After seeing the new 3 series in Boston last night I left with mixed feelings. I can live with the design (even though I'm not in love) but the total direction of improvement for BMW caused a concern.
The 7 had it's share of gizmos, new 5 had even more.. but the new 3 is the champion... you name it - it has it
I have nothing against entertainment stuff..(Idrive, Ipod, MP3, DVD, NAV, - give them as options and go to town - as long as I can switch them off)
I'm concerned about gizmos interfering with the driving. and lack of improvements in the areas that matter to the driver
Rubbery, long throw, no feel shifter
CDV
No oil dipstick
NO oil temp gauge (for those objecting - white lines on the tach don't cut it. after driving M5 and M3 orange lights disappear way before oil reaches operating temp)
New DSC+ is now going to
- dry my brakes
- preload my brakes for emergency braking
- hold the car on the slope
Active steering is going to
- correct the over steer
- correct cross winds
In general based on the report from the people driving the car - it is more isolating....
I switched to 545 from the e39 M5 and it is the same story.. car is more isolating.. less involving.. way overgizmoed...
So the improvements BMW is making are aimed at making it an easier car to drive for an unskilled driver. But they are moving further and further away from enthusiasts... New e90 is just another C class Mercedes or Audi a4 or Lexus is300.... the difference is styling and badge.. no distinct competitive edge where it matters most
Improvements in my book would be trickling down the technology from their M division to the mainstream cars (research is done anyway, why not pay for it?)
Give us LSD
Short 6-speed shifter (like 3 PP)
No CDV
SMG2
No sunroof option
Direct steering (similar to M3 competition package)
300HP high revving engine
Lighter weight
PS2 tires
Brembo brakes
Oil temp guage
Dip stick
Old turn signal
That would be improvement and would make new 3 competitive in the market. Take away Run flats, DSC+, Active steering etc...
The car is not even out but it already lost the HP war (255 is OK but it's not enough to compete
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| Reply » Overgizmoing New BMWs - is it the right way to go? |
I hear what you're saying, and going from an E46 to an E60 has also led me to the conclusion that these cars are "over-gizmoized," as you put it.
But I can't think of anything from the competition that would even come close. It's tough enough finding any luxury cars in this price range which offer a manual transmission. So until I get my Porsche, I think BMW has the best blend of sport and practicality, particularly in their sedans.
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| Reply » Overgizmoing New BMWs - is it the right way to go? |
I want microwave and espresso machine in my next car. 
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| Reply » Overgizmoing New BMWs - is it the right way to go? |
Perfect example of how BMW is trying to out Lexus Lexus.
They put every manner of driver distraction inside the car but wont put rear fog lights on the car.... 
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| Reply » Overgizmoing New BMWs - is it the right way to go? |
Unfortunately, it seems to be the "BMW Way" nowadays.
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| Reply » Overgizmoing New BMWs - is it the right way to go? |
You're wrong guys...
Let's consider it from the marketing point of view... the 3series is the number one seller in its category (here in Europe)... how can the product be improved?
1) Stick to the things that have put BMW into that position
2) Improve the existing product in order to remain n°1
How... by providing those cars with the best available engine and road handling... adding 21st century technology to those toys 
This is the best way to fight brands like Audi or Mercedes...
Please consider this point of view, now that the E90 is available, what should Audi or Mercedes do in order to still be considered as a valid alternative for us...
Guess what? It's now more and more harder to reply to that question at an acceptable cost! That's a 100% hit for BMW 
(sorry for my English... )
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Overgizmoing New BMWs - is it the right way to go?