lumbar support essential option for me as seats not quite comfortable enough without it. The 3 series highlights are the engine and the drive, you have to want great handling as the ride is a touch on the firm side (hence the "limousine like silky ride" comment above) but for me never uncomfortable. There are some that hate the firm ride, so you need to drive it yourself. BMW is not exactly exclusive but still very desirable and in demand used which still makes them a good buy despite higher prices as they hold their value well... at least in Europe. There are few horror stories around on the internet about exploding engines etc., but just as many if not more similar problems with Honda / Toyotas etc. No machine is perfect. |
Yes, no machine is perfect. In fact, nothing (except G-d) is perfect.
That being said, the following views are mine alone...
1. BMW is a nice car, but overpriced and expensive to maintain. Also,
undriveable in the winter without very good snow tires (except for the
AWD XI models). They are still rated an enthusiast's car, particularly
known for their exceptional handling. And yet most are sold with
automatic transmissions. because a lot of folks just want the cachet of
owning a bimmer.
2. Volvo used to be known as "the car for people who hate cars". That
is, folks who did not care that much about driving per se, but wanted
safety, reliability, and longevity. The 240 was a legend on all three
counts, but Ford has unraveled a lot of what Volvo stood for. EG, now
they do not do particularly well in crash tests, whereas they were once
the benchmark. Still good cars, but not what they used to be.
3. Saab has been eviscerated by GM. The only things left are the
signature grill and the key in the console. All of the great
individualistic design is gone, all of the quirky but loveable Saabisms
are history. A very sad story. Buy a Saab today and you are getting a
gussied-up Opel, or an overpriced Suburu. But, thanks to the
durability of Saabs, there are a lot of pre-GM examples still out there
that are real bargains. In its heyday (the 70's and early 80's), Saab
was every bit as good as BMW (but in a different way).
4. Mercedes-Benz is now a mediocrity, after its fusion with the
brain-dead Chrysler Corporation. They now make $100K cars that match
Yugo and Renault for reliability problems.
5. Jaguar is junk. It used to be the country club car for English
lords and ladies (and those aspiring to be such). It is now a marquee
of mediocre engineering hiding under nice leather and wood interiors.
6. American cars are pathetic. The country that invented automotive
mass production now can't seem to make cars that appeal to its home
market. Very depressing.
7.Asian cars will rule. So get used to their unique combination of
reliability, gee-whiz gimmickry, and anime styling. It's here for
keeps. Sob.
On second thought, go out and get that bimmer!
#69
| |||
| |||
|
|
My 2 cents/pennies worth... If you want a cosseting limousine like silky ride and lots of toys and gadgets in your car don't buy a BMW 3 series; a Mercedes C class (over priced)) or the new Lexus IS probably are better bets. If a classy luxurious interior is the priority the Audi A4 is probably the best bet. If reliability is the priority Lexus again, though any problems on BMW's are generally minor and few (according to various consumer surveys in the UK). Volvo and Saab win for seat and long distance driving comfort, the Saab 9-3 has the most comfortable car seat I've ever sat in. The Jaguar X-Type manages to be a great all rounder that sits somewhere in the middle of this lot and has one of the quietest diesel engines... which is meaningless in the USA If you want everything else a luxury/executive/premium sports car can offer in a practical package (seats for passengers, trunk for luggage) then it's the 3 series. BMW beats Audi/Mercedes/Jaguar/Saab/Volvo on refinement (it's quiet), performance vs. fuel economy (comparing 5/6 cyclinder engines and diesels if you are in Europe), space (more leg room than the others and equal best trunk/boot space) and of coarse handling and steering responses. The build quality and quality of materials is higher than Toyota/Honda/Subaru. I was able to get the additional equipment I wanted from the options list without spending too much extra, lumbar support essential option for me as seats not quite comfortable enough without it. The 3 series highlights are the engine and the drive, you have to want great handling as the ride is a touch on the firm side (hence the "limousine like silky ride" comment above) but for me never uncomfortable. There are some that hate the firm ride, so you need to drive it yourself. BMW is not exactly exclusive but still very desirable and in demand used which still makes them a good buy despite higher prices as they hold their value well... at least in Europe. There are few horror stories around on the internet about exploding engines etc., but just as many if not more similar problems with Honda / Toyotas etc. No machine is perfect. |
Yes, no machine is perfect. In fact, nothing (except G-d) is perfect.
That being said, the following views are mine alone...
1. BMW is a nice car, but overpriced and expensive to maintain. Also,
undriveable in the winter without very good snow tires (except for the
AWD XI models). They are still rated an enthusiast's car, particularly
known for their exceptional handling. And yet most are sold with
automatic transmissions. because a lot of folks just want the cachet of
owning a bimmer.
2. Volvo used to be known as "the car for people who hate cars". That
is, folks who did not care that much about driving per se, but wanted
safety, reliability, and longevity. The 240 was a legend on all three
counts, but Ford has unraveled a lot of what Volvo stood for. EG, now
they do not do particularly well in crash tests, whereas they were once
the benchmark. Still good cars, but not what they used to be.
3. Saab has been eviscerated by GM. The only things left are the
signature grill and the key in the console. All of the great
individualistic design is gone, all of the quirky but loveable Saabisms
are history. A very sad story. Buy a Saab today and you are getting a
gussied-up Opel, or an overpriced Suburu. But, thanks to the
durability of Saabs, there are a lot of pre-GM examples still out there
that are real bargains. In its heyday (the 70's and early 80's), Saab
was every bit as good as BMW (but in a different way).
4. Mercedes-Benz is now a mediocrity, after its fusion with the
brain-dead Chrysler Corporation. They now make $100K cars that match
Yugo and Renault for reliability problems.
5. Jaguar is junk. It used to be the country club car for English
lords and ladies (and those aspiring to be such). It is now a marquee
of mediocre engineering hiding under nice leather and wood interiors.
6. American cars are pathetic. The country that invented automotive
mass production now can't seem to make cars that appeal to its home
market. Very depressing.
7.Asian cars will rule. So get used to their unique combination of
reliability, gee-whiz gimmickry, and anime styling. It's here for
keeps. Sob.
On second thought, go out and get that bimmer!
#70
| |||
| |||
|
|
Mini's are not BMW's. Since I'm posting I might as well say that I tend to agree with this point of view. I never thought badly of you but if you persist in this apostrophe abuse I'll be forced to change my mind. I think the jury is out on whether that constitutes apostrophe abuse. |
--
*Can atheists get insurance for acts of God? *
Dave Plowman dave (AT) davenoise (DOT) co.uk London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.
|
« Previous Thread
|
Next Thread »
| Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
| Display Modes | |
Linear Mode
| |
Powered by vBulletin Version 3.5.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2009, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright ©2000 - 2009, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.