[Tag]

Time to stop counting those beans and start grinding them up into a triple espresso shot. Been driving BMWs since the e46 and the F3x was the first time I walked away asking how does this wear the BMW badge?

[scoobysaurus]

Originally Posted by X3paul

That car looked old the moment it was put on the market. Previous gen looks way better.

Says the guy with an X3 (probably the worst looking car that BMW makes at the moment, along with its X4 cousin).

Tbh the only BMW today that looks better than the comparable Benz (CLS) is the 6 series. What it needed was a proper facelift to keep it fresh (like the 911 and SL) and not just a tweak to the headlights.

Having said that, I hope BMW's sales fall even further because it means they'll probably get their act together and go back to making great class-leading cars again instead of resting on past laurels and marketing gimmicks to increase volume.

[X3paul]

Originally Posted by scoobysaurus

Says the guy with an X3 (probably the worst looking car that BMW makes at the moment, along with its X4 cousin).

Tbh the only BMW today that looks better than the comparable Benz (CLS) is the 6 series. What it needed was a proper facelift to keep it fresh (like the 911 and SL) and not just a tweak to the headlights.

Having said that, I hope BMW's sales fall even further because it means they'll probably get their act together and go back to making great class-leading cars again instead of resting on past laurels and marketing gimmicks to increase volume.

The x3 is bmw times 3: m3 E46 csl + Z4 M coup + 1972 E9 csi coup

[vladberca]

There are some models that will be refreshed shortly: 5 series, 4 series, X3...
But there are also other markets with BMW sales on plus.

[scoleda]

We are looking at this too simply. We need to look at total allocation numbers, average days on lot and some other big picture movements.

BMW's are being bought as fast as they can make em just less sales are going to the U.S. so far, this year... Remember, this is a world market. Other markets have increased demand drastically and there are only so many that can be made. Also, BMW makes the LEAST amount of money from a U.S. Car sale as they are discounted so heavily in the U.S. market to remain competitive.

A good example is our lovely 6 series. Other markets have seen increased demand for them while in the states they required MASSIVE subsidies. They were rotting on lots. So they moved allocations around. Dealers get an allocation, and it is their duty to sell that allocation. Total units on lot seem unchanged so that means that allocations have also decreased by the same number as sales. This data seems to show a directional change to push less in the U.S. market and focus where they can be more profitable. Remember, the North American dealer system is pretty unique, expensive, and backwards to how most of the rest of the world sells their cars.

This actually hurts the U.S. dealer more than anything else. BMW is totally fine and they are in the process of streamlining processes to get the cost of some things down. But I don't expect to see them discounting their brand to make their numbers here.

[raysspl]

I think it's time BMW really consider a compelling full EV car...

[Alpine300zhp]

Originally Posted by rjd598

i noticed that too. what's wrong with it? i mean if i could afford it i would swoop up on an m6 coupe or gc.

For the money, the 6 is pretty lame. Many other better choices out there for 100-140k.

[goj]

Originally Posted by IndotagSwizz

Looks like some of the complaints the brand has been receiving during the last couple of years is starting to manifest in the sales numbers, hopefully BMW will listen to those numbers

This more has to do with the main competition and their newly released vehicles.

New C, New A4. The 5 series is about gone, same with the X3/4. It's more of a product lifecycle thing. When the new 3, 5, X3, 1 series sedan come out, buyers will jump all over those because they are "All new"

Most of BMWs buyers have no idea of the criticism. For instance steering feel, tons of people on this forum don't even know what it actually is.

[SCOTT26]

This is conclusive proof that the US Market is dependent on SUVs not just for BMW but all manufacturers that are represented in the US either domestic or foreign. You only have to look at the X models to see they are having higher gains than the conventional portfolio and not just something affecting BMW.

If you look at the new X1 it sales are rising rapidly and has once again retained its best selling compact SUV title in Europe.
The new 7er is also doing exceptional business.

With the US dependency on SUVs. There is plenty on the way to keep a strong sales momentum. The BMW X1 225e iPerformance is imminent as is the M Performance X1. The first BMW X2 model will also be offered for North America.

And guaranteed to make a huge impact will be the all new BMW X3 a car for many firsts.
To be made outside North America alongside Spartanburg at the multi-award winning Rosslyn plant in South Africa.

First to use a new X oriented architecture derived from BMWs CLAR matrix including Carbon Core. First X model to introduce the all new design language for X models. First X3 to introduce an extended wheelbase model for select markets.
The X3 will also introduce an all new X4 Sport Activity Coupe and with it the first generation of BMW X3 M and X4 M.

An all new BMW X5 is also on fast track but first a slight LCI is imminent for the F15.
And then the Premium market will receive its first luxury SUV from BMW.
The BMW X7. A vehicle that can be configured to accommodate seven in absolute practicality or four in absolute luxury. Two wheelbases allows X7 to be the 7er of SUVs and is the first of its kind from a German manufacturer.

But of the regular portfolio. There is a new 5er imminent, the 2er Sedan built in China for China at first. The first of its kind built and developed especially for one market. Offering BMW attributes in a compact and affordable compact body.
LCIs for the BMW 3er Gran Turismo and the BMW 2er and 4er.
The Extremely powerful and dynamic BMW M760Li and 740e iPerformance.
Europe will receive a new 750d.
An all new 5er Gran Turismo continuing its success of first class luxury but within a more dynamic and sleeker body.

The first of joint BMW-Toyota partnership brings forth the all new Z5 Roadster to be followed by a Coupe. Z5 will be extremely advanced and light for its class its material count will shame certain high end sports cars.
It will also be unique by offering specialised engines with power updates exclusive to this car only. This will be further highlighted by an all new Z5 M. Currently being tested.

The G30 5er begins the complete renewal of the rest of the BMW portfolio including the X3,3er,1er and 6er models first.
Then there is the latest progression for BMWi starting with the i3 this Summer and then the BMW i8 introducing the i8S and BMW i8 Roadster.

The further legislation to lower C02 limits in the EU and other markets will continue with more sustainable drivetrains and models reflecting the entry,luxury and high performance segments.

And then there is the additional brands of MINI and Rolls-Royce.
MINI will introduce an all new Countryman this Summer and will be joined by a sportier PACEMAN replacement aligned with the BMW X2 but this time featuring 5drs. An additional new MINI is coming to take advantage of a growing entry market and again part of a partnership. The current MINI will receive a "chin lift" to better integrate the air intakes like the new MINI Clubman.
And for the third time there will be a new MINI JCW GP which to those that have seen the strategy for it advise it has a similar aesthetic in lightweight materials to a BMW M4 GTS.

And with RR introducing its all new Aluminium space frame and architecture for its next generation of motor cars for the luxury plus segment. Starting with the new Phantom that will be the Worlds most advanced luxury car. Its engineering advises of a very exciting future for BMW.
And then the first RR "SUV" will arrive on the market.

The crowning achievement for BMW will showcase an entirely new direction and philosophy with two new vehicle BMWi NEXT and the 9er flagship.
The 9er will focus on assisted drivetrains as its main choice of power. But will reflect its status to deliver exceptional dynamics, refinement and Performance.
There has not been a more direct attempt to tap into the sporting side of the luxury plus segment which is where the 9er aims to accomplish.


Retaining a successful profit margin for the Luxury/Luxury + Segment. (BMW)

X7 (incl. V12 /MPerformance version)
7er inc. V12 MPerformance/iPerformance/Li
i8 Roadster (incl. iPerformance S version)
Z5 Joint BMW-Toyota Sports Car) (incl. M version)
9er Luxury Sports Sedan (incl MPerformance version)

Retaining a successful profit margin for the Luxury/Luxury + Segment. (Rolls-Royce)
Wraith/Dawn
Ghost/Ghost EWB
Phantom/ Phantom EWB
Cullinan
Roadster


It is easy to write BMW off but challenges tomorrow are greater than today in some cases.
But the future is well in hand. Its all about accepting the challenge and accomplishing it, sometimes with an entire new philosophy or a different direction.
There are more challenges to meet , accept and solve. Volume is not everything now as VAG has learned to their cost. Achieving profitability whilst meeting ever changing legislative targets is one direction BMW are focused on as well as the further issues that forever progress within research and development.

[psuibmw]

One of BMW's main problems is the dealerships. They need to retrain these folks. Most of the people I know of who bought recent BMWs had bad experience at their dealers but they pushed themselves because of the love for the brand. I myself negotiated an M3 few weeks ago at Northwest BMW outside Baltimore and the dealer acted like he is selling me a Zonda. I walked away

[pruettfan]

I follow the industry closely and look at this data every month. All of the luxury manufactures have had a weird year sales have been inconsistent at best. Additionally car sales are hurting because so many folks are going to SUV's . In fact imagine how BMW would be doing if they didn't have their SUV sales. BMW, Porsche and Mercedes going to SUV's was controversial for purists but has paid off tremendously as a business decision.

[shivaswrath]

Everyone was down though today-Ford, Fiat,
Toyota, etc.

[scrammer]

Sad but true ... its not the market its the brand!

Audi set its 63rd consecutive sales record in the U.S. for March with 18,392 vehicles sold, an increase of 7.5% over the same period last year. Year-to-date sales increased 4.6% to 41,960 vehicles sold. March also marked the fifth best sales month ever for the brand in the U.S. market.

[antzcrashing]

Honestly the whole time i thought this was an april fools joke. And then when scott came in i thought the last line of his post would be april fools followed by the real and good sales numbers. Seems every time i logon its a new sales record on the heels of the mainstreamization of a once ultimate driving machine. I guess the people are starting to jump ship in the wake of runflat tires, electric steering, 4 cyl engines, and soccermom suvs. The fact is that brand loyalty is dying and the new kids on the block are coming for the old kids. Anyone watch the tesla 3 reveal?

[Pauleebe]

Well whatever happened, the lease rates seem to have become much more favorable for the 3 series that I'm looking at. Can't say I'm complaining!

[dawgs2run]

It also doesn't help to be screwing new customers by not allowing warranty transfers either.

It took a used E89 and a E93 before I could afford to order my F83

[spmd11]

I currently own 4 BMW's, 2 of the M cars

1. 3 Series has lost it's driver focus

2. Dropping the maintenance plan is the wrong move at the wrong time

3. BMW reliability is degrading (we have spent $35,000 in repairs in 5 years of ownership of our X5 5.0, which is horrific)

4. BMW customer service is just average compared to the rest of the industry

5. BMW has missed it not going full electric with the i division from the first production car. This is a huge mistake in my opinion.

[Fundguy1]

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

Because everyone is putting an order in for a Tesla 3.

First 24 hours Tesla has taken almost 200,000 deposits for one.

Agreed about the 3 series. Turning into just another car. No longer seems to be a BMW, so why not shop other brands as well.

It's the iPhone crowd. Want the newest gadget first. Won't last. I'll be surprised if they break 20,000 units in a year. Especially with all the other problems their other models have.

[AndreyATC]

Originally Posted by Fundguy1

It's the iPhone crowd. Want the newest gadget first. Won't last. I'll be surprised if they break 20,000 units in a year. Especially with all the other problems their other models have.

I think it's the opposite
Once more people drive electric they will start dumping ICEs in a very rapid pace.
Cheap oil or not

[Bosozoku]

"The Tesla Effect" maybe?

If so, then it's just the beginning of a long-term trend.

[Bosozoku]

Originally Posted by AndreyATC

I think it's the opposite
Once more people drive electric they will start dumping ICEs in a very rapid pace.
Cheap oil or not

Bingo. Some people are more than happy to dump late 19th-century technology.
(The internal combustion engine.)

[Bosozoku]

Originally Posted by spmd11

I currently own 4 BMW's, 2 of the M cars

1. 3 Series has lost it's driver focus

2. Dropping the maintenance plan is the wrong move at the wrong time

3. BMW reliability is degrading (we have spent $35,000 in repairs in 5 years of ownership of our X5 5.0, which is horrific)

4. BMW customer service is just average compared to the rest of the industry

5. BMW has missed it not going full electric with the i division from the first production car. This is a huge mistake in my opinion.

All of the above.