[eMINI]

And, I'm so late to the party!

Originally Posted by WolfsburgerMitFries

I think the new 3 series is a dud, and BMW has lost their way in that segment...which is exactly why I'm looking at the 1 series.

Originally Posted by WolfsburgerMitFries

A V8 engine, in times of extremely volitale gas prices, is a transparently bad idea....not to mention completely unnecessary considering the performance of the 335i. Gratuitous styling elememts such as the hood buldge and vents of the new M3 are tacky, out of place, and look like something borrowed from Subaru or Mitsubishi...a perfect look for the aftermarket tuner crowd which caters to children and those with childish tastes.

You sound like a grumpy old man! I like that.

Originally Posted by onehots2k

…The characteristics of a high revving V8 and a twin-turbo is very different. An M car is more than 0-60 and this one is bound to kick ass and take names.

Originally Posted by onehots2k

What you are saying is that there is no need in the wake of high fuel prices. NEWS FLASH, you should not be spending 30+ on a BMW if worried about gas prices. Do yourself a favor and buy a Civic or a Hybrid and get 50-60mpg. And if they make a diesel for the U.S., do you think its going to be cheap enough to make up for the cost of the car? I think not. Not for a long time. It is bound to be more 3-4 grand more than its nearest competitor.

Clearly Wolf’s priorities are somewhat in conflict. Mine, too. Gas mileage isn’t really one of ‘em though. I mean I drive a car that’s tiny but still get only 25 mpg in mixed driving. As far is fuel economy goes, I’m thrilled when there are offerings for everyone. At least then I get to decide for myself… me no like when you decide for me.

Originally Posted by onehots2k

Your entitled to not like the styling of this car.(many dissagree) But to not show respect for what it stands for is....F*cked up!! I know people that have no clue about cars but know what an M3 is. The car is a legend, the halo car of the BMW brand. It wasnt the best at one thing but it was good at everything. I'm a part of at least 4 different forum sites, most japanese and they show nothing but RESPECT for this car. Yes, they'll say its not reliable, its expensive, etc. but nobody has ever knocked whats under the hood.

Sounds like the criticisms are rooted in appearance concerns. So long as form follows function, I’ll allow them some leeway. Heck, I learned to love the Z3-based M Coupe!

Originally Posted by onehots2k

And lets totally knock the 3 series. The car that IS the bmw franchise. A car that is yet to be dethroned.

And the reasons for all that success… continued improvement on an already great car and accurately assessing the needs/wants of the car-buying public.

Originally Posted by spudwest

I think both 2K and Wolf are little on the extreme in your opposing points of view.

Originally Posted by spudwest

Yes the M3 is not what it was. It's heavier and more complex than ever, and it has broken a tradition of M3s using i6 engines. And yes the V8 is incongruent with concerns over fuel economy etc. As much as you're entitled to disagree with styling elements, "gratuitous" implies they have no purpose, and I'm not sure that's the case.

<snip>

To say the 3-series, as we knew it and loved it, is totally dead is perhaps extreme. But our good old buddy from high school has grown up to be a stock broker and has changed. Same guy, but it's Scotch and Caviar instead of Beer and Pasta. That rubs some people the wrong way...

Personally, if I could afford one, I'd drive one and every day that I'd have to walk past the tacky hood bulge and air vents to get behind the wheel and light up that V8 would be the best day of my life!!!

What can I say, except that you’re so right.

Originally Posted by onehots2k

I mean cars have to evolve. You cant bring a Naturally aspirated I-6 to an 8 party. Audi and the Benz have 8's. Many have said this car will complete with the twin-turbo GTR...which bothers me. Yes, bmw's styling has been controversial and dont look great in pictures but when u see them in person, some just melt your face. I didnt like the current 3sedan when they came out, now I would drive one in a heartbeat.

I’ve experienced much the same turnaround in my attitude toward the E90/E92… if only it were smaller…

Originally Posted by WolfsburgerMitFries

… As someone who has owned multiple 3 series, I've watched the car that I was very enthuistiac about become corrupted.

Originally Posted by WolfsburgerMitFries

The 3 is becoming too large, and its getting stuffed with counterintuitive technologies like idrive. Related to new technology, if you want to give me the ability to check my oil level on the insturment cluster, that's fine, but don't delete the oil dipstick on the engine...I'd rather not burn up my engine, or overfill it because of a malfunctioning sensor.

The 3's signature driver oriented cockpit now looks like something borrowed from a late 80's Camry, the new simplified instrument cluster looks like something out of any 90's Japenese econobox, my spare 95 Dodge Caravan has a more informative instrument cluster than the current 3 series. And while we're on the inside, what happeded to the trademark well placed window switches on the center console?...now the controls are tilted away from me on the drivers door?

I used to be proud that my BMW always had a full size spare on an identical rim as the rest of the car...now BMW has decided to stick you with those horrible runflats. If you like runflats, fine, that can be YOUR option that YOU order on YOUR car, but don't force me into something I don't want or need. Then there's the matter of Bangle styling.

I wanted to like the E92, but after an objective evaluation, a just couldn't.

Though I sometimes disagree with you, you’re absolutely right on all counts, here. I demand a new BMW small, light & simple! But if I can’t have that, maybe I can be happy with one is smaller, lighter and simpler than the E92.

Originally Posted by spudwest

Wolf, I hope for your sake the 1er is satisfying. But for the 1er to overcome all the concerns you appear to have about the 3er, I think it would have to be made by a different manufacturer. 1er will be in the same family, sharing cockpit traits, Bangle styling and I wouldn't be surprised if it has runflats.

Originally Posted by spudwest

On the bright side, it will be smaller and likely more driver-centric. And I do agree that the 3er, starting with the '99 E46 that I drive, has gradually moved away from that principle.

I like the current 3er, but not for the same reason's I liked the E36 and to a lesser extent my E46. I hope the 1er will bring back some of what went out the door with the E28 and E36...

Dude! I’m all about the E28 (my current track car) and E36 (100k miles in that one, too). Hopefully they can re-capture some of that magic.

Originally Posted by onehots2k

My point is yes the car has its faults, but the driving experience and performance that I am looking for is met or exceeded.

I can only hope you’re right about this. You are right… right?