[Obioban]

BMW used to have a differentiated product. Today they do not.

I've purchased 18 BMWs, some new, some used, in the last ~20 years. I don't seem myself buying another, unless it's a 10-50 year old one. Everything I got into the brand for (small car with reasonable practicality, good steering feel, high revving high specific output NA engines, nice manual transmissions, reasonable weight, fun to drive) is gone. If I can't get the characteristics I desire, I'll get a cheaper and/or more reliable car. The badge has always been my least favorite thing about the ownership experience, so I'm certainly not sticking around for that.