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True BMW Guys Will Migrate to Alfa Romeo?
By definition, status decreases as the object/action creating the status becomes common, and in this area BMW has trouble brewing on the horizon. BMW sold just 37,000 cars in the U.S. in 1980 (by the way, Jaguar outsold BMW, Merc, and Volvo that year). Nearly 300,000 moved last year (and Jaguar dropped below 16,000). So BMWs are now as common as Honda Accords. In fact, in the college town where I lived in the States, I'd swear BMW outsells all of GM. Is this status, or groupthink?

And that 300,000 last year was before the 1-series, which, as an enthusiast, I should be very excited about. I am, kinda, but isn't this just getting back to what the 3-series was a couple of generations ago? I was in Frankfurt when the X6 crossover coupe (or is it a coupe crossover?) was unveiled, and it was hard to find anybody who loves this brand excited about this beast. X3 not cheap enough for ya? Just wait for the X1. Thank God positive integers don't allow them to go any lower than that, and that the X7 has been cancelled, but that still leaves holes around the X2 and X4 micro-niches. The minivan — I'm sorry, I meant the "Multi Activity Vehicle" — was killed at the 11th hour. Unfortunately, it has morphed into the upcoming "Progressive Activity Vehicle."

What the hell is going on in Bavaria? Are they determined to be all things to all people? Maybe the "same car, different lengths" strategy that gave the world the excellent and handsome 3-, 5-, and 7-series cars, with a couple of coupes and the very occasional roadster, was too limiting. But an avalanche of products?

So sorry BMW, but it's time for me to move on. I still love you for what the brand stands for, and probably always will, I'm just not in love with you anymore. I'm not interested in such an open relationship. It's got to be a little more special, a little more rare. A tad exclusive. Read Article



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qweasdzxcqweasdzxc - 6/3/2008 11:44:30 PM
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A thoughtful reflection on the ever expanding and "stepping down" strategy, in the name of profit and market share, of traditional European "premium brands".

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Tour18Tour18 - 6/4/2008 5:08:20 AM
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+1 here. This is the sort of article that keeps me coming here many, many times a day...


EvoAudiEvoAudi - 6/4/2008 12:23:45 AMView My AgentSpace
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The "petrolheads" may migrate depending on their badge alliegance and dependability on their car. The Badge Whores will always stay with the Big Boys name wise {Audi, MB, BMW, Lexus(sadly)}. For the U.S though, anything could happen when Alfa finally gets here. I for sure will immediately get one, but I'm pretty sure those who don't know much about Alfa will either be hesitant or embrace the looks and interior design and migrate.

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LDMANLDMAN - 6/4/2008 1:00:10 AM
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BMW's strategy is to offer and one brand solution to its dealer, I.E a small car, a SUV, a large car, etc.. to insure total loyalty and dependence, as in "why would you require another brand? We will get you everything you need to sell under one roof."

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LarryLarry - 6/4/2008 1:14:00 AM
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Good post, interesting point of view.

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LarryLarry - 6/4/2008 1:17:02 AM
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I liked Alfa Romeo, I frown upon their fwd cars, but I always viewed Maserati and Alfa as BMW rivals, in the 1980's.

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DaHarderDaHarder - 6/4/2008 1:36:34 AM
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Personally, I've Long Grown Tired Of The Entire BMW 'Image' Thing, And Plan To Trade My M3/E46 For The Cadillac CTS-V (When It Hits Production) And My X5 4.8is For A Smaller/More Efficient Crossover Soon Thereafter... Both Vehicles Perform Well Enough But That's About It, Because They're Both Becoming Maintenance Nightmares At This Point (Window Regulators Anyone ?) And Oh So Very Common.

But One Thing's For Sure, I Won't Be Considering Any Alfa Anything

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Matthew1Matthew1 - 6/4/2008 2:18:20 AM
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Yeah, I Will Not Be Considering Capitalising All My Posts Either, As It Is Very Time Consuming And Pointless, As It Is Gramatically Incorrect.


DaHarderDaHarder - 6/4/2008 11:56:29 AM
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That's Nice... Because I Neither Requested That You Follow My Lead, Nor Do I Care If You Do -

It's Called Individualism


difushdifush - 6/4/2008 2:24:33 AM
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I have been hoping between Audis, Mercs and BMW. And what really frustrate me is that nowadays, you have to make sure you get the first 1 to 2 batch of a new model, otherwise, you will have to switch in 2 years. You wait 6-9 months for the delivery, then there is a model change in 3 yrs and you have to get out before the new model lands. Maybe I should start looking at Lexus or Volvos.

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kthorkthor - 6/4/2008 7:37:35 PM
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What are you trying to say? I can't make sense of it. BMW model runs are seven years long and ordering a car takes 6-9 weeks, not months. And, what's a "1-2 batch"?


bobusbobus - 6/4/2008 2:24:41 AM
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In the July issue of Motor Trend, BMW X6 lost to Infiniti FX in a comparison test.......

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MaindrianPaceMaindrianPace - 6/4/2008 4:03:27 AM
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Pathetic.

It seems the reason for changing brands is because one is more exclusive.... not based on if the product is any good or not! Alfa is stlye over substance, I don't think thats something the someone who appreciates BMW is looking for.

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KingerKinger - 6/4/2008 4:39:27 AM
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Agreed, the true BMW guys drive their cars for the love of driving, and because BMW provides those attributes in a practical package that can be used everyday. The guys described in this article are badge whores, not true BMW guys.


Yonder7Yonder7 - 6/4/2008 6:36:09 AM
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This post is no sence. No way to compare BMW against AlfaRomeo. If you really know about cars you won´t be comparing those cars. I was Parts Manager for that brand in my country and also for Porsche and the diference with those two, is so big that, just to match BMW, Alfa Romeo needs at least 10 years more, and at that point, the BMW engineering will be away from the current stage. They need a lot of work to catch them so my bet is for BMW.

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M35MTM35MT - 6/4/2008 8:20:12 AMView My AgentSpace
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NOT buying a car for the fear that onlookers will think you did so in vain, is no different than BUYING one just for the name!

Seriously, dont deny yourself the car you want just because of what others will think. Life is too short to care about such things. I admit I am not immune to this, I need to take my own advice.

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BremboBrembo - 6/4/2008 8:22:10 AM
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Interesting point. But if Alfa doesn't drive as good or better I'm sticking to BMW no how common it is. But thats just me.

I do like that Mi.

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BremboBrembo - 6/4/2008 9:13:23 AM
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BTW.. I think of BMW as a performance company more than luxury.


Need4SpeedNeed4Speed - 6/4/2008 9:03:39 AM
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Moral:

- If you care about looking like a status symbol drive an Alfa because BMW's are "sooo NOT hot" anymore!

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NItePhireNItePhire - 6/4/2008 9:47:48 AM
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This was one of the better presented articles on this site in a while. But unfortunately with more and more people being more and more rich you are going to have situations where an exclusive automobile will become sort of pasa. Just look at the housing market as an example. It used to be that I never say really large homes (10,000sq ft and above) ever or maybe per year. now look around if I am not mistaken the average size of a home now is nearly 3000 sq feet (like 2700 or something like that). Alfa would be a good choice if you just want to be exclusive, however the better car will probably be the BMW.

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Hachee2001Hachee2001 - 6/4/2008 9:58:03 AM
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The added volume over the years has been driven by many things - "status seekers", "badge whores" or whatever you want to call them, and the quest for ever-higher sales and profits by the board and shareholders of BMW (just like pretty much every othe brand out there). BMW's have also become more accessible over the years, in terms of features, comfort, etc., so that people just looking for a "nice" upscale car can drive a BMW as comfortably as they can a Mercedes or Lexus.

I've said this many times on this site - the exclusivity is long gone, and that's a shame, since that is an important part of the luxury car equation. It's one of the reasons I've been driving Audis over the last 10 years and have been happy to see that their sales have come nowhere near BMW, MB and Lexus.

However, here's the quandry (and I'm sure there will be a lot of disagreement here): for the enthusiasts that always loved BMW's and still seek out the car that really gives that special (or at least "better", driving experience), BMW's still DRIVE BETTER. There is still something magic in the feel. I don't think it's what it was, but there's still something superior, and for the enthusiast, it's what keeps them coming back. Yes, there are a lot of other great-driving cars out there (various Audis, Infiniti G35/G37 among others), but as a long time Audi driver, I have to admit, I'm more inclined to get a BMW now, DESPITE the image and the volume. I'm in the market for a car with a 3rd row, and the X5 just plain feels better than a Q7. I've also got an older 3 Series, which just feels better than an A4 that I almost bought. My A6s and current allroad have been great, but it doesn't work for me anymore, and the Q7 is not attractive to me - too big and doesn't drive as well.

As for Alfa - if the product is RIGHT, I think it will do very well with enthusiasts, some of whom will switch from BMW. But these cars will really have to capture the special feel of older Alfas, and not just be warmed over front wheel drive based cars. I personally would get one - let's hope it works out.

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S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 6/4/2008 1:43:31 PMView My AgentSpace
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"I'm in the market for a car with a 3rd row, and the X5 just plain feels better than a Q7."

But if you're looking for a three-row car don't get an X5. Its third row is useless and it is much better sampled as a five-seat SUV. The Q7 is much more practical and it drives well enough already. This is coming from an X5 owner who didn't consider the Q7 because I didn't want a seven-seater.


kthorkthor - 6/4/2008 7:47:35 PM
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The third row is very useful. It is just fine for kids or smaller adults. The middle row slides forward to make more space for the people in the back.


agent507agent507 - 6/6/2008 9:24:00 AM
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"I've said this many times on this site - the exclusivity is long gone, and that's a shame, since that is an important part of the luxury car equation. It's one of the reasons I've been driving Audis over the last 10 years and have been happy to see that their sales have come nowhere near BMW, MB and Lexus."

Follwoing your logic you should be UNhappy than - not happy ?!? - as the exclusivity of Audi is soon to drop as well.

My Opinion: People who really care about what car they drive in terms of quality, feel, ride, ... will buy whatever fullfills their needs best. They won´t just follow a trend of "exclusivity".

And I am happy that BMW extended their line up, as for myself i did "grade down" from a 3 series to a 1 series, as i don´t need the extra space, have less weight on board, and so can save a hell of a lot of petrol ...


WhelanWhelan - 6/4/2008 10:55:29 AM
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BMWs used to get a good staring from me when they drove by. Wether it was a 540i or a 750Li. Now unless it's an M6 or the new X6 (cause I have yet to see them on the road). I don't get to enthusiastic. Even when an M3 cruises by it is not a rush. I see waaaay to many of them. They are just everywhere, every little princess of daddy's gets her 3 series. Every business man or woman rolls in a 5 and the old man who has no idea what he is driving with under the hood rides in a 750. If it's such a driver's car, how come nobody drives it?

I still respect the Bimmer, they are great cars, nice appeal, but have become as common a sight as Accords and Camry's. Seeing a new Malibu raises more of an eyebrow now. And I've been keeping them peeled to spot a G8 GT cruising by.

Just today on the parkway when traffic cleared, people still apparently felt it was ok to do 50 in the passing lane. I am not a speeder, 70mph is where I sit, but I passed an X5 4.4, a G37 coupe, and a 328ci all on the right because they for some reason forgot that they had nice performance machines that can go a little faster, or they just were clueless of the world around them surrounded in the quiet cabin where you hear no noise and pay no mind. And if they were worried about gas prices, they should trade with me and take my Matrix.

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WhelanWhelan - 6/4/2008 10:58:57 AM
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and to add to that quick point in the first paragraph I wrote, I forgot to mention that it seems most M3 drivers are younger protein shake and jeger-bomb deuschebags. I have yet to see one get out of an M3 without his cactus hair, fake bronze tan, more jewelry than Tiffany's, and I swear he is wearing his girlfriends sunglasses.

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MaindrianPaceMaindrianPace - 6/5/2008 3:51:20 AM
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Thats what happens when you get you opinions from Jeremy Clarkson!


cckwcckw - 6/4/2008 11:41:41 AM
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Since fans of both brands don’t mind the infamous un-reliability of the cars! They just might, LOL!

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IS3andMEIS3andME - 6/4/2008 11:56:58 AM
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Well, considering that Alfa Romeo was the "BMW" of the 50's-to early 70's, I can see the alliance. But, Alfa needs to dump it's FWD platform. I really would like to see a modern day version of the Guilia coupe. With the competition fender flares. That would do well as a competitor for the 1 series coupe.

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cdokecdoke - 6/4/2008 12:28:23 PMView My AgentSpace
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"status decreases as the object/action creating the status becomes common, and in this area BMW has trouble brewing on the horizon. BMW sold just 37,000 cars in the U.S. in 1980 (by the way, Jaguar outsold BMW, Merc, and Volvo that year). Nearly 300,000 moved last year (and Jaguar dropped below 16,000). So BMWs are now as common as Honda Accords"

While I agree in general that there is a fine line between sales of a prestige object and the object's prestige, you cannot separate that from the reality of the economic situation if you are going to use actual sales figures. There was more going on in the early 80's that would explain a suppression in the sales of German cars in the United States at the time. The DM was strong and the dollar weak at the time, and so there were steep rises in the prices of the Germans at the time. The Mercedes 300SD was $26,000 in 1978, but had risen to $42,500 in 1982.

In addition in regard to the general nature of the above comment. Commonality or incidence is a function of the occurrence of sight relative to the total number of occurrences. So, rarity is actually defined relative to all automotive sales. What is being argued in the above passage is that Jaguar is another example of this thesis. Jaguar sold 65,000 worldwide in 1980, BMW sold 37,000 in the U.S. (during a lull in German sales) The numbers of Jaguars sold in the U.S. cannot have been much different from that of BMW. The difference in sales relative to all cars is probably not perceptible- and the point measurement is a systemic indication. plainly put; it is isn't quite that simple.

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cdokecdoke - 6/4/2008 12:29:55 PMView My AgentSpace
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"...and the point measurement is NOT a systemic indication."


NItePhireNItePhire - 6/4/2008 2:26:54 PM
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Man you really know how to use GOOGLE..LOL


HyundaiHyundai - 6/4/2008 4:00:46 PM
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Actually, he's just really smart. Sure, he does some research, but I am pretty well convinced that cdoke is a genius.


simmonsdpsimmonsdp - 6/4/2008 5:02:22 PM
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One US dollar bought up to 3.55 DM in the mid to late 80's to where a 190E cost you approx $7000.


cdokecdoke - 6/5/2008 12:49:45 PMView My AgentSpace
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" but I am pretty well convinced that cdoke is a genius."

Well,that is only true if you listen to me...or the I.Q. tests. ;)

Really, you shouldn't say such things; people's expectations will be too high.


t_bonet_bone - 6/4/2008 12:39:18 PM
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I'm definitely open to Alfa Romeo. Gorgeous interiors (don't know how they do it for such reasonable money), attractive Bangle-free exteriors. Historically, they've been great driving machines, too.

Just get rid of FWD and give me a good warranty for peace of mind.

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mini22mini22 - 6/4/2008 2:48:50 PM
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The truth of the matter is that most people are not car enthusiasts. Even a lot of people who buy BMW's do so for status. Do you really think average people know the engineering that goes into a BMW.However people do like style. To the average person an Alfa looks like a low price Ferrari. The cars are simply beautiful inside and out. The only requirement is that they drive half decently and sound good. The rest will sell itself. I predict if Alfa prices the 159/Brera and 169 right price wise and back it up with good customer service people will switch and new people will buy Alfa's. The Brera/159 we will get will most likely be the AWD models. If we get the Mito it will be FWD. Frankly the Mito is a way better looking car then any Mini BMW has ever produced. It's supposed to come with 3 suspension settings and also set up to help quell FWD torque and understeer.The Brera/159 are getting new engines next yr with more HP and better fuel economy. They are also being made a bit lighter to help with handling. It should be very interesting.

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TheSailorTheSailor - 6/5/2008 8:34:43 AMView My AgentSpace
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I'm seriously considering an Alfa Brera, however, I think the engine line up is a bit weak compared to the germans! I'd like to see a RWD Alfa with around 300 hp... That would be just bloody awesome!

But anyway, I think that Alfa is slowly gaining on BMW in europe. The last generation of BMWs haven't quite been what we all hoped (bland interiors, some strange design choices - like those 3-series tail lamps) and I think that if Alfa had been out with a 169 (or something like that), they would have gained even more! Especially when you look at those designs and their new found sence of quality! I took a testdrive in a 159 3.2 Q4, and the built quality was very nice, not quite up to Audi, but at least the same as an E90 3-series! And the thing just looks so much better than a 3-series... No denying that

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huu76huu76 - 6/7/2008 3:15:34 PM
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Here here.
I'd take a used IS300 over the current IS250/350 just because the Altezza is so damn rare.

True BMW fans are probably getting tired of all these yuppies and fobs giving them a bad image. Not to mention it's probably hard to find their car in a Chinese mall parking lot.

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huu76huu76 - 6/7/2008 3:18:47 PM
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The herd mentality was one of the main reasons why, in my younger foolish days, I considered importing a Peugeot 607 until I found out its performance royally stunk.

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