[111R]

BMW can be admired for putting their dick in the wind and taking chances on the stratification of their models, some of the new ones look great, but many people like myself would prefer a back to basics approach as part of their strategy. I mean, if you can sell a 3er GT and an X4 which are so so similar, why the hell can't they sell a 328i and 335i wagon, non xi with a stick and for a reasonable price? They are putting cars in the marketplace which will no doubt be low volume, I don't understand why they cannot, or will not add enthusiast models back in that exist in other markets and would have a minimal impact on r&d costs. A 320i, 328i and 335i wagon avail with a stick and m-sport kit would do so much in terms of good will for the people that have been into bmw for a long time.

And stop requiring people to get those needless option packages to get the one or two items that the buyer actually wants. Most people that have driving competency do not need a back up monitor in a mid size or compact sedan or wagon. And many people that have lived in the same area for their entire lives certainly do not need navigation- when they take trips they either get a AAA trip tik or a map or nav on their phone. AND finally people who live in snow areas should not be forced to buy xi cars because it snows 45-60 days a year when snow tires/near 50/50 weight balance/driving skill make for easy winter time transport. In all these years in the snow belt, I have never been stuck in the snow in my old school 330i.

+1

I for one would have bought a 335i manual RWD wagon (with sunroof delete, thank you) instead of my E90 sedan had it been available at the time. When I bought my car, I went with minimum options since I didn't need/want nav, rear sunshade, and a whole bag of useless options that would mean more stuff that breaks down the road. One of the reasons we didn't go with an X1 for my wife was that in order to get upgraded lights, $6k in option packages were required.