[hardtothepaint]

In my opinion, BMW is releasing way too many models. I don't understand what the difference is between a BMW 4 series GC and a 3 series sedan now. I don't get why would someone want to buy a 4 door GC when they can get the 3 series that it is built off... In my mind, it really confuses the buyer as to what they really want. It made sense to keep 4 series coupe and 3 series sedan, but not to make the 4 series a 4 door car and say here buy it....

Its funny how BMW said they would not make a 4 door 2 Series sedan to compete with the CLA mercedes offers... but just recently they released a 2 series active touring car, that is probably made to compete with the B class...
Whats next BMW?

[TeinBMW]

Originally Posted by hardtothepaint

In my opinion, BMW is releasing way too many models. I don't understand what the difference is between a BMW 4 series GC and a 3 series sedan now. I don't get why would someone want to buy a 4 door GC when they can get the 3 series that it is built off... In my mind, it really confuses the buyer as to what they really want. It made sense to keep 4 series coupe and 3 series sedan, but not to make the 4 series a 4 door car and say here buy it....

Its funny how BMW said they would not make a 4 door 2 Series sedan to compete with the CLA mercedes offers... but just recently they released a 2 series active touring car, that is probably made to compete with the B class...
Whats next BMW?

I believe bmw is screwing up and they need to stop releasing all these models. It's confusing and some models are just stupid. Gran Coupe. Like really? I was under the impression the 1 was the hatch, 2 was the coupe, 3 was the sedan, 4 was the coupe. What's with all the GC and touring models. It's unnecessary!

[ny325]

Too many models, numbers, and electrical BS.

[cdgatti]

Just spent a week with an F30. Wow that is a soft car. Many things came to mind as I was driving it over the course of several days. The one that kept coming to mind is this is basically a Camry with a Roundel. OR so this is what it would be like if BMW made a normal car. OR wow the computer engineers have taken over the company and fired the mechanical engineers. OR can't believe this thing is going to be very reliable with that poor turbo 4 cylinder starting and stopping AND that 8 speed transmission constantly shifting, it's not like they were building on a rock solid reliability record to begin with. I drove it on my normal, mostly highway commute for the week and got about 28.5 mpg. I normally get 27 with 6 year old N52. No way all that techno wizardry is worth 1.5 mpg to me. And finally when I picked mine up, the satisfying direct steering returned like an old friend.

[BMWinAZ]

Couldn't agree more! Too many models and model lines and half of them are ugly and not BMW worthy I am no fan of the lack of naturally aspirated inline 6 and the advent of the front-wheel drive.

[paddy335]

Too many models for what? Clearly it is profitable for all the major prestige brands (Audi, BMW, MB) to create and then cater to more market segments. In fact they are making more from the lower-end but higher volume models than they are from the higher-end stuff. I'm not sure I understand what the issue people have with this.....do you perceive it dilutes the prestige of the brand? If you own an M3 say, does it matter that your Grandma is cruising round in a 118d?

[mxa121]

I like the way BMW engineers vehicles. I prefer their appearance, powertrains, and performance goals over other brands. The fact that this company is growing and producing more options is a good thing. The money BMW makes on their 320i and i3 and other "soft" cars that some do not appreciate will help fuel the development on their "hard" cars like the M3/4, M2, M sports models.

Everyone in a 911 cursed the Cayenne. It is their best selling vehicle. Since, Porsche has developed their sports cars at a more rapid pace, satisfying their core market while providing cars to other buyers.

If you hate that their are more BMW cars on the road then you do not care for the brand, you only care how that brand makes you look.

[Digtlartst]

Originally Posted by mxa121

I The fact that this company is growing and producing more options is a good thing...

They're also producing fewer options -- for USA:

320x with manual transmission? Nope.
328x with manual transmission? Gone.
3-series touring with manual transmission? Gone.
428x with manual transmission? Nope.
Any 5-series with manual transmission? Gone.
5-series touring? Gone. The "GT" is not a touring -- and it's 700 lbs heavier than a 528i. Weighs more than my dad's old '67 Cadillac Coupe deVille.

[sd_luis]

I think they are just trying to keep up with the competition. Mercedes and cadillac are coming up with more models for a cheap price like the mercedes CLA and the cadillac ATS brand new they are cheaper than the 3 series, but yeah too many models

[TeinBMW]

Originally Posted by sd_luis

I think they are just trying to keep up with the competition. Mercedes and cadillac are coming up with more models for a cheap price like the mercedes CLA and the cadillac ATS brand new they are cheaper than the 3 series, but yeah too many models

I agree with keeping up with your competitors but bmw just keeps releasing new models every so often.

And I do think the cla amg looks amazing. I've seen one on the road and I wouldn't mind driving one.

[Seattlesquash]

I agree, this is why you modify! And now more than in the past!
Make it your own and the other 10 neighbors now don't have the "same" car as you! But, I do agree with you. This is one of the things I like with my other car, an RS4, that it is fairly rare.

[John 070]

Originally Posted by TeinBMW

And I do think the cla amg looks amazing. I've seen one on the road and I wouldn't mind driving one.

I just don't like FWD cars, period (I mean as performance cars, as rental cars and DD's why not). This is a society who doesn't want a clutch anymore, I'm sure RWD is next. everything will be AWD, and if the mfgs base it on a fWD platform, most won't care just like they don't care about a fake dual exhaust.

[techietaichi]

Originally Posted by GB-335xiCoupe

i3.

This is an abomination.

[GB-335xiCoupe]

Like this? I saw a 5 GT going Northbound on the Freeway, I was Southbound. All I could think was "Buick Roadmaster"... All that was missing was the fake wood paneling.

[TeinBMW]

Originally Posted by GB-335xiCoupe

Like this? I saw a 5 GT going Northbound on the Freeway, I was Southbound. All I could think was "Buick Roadmaster"... All that was missing was the fake wood paneling.

Lol point proven!

[335BOY]

Originally Posted by TeinBMW

I believe bmw is screwing up and they need to stop releasing all these models. It's confusing and some models are just stupid. Gran Coupe. Like really? I was under the impression the 1 was the hatch, 2 was the coupe, 3 was the sedan, 4 was the coupe. What's with all the GC and touring models. It's unnecessary!

What are you waisting your time here for?? You need to send BMW head office this valuable info ASAP!!!!!. Theyve been so busy trying to make money and be the largest selling Luxury car brand that they didnt realise that selling so many different cars was "unnecessary". This could be the most naive and uneducated thread I have ever read here.

[TeinBMW]

Originally Posted by 335BOY

What are you waisting your time here for?? You need to send BMW head office this valuable info ASAP!!!!!. Theyve been so busy trying to make money and be the largest selling Luxury car brand that they didnt realise that selling so many different cars was "unnecessary". This could be the most naive and uneducated thread I have ever read here.

I guess your misunderstanding what this thread is about. Many of us here feel that there are more and more models being released every year. We find that the system that they had 5 years ago which had a few models was better than having 15 new models like it is now. We also feel that they should be focussing on perfecting cars instead of releasing more models.

That's just my opinion. You entitled to yours but you have an option to not read this thread.

[Mani59]

Of course BMW is a business so it needs to produce products that appeal to the masses, and make money.

But from my personal point of view as an enthusiast, I don't really like the GT and CG products, as well as the addition/branding of 2 and 4 series, (but can see the business point of view), and most of all, hate the upcoming FWD BMWs.

I was driving past my local dealer the other day and noticed that they had raised the 3, 5 and 7 series flags which got me thinking about the current BMW model range, and how much it has moved on from the core 3, 5 and 7 series models. In my opinion, the range has got too big and confusing and I reckon it's quite hard to differentiate between different variants.

[Taskmaster]

Originally Posted by paddy335

Too many models for what? Clearly it is profitable for all the major prestige brands (Audi, BMW, MB) to create and then cater to more market segments. In fact they are making more from the lower-end but higher volume models than they are from the higher-end stuff. I'm not sure I understand what the issue people have with this.....do you perceive it dilutes the prestige of the brand? If you own an M3 say, does it matter that your Grandma is cruising round in a 118d?

Audi is trash - garbage engines, garbage drivetrains and clueless owners. Why BMW mimics the Yugo of German cars is beyond me.

[ZeD4Mr]

BMW is a business. Enthusiasts that come on the forum and post are a small percentages vs the general population.

With so many models to choose from, meaning that your whole family/extended family can all drive BMW. It will also become a status quo and stay in the brand.

If I hate SUV but I need the room, it'll be A4 or A6 wagon or E wagon in the last 10 years. If I need SUV/crossover, i'll need to cross shop brands for different sizes. Now, I can just stay with BMW. Just like I go to Walmart for all 80% my shopping needs.

Retired Granma - 1 series hatch 3/5 door or X1 with awd and higher seating
College kid or recent grad - 1 series coupe/cab, or 3/4
young professional - 3/4 or x1/x3
young family - 3 touring, 4 GC, 4GT X4
.
.
.
rich uncle - M6GC or i8

Everyone will have at least 2-3 car to choose from in the same showroom and be confused or forced to buy one b/c all their family drives one.

It's a good business practice and most people are not enthusiasts and their money is as good as the next enthusiast.

[Taskmaster]

We'll just have to see how it plays out.

[W///]

Originally Posted by TeinBMW

I guess your misunderstanding what this thread is about. Many of us here feel that there are more and more models being released every year. We find that the system that they had 5 years ago which had a few models was better than having 15 new models like it is now. We also feel that they should be focussing on perfecting cars instead of releasing more models.

That's just my opinion. You entitled to yours but you have an option to not read this thread.

And my question to you is so what? How does that affect you in any way at all? IMHO, it's just as ridiculous as people arguing about the M4 name over 30 pages.

Also, releasing more variants on the same platform means they are offer more niche markets at a relatively low R&D cost. My point is, if it means selling those GT cars (which I have 0 interest in), but are able to make the M cars better, then I'm all for it.

Now if the ///M cars come out and they are no good, then it's a whole different story.