View Poll Results: Has BMW slipped up in enthusiasts eyes vs. Mercedes?
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BMW has not slipped, it is better than ever.
15 39.47% -
BMW has slipped while Mercedes has gotten stronger.
23 60.53%
Results 1 to 25 of 142
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01-21-2011, 05:48 AM #1
Has BMW slipped? Is Mercedes now the German performance enthusiast brand of choice?
Many of us were attracted to German performance by BMW. There was a time when they made cars unlike anyone else. Cars that took no short cuts, with motors that represented the best their engineers had to offer. Now what do we have? Anti-tuning ecu's, the same motor in every car, M SUV's, FWD city cars coming, smaller and smaller motors paired with extreme brand dilution.
While this has all been taking place, Mercedes has upped the ante. Mercedes is producing larger V8's with turbos. Mercedes is not afraid to place these motors in their lower end cars even if it steps on big brothers toes (C63 vs. E63, anyone?). Mercedes has rolled out the SLR, SLS, CLK63 Black Series, and SL65 Black Series. Rumor has it that Mercedes will put their twin turbo V8 in a black series C-coupe. If that isn't upping the ante, I do not know what is.
BMW has announced the next generation M3 will have a 6 cylinder. While they are downsizing Mercedes is sticking a V8 in everything. They are even planning on expanding the AMG lineup and also considering producing an entry level SLS to rival the Porsche 911. Somehow, Mercedes went from being soft to being hardcore offering the black series which takes already potent AMG cars to the next level. Not to mention, unlike BMW and Audi, Mercedes has successfully rolled out all their performance models in the United States. Times are changing folks, and at least to this poster, it sure looks like Mercedes is now the enthusiast brand of choice.BRAND NEW IN BOX 991.2 standard/non-pse SPW cat bypass pipe for sale - $899 shipped
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01-21-2011, 05:51 AM #2
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01-21-2011, 06:10 AM #3
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01-21-2011, 10:23 AM #4
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One very significant reason that I don't think Mercedes can be the "German performance enthusiast brand of choice" is their reluctance to offer manual transmissions. I know that DCT, etc is the way of the future, but most true enthusiasts like 3 pedals.
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01-21-2011, 11:14 AM #5
I think manual transmissions is a small part of the equation. A car doesnt need to be manual to be of enthusiast status. In fact, I dont mind autos or DCTs; but what I do mind is how BMW is slacking with their overall intentions.
1. Not addressing the failed N54 parts, fuel pumps, wastegates, injectors etc...
2. Making the 1M seem like the $#@!, when its not.
3. Front wheel drive bull$#@! is coming.
4. Using previous engines (not that the N54 is a bad engine) in the new "M version" of the 135, BMW has never done this before.
5. Cranking out SUVs like its jessicas birthday.Some people live long, meaningful lives.
Other people eat shit and die.
I'm not racist, I hate everybody equally; especially fat people.
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01-21-2011, 12:30 PM #6
Performance is a lot more than throwing the biggest engine you can find in your smallest car (not saying it isn't fun. It's a classic combo from shelby cobras to GTOs).
BMW is still the top dog when it comes to a balanced car. M3s still win comparison tests against the C63. To quote from a comparison test "Next to the C63 and RS 4, this latest M3 offers the purest, least diluted, most involving, and best-in-class driver-and-machine relationship. Those characteristics are what made the M3 great, and they're still evident in a faster and more refined package."
That is why BMW is great plain and simple.
I think Mercedes has stepped up more than BMW has slipped. For years, enthusiasts would just laugh at a the thought of buying a benz. They were soft luxo couches for the autobahn. Not any more.
BMW still sets the standard for sport sedans. They have some work to do in the hp race but nothing twin turbo v8s can't solve2009 335i: PROcede V4 with BMS DCI (still not sure how they get along!)
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01-21-2011, 01:07 PM #7Some people live long, meaningful lives.
Other people eat shit and die.
I'm not racist, I hate everybody equally; especially fat people.
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01-21-2011, 01:25 PM #8
Fuel efficiency standards are certainly going to change things for Mercedes as well as BMW.
It's going to be hard to get away selling big displacement V8s that get 10 mpg in real world driving. BMW seems much further down this path with all their efficient dynamics crap.
I think BMW will always focus more on keeping their cars balanced and involving while Benz's will be more about comfort coupled with brute force.
The era of NA engine development appears to be coming to an end. Let's just hope BMW can start doing some amazing things with FI engines. The reverse flow twin turbo V8 is a ray of hope and will be a monster in the next M5.2009 335i: PROcede V4 with BMS DCI (still not sure how they get along!)
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01-21-2011, 03:37 PM #9
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01-21-2011, 03:43 PM #10
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01-21-2011, 04:05 PM #11
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01-21-2011, 04:06 PM #12
BRAND NEW IN BOX 991.2 standard/non-pse SPW cat bypass pipe for sale - $899 shipped
New generic 991.2 PSE bypass pipes - $499 shipped
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01-21-2011, 04:06 PM #13
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01-21-2011, 04:24 PM #14
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From what I I've heard, seen and driven, the E92 M3 like all before it are the closest you can get to a purist car without buying a GT3 for almost twice the dough.
I really hope that the next m3 engine is pushing 500hp... It's only fair! And even if it's a 6cyl, so long as it is developed by M division, for M vehicles, it will be boss!
I do admit that I have been looking at possible nextvehicles for about a year from now, and the CTSV looks most appealing... So far!
And BMW don't equal FWD
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01-21-2011, 04:29 PM #15
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01-21-2011, 04:39 PM #16
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01-21-2011, 06:58 PM #17
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01-21-2011, 07:00 PM #18
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01-21-2011, 07:07 PM #19
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01-21-2011, 07:09 PM #20
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01-21-2011, 07:14 PM #21
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01-21-2011, 07:19 PM #22
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01-21-2011, 07:22 PM #23
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Sorry, but my lack of elaboration is probably due that I'm a bit tired. I'm also from Denmark so my english is a little bad.
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01-21-2011, 07:28 PM #24
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you get no further by walking in someone else's footsteps, I agree. I just misunderstood the text.
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01-21-2011, 07:29 PM #25
Hey...
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