[Chriztofor]

more simpler times. Key in the ignition, trans and oil dipsticks, and no other electronics, something like windows 7, which is an unbloated vista.

[VTECaddict]

Windows 7 is still Vista, just running more smoothly. If you want unbloated, you need to go back to WinXP

[blk335i08]

Don't buy a new BMW??

[JuppiOne]

personally, I like having no dipstick and let the sensors do their work, why going old school instead pf embracing the new technologies

[ZneeK]

I say: let um put more stuff in... i like gizmos, gadgets and sh*t

[Chriztofor]

I started this thread because so many people posts problems with their cars and alot of it has to do with the electronics. The e46 has 1,000 less things that can go wrong with it. I still love the car.

[Chriztofor]

Originally Posted by VTECaddict

Windows 7 is still Vista, just running more smoothly.

I'll take that too!

[Kevin@AKMotorwerk]

Originally Posted by Chriztofor

Wow tough crowd, yeah, the other threads are much better: "Did mommy buy the car for you" "Right to remain silent" "Driving songs" "Do you glance back at your car"

I started this thread because so many people posts problems with their cars and alot of it has to do with the electronics. The e46 has 1,000 less things that can go wrong with it. I still love the car.

i definitely prefer a dipstick!!!!! i dont trust a cheap sensor for monitoring the most important thing for the engine!

trans dipstick is needed too since bmw has faulty auto transmission pan gaskets.

[Chriztofor]

^They have sensors for tire pressure which you can tell if they are low by looking at it, but then no sensor or dipstick for the transmission? Not only can the pan leak how about the hoses? It doesn't even have to leak a lot, just a little drip every other day.

[bimmernoob]

Originally Posted by Chriztofor

more simpler times. Key in the ignition, trans and oil dipsticks, and no other electronics, something like windows 7, which is an unbloated vista.

^
+1

You are not alone... i rather they invest the extra cost on the car on performance related items. sometimes i can't help but think they made all these "enhancements" just so that people will be required to take their cars to the dealership anytime something isn't working properly, and charging an arm and a leg while they are at it.

[ShopVac]

I don't mind having an 'in car check' for the oil, actually like it...but give me a damn dip stick to check whenever it says my oil is low and I know it was fine the previous day.

[JBE9006]

Spare tires?

[TheRox]

Originally Posted by Chriztofor

more simpler times. Key in the ignition, trans and oil dipsticks, and no other electronics, something like windows 7, which is an unbloated vista.

That would increase reliability

I like how there is no air suspension and what not too

[Majikthese42]

Fabric sunroof, one door...

[The HACK]

BMW has two types of customers. Buyers who wants a sports car, and any luxury on top is just cherry. And buyers who wants a luxury car, and any sports on top is just cherry.

They are the two opposing forces at work here. On one hand, the Sporty buyers are the vocal buyers. The influencers. The elitist who all think what they want should be what everyone else gets. They're the type to write to BMW NA in a mass email campaign threatening to boycott BMW if they don't bring the E36 M3 over. They're the ones that tell all their friends and families that they must buy BMWs regardless of their situation and need.

However they're the MINORITY. There's probably one sporty buyer for every 10 luxury buyers out there. And BMW knows it. So what do you do, when the VAST majority of your customer base probably don't know what an apex is from a hole in the ground? Simple. You build cars that are bigger, heavier, more luxurious, but with better engine and more technology crammed into the suspension and chassis than anyone has a right to shake a stick at. That way, the sporty buyers are happy that they get a car that handles like no other sedan does, while the luxury buyers get a car with dual comfort climate control that massages your back and shakes your d*ck when you pee.

But that formula is not sustainable. With every feature added, and every inch increased and every pound heavier, it takes double the amount of horse power and suspension wizardry to keep the same "performance." So what do you do, again, if you're BMW? Well, formula is simple. You build bigger, faster, and more luxurious cars with more features, and come up with this "magical" entry level 1 series that weighs 200 lbs more than the last generation 3 series and call it the "sportier, lighter" alternative.

Unfortunately that hasn't worked as well to BMW's advantage. And the last lightweight, sporty BMW built, BMW sold all but 1,700 units in 3 years, with a $10,000 incentive on top. They just couldn't give it away. So what does that say about BMW's customers again?

So for those of you who wish BMW would go back to the "golden" age of building what made BMWs BMWs, those days are long gone. You're better off buying a Porsche. Or a Subaru if you need more practicality. Because BMW stopped building BMWs long time ago. They're now intent on building Lexuses that sort of drive like BMWs.

[PINeely]

Give me a dipstick. The nice push button starter, electronics, TPMS, Idrive screen, etc. Well, I guess I'll find a way to survive with them.

[Chriztofor]

Originally Posted by bimmernoob

^
+1

You are not alone... i rather they invest the extra cost on the car on performance related items. sometimes i can't help but think they made all these "enhancements" just so that people will be required to take their cars to the dealership anytime something isn't working properly, and charging an arm and a leg while they are at it.

+2 who would complain if they eliminated some useless tire sensors and electronic compass and instead increased HP or better suspension?

Originally Posted by ShopVac

I don't mind having an 'in car check' for the oil, actually like it...but give me a damn dip stick to check whenever it says my oil is low and I know it was fine the previous day.

Ha, exactly.

Originally Posted by JBE9006

Spare tires?

Yeah, eliminate a spare tire...great move.....i feel safe taking long trips.

Originally Posted by TheRox

That would increase reliability

I like how there is no air suspension and what not too

Ha, wait until next year! lol

Originally Posted by Majikthese42

Fabric sunroof, one door...

If it was a bmw I would buy it!

Originally Posted by The HACK

BMW has two types of customers. Buyers who wants a sports car, and any luxury on top is just cherry. And buyers who wants a luxury car, and any sports on top is just cherry.

They are the two opposing forces at work here. On one hand, the Sporty buyers are the vocal buyers. The influencers. The elitist who all think what they want should be what everyone else gets. They're the type to write to BMW NA in a mass email campaign threatening to boycott BMW if they don't bring the E36 M3 over. They're the ones that tell all their friends and families that they must buy BMWs regardless of their situation and need.

However they're the MINORITY. There's probably one sporty buyer for every 10 luxury buyers out there. And BMW knows it. So what do you do, when the VAST majority of your customer base probably don't know what an apex is from a hole in the ground? Simple. You build cars that are bigger, heavier, more luxurious, but with better engine and more technology crammed into the suspension and chassis than anyone has a right to shake a stick at. That way, the sporty buyers are happy that they get a car that handles like no other sedan does, while the luxury buyers get a car with dual comfort climate control that massages your back and shakes your d*ck when you pee.

But that formula is not sustainable. With every feature added, and every inch increased and every pound heavier, it takes double the amount of horse power and suspension wizardry to keep the same "performance." So what do you do, again, if you're BMW? Well, formula is simple. You build bigger, faster, and more luxurious cars with more features, and come up with this "magical" entry level 1 series that weighs 200 lbs more than the last generation 3 series and call it the "sportier, lighter" alternative.

Unfortunately that hasn't worked as well to BMW's advantage. And the last lightweight, sporty BMW built, BMW sold all but 1,700 units in 3 years, with a $10,000 incentive on top. They just couldn't give it away. So what does that say about BMW's customers again?

So for those of you who wish BMW would go back to the "golden" age of building what made BMWs BMWs, those days are long gone. You're better off buying a Porsche. Or a Subaru if you need more practicality. Because BMW stopped building BMWs long time ago. They're now intent on building Lexuses that sort of drive like BMWs.

Nice analysis, too bad all the car mags keep on buying into the BMW cool-aid and not calling them out.

Originally Posted by PINeely

Give me a dipstick. The nice push button starter, electronics, TPMS, Idrive screen, etc. Well, I guess I'll find a way to survive with them.

Believe me, you won't even miss them.

[msimon18]

I had opne of those ! Isetta 300 - door in front... could barely make it up a hill !!! What fun we had. And, oh yes, it was made by BMW !!!

[Majikthese42]

Originally Posted by Chriztofor

If it was a bmw I would buy it!

Yup -- the Isetta IS a BMW! First BMW I ever sat in.

I think I was 5 or 6 at the time.

[mtla4]

Originally Posted by The HACK

So for those of you who wish BMW would go back to the "golden" age of building what made BMWs BMWs, those days are long gone. You're better off buying a Porsche. Or a Subaru if you need more practicality. Because BMW stopped building BMWs long time ago. They're now intent on building Lexuses that sort of drive like BMWs.

+1....My 1er (which is gone by the way) and the M3 are the only modern Bmw that I care for. Otherwise I wouldn't even look at Bmw. I dont care about the X5 , 5 series, etc...

[Chriztofor]

Originally Posted by Majikthese42

Yup -- the Isetta IS a BMW! First BMW I ever sat in.

I think I was 5 or 6 at the time.

Nice!!!

[ronster]

I don't trust the sensor either... I had a MINI Cooper before and the oil light never came on even the oil level was down to less than half... The MINI had a dipstick... I know I was lazy and I never checked because I never had a car which burnt oil before... There was one time I heard some funny noise from the engine and took it to dealer and they topped up 2.5L of oil... The guy asked me how long did I wait after the light was on and I told him the light never came on... from that time on, I checked the dipstick every once in awhile...