Why do cars "grow"?

[ejm3]

Originally Posted by 128Convertibleguy

Because larger cars sell better. Don't blame the manufacturers. They're not in business to be artists, they're in business to make money. By that standard, BMW has succeed in recent years, big cars, runflats, and all.

This is pretty much only true in the US and maybe Canada. Elsewhere in the (like Europe) where gas is $8+/gallon bigger isn't better; better is better.

[Bigiggs]

Food for thought. The only modern car that I can remember having downsized is the current generation Nissan Z. I remember reading somewhere that it had gotten shorter than its previous generation sibling.

[Iron Man]

Originally Posted by Bigiggs

Food for thought. The only modern car that I can remember having downsized is the current generation Nissan Z. I remember reading somewhere that it had gotten shorter than its previous generation sibling.

I believe the current Honda Accord shrunk in length compared to the previous generation.

[Cavpilot2k]

Originally Posted by Fume

Well, there's always the possibility of the 0 series. And once that gets too big, the -1 series, the true enthusiast car!

+1 to the -1 !

[Cavpilot2k]

Originally Posted by dsh135

I couldn't agree more. How many times have you as a 135i owner been asked "You paid how much? For that money you could have gotten a 328i." Where's my bat . . .

Classic! Like reading reviews that call the 135 the "entry-level BMW". There are plenty of 3-series that cost less than my 135. The 328 really is the entry-level BMW, not only for price, but also for performance, as the 128 is a much better performer. (Okay, well now it's the 320 - I almost forgot that exists).

To me, the 328 (and now the 320) are the cars someone buys when they either
A: Want a good AWD car but aren't concerned about performance
B: Want to be able to say "I drive a Bimmer"

[128Convertibleguy]

Originally Posted by ejm3

This is pretty much only true in the US and maybe Canada. Elsewhere in the (like Europe) where gas is $8+/gallon bigger isn't better; better is better.

BMW market share in Europe increased every year from 2009-2013. 2013 was a new record.

It's entirely possible that new engines, like the turbo four, are more efficient. But I'd still guess that, as here, BMWs in Europe have gotten steadily larger while selling better.

BMW is pretty good at figuring out what will sell.

[hawkm3]

I noticed this alot when the new American muscle cars were made and especially with the evo/sti

[Worra]

Originally Posted by Cavpilot2k

To me, the 328 (and now the 320) are the cars someone buys when they either
A: Want a good AWD car but aren't concerned about performance
B: Want to be able to say "I drive a Beamer"

Fixed that for you

[Andrewcoja]

Because people have loyalty to a certain model of car and don't want to upgrade. A successful 20 something buys a brand new 3 series because it's fast and small and awesome. He loves the 3 series and will never abandon it. 10 years later he's starting a family and his old 3 series is too small. He complains to BMW that the 3 series is too small for someone with kids. BMW listens to consumers and makes the 3 series larger. Then they make it even larger and even larger. Now that guy can buy a 3 series and still fit his family in it.

It happens to everything. People like Civics but they need a larger car, Honda makes the civic bigger. Eventually the fit will be a big sedan and they will have to make a smaller one.

[DSSG]

The One was created to pay homage to the iconic 2002 of the 1960s. In fact, I imagine if BMW had continued its production, it'd look very similar to the One. In my area, the One wasn't a great success sales wise, so the dealers didn't keep many in stock. I kind of like it, because it makes my car somewhat unique.

Well regarding the Two, I guess homage paying time is over. I really don't like body style of the two, since it just a three with some air let out. It isn't selling all that well either. The few the dealers have stay on their lots for months!

The three is BMW's bread and butter car which is evidenced by a lot full of them! BTW, the C-class MB is now S-class size!

Anyway, I like small cars. They are easier to drive. I had better take care of my One!

[dsh135]

To me, the 328 (and now the 320) are the cars someone buys when they either
A: Want a good AWD car but aren't concerned about performance
B: Want to be able to say "I drive a Beamer"

To me, the 328 (and now the 320) are the cars someone buys when they either
A: Want a good AWD car but aren't concerned about performance
B: Want to be able to say "I drive a Bimmer"

Fixed that for you

Actually it was quite fitting to leave it as "Beamer"

[mburg]

Originally Posted by DSSG

The One was created to pay homage to the iconic 2002 of the 1960s. In fact, I imagine if BMW had continued its production, it'd look very similar to the One. In my area, the One wasn't a great success sales wise, so the dealers didn't keep many in stock. I kind of like it, because it makes my car somewhat unique.

Well regarding the Two, I guess homage paying time is over. I really don't like body style of the two, since it just a three with some air let out. It isn't selling all that well either. The few the dealers have stay on their lots for months!

The three is BMW's bread and butter car which is evidenced by a lot full of them! BTW, the C-class MB is now S-class size!

Anyway, I like small cars. They are easier to drive. I had better take care of my One!

Actually, the 2 is as big as the e36 3 was.

[BrokenVert]

Originally Posted by mburg

Actually, the 2 is as big as the e36 3 was.

Bigger even. The 1 is E36 sized, the 2 is more E46 sized.