Why do we like the things we like and choose X over Y? Why do some of us choose coffee over tea and Apple over Android? Why donuts over muffins? What are the reasons we choose one over the other? There must be some reason or reasons that motivate our choices, right?
And so, onto the main question:
Why BMW?
Is it purely because of the cars they make, or is it the company as a whole? Why not Mercedes, Audi or Lexus or any other manufacturer for that matter? Is it because of its design, tradition, quality, reliability or the brand’s philosophy that attracts you? It can be anything and everything from the interior smell to the driver’s position to the colors offered and even the cup holders!
There is no right or wrong answer. Simply put: Why?
We know that for some it’s the driving “feel” that BMW engineers into their cars, while for others it’s the numbers and figures, such as horsepower, 0-60 times, torque or MPG that might seal the deal for them. For some the Roundel serves purely as a status symbol while for others it’s a belief in the mantra “The Ultimate Driving Machine” and philosophy of high revving naturally aspirated engines.
More recently the focus towards the future of sustainable mobility and Efficient Dynamics has attracted the more eco-friendly crowd, thanks to the arrival of the BMW i sub-brand. With this move towards greener and more technologically advanced road vehicles, it has also brought along not only the eco-friendly but also the forward thinking, technology loving crowd as well.
With that in mind, some are not only attracted to the BMW Group just because they produce great cars, but also because of their way of doing things. Some appreciate the fact that BMW is constantly trying to push the envelope further and create the best they can possibly create with the latest and greatest that the mechanical and technological fields have to offer. Case in point, the idea that a company should stick to tradition and ignore any possible opportunities for improvement does not really fit BMW’s bill. With the switch from naturally aspirated engines to turbocharged ones and the electric assisted steering are just a few to name. Controversial subjects for some, rest assured.
Enter, second part of this article.
But it’s not all sand and sunshine for everyone. There are some that have written BMW off or have made them their second choice precisely due to some of the reasons mentioned above. So with that said, we would also like to hear what doesn’t attract you to BMW. This is not a market research; it is a passionate group of car loving individuals talking shop, discussing their likes as well as providing reasons as to why BMW suits them best and/or what bothers them the most.
I, for one, appreciate the fact that BMW is deeply involved in motorsports: from the technology transfer and know-how learned on track being applied to their road cars, resulting in some of the best handling vehicles ever, to their young drivers program in Formula BMW promoting young talent and helping them enter the world of professional motorsport.
I’m also a fan of their design language, be it the pre-Bangle era, Bangle era and now von Hooydonk times. Each period of time and its respective models had something special that tied me to them. With that said, there are a few models that I would of happily have sent to the drawing board, with one in particular model at the top of my list: the first generation X3.
Driving feel is something special and my “aha” moment came the first time I drove a BMW, more specifically an E30 325i. No other car has made me feel more in tune with it than a BMW and this connection, if I may be so bold to say, is difficult to express in writing and yet true driving enthusiasts know exactly what I’m talking about.
But enough about me. We here at BMWBLOG want to hear from YOU. So, speak your mind and let the world know what makes you choose BMW over every other automobile manufacturer out there. And while you’re at it, why not share your dislikes as well?
We’re looking forward to your comments and remember, you can always follow us on Twitter (@bmwblog) or Facebook and share your thoughts and ideas there as well!
I asked others in the BMWBLOG team to express their own opinion, as you see below.
Horatiu Boeriu, Founder and Editor-in-Chief
Why BMW? Three things sold the brand to me: the driving experience behind the wheel of an E30 318i, the fascinating BMW European Delivery and a German girlfriend that knew how to drive a bimmer with stick.
Manny Antunes, Contributor
To me, BMW is more then just my favorite car to drive, its also how I make my living. I choose to sell BMWs because the BMW buyer is among the most enthusiastic and vocal buyers in the world. They research the car they want to buy more than any other brand in this segment. Sometimes they even know as much as some sales people. That fact makes my life easier.
As for the cars themselves, I choose to drive a BMW because unlike other brands, they over engineer everything that composes their cars. from the brakes, to the last stitch in the leather, the attention to detail is second to none. You may not agree that BMW makes the best cars available, and that’s ok, but they are extremely well engineered cars. They provide a driving feel that can only be matched by one of the most legendary sports cars in the world, and they offer such enjoyment in sedans!
Author: James Bachici
Source: http://www.bmwblog.com/2011/11/28/column-why-bmw/