blue max

No wonder every automaker wants to copy the M strategy



Due to the "Bungle" factor is it downhill from here?

se

That Bungle factor sure has me concerned Max! What are you going to do if the new M5 is bungle-ised? Stick with BMW or start looking around?

blue max

I'd like to start a collection. The E39 is a keeper regardless of what happens.

Cheers

MEnthusiast

Max,
Interesting data youve got there. Id really be interested to see how it tracks with total 5 series sales and perhaps total BMW sales in the USA. BMW has certainly become more "mainstream" within its nitche and your chart shows that.

I think the next M5 will sell even more (if they build more) and although I dont like the new 7's styling (at least in the photos- havent seen it in the metal yet) I think BMW is making the right choice to radically change their look. It is uncomfortable for us perhaps because we are accustomed to something- but if they dont make this change now or soon, they will not just be copied (lexus IS300, Lincoln LS, Hyundai something or other, even MB S Class, perhaps the new Jag X model), but surpassed. The spy pics of the Z5 look good to me and so do the pics of the 6 series. I'm pretty sure the new 5 will be greated with mixed reviews of its styling. I seem to remember the E36 3 series had many critics of its style- and it became a styling template for automakers in the 90s. I still think it is a handsome design. Bottom line- I have mixed feelings on the new styling direction- on the one hand, its a necessary move, on the other, I think they might need a model or two to sort the direction out- so in a way the new 7 is a bit of a guinea-pig in both styling and technology. I think the idrive technology is great- but apparently its execution isn't quite there yet. Theres only one way to really field test a product- and thats to bring it to market. I have a sense that BMW will do a "freshening" to the new 7 to fix/ finesse the bizarre trunk.

just my $0.02

Happy holidays!

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All the best,
Jerry
00 Z8 Jet Black/Red Sport / some others

IvanDias

What is also amazing is the high percentage who responded to the "who is here" post that is sticky on this site.

A good number of the total amount sold have found "home"!.


Much much higher than the guys on the E34 area.



Congratulations.

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"Never enter Karussell when on the brakes! I have gone round there on the roof, I know what I'm talking about." ~ Sabine Schmitz