BMW: A driving Obsession - CNBC Documentary on BMW

roburado · 07-17-2011, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AWe90

I for one was a bit underimpressed by this documentary. I did appreciate the exposure it gave to the obsessive nature of German engineering, but I definitely would have liked to hear more about the performance/driving dynamic side of things, as opposed to the friggin interior chimes or the layers of paint on the pedals.

I couldn't agree more. They managed go turn a potentially exciting report into something really boring. It's like a non-musician was trying to explain the appeal of music to non-musician/tone-deaf people who don't get the appeal of music.

I don't agree that the reporter drives an Audi as someone else posted. Sounds more like he drives an "appliance" type of car (i.e., Toyota) or doesn't have one at all.

jaadoogar · 07-17-2011, 10:46 PM

Just watched the rerun. First of all, I loved this show. It makes me proud to be receiving my 335xi soon (did European Delivery, now clearing customs in NY/NJ).

Second, say what you want about the chimes guy, but it's great that BMW leaves no stone unturned in engineering their cars. Shows their commitment to detail.

Last, my wife and I were both laughing when the GMC commercial came on. Is there anything in this documentary about slick, hitech, German-engineered luxury performance vehicles that inspires anyone to go out and buy a big ugly truck?

captainaudio · 07-18-2011, 01:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaadoogar

Just watched the rerun. First of all, I loved this show. It makes me proud to be receiving my 335xi soon (did European Delivery, now clearing customs in NY/NJ).

Second, say what you want about the chimes guy, but it's great that BMW leaves no stone unturned in engineering their cars. Shows their commitment to detail.

Last, my wife and I were both laughing when the GMC commercial came on. Is there anything in this documentary about slick, hitech, German-engineered luxury performance vehicles that inspires anyone to go out and buy a big ugly truck?

The annoying thing about the chime guy is what a load of crap it was.
I personally found it offensive as there are so many details on the car that obviously weren't paid very close attention to.

CA

mjollnir19 · 07-18-2011, 01:12 AM

watched it 4 times this weekend lol

nonagon · 07-18-2011, 03:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by captainaudio

The annoying thing about the chime guy is what a load of crap it was.
I personally found it offensive as there are so many details on the car that obviously weren't paid very close attention to.

CA

Negative much?

ede92 · 07-18-2011, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roburado

I don't agree that the reporter drives an Audi as someone else posted. Sounds more like he drives an "appliance" type of car (i.e., Toyota) or doesn't have one at all.

The show's host just didn't feel like a "car guy". This matters more than his brand allegiance.

Rustler · 07-18-2011, 02:31 PM

The theme of the show was clearly "obsession," which in of itself has a negative connotation. If you're obsessed about something it's too much, if you're passionate about something it's praiseworthy. The show highlighted the obsessive tendencies of the brand to the near exclusion of the core mission: Driving dynamics (actually, it's making money for the stockholders, but their mission is to do that by selling cars that drive really well for a profit). They hardly talked about how the cars drive and perform, hardly mentioned the M division if at all, while spending several minutes with the chime guy (and how weird was the dynamic with his boss sitting there chiming in (no pun intended) every now and then?).

I thought it was not informative and boring. At the same time, it seemed forced, as if it was a paid ad. But how could BMW support all the negativity being secreted by the smarmy host?

Saintor · 07-18-2011, 05:14 PM

Quote:

it's great that BMW leaves no stone unturned in engineering their cars

I wish that it was true.

Unfortunately, they don't seem to spend enough time in certain areas. Reliability for example. We still hear about windows regulator failures. If they were obsessed with reliability-by-design like Honda, this problem would be resolved by now. And before you ask, I don't think that is incompatible with driving dynamic.

They also have a tendency to create problems, answering questions nobody asked. Run-flat tires WITH NO SPARE TIRE ROOM (that is the point IMO) is incredible. In order to save maybe 2HP, they have an electric water pump that costs 1500$ to fix instead of 500$.

No surprise that nobody really followed them in this kind of craziness in 7 years.

captainaudio · 07-18-2011, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saintor

I wish that it was true.

Unfortunately, they don't seem to spend enough time in certain areas. Reliability for example. We still hear about windows regulator failures. If they were obsessed with reliability-by-design like Honda, this problem would be resolved by now. And before you ask, I don't think that is incompatible with driving dynamic.

They also have a tendency to create problems, answering questions nobody asked. Run-flat tires WITH NO SPARE TIRE ROOM (that is the point IMO) is incredible. In order to save maybe 2HP, they have an electric water pump that costs 1500$ to fix instead of 500$.

No surprise that nobody really followed them in this kind of craziness in 7 years.

My point exactly,

They are showing the idiot chime guy as an example of their OCD approach to engineering and those of us who own the cars are well aware of, and very frustrated by,many unturned stones including (but not limited to) the RFT issue, the "Pothole Explosions" issue, the HPFP issue, etc,

I think that BMWs are very well engineered cars but that "documentary" was a load of crap.

Having owned a wide variety of cars over the years I would have to say that my Lexus SC300 and my wife's 2010 Jaguar XKR showed more attention to detail than my 335i. All are excellent cars in their own way but when it comes to attention to detail BMW has a lot of room for improvement.

CA

jpirelli · 07-18-2011, 07:22 PM

I thought it was OK considering it was less than 1 hour.

AWe90 · 07-18-2011, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by captainaudio

This was a big dissapointment because a BMW documentary, done well, would be very interesting. BMW is a great brand and has a great and interesting history. The CNBC show did not come remotely close to doing justice to the subject.

CA

^^ THIS.

bulldog_yyc · 07-21-2011, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by captainaudio

My point exactly,

They are showing the idiot chime guy as an example of their OCD approach to engineering and those of us who own the cars are well aware of, and very frustrated by,many unturned stones including (but not limited to) the RFT issue, the "Pothole Explosions" issue, the HPFP issue, etc,

I think that BMWs are very well engineered cars but that "documentary" was a load of crap.

Having owned a wide variety of cars over the years I would have to say that my Lexus SC300 and my wife's 2010 Jaguar XKR showed more attention to detail than my 335i. All are excellent cars in their own way but when it comes to attention to detail BMW has a lot of room for improvement.

CA

+++++

LimeMike · 07-23-2011, 03:13 PM

anyone get a copy of this full program OR know where I can view it in its entirety online?! PM me!!!

ohnoyuji · 07-24-2011, 10:41 PM

Here you go, a direct download link.
1.02GB, m4v video.
http://www.fileserve.com/file/qFjcQtF
This is much quicker than torrent it...

BMCoupe_782 · 07-24-2011, 11:20 PM

it was boring and lacked the luster which we all expected. Didn't really delve into the nuances of the brand and barely touched on driving dynamics etc. The chime bit was stupid and unecessary.

lawgone · 07-25-2011, 01:26 AM

Wow, you guys are harsh. For one thing, they did point out that even with their obsession with detail they make mistakes.

As for the chime, I like it. I've also had 3 passengers comment on how much they liked it, which is odd since normally people don't comment on that type of thing. They said it was soothing.

jocamryn · 07-25-2011, 04:13 AM

BMW A driving Obsession 1-3 - on Dailymotion

BMW A driving Obsession 2-3 - on Dailymotion

waiting for part 3...

ohnoyuji · 07-25-2011, 09:21 AM

Here's my upload of the CNBC's vids on BMW.
1 hour of infomercial.
http://www.fileserve.com/file/qFjcQtF

There's other thread on the e90 post

Great vids to watch!

Jason · 07-26-2011, 01:59 AM

Thanks for sharing.

powerbarsk8ter · 07-26-2011, 05:28 AM

Obession with details? Why is it that the seatbelt on the rear seat flaps in the wind with the windows down, and why the plastic piece covering the ceiling light keeps falling off? That is not obseesion, that is ommission.

Professor///M · 07-26-2011, 12:08 PM

I don't know why they spent 10 minutes on the god damn gong.

There are so many more interesting things about BMW than the engineers that spend so much time in their lives getting the "gong" right.

fatass · 07-26-2011, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PAMidge

I don't know why they spent 10 minutes on the god damn gong.

There are so many more interesting things about BMW than the engineers that spend so much time in their lives getting the "gong" right.

my quick guess is they really don't want to give away company secrets so they sent some engineer who they know can't spill anything about the cars

07-17-2011, 10:46 PM	#222
jaadoogar Second Lieutenant 10 Rep 244 Posts Drives: 2011 335xi M-Sport, 6MT Join Date: May 2011 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (0)	Just watched the rerun. First of all, I loved this show. It makes me proud to be receiving my 335xi soon (did European Delivery, now clearing customs in NY/NJ). Second, say what you want about the chimes guy, but it's great that BMW leaves no stone unturned in engineering their cars. Shows their commitment to detail. Last, my wife and I were both laughing when the GMC commercial came on. Is there anything in this documentary about slick, hitech, German-engineered luxury performance vehicles that inspires anyone to go out and buy a big ugly truck? __________________ 2018 BMW F80 M3 \| Black Sapphire \| 6MT \| 2011 BMW E90 335xi \| Black Sapphire \| Black Dakota \| M-Sport \| 6MT \| European Delivery 5.24.11 E9x Picture Game: 29 points (Grandfather Clock, Natural Disaster, Anti Environment, Minivan Taxi, NFL Stadium Opening Day, Six Banana M, Campaign Sign, Steam Locomotive... EV Charging Station, Extreme Car Sizes, Birthday, Bridal Shop, Boardwalk, Car Insurance, Adjacent Handicap, Gloves, Fast Expensive)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-18-2011, 01:12 AM	#224
mjollnir19 Major 67 Rep 1,284 Posts Drives: BMW 335i DINAN 3 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: NJ iTrader: (13) Garage List 2009 BMW E90 335i LCI [9.50]	watched it 4 times this weekend lol
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-18-2011, 02:31 PM	#227
Rustler First Lieutenant 43 Rep 314 Posts Drives: '10 E90 335i Space Grey Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Bozeman, MT iTrader: (4)	The theme of the show was clearly "obsession," which in of itself has a negative connotation. If you're obsessed about something it's too much, if you're passionate about something it's praiseworthy. The show highlighted the obsessive tendencies of the brand to the near exclusion of the core mission: Driving dynamics (actually, it's making money for the stockholders, but their mission is to do that by selling cars that drive really well for a profit). They hardly talked about how the cars drive and perform, hardly mentioned the M division if at all, while spending several minutes with the chime guy (and how weird was the dynamic with his boss sitting there chiming in (no pun intended) every now and then?). I thought it was not informative and boring. At the same time, it seemed forced, as if it was a paid ad. But how could BMW support all the negativity being secreted by the smarmy host?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-18-2011, 07:22 PM	#230
jpirelli Power is nothing without control 35 Rep 762 Posts Drives: E90 + E92 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Southeast/Southwest iTrader: (3)	I thought it was OK considering it was less than 1 hour.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-23-2011, 03:13 PM	#233
LimeMike Second Lieutenant 38 Rep 262 Posts Drives: G01 X3M40i E82 135 MSport Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: N.Central FL iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 BMW 325i [0.00]	anyone get a copy of this full program OR know where I can view it in its entirety online?! PM me!!! __________________ LimeMike '06 E90, M6 wheels, Splitters, tint, OEM roof racks, Mtec LED AE, BMW blue calipers, BMW Performance Exhaust, BlackLines, AFE Intake, AA Tune!!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-24-2011, 10:41 PM	#234
ohnoyuji Private First Class 24 Rep 187 Posts Drives: Mini Cooper/ BMW X1 i28 Join Date: May 2011 Location: Montreal iTrader: (0)	Here you go, a direct download link. 1.02GB, m4v video. http://www.fileserve.com/file/qFjcQtF This is much quicker than torrent it...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-24-2011, 11:20 PM	#235
BMCoupe_782 Bavarian Fever 37 Rep 1,108 Posts Drives: 08' e92 328xi TiAg Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Queens, NY / North NJ iTrader: (4)	it was boring and lacked the luster which we all expected. Didn't really delve into the nuances of the brand and barely touched on driving dynamics etc. The chime bit was stupid and unecessary. __________________ \| ESS n52 Tune \| BMW Performance Intake/Exhaust \| LUX H8 v3 AE \| GP Thunder 8500K fogs/corners \| LED: signals/interior \| V1 hardwired \| debadge \| AC pedals \| Performance shift knob/boot \| CF e-brake \| Aero lip \| m3 side skirts/spoiler \| MB kidneys \| Strut brace \| Painted reflectors \| Painted Calipers/Hubs \| 35% 3M tint \| Smoked tails \| CF Roundels \| 19" Miro 942 \| Conti DWS \| H&R Springs for xi \| Bilstein Shocks\| Nxt: Alpine Subs/Amps
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-25-2011, 01:26 AM	#236
lawgone Lieutenant 66 Rep 543 Posts Drives: 2014 335i M Sport Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Cincinnati, OH iTrader: (0)	Wow, you guys are harsh. For one thing, they did point out that even with their obsession with detail they make mistakes. As for the chime, I like it. I've also had 3 passengers comment on how much they liked it, which is odd since normally people don't comment on that type of thing. They said it was soothing. __________________ 2014 335i f30 M Sport, Mineral Gray, Premium, Nav, Comfort Access, M Sport Brakes, 18" Potenza RFT Summer/Staggered 2011 328xi e92 M Sport, Space Grey, Premium, Nav, Comfort Access, BMW Apps
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-25-2011, 04:13 AM	#237
jocamryn Major 166 Rep 1,179 Posts Drives: '23X4 M40i/'24 X2 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Deutschland iTrader: (0)	BMW A driving Obsession 1-3 - on Dailymotion BMW A driving Obsession 2-3 - on Dailymotion waiting for part 3...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-25-2011, 09:21 AM	#238
ohnoyuji Private First Class 24 Rep 187 Posts Drives: Mini Cooper/ BMW X1 i28 Join Date: May 2011 Location: Montreal iTrader: (0)	BMW: A driving Obsession - CNBC Documentary to air July 13th @ 9PM ET Here's my upload of the CNBC's vids on BMW. 1 hour of infomercial. http://www.fileserve.com/file/qFjcQtF There's other thread on the e90 post Great vids to watch!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-26-2011, 01:59 AM	#239
Jason Administrator 43741 Rep 21,326 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Thanks for sharing. __________________ Check on the Latest BMW News Become a fan of Bimmerpost Facebook Follow us on Bimmerpost Twitter Subscribe to Bimmerpost Youtube Channel
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-26-2011, 05:28 AM	#240
powerbarsk8ter Private First Class 4 Rep 116 Posts Drives: 09 E90 xi Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Washington DC iTrader: (0)	Obession with details? Why is it that the seatbelt on the rear seat flaps in the wind with the windows down, and why the plastic piece covering the ceiling light keeps falling off? That is not obseesion, that is ommission.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-26-2011, 12:08 PM	#241
Professor///M Brigadier General 833 Rep 3,344 Posts Drives: 2022 M3, 2022 X5 40i; Join Date: May 2007 Location: Northeast iTrader: (5) Garage List 2022 BMW M3 Comp. [0.00] 2016 BMW X5 35i [10.00]	I don't know why they spent 10 minutes on the god damn gong. There are so many more interesting things about BMW than the engineers that spend so much time in their lives getting the "gong" right.
	Appreciate 0 Quote