Is BMW still a 'luxury car manufacturer'?

[User]

 

[Gerry Attrick]

The Germans have never considered the "cooking" models such as the 3 series and the later 1 series as luxury cars. Even the 5 series were workaday models. I think the tag "luxury" is something peculiarly British. They do seem to be purchased by drivers of a certain mindset.

 

[dellzeqq]

they've always been overpriced rubbish driven by men wearing braces. I spit on BMWs

 

[mac1]

The Germans have never considered the "cooking" models such as the 3 series and the later 1 series as luxury cars. Even the 5 series were workaday models. I think the tag "luxury" is something peculiarly British. They do seem to be purchased by drivers of a certain mindset.

more than one has observed that Mercedes other than the S Class are used as taxis, vans, lorries, minibuses and any other utility vehicles I haven't thought of

 

[Smokin Joe]

It's hard to define luxury now. Run of the mill models like the Mondeo are so smooth and comfortable that shelling out for a Rolls or a Bently is really only a statement of wealth, the law of diminishing returns has seriously eroded the difference.

Forty years ago it made sense, the difference between a Cortina and a quality car was huge, but no more.

 

[Sheffield_Tiger]

They are a luxury car manufacturer who also manufacture far greater numbers of mid-range cars which appeal to a certain type....

That said, I owned an old 3-series (1985 model) for a short while and it was quite a pleasant car to drive. It was unusual though that the steering wheel on mine did actually turn to the left and allow me not to sit in the middle lane for 300 miles, and the thottle would actually ease off if the right foot was lifted.

The previous owner must have fixed the faults that are well documented with BMWs

 

[mac1]

but some of the "lesser" models are just nice to have: the finance director at my previous company has a one series and I'm sure he could more than afford something a lot more expensive.

 

[fossyant]

Mercedes have gone well down in my estimation of build quality - so many older (6 years plus) ones going RUSTY...... what's that about.... See loads.................. the Jap stuff is far superior.............

 

[dan_bo]

Mercedes have gone well down in my estimation of build quality - so many older (6 years plus) ones going RUSTY...... what's that about.... See loads.................. the Jap stuff is far superior.............

And on top of that, neither BMW or Merc haven't made a decent looking car for about thirty years.

 

[downfader]

Mercedes have gone well down in my estimation of build quality - so many older (6 years plus) ones going RUSTY...... what's that about.... See loads.................. the Jap stuff is far superior.............

Nissan, I note, have been making some very nice looking cars these last few years. They're Japanese aint they?

I quite like the look of the BMW M3, I'm not sure its strictly luxury thesedays... a Morgan is luxury, as is a Ferrari... Even Porsche aint classed as luxury around here - I've lost count of the Carreras and Cayennes kicking about.

 

[Bollo]

.... I spit on BMWs

What people don't appreciate is that dell's spit is made from a mixture of Carnauba wax and plant oils. His flob imparts a showroom shine on all BMW paint finishes.

 

[Sheffield_Tiger]

Even Porsche aint classed as luxury around here - I've lost count of the Carreras and Cayennes kicking about.

The Cayenne is a VW Touareg as the X-Type Jag is a Mondeo

It's all badge nonsense

I need a car for occasional use therefore I shall stick to my Skoda Felicia estate.

By modern standards it's a "banger" but the seats are comfortable, it has a good heater and/or demister, it starts first time even if left for weeks, and it's a basic car, almost untainted by volkswagen meddling, and if it goes wrong it's not £1000 for a new microchip.

It will reach any speed limit on any UK road.

It has 42k on the clock and it cost me £700 5000 miles ago

Even before I returned to cycling, I would have always answered with a puzzled look if someone asked me "if you won euromillions, what car would you buy?", before answering "several, most likely a Yugo 65A if I could find one, a Skoda Estelle and a Skoda 1203 akin to this motorhome for walking or cycling trips further afield

You see, I don't DISLIKE cars. I just don't see the fascination with cars that cannot be utilised on the highway. I possibly would have a track day just to try it out, but you would never find me owning a Lamborghini no matter how silly an amount of money I had.

So I don't see the POINT in BMWs, be they the overpriced "average" car or the higher end.

 

[gaz]

it's a drug dealers cars. luxury should be reserved for likes of RR and Mayback

 

[Mista Preston]

they've always been overpriced rubbish driven by men wearing braces. I spit on BMWs

Up until 2 months ago I have been a BMW owner for 7 years.

I have to say the BMW engine is fantastic as is the handling on every one I have had. The bit that pisses me off is that you have to pay for every little extra

i now have an new Audi that has tons of extras but the engine isnt a patch on the BM

 

[Fab Foodie]

Nissan, I note, have been making some very nice looking cars these last few years.

No pun intended?

I disagree, they're churning out some really nasty shitboxes, Quasquai, Juke, Murano and mucho-macho 4x4 nastiness. Couple of the small cars are acceptable, and the jury's out on the Prius' credentials as an eco-vehicle.
Nul points in my book.