Almost one-in-six cars sold by BMW is now a Mini.

[blassberg]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/5341090.stm

 

[PJH]

Probably because Minis aren't as ugly as the rest of the BMW range.

 

[petef]

Probably because Minis aren't as ugly as the rest of the BMW range.

You avin a laff !!!...the bm is a far more stylish car than the merc....plus there is no brown rusty marks on that beautiful paintwork. Merc really need to get their act together to even get on par with bm...

 

[Howard]

You seriously like the Chris Bangle designed range of BMW's ? or are you saying it out of brand loyalty for BM ?

They have really dropped the ball with these new shapes .... the Z4 for instance from the side looks like it was drawn on an etch-a-sketch by Stevie Wonder after a bottle of Scotch .....

The new Mercedes line up is classy and sleek looking, not a mish mash of lines and different shapes .....

I don't say this out of brand loyalty to Mercedes, some of BMW's old shapes are some of my favourites , the Z1 for instance or the 8 series or the E30 3 series, all really nice to look at ......

Look at the lines of the new S or the CLS (not my cup of tea, but a lot of thought has gone into it) everything flows into everything else, not shooting off on a tangent ...., look at the new SLK and the perennial classic , the SL, that has just got better and better without the need for silly upswept lines and strange angles .....

 

[PJH]

You avin a laff !!!...the bm is a far more stylish car than the merc....plus there is no brown rusty marks on that beautiful paintwork. Merc really need to get their act together to even get on par with bm...

Beauty (and ugliness) is in the eye of the beholder. The Chris Bangle designed cars were 'orrible.
Having said that, I'm not overly keen on current MB designs either. But then I own a square-ish W124.

Getting back on topic, I hope the UK supplied Mini engines prove to be as good or better than the ones they have replaced.

 

[Shude]

You avin a laff !!!...the bm is a far more stylish car than the merc....plus there is no brown rusty marks on that beautiful paintwork. Merc really need to get their act together to even get on par with bm...

BMWs might look "stylish" right now, but their looks age quickly. Mercedes designs tend to be more of an evolutionary progression from the previous models and consequently look "timeless"

The Chris Bangle designed cars were 'orrible.

Actually Bangle has been designing cars at BMW for years, some of the prettiest BMWs are also Bangle designs.

 

[jeremytaylor]

The MINI shows what can happen with superb marketing.

Looked at in the cold light of day it is a small, impractical, uncomfortable, virtually boot-less car, with rough uneconomical Chrysler engines, that happens to handle well and has a 'personality', that people pay incredible money for. Hats off the BMW, I say, for spotting and exploiting this niche. I can't imagine Rover could have ever had this success had it been left to them.

 

[BonzoDog]

I was surprised when being give a lift in a new Mini recently at how bad it was; noisy, bumpy, uncomfortable and it looked like a lot of work to make it go. While I was never a great fan of the old Min, it had no pretensions and did a great job. New one is a bit of a hairdressers posemobile.
Regarding Bangle BM's they are too much of a design statement for me, aimed at making a show.

 

[big x]

BMWs might look "stylish" right now, but their looks age quickly. Mercedes designs tend to be more of an evolutionary progression from the previous models and consequently look "timeless"

Actually Bangle has been designing cars at BMW for years, some of the prettiest BMWs are also Bangle designs.

Like the X5....an excellent design that has details much copied by the asian makers.
The low points are the 7 series and for me the dash that slopes away from the driver and twin binnicle instruments and this idea has been copied by MB.

adam

 

[big x]

I was surprised when being give a lift in a new Mini recently at how bad it was; noisy, bumpy, uncomfortable and it looked like a lot of work to make it go. While I was never a great fan of the old Min, it had no pretensions and did a great job. New one is a bit of a hairdressers posemobile.
Regarding Bangle BM's they are too much of a design statement for me, aimed at making a show.

Have you driven one ? Arrange a test drive in the MkII and you may be surprised. Several F1 drivers own Coopers and rate them highly as drivers cars.
The new engine made at Hams halls is bound to be good.BTW most 4 cylinder BMW engines are also made there and exported.The better range of engines and a better ride will be the making of the car.

adam

 

[BTB 500]

BMWs are so commonplace nowadays ... doesn't the 3-series outsell the Mondeo? When the sun shines you can't move for 3-series cabs. near us.

 

[niva441]

That's good news for all the Rover engineers who designed it then.

 

[niva441]

Sorry was replying to another thread

 

[Howard]

BMWs are so commonplace nowadays ... doesn't the 3-series outsell the Mondeo? When the sun shines you can't move for 3-series cabs. near us.

And when darkness falls you can't move for older ones with blacked out windows and big wheels round here .....

 

[scotth_uk]

Mini driver, reporting for criticism. :-(

Apart from the pedestrian noise of the Cooper's engine, it's a great car.

 

[BenzComander]

Are indicators a cost option on new BM's?? They seem never to be working on the cars I have seen

 

[Thmsshaun]

The MINI shows what can happen with superb marketing.

Looked at in the cold light of day it is a small, impractical, uncomfortable, virtually boot-less car, with rough uneconomical Chrysler engines, that happens to handle well and has a 'personality', that people pay incredible money for. Hats off the BMW, I say, for spotting and exploiting this niche. I can't imagine Rover could have ever had this success had it been left to them.

Granted the boot is near useless but having owned one from new for 2 years it was a reliable, fun and ejoyable car to have. I would have another thats for sure.

Well done to BMW.

 

[Flash]

Minis are too common now as see loads everyday. Every mini I see has both the tiny fog lights and xenons switched on during the day (if equipped with xenons)...

The W204 is going to really hit the 3 Series hard just like the W203 did at one point...

 

[lil.smartie]

From what you guys say about the big Mercs I wonder what %age they sell Smart:Merc!

Kate

 

[Dieselman]

Mini driver, reporting for criticism. :-(

Apart from the pedestrian noise of the Cooper's engine, it's a great car.

Is that other than the car being pedestrian, not just the noise. Gimme a Skoda VRs anytime.