[NewSong]

I think BMW's are fairly solid mechanically. They used to be unreliable electronically (old iDrive issues).

But the recent BMWs (335i with HPFP issue notably), have made me shy away from some models. I had a 335i on order (E90) for over a month, this forum helped me make an informed decision forunately knowing about the problem with the fuel pump (I switched to an E92 328i).

We'll see about the M3 V8. If it ends up being at LEAST as reliable as the previous M3 engine, I may make that my next BMW.

[E90330iS]

horsepower in a refined high displacement engine don't mean much anymore. think Mustang

[EJ2000]

Originally Posted by ferrari355fi

I find it funny that hyundai is making a car with a V8 that makes 300 hp. I mean serious, only 300 hp out of a V8?

306 horsepower out of their new V6
375 horsepower out of the Tau V8....

[EJ2000]

Originally Posted by chuck92103

Don't compare BMW to the Japs, they are targeted at different customers.

BMW caters to people who want a unique car and love to drive. Japs cater to people who need a car and don't care much for driving. They want all the decisions made for them. These are the same folks who don't mind seeing there car replicated by the three other corners at an intersection.

Someone's been drinking too much of the bimmer kool-aid.

Also, some people might find the term "Jap" offensive.

[TiAg335i]

Leather in the Lexus is slightly better than BMW...more soft. But the leather in BMW is still pretty damn good.

[johnL]

Having owned many of the cars mentioned here, I'd have to say that BMWs make cars that have better fit and finishes. The luxury items are also generally better than those in Hondas and Toyotas.

[marcus1701]

why go for BMW? Well everyone wants a BMW that's why. It's a safe bet to get a car that is reliable and holds its value over time. Now this is not the sole reason, but I think there are many out there that read consumer reports and care about 0-60 times. For families, professionals, teenagers, it works for people who want the best bang for buck and also for those wanting practicality along with a luxury brand logo.

Of course there are others that don't look at performance at all, hence buyers for the RX350 or ES350. I think though that many will justify a purchase alone of a BMW simply for it's name. I know that there are many stereotypes for many of these luxury brands but honestly cars are built so well these days any car would be a good choice, I think it comes down to your social circle.....

[Motor She Wrote]

It's mostly branding and subjective aspects. A BMW is probably not so objectively superior to other cars such that this could justify the premium on its own. BMW has no perception problems in the way that Hyundai or American brands do. Companies with strong positive perceptions can charge a premium for their cars. Ferrari is a great example. Don't blame BMW though: it takes decades to cultivate a positive association from the consumer.

Also, it's a supply and demand thing: people are willing to pay a premium for BMWs and other European marques. If they weren't, either BMW would have to lower the price or go out of business.

[jhcao1472]

Originally Posted by Motor She Wrote

It's mostly branding and subjective aspects. A BMW is probably not so objectively superior to other cars such that this could justify the premium on its own. BMW has no perception problems in the way that Hyundai or American brands do. Companies with strong positive perceptions can charge a premium for their cars. Ferrari is a great example. Don't blame BMW though: it takes decades to cultivate a positive association from the consumer.

Also, it's a supply and demand thing: people are willing to pay a premium for BMWs and other European marques. If they weren't, either BMW would have to lower the price or go out of business.

That is a pretty well put argument. I would buy into that.