[CaliE90]

Originally Posted by ArabianSensation

So let me get this straight.

We have the following:

Z1, Z3, Z5, Z8?
1er 2er 3er 4er 5er 6er 7er
X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 X6

When it used to be:

Z3/Z4
3er 5er 7er
X3 X5

Not to mention all the new M models. This is quite a bit to digest. BMW is really expanding the model line up rather quickly. I wonder how the common consumer will react.

Z1 and the 1er will become FWD for audiences that don't care too much about the rwd performance but want an entry level into the BMW brand, very close to mini.

2er and Z3 are more pure performance orientated entry level coupes/roadsters that perform well and leaves off the "luxury" items, easiest entry-level performance cars. (College/early 20s)

3er is the entry level sedan that is the bread and butter of BMW

4er is essentially the 3er coupe except that it can be more upscaled by renaming it the 4 series to compete with cars such as the A5 and E class coupe. (essentially the 5er except with 2 doors)

5er is the mid-sized luxury sedan, 'nuff said.

Z5 and 6er is the mid/full sized luxury sportscar/coupe for the older audiences that want luxury infused with sporting. Think Mercedes SL and CL class.

7er is well, the 7er. Ultimate big daddy executive luxury sedan.

In terms of the X models,

X1 is the entry level compact suv for the younger generations with an active life style. Perfect for college students + early 20s.

X2/X4 is just like the X6, a niche car that appeals to a very specific audience that want utility with sporting intentions. I don't think both teh X2 as well as the X4 will make it to production.

X3 is the everyday suv for the everyday family that wants a blend of utility, efficiency, and luxury in a not-too-big-not-too-small vehicle. Perfect for small families and middle aged women.

X5 is the full utility SUV that American families and their 3 kids, 2 dogs, boat-towing, active life-style needs.

X6 is a niche vehicle for the purpose of sporting utility + style

[JasonCSU]

Originally Posted by Boost Meister

BMW is not Mazda. Are you saying that BMW should make a car to compete with the Miata? That makes no sense. BMW is a premium brand. If they cant buy a z4 too bad then they cant have a BMW.

Wow, you do realize that BMW has other markets other than the US where lower end models like the 116i and 118d are offered? It does make sense, and there is no need for the elitist attitude. No, BMW is not Mazda, but yes, they should offer a lower priced, back to basics roadster as the current Z4 has grown in size and gone way upmarket compared to the original Z3 which started around $30,000. My point with the Miata is that there is a market for light, nimble, smaller roadsters. A new Z3 doesn't need to compete directly with the Miata (which can get over $30,000), but shoot for the $30,000 - $45,000 segment. For an example, look at the introduction of the 1M as an entry level M car because the M3 grew larger and went further upmarket.

[Poppin Fresh]

I'm hoping they bring back the M roadster in the F30 platform. I doubt we'll ever see a Z4 version of an M roadster any time soon.

[veloSpeed]

Hmm, I was never a fan of this line, but this one looks ok. The tail-lights look too much like a Lexus, Infinity or one of those Jap tin cans.
___________________________________________

[e46e92love]

Meanwhile, in a boardroom deep inside BMW headquarters.........:


BMW Advertising Executive: "I know, lets see if we can hit 500 models by the end of 2015."

All the Marketing and Bottom Line Sheep: "Yeah, that would be a great idea. Everything for everyone, worked for GM for years, minus that little government help they got, but hey, who could control the economy tanking, right?"

Engineer: "WTF?"

BMW Advertising Executive: "Lets build a bunch of FWD vehicles....you know, to change things up a bit? Just because we have had a winning formula with our RWD cars for 4+ decades, doesn't mean we can't go out and try to be everything to everyone all the time, right?"

All the Marketing and Bottom Line Sheep: "YEAH!!! Wow, another great idea!!! We're in the money.....we're in the money"

Engineer: "WTF is going......"

BMW Advertising Executive: "Now, here is the best idea of all.....lets take the ///M badge and slap it on as many cars as possible. Give ///M division a few months with a car and tell them just to make it so it drives as lazy as the rest of the cars in our lineup, so that people who just want the badge can enjoy the car. I mean, the focus of ///M cars should be no different then non-///M cars. Just design one suspension system and engine and just use it in all ///M cars....all we really have to do is jack up the power a bit, put cool wheels on here and people will give us TONS of their money for it. Costs cutting is the focus of all BMW cars, so its time to reign in the ///M division."

All the Marketing and Bottom Line Sheep: "Dude, our bonuses are gonna rock"

Engineer: "That's it, I'm fucking outa here......maybe I can go make bombs for some terrorist group that can't be detected by dogs and scanners, at least that would be challenging....."


Cheers,
e46e92

[Finnegan]

I'm happy a lighter smaller RWD Z3 is being considered after being horrified by the FWD "roadster" thread from last week. That's a move in the right direction, and I can't wait to see what they do with this. Some much potential (lightness/size) for a win here, and I'm a big Z3/Z4 (smaller E85/E86) fan (kind of obvious, see my sig).

On the other hand E92E46 makes some very good points, and it's the funniest thing I've read in a long time around here (because it's so spot on)! Especially the "M badge" parts.

Srsly. When do the 8er, 9er, 10er, 11er (it's one louder), and X4, X7, X8, X9, X10, and X11 come out? Oh, and let's not forget the "M" versions. Yah know, I really want an M11--it's just "what you need for that extra push over the cliff". BMW needs to go to 11.

[lux.sh]

They are trying to dominate the world. I like it. Now there will be all kinds of kids and average households driving BMWs.
They should've expanded Mini lines instead. 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8 is a joke. They must be practicing counting numbers.

Originally Posted by e46e92love

Meanwhile, in a boardroom deep inside BMW headquarters.........:

Cheers,
e46e92

hahahahaha I like the engineer's comments.

[antzcrashing]

Originally Posted by e46e92love

Meanwhile, in a boardroom deep inside BMW headquarters.........:


BMW Advertising Executive: "I know, lets see if we can hit 500 models by the end of 2015."

All the Marketing and Bottom Line Sheep: "Yeah, that would be a great idea. Everything for everyone, worked for GM for years, minus that little government help they got, but hey, who could control the economy tanking, right?"

Engineer: "WTF?"

BMW Advertising Executive: "Lets build a bunch of FWD vehicles....you know, to change things up a bit? Just because we have had a winning formula with our RWD cars for 4+ decades, doesn't mean we can't go out and try to be everything to everyone all the time, right?"

All the Marketing and Bottom Line Sheep: "YEAH!!! Wow, another great idea!!! We're in the money.....we're in the money"

Engineer: "WTF is going......"

BMW Advertising Executive: "Now, here is the best idea of all.....lets take the ///M badge and slap it on as many cars as possible. Give ///M division a few months with a car and tell them just to make it so it drives as lazy as the rest of the cars in our lineup, so that people who just want the badge can enjoy the car. I mean, the focus of ///M cars should be no different then non-///M cars. Just design one suspension system and engine and just use it in all ///M cars....all we really have to do is jack up the power a bit, put cool wheels on here and people will give us TONS of their money for it. Costs cutting is the focus of all BMW cars, so its time to reign in the ///M division."

All the Marketing and Bottom Line Sheep: "Dude, our bonuses are gonna rock"

Engineer: "That's it, I'm fucking outa here......maybe I can go make bombs for some terrorist group that can't be detected by dogs and scanners, at least that would be challenging....."


Cheers,
e46e92

hahaha so true.

[Mako]

So would a z3m coupe have the next gen M2 engine or M3 engine? I would think there will be no M version of the FWD Z1 so the M2 engine makes sense, but I would think the Z5M if ever made would have a m5 engine since it will be $100k.

To sum it up my dream car would be a Z3M coupe with next gen M3 engine. That would be an amazing car for hopefully under $70K.

[positiveions]

Life is boring at the top; thus BMW is expanding its hori'Z'on

[pmeloche]

They are giving me a headache with all these badges, Z4 will be Z5 wtf?

A Z3 Coupe If you like clown shoe.

[Erhan]

Imagine how the dealers/CAs will explain all the models to customers.

[Erhan]

Originally Posted by e46e92love

Meanwhile, in a boardroom deep inside BMW headquarters.........:

[Mako]

Originally Posted by erhanh

Imagine how the dealers/CAs will explain all the models to customers.

Customers will be explaining it all to the CAs!

[blue2fire]

Awesome. BMW is trying to be Motorola instead of Apple. If people want something enough, they will adjust themselves instead of you having to do it for them every other week.

[note46]

I'll take mine in the form of ///M Coupe. Preferably in Dakar Yellow II to match my E36/8 ///M Coupe in Dakar Yellow II in my garage but this time give me DCT so I can daily drive it.

[b0bab0i]

Originally Posted by antzcrashing

Z1: $40,000 base model
Z3: $45,000 base model
Z5: $55,000 base model

shitz $40k for a fwd bmw roadster? Fuck that haha. Rather get a Miata.

[cmk227]

I just don't see how all these models make it more cost efficient for BMW to make this cars.

I am a fan but make sure you don't become the walmart of car opitions. :mAd:

[HpDellNestle]

BMW seems to drink too much bong water from their recent sell figure. When an brand is not exclusive, it is not an exclusive brand any more. This will be the beginning of the end. Good bye, Volkswagen.... I mean BMW.

[Mu Mu]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

The shifting sands in relation to designation is actually adjustments rather than adding new models -

The UKL based Z1 will allow a straight forward BMW entry Roadster (similar to the MINI Roadster) and that car is a lot of fun. a real go-kart.

The Z3 will be the original Z2 proposal - , based on the F20 matrix be lighter and offer a Soft-top and a Coupe like the original Z3. a proper Roadster.

The Z5 will be the natural progression of the Z4 , allowing it to retain it's current premium image and folding hard-top to remain a Coupe or Roadster.

This...I like. Thats how BMW should have done it (common sense). Continues from the Z3 on and expanded the platform instead of renaming this only to change them down the road....which was rather confusing!

[carl_d]

Originally Posted by Jz

Z1 and the 1er will become FWD for audiences that don't care too much about the rwd performance but want an entry level into the BMW brand, very close to mini.

2er and Z3 are more pure performance orientated entry level coupes/roadsters that perform well and leaves off the "luxury" items, easiest entry-level performance cars. (College/early 20s)

3er is the entry level sedan that is the bread and butter of BMW

4er is essentially the 3er coupe except that it can be more upscaled by renaming it the 4 series to compete with cars such as the A5 and E class coupe. (essentially the 5er except with 2 doors)

5er is the mid-sized luxury sedan, 'nuff said.

Z5 and 6er is the mid/full sized luxury sportscar/coupe for the older audiences that want luxury infused with sporting. Think Mercedes SL and CL class.

7er is well, the 7er. Ultimate big daddy executive luxury sedan.

In terms of the X models,

X1 is the entry level compact suv for the younger generations with an active life style. Perfect for college students + early 20s.

X2/X4 is just like the X6, a niche car that appeals to a very specific audience that want utility with sporting intentions. I don't think both teh X2 as well as the X4 will make it to production.

X3 is the everyday suv for the everyday family that wants a blend of utility, efficiency, and luxury in a not-too-big-not-too-small vehicle. Perfect for small families and middle aged women.

X5 is the full utility SUV that American families and their 3 kids, 2 dogs, boat-towing, active life-style needs.

X6 is a niche vehicle for the purpose of sporting utility + style

[carl_d]

Originally Posted by vonsazkin

Sadly, you're quite right old chap. BMW seems to have lost it. Too many models...doesn't feel special any more. Yeah, slap a BMW logo, the grills and well call them the ultimate driving machines. Then add some more HP and torque and better suspension and call them an M. Then come up with "special editions" and charge an extra arm and a leg for them. Some manufacturers are catching up and have surpassed BMW in some areas - a lot more for less money.
They need to focus on building a few models and building them perfectly.

Well said. This is the great danger ahead!