[tony20009]

Well, having now been through the configurator on BMW's website and spoken with a sales associate, I've decided that I'm definitely going to wait to see if BMW move away from this "lines" approach. I've decided this because I simply cannot get the car exterior/interior combo that I want. Hopefully, for the next iteration, they will have returned to a proper a la carte model as existed for the e9x series. So long as I don't have a major accident, my e92 should last just fine for the next 6-8 years.

What are you other owners (not folks who lease their cars) going to do?

[JustinTJ]

There's a hope that MY13 will loosen some interior color options for lines. They are aware that it is the biggest complaint from buyers.

[thatsagoodpoint]

I'll be buying the 335 once xDrive is available. I would like to see a few more color options however. I already feel as though too many people have AW, MG, and TS.

[STAT1]

I see BMWs everywhere here in the Bay Area, but I've barely seen any F30s so far on the road. It will be nice to have a unique car in the sea of sameness until the F30 becomes more prevalent.

[svache]

Originally Posted by tony20009

Well, having now been through the configurator on BMW's website and spoken with a sales associate, I've decided that I'm definitely going to wait to see if BMW move away from this "lines" approach. I've decided this because I simply cannot get the car exterior/interior combo that I want. Hopefully, for the next iteration, they will have returned to a proper a la carte model as existed for the e9x series. So long as I don't have a major accident, my e92 should last just fine for the next 6-8 years.

What are you other owners (not folks who lease their cars) going to do?

My first thought: Good luck with that. I have a feeling they're not easily going to stop doing the lines but, instead, increase it over time to the other series. Thing is, while there are several people that do not like it, the sales are great and don't show an overall of complaints.

Also, if you really want a certain interior/exterior combo, you can always try BMW Individual later on. Sure, it costs some extra money but then you will be able to get the color combo you want.

[martyl]

It's notable that there have been so many comments expressing some dissapointment in the F30, both in the press and by owners. I really don't recall that at all with the E90 which I own. I love the looks of the F30 and the revised interior but I'm not interested in a noisy engine (4 cyl) or sub par steering. I will have to spend more time in the 328i and also give the 335i a try. It will be interesting to see how BMW addresses these issues though they don't seem to have much incentive to do so with the curreent sales figures.

[Fraggy]

You are correct, until we stop buying they will have no incentive to return to business the way it needs to be. I'm doing everything in my power to find a qualified alternative to BMW, only time will tell how that works out My hope was MB., but with the lack of sport seats and paddle shifters the C350 has fallen from the running. The only hope that still remains is a V-6 Cadillac ATS. If that option does not work out, I guess I'm going to have to suck it up, and take it in the rear from BMW.

[tony20009]

Originally Posted by Fraggy

You are correct, until we stop buying they will have no incentive to return to business the way it needs to be. I'm doing everything in my power to find a qualified alternative to BMW, only time will tell how that works out My hope was MB., but with the lack of sport seats and paddle shifters the C350 has fallen from the running. The only hope that still remains is a V-6 Cadillac ATS. If that option does not work out, I guess I'm going to have to suck it up, and take it in the rear from BMW.

True. With BMW, as with any business, money is the only language they understand.

[bimmerjph]

Where is the buy an E30 option?

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by tony20009

True. With BMW, as with any business, money is the only language they understand.

Exactly, that's why they are doing what they are... Sales are up on last year. March was the the highest monthly sales in BMW history. Up 12% on last year.

Including the excellent start for the F30 3-series with sales +19.2%

If anyone thinks BMW have made a mistake with the Lines theme, I'd suggest we revisit this subject in a couple of years time, once all the models and variations have been rolled out. And then see if BMW have really got it wrong.

Something there for virtually everyone, IMO.

HighlandPete

[Elk]

Originally Posted by tony20009

With BMW, as with any business, money is the only language they understand.

Those pesky investors. Shareholders always wanting a return on their investment. Wholly unreasonable.

The lines do not appear that different than pre-packaged options we have seen on cars for years. It is just a bit different for BMW. My bet is that it is working and they will keep it.

[tony20009]

Originally Posted by Elk

...The lines do not appear that different than pre-packaged options we have seen on cars for years. It is just a bit different for BMW. My bet is that it is working and they will keep it.

Really? Try getting the sport package with any interior color besides black, red or grey.

[Elk]

Originally Posted by tony20009

Really? Try getting the sport package with any interior color besides black, red or grey.

You mis-read my post. I made no claims as to what is available within any given line.

But thank you for playing.

[Ron Scott]

Originally Posted by tony20009

Well, having now been through the configurator on BMW's website and spoken with a sales associate, I've decided that I'm definitely going to wait to see if BMW move away from this "lines" approach. I've decided this because I simply cannot get the car exterior/interior combo that I want. Hopefully, for the next iteration, they will have returned to a proper a la carte model as existed for the e9x series. So long as I don't have a major accident, my e92 should last just fine for the next 6-8 years.

What are you other owners (not folks who lease their cars) going to do?

I agree. BMW is giving us a put-up-or-shut-up attitude, especially considering the mediocre 2013 options, and I'm going to look at Audis et al. Its a big world out there...

[JoeyO]

I say give the lines three or four years before BMW cancels them. BMW doesn't like to admit failure. I recently read somewhere that the next gen Z4 will be more sporty and less American-like. In other more like the Z3 before it got super expensive and super luxurious. The recent Z4 is a complete failure in my book. I used to see lots of Z3's on the street. I'm lucky if I see one Z4 per year on the street. The same goes for the 5 series GT.

[svache]

Originally Posted by JoeyO

I say give the lines three or four years before BMW cancels them. BMW doesn't like to admit failure. I recently read somewhere that the next gen Z4 will be more sporty and less American-like. In other more like the Z3 before it got super expensive and super luxurious. The recent Z4 is a complete failure in my book. I used to see lots of Z3's on the street. I'm lucky if I see one Z4 per year on the street. The same goes for the 5 series GT.

lol you really don't like BMW, do you?

[JustinTJ]

Originally Posted by JoeyO

I recently read somewhere that the next gen Z4 will be more sporty and less American-like. In other more like the Z3 before it got super expensive and super luxurious. The recent Z4 is a complete failure in my book. I used to see lots of Z3's on the street. I'm lucky if I see one Z4 per year on the street. The same goes for the 5 series GT.

I still have my Z3 (see avatar) over buying a Z4 for that very reason. A roadster isn't supposed to be a spaceship.

[Fraggy]

Originally Posted by Ron Scott

I agree. BMW is giving us a put-up-or-shut-up attitude, especially considering the mediocre 2013 options, and I'm going to look at Audis et al. Its a big world out there...

it is a big world out there, and I can't wait to explore it!

[tony20009]

Originally Posted by JoeyO

I say give the lines three or four years before BMW cancels them. BMW doesn't like to admit failure. I recently read somewhere that the next gen Z4 will be more sporty and less American-like. In other more like the Z3 before it got super expensive and super luxurious. The recent Z4 is a complete failure in my book. I used to see lots of Z3's on the street. I'm lucky if I see one Z4 per year on the street. The same goes for the 5 series GT.

I don't think that 5 GT is that popular because it's so darn commodious and unattractive. It's a nice car to be in, however.