Comments on: BMW planning 3-Series GT

By: TW1NTURBO

TW1NTURBO — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 01:37:56 +0000

if you dont like it dont buy it….i dont like it either…but for people like me BMW also offers the m3 m5 m6 which i DO like…..i dont see the problem with more choices

By: Kid Icarus

Kid Icarus — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 16:00:14 +0000

Why? Who cares?

By: A4

A4 — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:15:41 +0000

…youre really running out of “it’ll leave on a flatbed” jokes.

By: Need more oil for GM

Need more oil for GM — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:46:49 +0000

It’ll be more aerodynamic than a regular BMW when riding on the back of a flatbed which is where German cars can always be found.

BE American. BU YAmerican. BUY GM. It is your patriotic duty.

By: Don

Don — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 01:29:43 +0000

sigh, BMW used to be so cool then they made 10 different SUV models and keep piling the crap on top

By: A4

A4 — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 13:09:54 +0000

Well, nickkop, to be fair, I don’t think this car will have a 4500lb curb weight, it will likely way only marginally more than the sedan, probably similar to what the wagon weighs, and will probably have great driving dynamics just like the rest of the 3 range. However I do agree with most of what you said, mostly because 80-90% of the people that drive a newer 3-series already do so just because it is a BMW and they think it is a status symbol. Personally I like wagon’s across the board when available, and they should definately have an M3 Touring instead. This GT business is just impractical when compared with a wagon. Perhaps they should fix how the wagon looks, because compared to the A4, C-class, and CTS wagons it definately is the least “sporty”, and least pleasing to look at.

By: obsessedwithautos

obsessedwithautos — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 21:46:28 +0000

Just make an M3 Touring and be done with it. No one in the US will buy it of course, but at least the company would still have credibility.

By: peacemf

peacemf — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 21:44:31 +0000

didnt know ppl were still buying cars

By: aggie531

aggie531 — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 18:12:15 +0000

goodness

How many models does BMW have now?

20?

30?

By: nickkop

nickkop — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 17:00:55 +0000

successful**

By: nickkop

nickkop — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 17:00:29 +0000

conclusion, i love bmw, but your recent products are for the most obscenely ignorant and selfish, even if wealthy or succsessful people. that is all i am saying.. i dont even blame bmw, as much as an idiot who would actually buy this. If there is no market, no demand, they would not produce it.

By: nickkop

nickkop — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 16:57:28 +0000

ok comp.mode, buddy.. what exactly is your definition of an enthusiast ??
you mean someone who will blow their money on whatever bmw spits out because it has their badge on it, and attracts attention, that these “enthusiasts” believe is positive ??
In reality this attention is probably much more negative,
it just leaves people with no other initial reaction but to stare… and think to them selves…

“That is a BMW? what the hell is it ? a car? not really.. a wagon? not really.. An SUV ? no A CUV ? no..
Does it even drive like a BMW? how can it? its so big, and tall, but short, and so wierd…
its like a long CUV that was crossed with a coupe or hatchback ?? what in the hell???
who would really would buy that? what a fool!!! fifty to sixty thousand dollars, pounds, or euro can do so much for some less privelaged person(s) life (lives) !! What a TOOL this guy is!”

mean while the poor deusche who bought notices onlookers and thinks
“wow everyone is looking at me, I am so cool, YEAHH its a BMW !! I am such a cool ‘enthusiast’ !
look cool and sophisticated ! …”

DUDE!

en⋅thu⋅si⋅ast /ɛnˈθuziˌæst, -ɪst/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [en-thoo-zee-ast, -ist]
–noun
1. a person who is filled with enthusiasm for some principle, pursuit, etc.; a person of ardent zeal: a sports enthusiast.
2. a religious visionary or fanatic.

In car speak, an enthusiast generally speaks of one who is enthusiastic about performance.

Someone who buys this is probably thinks that because BMW makes it makes sense and it is cool, and it makes them smart. That is NOT an enthusiast.

An enthusiast buys a 328i, or a 335i, or an M3, or a 535i, a 550i, or an M5, or a 128i, or a 135i, or MAYBE a 320d, a 335d, or a 535d or an X5M or an X6M

NOT A 320d or even 335d Gran Turismo, NOT even a 335i Gran Turismo… I dont car if it has 300hp.. its a frikkin 4500lb tall hunchbacked WAGON… not good handling, well balanced, sports coupe or sedan or even “SAV”

By: A4

A4 — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 16:47:01 +0000

That’s funny, comp.mode, you blasted everyone because you think we all “believe that North America is the only continent that our planet has existing within it” and then you go on to say how this car is specifically pointed to U.S. buyers who don’t want a wagon.

By: RaineMan

RaineMan — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 14:46:18 +0000

I’m sorry… I just don’t see it as justifiable.

You’ve already got the 3-series Coupe, Convertible, Sedan, Wagon, and SUV. Where do BMW’s designers think the hole in their lineup is?

The only possible thing I can see BMW lacking here is a 3-series 2 door hatchback like the old 318ti. They do not need a 4-door hatch… that’s what the wagon is for.

What is the logic behind diluting the lineup any further? I mean seriously… they are only taking away sales from the other models, thus making their cost per unit go up.

How many vehicles do they think the world market can support anyways? Unless I miscounted somewhere, the 3GT would give BMW 19 distinctive models marketted under their single brand. Is there a brand out there that is larger? I can’t think of one off hand.

By: Flipper

Flipper — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 07:36:36 +0000

How thin can these car companies keep slicing the pie? between Toyota’s: RAV4/Vensia/Highlander/FJ/4Runner/Sequoia/lLandcruiser ( + RX/GX/LX ) line up and Fords: Escape/Flex/Edge/Explorer/Excursion ( + Mariner/Mountaineer, Navigator, Tribute/CX-7/CX-9, V50/V70/XC-60,70,90 ) the market is getting so micro focused. Do consumers even care about such nuances?

By: comp.mode

comp.mode — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 02:40:34 +0000

I know, right?

By: Renton

Renton — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 01:58:34 +0000

More variants of BMWs and you guys are complaining?

They might accidently build the car of your dreams someday, just be happy that one company is willing to take risks.

The 5GT looks ugly but it may just be an awesome machine.

The 3GT might be great as well. Put the big dog turbodiesel six in it and lets roll.

By: spg900

spg900 — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 01:17:28 +0000

Mercs and Bimmers must have INCREDIBLE mark-ups.That’s the only explanation on how niche brands can have so many redundant models. SUCKERS!

By: comp.mode

comp.mode — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 01:15:39 +0000

“Plant the seed and watch it grow.” Exactly! Wagons are not on the wish list of American’s like they are of European’s. Especially sport inspired wagons designed, tuned, and built for enthusiasts. So will this “stylish” alternative for those who don’t exactly wish to have a wagon, and since BMW has the resorces and the potential to build them be advantagous for all?????? I really dont see the Hitler level of sinfulness BMW is commiting to credit all the critisism. I swear, if General Motors requires of Chevrolet to build it a wagon model of its Volt just to see if Americans will find it just swell to fit more of thier stuff in an electric car I’m gona flame the @#%$ out of them just cause “I” think not like them!

By: johnnycanuck

johnnycanuck — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 00:43:08 +0000

“…it would also offer a more stylish alternative for those who don’t need quite as much space as a full wagon provides.”

Who the hell has their lives pinned down that precisely? Nobody, that’s who. But BMW is going to create some regardless of the facts. You see in order to create something out of nothing all you have to do is plant the seed and watch it grow. Well that and a little fertilizer. And there seems to be no shortage of that commodity at BMW these days.

By: comp.mode

comp.mode — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 23:59:39 +0000

Like I said before. They dont plan on building generation after generation of each niche vehicle. But if for some oddball reason they all sold astonishingly well, in the U.S., wouldnt it belong here? I dont like all BMW’s vehicles, but i dont go around flapjawing about how every car isnt a Ferrari, or carries performance figures akin to an Enzo while having hybrid technology. Not saying you do iluvamcars. Just saying that many comments alomg this forum carry standards far above reallity.

By: iluvamcars

iluvamcars — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 23:49:47 +0000

comp.mode, i understand that, but what should have stated was this vehicle does not belong in the U.S. The overlapping is amazing.

-iluvamcars

By: comp.mode

comp.mode — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 23:48:08 +0000

Asher, everything, and I mean everything you said is the same as me saying red is better than green. Green was pretty cool in the seventees but now its just reserved for people who think they are geniuses and prefer thier name to have Mr. said in front of it. Red is so god damded awesome it blows green away. The f-ing grass should be red!!! The ultimate color HA! Not anymore, Red has always been better……Damnit. The economy has its impact on everyone. BMW’s choices have been formed as such. You should read Bimmer, or BMW car. The evidence is all within those pages.

By: Asher

Asher — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 23:00:16 +0000

BMW has become a joke and in such a hurry too. In the 80’s they were 2nd fiddle to Mercedes, then in my mind well overtook Merc in the late 90’s/early 2000’s but now I see them just plain pathetic grabbing for cash.

“The Ultimate Driving Machine”

Wow, which model are they talking about fitting that phrase?:
1-series: horrible move to devalue brand when you already have Mini and 3-series was entry-level to buy a BMW and even those got wayyyyyyyyy to common in the last decade to where anyone could own one.
NO

3-series GT: wow, I’m sure that thing will look just as “ultimate” as the 5-series GT/3-series 4-door
NO

5-series GT: if thats the Ultimate, then forgive me for wanting a car that resembles an actual CAR
NO

X3: if that mini-suv is the Ultimate, then forgive me for wanting an SUV that has actual UTILITY
NO

X6: odd that it actually looks somewhat decent in person, but truly has no purpose I can see
NO

New 7: I just saw one the other day coming at me from head-on – I swear I thought it was a TRUCK and the way they use cues from the older 740il just doesnt work. This thing is UGLY, def not the ultimate.
NO

So what does that leave as the “ultimate driving machine” – a couple nice models here and there mixed in with now a TON of ugly, commercialized and completely dispassionate products that somehow add to their bottom line without appearing to yet affect reputation and desirability. This approach works great for about 5 years, then CATCHES UP TO YOU. Example: see Mercedes.

This may be anecdotal but I think its as valid as it gets: When they really made Ultimate Driving Machines in the 90’s etc, all one had to say was ” I drive a BMW” Enough said. Today, that phrase in itself is absolutely meaningless. Now you must ask a follow-up “Which Model?” and make a determination based on that answer.

I have to conclude their peak was in 2001, when they had only the following models:
E46-based 3-series incl M3, ALL of which had the Driver-oriented ****pit
M3 – the best of its breed for a long time and had NO 4-door or GT/saloon variants
5-series – the 540i and original 400hp M5 were masterpieces of their time
7-series – the outgoing 740il looked the part and incoming 745 wasnt bad
There were no other M-cars, M-versions of SUVs, mini-versions of other series cars etc
Back in 2001, just “owning a BMW” meant a lot more than it does today.

By: comp.mode

comp.mode — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 22:51:27 +0000

Also, someone requested that BMW start including hybrid technology within the engine lineup. To those who are’nt in the know, the amount of hatemail that would stack largely against the flow of the world wide web would end up bottlenecking at the recieving end of the makers of the Ultimate Driving Machine would put everyone at a standstill. Besides, utilizing BMW’s Efficient Dynamics they are the most economic luxury car builder. Once Hybrid technology is considered cool by people whom are cool, then maybe it will be possibly considered by BMW.

By: beemerdude

beemerdude — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 22:43:08 +0000

This is FRICKIN’ ridiculous. BMW has gotten SO far away from what the world loved about them in the first place.

That’s it. I’m done with BMW.

Gonna change my name on this site (and my vehicle) within the next few months.

Congratulations, BMW. You lost one of the biggest cheerleaders you ever had.

By: DenverGuy217

DenverGuy217 — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 22:41:44 +0000

what’s always funny about companies that produce so many vehicle variations is that by the time the last one arrives, the original car is so old it’s replacement is introduced. now you have all these recent variations out there based on the ‘old’ car and looking woeful with lackluster sales following.

By: comp.mode

comp.mode — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 22:38:46 +0000

All comments here seem to be by people that believe that North America is the only continent that our planet has existing within it. I’m not trying to put the hurt on anybody but c’mon. The niches BMW are hitting upon fill holes that exist elsewhere even if some don’t believe there is an elsewhere. Introducing new members among thier fleet does’nt mean that BMW has plans on building generation after generation of each one. But in low econamical times its good to keep spoolling up the boost within people’s interests as long as they can afford to do so. BTW the interests of enthusiasts is where BMW aims first. These “crossover” type cars are enthusiast oriented, isn’t that obvious? Besides, BMW is fully independent. What an independent car company does, because they can, is build cars they want to. BMW is buiding cars now, using new technology, to fill holes they WANT to fill. Don’t buy it if you don’t WANT it.

By: eff1Fifty

eff1Fifty — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 21:53:36 +0000

Lol lefty

So I’m guessing u guys don’t approve?

I don’t really either

By: KarLoveBoy88

KarLoveBoy88 — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 21:50:39 +0000

BMW has a room full of idiots now. Chris Bangle had some radical, yet encapsulating designs, but he knew how to keep it simple and make some truly exceptional machines. Luxury vehicles are know for their simplicity and very their limited number of cars offered, BMW is so afraid to lose money on any potential fad segment. Is it enough that they made the Aztec’s evil brother on steroids?

By: SomeGreek

SomeGreek — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 21:40:57 +0000

WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY???
…
YYYYYYYYYYY!!!

By: leftwingagenda

leftwingagenda — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 21:17:11 +0000

you guys don’t get tired of posting the same comment 10x in a row? ;P

By: RaineMan

RaineMan — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 21:05:20 +0000

BMW has completely lost their minds. Didn’t they see what happened to GM? Their lineup is getting way way too large. How can they possibly justify that many versions of each vehicle?

By: iluvamcars

iluvamcars — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 21:04:11 +0000

What is the point of another one. The 5-Series variant truned out awful *my opinion* and this one will most likely look terrible. I have seen previews of the next 3-Series and the flaming designs of Chris Bangle live on. The car i saw looked dated and boring.

R.I.P. Dave Sinclair- You knew how to run a dealership

-iluvamcars

By: cocojoe53

cocojoe53 — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 20:58:55 +0000

This is crazy. A bunch of odd looking variants thatdilute the core value of the models they are based on.