stoulana

BMW sales are not doing bad at all:
http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/10/b...6pLid%3D217941

I agree those reviews are good to start discussions but ultimately one will go with what is best fit for his/her needs.

stoulana

Correct link to BMW sales:
http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/10/b...6pLid%3D217941

willa1975

I'm in the process of looking for a replacement for my 335i and considered moving up to a larger vehicle. I also test drove those cars and I actually preferred the GS350 to the A6 and 535i. Lexus has a real competitor in that segment.

But at the end of the day I think I'm going with the S4.

noah123

I don't understand why people think that BMW has lost its way!!

At the end of it you have got to sell more cars to justify the investment in developing such a monster!! Really how many of us do really go to track and how many of us even know anything about how to drive a car on the tack...

Am i a fan of M5 getting heavier? hell no!!!

do i like its price point?? No way

But here is the deal, if u r spending that amount of money then i certainly think people would want to get all those features/gizmos and good to have things in the car...

And really if u care about driving experience go buy an M3 or if you have the money a NISSAN GTR...

Stop complaining about M5- Its a miracle that a car like this even exists

WannaS6

I love the new M5. I am a BMW fan at heart. I truly only bought the A6 because of its price point. In fact, after owning the A6 for just a few months, i was seriously considering trading it in on a used 2012 or 2011 535iX sport. But I didn't want to get divorced, so I nixed the idea.

But, I did go drive one last weekend and to tell the truth, it's a much more comfortable car than the A6. Really. The seats in the A6 just plain suck, as most have said. And I have the prestige which is supposed to have better seats than the premium and P+. But, the one thing I have to say is that the A6 is MUCH quicker than the BMW. Much. The turbos just don't kick in like the supercharger. And I love all the electronics in the Audi.

I'd love to see an RS6 with awesome seats! I drive so much that I miss really comfortable seats.

That M5 had amazing seats!!!!!

jmk1

I thought about my statement after I wrote that and I do agree with you. I guess the point I was trying to make is the sheet metal and body style is the same, it is just hard for the average person to tell them apart. I feel the M cars were always special and they should have a more distinct appearance to set them apart. To be honest, I really want the S6 for the seats and the engine! If I was buying another BMW, it would be 550 or 650.
But, to answer, has BMW lost its way? Yes, I believe they have especially steering and very expensive run flats that almost force you to buy rim/tire insurance. I bought my first BMW 15 years ago and I thought it was special because the impression I had was it was a car that was solidly built and I could drive for 5 - 10 years and not have to worry too much other than maintenance. Today, with so many recalls, bad turbos( had that happen), bent rims from normal daily driving, electronic gremlins, etc., I would probably never own one out of warranty. Anyway, I know all manufacturers have their own problems, but I am just fed up with BMW and want something new.
PS I still love your dog!

GermanGarage

These are all great comments. Couple of thoughts.

1) The reviews of the BMW M5 are not about how nice the car is to look at, or how comfortable the car is to sit in, or what technowizard toys are onboard -- the reviews are all about performance. I think everyone is happy the "bangle years' are over and the new 5 is a step forward in physical appearance.

2) When it comes to what M cars are supposed to be about (handling, braking, accelerating), the new generation fails 2 out of 3 criteria. They simply are losing comparison battles, and this is the latest/greatest version of the legendary M series.

IMO: The car and driver review of the S6/AMG/M5 comparison was a fair assessment of these shortcomings. Many next-gen BMW 2011 5 series fans were hopeful that these steering/handling/braking issues would be solved in the 2012 and 2013 model years. I guess not yet.

The G Man

How can BMW lost their way when they know exactly where they are going. The 3 and 5 series have lost a small percentage of market share in the US to their German counterparts, but sales of BMW are thru the roof in China, the #1 car market in the world. Personally, I think it is BMW's intention to design their cars to be more mainstream. The professional reviewer are right about the new M5, its not as sporty as the last M5, or should I say not as raw. The new engine is power house, a member on Bimmerfest just took delievery of a M5 and his first impression was how fast this thing is compare to the last gen. The ride is more isolated, but the performance is still there.

Tucker74

I don't care for the recent BMW designs and never considered them while car shopping. My first car was an e30 325i so I do have history with the brand but they lost me a decade ago.

How are 5-series sales in particular?

The G Man

I like the current designs a lot more than the Chris Bangle era designs.


For the year 2011, the redesign 5 series' US sales were up 30.4 percent compare to 2010, BMW sold 51,491 5 series in 2011. Sep 2012 year to date compare to Sep 2011 YTD is about even.