[3.0L]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

Somehow I always miss what happened and then find out after it happened....

I think she got completely scrubbed today.

[Dino GT]

Yep

[Dino GT]

[Dino GT]

Iii

[bayarea328xit]

Originally Posted by Dino GT

Can we see the text of the ad? Would be a worthwhile read - especially now.

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by bayarea328xit

Can we see the text of the ad? Would be a worthwhile read - especially now.

Here's the same ad in a different format. Maybe you can blow it up and see the print.

[Dino GT]

Originally Posted by bayarea328xit

Can we see the text of the ad? Would be a worthwhile read - especially now.

I`m sure you can read the original ad if you google it, I can read it on the picture I have. I just thought it was funny that, that is not the case today

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by sygazelle

Here's the same ad in a different format. Maybe you can blow it up and see the print.

Yep, readable to me if I expand the page on my laptop.

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by Esteban

Yep, readable to me if I expand the page on my laptop.

I was lucky enough to drive the BMW 7 Series M760i at BMW M Track Day at Sonoma last year. The 7-series is a masterpiece.

The title of this ad still applies, although there is large sedan competition that was not there back then.

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by Dino GT

I`m sure you can read the original ad if you google it, I can read it on the picture I have. I just thought it was funny that, that is not the case today

I'd argue that is is still the case today, but I know I would lose, so I'll leave my final thought right here. If you want to call me wrong, that's fine by me. That print ad was targeting Cadillac and Lincoln owners, and other "a couch with 4 wheels" sedan brands. I got to drive the M760 last year. BMW 7 series sedans are still world-class in terms of performance and handling. I'm not saying they don't have competition, they do.

[Dino GT]

Originally Posted by sygazelle

I'd argue that is is still the case today, but I know I would lose, so I'll leave my final thought right here. If you want to call me wrong, that's fine by me. That print ad was targeting Cadillac and Lincoln owners, and other "a couch with 4 wheels" sedan brands. I got to drive the M760 last year. BMW 7 series sedans are still world-class in terms of performance and handling. I'm not saying they don't have competition, they do.

I don`t disagree with you, but their bread and butter from the old days, like their 3 and 5 series sucks nowadays. They build their reputation on sports cars and now they just handle like any other car. “The Ultimate Driving Machine” is just with their M cars and M Sport cars, everything is "M" this "M" that nowadays. After the E series they forgot that they were “The Ultimate Driving Machine” car company.

[DETRoadster]

Originally Posted by 3.0L

I think she got completely scrubbed today.

What happened?

[bayarea328xit]

Originally Posted by Dino GT

I don`t disagree with you, but their bread and butter from the old days, like their 3 and 5 series sucks nowadays. They build their reputation on sports cars and now they just handle like any other car. “The Ultimate Driving Machine” is just with their M cars and M Sport cars, everything is "M" this "M" that nowadays. After the E series they forgot that they were “The Ultimate Driving Machine” car company.

I'll never forget the day I drove a BMW for the first time - my friend let me drive his manual E36 M3 sedan - must have been around spring of 1999. It totally changed my view of how a car should drive. I purchased my first BMW in spring of 2001.

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by Dino GT

I don`t disagree with you, but their bread and butter from the old days, like their 3 and 5 series sucks nowadays. They build their reputation on sports cars and now they just handle like any other car. “The Ultimate Driving Machine” is just with their M cars and M Sport cars, everything is "M" this "M" that nowadays. After the E series they forgot that they were “The Ultimate Driving Machine” car company.

I said I wasn't going to play but I've changed my mind.

You comments are totally understandable and I know a lot of people will agree with your post.

But, as a long-time 5 series owner and a current 3-series owner, I've owned both the back-in-the-day BMWs and the current ones. While my '88 528e MT was an amazing car that I drove for 10 years and had in the family for another 10, it simply did not hold a candle to more modern BMWs in any category except possibly steering feel. My first E39 was much better. My second E39 was even better, with the M-sport package including sport suspension and 3:15 differential. The funny thing is, my current 2014 328i M-sport with DHP and Dinan Shockware with go flat tires is better, to me, in every way than the beloved E39. Just as fast. Just as quick. Twice the gas mileage. I've driven base 3er as loaners and I get why people say they suck. But with DHP and go flats, they are much better.

What's happened since the print ad for that 733 was published? BMW has gone from a niche performance car brand to a major global car company. In order to accomplish that impressive accomplishment, they had to design, build, and market cars for the masses. They knew the masses could care less about stiff handling and precise steering. So, I think BMW purposely "softened up" their base offerings to reach a larger audience. The more sporty versions were available through options, packages, and sport models if a buyer wanted those things.

Sure, BMW exploited and leveraged the M symbol which is off-putting to true M owners. But, the true M car market is tiny. BMW wanted to grow and as a business, that's how they chose to do it. It's hard to argue the success of that strategy.

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by bayarea328xit

I'll never forget the day I drove a BMW for the first time - my friend let me drive his manual E36 M3 sedan - must have been around spring of 1999. It totally changed my view of how a car should drive. I purchased my first BMW in spring of 2001.

Same thing happened to me. My brother had a 2002. I drove it back in '72 and swore I'd buy a BMW when I could afford one. It took 15 years for me to get to that point (college, house, kids), but I finally got there and I've been smiling ever since.

Here's the car that got it started for me. I'd love to have this car today!

[Dino GT]

Originally Posted by sygazelle

Same thing happened to me. My brother had a 2002. I drove it back in '72 and swore I'd buy a BMW when I could afford one. It took 15 years for me to get to that point (college, house, kids), but I finally got there and I've been smiling ever since.

Here's the car that got it started for me. I'd love to have this car today!

The first BMW that I drove was a 2002 also back in 1980 or so.

[cmyx6go]

Originally Posted by DETRoadster

What happened?

[JIMOLDFED]

After 40 plus years in the USG I can definitely see this happening - LOL

[cb804]

Wow, the LOL thread is now back to LOL!!!

[F30lolz]

Quincy Carter

[Murf993]

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by Dino GT

The first BMW that I drove was a 2002 also back in 1980 or so.

After driving VWs and American cars, driving my brother's 2002 was a life-changing experience. My brother and his wife and me and my wife took a road trip in it. 4 adults (, luggage, no problem. The car was amazing for its day.

I wish I could have bought the 2002 from him when he sold it, but I was not in the financial position to do that. But, I still have the girl in the photo. We will be married 50 years in August!