GoFaster
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It is all about the balance of the car. Great handling and enough power. IMO - Acura needs to go RWD and take the weight off the nose or they will be what they are now. Real nice car that ages better than any other. It just isn't a great handling car.
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Fan Koni
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50:50 is something like a holy symbol in Munich.
Also the marketing of BMW has been very clever to balance the Mini & BMW brands just right to help each other and not get in each others way.
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MasterOfDaDomain
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TonyE wrote:
MasterOfDaDomain wrote:
For enthusiasts, a BMW is a no-brainer - one of the better engineered RWD cars that offer excellent handling and powertrain, as well as 4-5 seats in 2 or 4 door versions. For pure sports cars, Porsche gets the nod. MB cars don't perform as well and Audi of course doesn't offer RWD.
Even the average Joe knows BMW as the Ultimate Driving Machine (although I think Porsche deserves it). For those that can afford them, even the 5 and 7 tend to be the performers in their respective vehicle classes, although the recent trend shows the bigger BMWs are getting softer.
BMW of course has reliability issues, and some quirks such as using run-flat tires (with no space under the trunk floor for a spare) and taking away the dip stick. But at least they continue to offer manual transmissions in their cars (not SUVs).
If one wants to own a BMW, join BMW Car Club of America (I think still the largest car club in the U.S.) - you'll get to attend local club events (including high performance driving school), find the best independent shops for BMW (plus parts/service discounts), and get Roundel magazine as well as cash rebate for BMW purchases.
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Welcome to the Snob Club of America...
If you really want a BMW.. get a 2002tii...
Or better yet, a 1970 Datsun 510, put a 2.0L motor ( I think the ones from the 200sx fit ) and really teach those snobs what the real "Ultimate Driving Machine" really is.
BTW, the 510 used to beat the 2002s and Alfas in the late 60s and early 70s.
Ultimate Marketing Machines, if you ask me....
Check this out
http://www.supercars.net/gallery/119513/2484/8.html
I should have never sold my 1970 510. I could have that 510 and a Hondata'd EP-3 in my garage today.
And the Dino 246GT that I almost bought in 1987.
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Have you met anyone in person from BMWCCA? This is a pretty offensive statement to many nice people who are members. The people that I have met at the local club are anything but snobs. They are first and foremost enthusiasts - enjoy the races (Pro3 racing is one good example) and track days, and many long time members are very helpful to new members. I have got lots of help from routine maintenance to body damage issues.
Many members drive used but meticulously maintained or well modified BMWs. Having fun, rather than impressing the neighbors seems the priority.
Yes, the Club started because of the 2002. Some do lament the passing of such simple and fun machines, but corporations have to be profitable in order to build performance vehicles. Have you tried the 1 series M coupe? Would you rather BMW follow Honda's way and phase out their M vehicles?
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RocketRon
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Lots of folks here on ToV appreciate high revving engines.
Does BMW actually offer any of those or have they been phased out?
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Grace141
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Of the people I know who have owned BMWs at some point just two of them bought the cars because of the badge alone making for a good percentage of car folks vs. snobs. I suspect the percentage of Honda badge buyers vs Honda engineering fans is much greater.
I understand the BMW CCA is a good club. I'm sure there are members fascinated by duplicating paint finishes and matching part numbers as with any club. BMWs have been about the driving experience since the late 1960s so I bet a good portion of the club members are drivers. One factor about the BMW owners I've known is several have kept their cars for many years with one 5-series guy owning his car for over 25 years.
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superchg2
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I know of a local guy who has a V-8 powered M-3 and drives like a maniac, with no regard for speed limit's or other drivers.
Are all BMW drivers maniacs?
Probably not.
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gogzy
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perhaps it's because the company that master being snob and soul (driving) at the same time! I wish Honda or Acura's marketing find a way to master being green/efficient and whatever it trying to be.
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mobis21
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I think it's funny, AND SAD, that by BMW's very own research, 80% of the people that own a BMW 1-series, think they own a FWD BMW.
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FiSH-Chan
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mobis21 wrote:
think they own a FWD BMW.
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I think more accurately, the research shows they don't know which wheels are driving, or probably how the engine makes the wheels turn at all.. not think it is fwd.
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mobis21
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FiSH-Chan wrote:
mobis21 wrote:
think they own a FWD BMW.
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I think more accurately, the research shows they don't know which wheels are driving, or probably how the engine makes the wheels turn at all.. not think it is fwd.
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It shows that 80% of BMW owners are clueless if you ask me. They buy the badge like women shopping for the latest is handbags.
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