BMW talk

[White Shadow]

On a more serious note, I personally think all these "brand labels" for people is utter nonsense. Right now I'm an Audi owner. I also currently own a Toyota and an Acura, but my main vehicle is the Audi. Before I purchased the Audi, I owned an M3.

So just considering my recent car history, how can anyone make any assumptions about me based upon the car I own/drive? That's silly. I don't magically transform from an a-hole when I'm driving my Audi to a sensible person (or whatever other label is associated with the brand) when I'm driving my Toyota.

And quite honestly, brands don't mean much to me at all. I buy a car because I like it....the way it looks, the way it drives, the way it fits my needs overall. If Hyundai made the A5, I'd still have one in my garage because I like the car, despite the logo on the car. Sure, there are people who buy (or probably lease) their BMW/MB/Audi/Lexus/etc just to stroke their own egos, but I've always thought that was silly. I'm not impressed at all when I see a 3-series at every corner.

[White Shadow]

Originally Posted by einzlr

That said, in the case of Audi and BMW, there's plenty of rivalry between the companies themselves, at least as far as US marketing goes. Have you seen the battle of the billboards?

Originally Posted by RaceR

Nope.

Here's a taste:

[White Shadow]

And this was probably the funniest response to all the bickering in the billboard battle between car manufacturers in the U.S.

No, I don't think it a real billboard photo, but it's still funny as hell.

[SVTSHC]

Originally Posted by RaceR

You sound like a potential Audi customer..Audi dealership is in that direction. *pointing away from this thread*

Okay? No I work for BMW but fine I'll leave your thread, jackass.

[RaceR]

Originally Posted by SVTSHC

Okay? No I work for BMW but fine I'll leave your thread, jackass.

I thought you were being sarcastic with you comment. I apologize..

Everybody who contribute are highly welcome!
:happy0180:

[einzlr]

Originally Posted by SVTSHC

Okay? No I work for BMW but fine I'll leave your thread, jackass.

Peace, my friend! He was making a joke where the context was "cue Audi jokes"; he meant no insults. Please give this thread a second chance; your contributions to the discussion are appreciated

[einzlr]

Originally Posted by Vaishali

Really BMW is the only Brand which provide unique Design ether in Bikes or Cars
and the main thing is its any brand never fail, people buy its name...

Welllll, Suzuki and maybe a few others make both bikes and cars Then again, only BMW among them is a status symbol.

Originally Posted by White Shadow

On a more serious note, I personally think all these "brand labels" for people is utter nonsense. Right now I'm an Audi owner. I also currently own a Toyota and an Acura, but my main vehicle is the Audi. Before I purchased the Audi, I owned an M3.

So just considering my recent car history, how can anyone make any assumptions about me based upon the car I own/drive? That's silly. I don't magically transform from an a-hole when I'm driving my Audi to a sensible person (or whatever other label is associated with the brand) when I'm driving my Toyota.

And quite honestly, brands don't mean much to me at all. I buy a car because I like it....the way it looks, the way it drives, the way it fits my needs overall. If Hyundai made the A5, I'd still have one in my garage because I like the car, despite the logo on the car. Sure, there are people who buy (or probably lease) their BMW/MB/Audi/Lexus/etc just to stroke their own egos, but I've always thought that was silly. I'm not impressed at all when I see a 3-series at every corner.

You illustrate marvelously that different people have different relationships with their cars. For some, their car is an extension of themselves and brand is supremely important. For others of us, brand and logo are entirely immaterial and all we care about is the machine and what it delivers.

[RaceR]

Originally Posted by White Shadow

And quite honestly, brands don't mean much to me at all. I buy a car because I like it....the way it looks, the way it drives, the way it fits my needs overall.

Totally agree with your post, and especially the bold part above.

Im the same. I have a Mini (quite random that it is a BMW product). I wanted the car for what it is.
I own a VW Beetle.

The reason why I follow BMW is due to their core principles around RWD, driving feel and handling. I could not care less about the X-series and 5-series and larger. Badge is irrelevant, which is the reasons I look at many different cars.
After driving a VW Golf in 2010 I had to get something fun (MR2). And when I sell my Mini I intend to buy a RWD car again. Which is the drivetrain I prefer.
The Mini is actually my first FF that I have personally owned. Otherwise, only RWD light cars.

[RaceR]

Ohh, some pictures!





Some older pictures have taken on some nice BMWs on track.




Recent snapshot someone took of me doing AutoX

[serialk11r]

Originally Posted by RaceR

Ohh, some pictures!

BROTHA! 2000MY here, red as well.

I'm jealous, in Europe you guys get a 6 speed whereas we're stuck with a stupid useless 5 speed in America. Gas mileage is great yea? It's pretty great being the lightest car on the road other than the Elise and first gen Insight, unless you Europeans have some other ultralightweight concoctions I haven't heard of.

[RaceR]

Originally Posted by serialk11r

BROTHA! 2000MY here, red as well.

I'm jealous, in Europe you guys get a 6 speed whereas we're stuck with a stupid useless 5 speed in America. Gas mileage is great yea? It's pretty great being the lightest car on the road other than the Elise and first gen Insight, unless you Europeans have some other ultralightweight concoctions I haven't heard of.

I had a feeling someone on this forum would appreciate my MR2 Roadster. :p
I had a 2001 model with a 5-speed. The 6 speed came in 2002. For some reason most MR2s in Norway are 2001 and early 2002. The cars with lots of engine and catalytic converter failures..

MX-5 NA is lighter. Otherwise there are some/several small FF hatcbacks that are less than a 1000kg and lighter than MR2 Roadster. But most of them have about 60-90hp..

You would not like Norway... We and Denmark have the worst car taxes in the whole Europe. Norwegian prices
BMW 114I (102hp) 47.000 USD
BMW 118I (170hp) 58.000 USD
Cooper S 58.000 USD
GT86 cost 80.000 USD
BMW M135I (320hp) 135.000 USD
M5 320.000 USD

One of the worst countries in EU to be a car enthusiast... GT86 is not a bargain here like in the US. Costs way more than a Cooper S. Okay Cooper S need some options, GT86 have em all. But still....
A 25.000 USD Mustang would probably be around 140.000 USD i Norway..
A 100.000 Tesla Model S will probably be around 120.000 USD in Norway.
10 USD for a gallon of petrol....
The difference in taxes on electric vehicles and high powered-high emmision cars are probably the highest in the world..

Spending so much time on these forums looking at your prices are depressing... On the other hand. Neighbor countries like UK and Sweden have nice pricing too (compared to Norway)... So that is also depressing...

That is why im exited about the i3.. Lol.. will be way cheaper than the GT86! :p But I doubt it will be sporty at all..
Buying a low milage 2010 BMW 116D (E87) with only 95 diesel HP are a bit tempting! It can be chipped to 180hp!! (its basically the same engine as 120D i think) Would only need a quaife LSD.
That would be a fun car for about 36.000... No fan of diesel but at that price with those specs... A bit tempting...

I tried the E87 1-series with a small engine when I owned my MR2. It felt sooo heavy at about 1350kg. And it spun 1-wheel so easily... New 1-series drives a better and is lighter.
Funny to read about americans calling the GT86 light weight and fuel efficient. Its the same weight as the typical car of that length and fuel efficiency is so much worse compared to almost everything. A F21 118I have turbo, way more torque, almost the same hp (its underrated) better fuel efficiencly, premium interior, usable back seats and only weight like 50kg+ kg more.

I have to say the MR2- actually feels very light too and not numbed down.... Most cars at 1300kg feels way more than 325kg heavier than that car in my opinion. Too bad my car MR2 was a huge money pit and I needed something reliable and practical. The two E36 BMWs I owned for 4 years before that cost me half the amount in maintenance compared to owning the MR2 for one year.... Still a fun car the MR2..

[RaceR]

Originally Posted by serialk11r

It's pretty great being the lightest car on the road other than the Elise and first gen Insight, unless you Europeans have some other ultralightweight concoctions I haven't heard of.

I forgot Opel Speedster/Vauxhall VX220! You will like that one!
There is one normal NA car, and one with turbo. Its a cheaper alternative to Elise. But aluminium chassis. Very light @870kg or 930kg with turbo.
More power and torque compared to MR2, so quite a lot faster...

I could also mention Caterham. But they are extremely rare sight around here. I can almost count the times I have seen them on one hand...

[einzlr]

Originally Posted by RaceR

I had a feeling someone on this forum would appreciate my MR2 Roadster. :p
...

I have to say the MR2- actually feels very light too and not numbed down.... Most cars at 1300kg feels way more than 325kg heavier than that car in my opinion. Too bad my car MR2 was a huge money pit and I needed something reliable and practical. The two E36 BMWs I owned for 4 years before that cost me half the amount in maintenance compared to owning the MR2 for one year.... Still a fun car the MR2..

I think there are plenty of us who admire your car

1300kg is also about the curb weight of my M Coupe (the M Roadster shares 90% of the parts, but is heavier due to chassis stiffening). I thought older BMW's were money sinks - interesting to hear that the MR2 was so much worse. Was it more expensive because the parts cost more? Because more stuff broke (and/or wore out)? ???

Originally Posted by RaceR

I could also mention Caterham. But they are extremely rare sight around here. I can almost count the times I have seen them on one hand...

Haha only place I've seen one of those was on Top Gear :P

[RaceR]

Originally Posted by einzlr

I think there are plenty of us who admire your car

1300kg is also about the curb weight of my M Coupe (the M Roadster shares 90% of the parts, but is heavier due to chassis stiffening). I thought older BMW's were money sinks - interesting to hear that the MR2 was so much worse. Was it more expensive because the parts cost more? Because more stuff broke (and/or wore out)? ???

My MR2 needed a new engine block, catalytic converters (all2/3 of them!), several O2 sensors, some fuel injectors, some bearing inside the gearbox..two calipers...A lot of problems beying normal maintenance. Luckily I managed to sell it for more than I bought it for, and also got some money back from the person who sold it to me.. But still it became an expensive car.
Generally BMW parts cost more than Toyota parts. But I had a ton of really expensive issues with the MR2. And I know a place that sells a lot of dirt cheap none OEM BMW parts (Mostly for a bit "older" BMWs. Probably not that cheap for you US people, but extremely cheap compared to OEM Toyota parts from a Toyota dealer here).