"It would be a great Mercedes"
02-20-2011, 08:06 AM
#1
Contributors
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 1,986
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I read the latest issue of Automobile Magazine (the one with the Camero vert on the cover) on a long plane ride home yesterday and they featured a one-page review of the F10 535i.
The review was typical of what we have read many times already: they liked nearly every aspect of the new 5 series including improved good looks; high-quality interior that is comfortable and user-friendly; sublime ride and handling that belies its size and weight; and a super-sweet engine.
But once again they conclude that the sum of the parts somehow does not add up. One editor stated that he "really likes this car but doesn't want one." Too much 7 series and not enough 3 series. And they anchored with the Mercedes knock-out punch. Ouch.
Were the lads in Munich aiming to build a nice Mercedes? I hope not. Yes, the F10 is selling well and I expect sales to continue to be strong ... well, good for BMW. But as many have lamented here, what's a driving enthusiast to do?
The review was typical of what we have read many times already: they liked nearly every aspect of the new 5 series including improved good looks; high-quality interior that is comfortable and user-friendly; sublime ride and handling that belies its size and weight; and a super-sweet engine.
But once again they conclude that the sum of the parts somehow does not add up. One editor stated that he "really likes this car but doesn't want one." Too much 7 series and not enough 3 series. And they anchored with the Mercedes knock-out punch. Ouch.
Were the lads in Munich aiming to build a nice Mercedes? I hope not. Yes, the F10 is selling well and I expect sales to continue to be strong ... well, good for BMW. But as many have lamented here, what's a driving enthusiast to do?
02-20-2011, 08:13 AM
#2
Super Moderator
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: So. Cal (SFV)
Posts: 17,508
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
My Ride: 2011.5 Alpine White E90 M3 | Black Novillo Leather | Carbon Fiber Leather Trim | ZCP | ZP2 | M-DCT | Navigation | Moonroof | 6FL Mods: TMS 12.5mm spacers all around l Hawk HPS Brake Pads l OEM M3 Edition Grills l Paint Matched Side Gills l Key Hole D
want to know what I decided 
I went with "more 3 series" 
It's pretty obvious the BMW engineers and designers went after a larger target demographic with the f10, leaving some current 5 series owners a bit confused, I do think BMW did accomplish what they intended to do with the F10...
To each his own....
I went with "more 3 series" It's pretty obvious the BMW engineers and designers went after a larger target demographic with the f10, leaving some current 5 series owners a bit confused, I do think BMW did accomplish what they intended to do with the F10...
To each his own....
02-20-2011, 11:31 AM
#4
Senior Members
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Chicago Suburbs
Posts: 639
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2011 BMW 550i; Dark Graphite Metalliic/Oyster, 4.4 TT V8, 8-sp AT, Sports Package, Dynamic Handling, Premium Package 2, Cold Weather Package, HUD
02-20-2011, 12:05 PM
#5
Contributors
02-20-2011, 01:02 PM
#6
Contributors
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Zoo York
Posts: 9,986
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: Alpine White 2006 530Xi (SLD)
There are great cars that out-run, out-handle and out-pace ANYTHING with a BMW badge for 40-50K. Lotus Elise comes to mind as one, but okay - it isn't exactly "practical". How about an STi or EVO? They are blindingly quick, handle WAY better, cost MUCH less. Yes, they aren't as "glamorous", but at some point most people will say "who cares!" and buy the better-engineered car. And I BET that both - EVO and STi come with an iPod/iPhone adapter STANDARD!!! With $30-40 grand left for mods, you can let loose on it and make it a Ferrari killer! Who the EF will even LOOK at an F10 - other than through the low-budget rearview mirror of his/her real performance car.
I don't think it was a "punch below the belt" - it was a fair assessment of the brand that most of us here used to regard as one for driving enthusiasts. I'm beginning to realize how much it is just pure marketing BS now...
I don't think it was a "punch below the belt" - it was a fair assessment of the brand that most of us here used to regard as one for driving enthusiasts. I'm beginning to realize how much it is just pure marketing BS now...
02-20-2011, 02:00 PM
#7
Senior Members
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Chicago Suburbs
Posts: 639
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2011 BMW 550i; Dark Graphite Metalliic/Oyster, 4.4 TT V8, 8-sp AT, Sports Package, Dynamic Handling, Premium Package 2, Cold Weather Package, HUD
There are great cars that out-run, out-handle and out-pace ANYTHING with a BMW badge for 40-50K. Lotus Elise comes to mind as one, but okay - it isn't exactly "practical". How about an STi or EVO? They are blindingly quick, handle WAY better, cost MUCH less. Yes, they aren't as "glamorous", but at some point most people will say "who cares!" and buy the better-engineered car. And I BET that both - EVO and STi come with an iPod/iPhone adapter STANDARD!!! With $30-40 grand left for mods, you can let loose on it and make it a Ferrari killer! Who the EF will even LOOK at an F10 - other than through the low-budget rearview mirror of his/her real performance car.
I don't think it was a "punch below the belt" - it was a fair assessment of the brand that most of us here used to regard as one for driving enthusiasts. I'm beginning to realize how much it is just pure marketing BS now...
I don't think it was a "punch below the belt" - it was a fair assessment of the brand that most of us here used to regard as one for driving enthusiasts. I'm beginning to realize how much it is just pure marketing BS now...
It's not just EVO's and STi's...you can include Camaro SS, Mustang GT, Challenger R/T, Charger R/Tor even a base Corvette to that list that can all run with- or out-run a BMW for much less $$$. But those aren't luxury cars. Those cars are all about engines....everything else is an after-thought. BMW is first and foremost a luxury carmaker. They cater to a different demographic than those who shop ricer cars like the EVO and STi's. Have you ever looked at the interior of these ricer cars?....they may have a lot of gadgets but they're cheap! The build material and ride quality reflect as such, too. But if those are your priorities, then more power to you.
02-20-2011, 03:37 PM
#8
Senior Members
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Long Island
Posts: 308
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 535XIT Space Gray, Cream Beige LeatherCold Weather, Premium, Auto, Rear Side Window Shapes, Heated Rear Seats, Park Distance, Navigation, Satellite Radio
Model Year: 08
It seems like BMW sold out made the car larger and softer.
It is now the ultimate car for the average consumer with money.
I just hope that they make the 3 a little bigger so I can replace me E61 with it. Do you think they import a estate version of the new 3?
It is now the ultimate car for the average consumer with money.
I just hope that they make the 3 a little bigger so I can replace me E61 with it. Do you think they import a estate version of the new 3?
02-21-2011, 06:55 AM
#9
Contributors
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: New York, New York
Posts: 10,301
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: See my signature
It's not just EVO's and STi's...you can include Camaro SS, Mustang GT, Challenger R/T, Charger R/Tor even a base Corvette to that list that can all run with- or out-run a BMW for much less $$$. But those aren't luxury cars. Those cars are all about engines....everything else is an after-thought. BMW is first and foremost a luxury carmaker. They cater to a different demographic than those who shop ricer cars like the EVO and STi's. Have you ever looked at the interior of these ricer cars?....they may have a lot of gadgets but they're cheap! The build material and ride quality reflect as such, too. But if those are your priorities, then more power to you.
02-21-2011, 06:56 AM
#10
Contributors
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: New York, New York
Posts: 10,301
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: See my signature
I agree. I believe that that is the consumer that BMW was targeting for the F10. And I think that BMW hit that target.