Why are 3 series BMW so popular?
Discussion
Coming from this thread: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I remember reading somewhere that a top spec Mondeo is about the same price as a base to average 3 series BMW and yet the 3 series is a much more common car than the Mondeo.
This got me thinking - why are the BMW 3 series so popular? I have a pet theory but I would like to hear other opinions first, dont want to colour anyone's views (just yet)
I remember reading somewhere that a top spec Mondeo is about the same price as a base to average 3 series BMW and yet the 3 series is a much more common car than the Mondeo.
This got me thinking - why are the BMW 3 series so popular? I have a pet theory but I would like to hear other opinions first, dont want to colour anyone's views (just yet)
Goodwin said:
Coming from this thread: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I remember reading somewhere that a top spec Mondeo is about the same price as a base to average 3 series BMW and yet the 3 series is a much more common car than the Mondeo.
This got me thinking - why are the BMW 3 series so popular? I have a pet theory but I would like to hear other opinions first, dont want to colour anyone's views (just yet)
Although you might appear to get more on paper for your money with a Mondeo the poorer c02, and poorer residuals mean that as a lease, and company car option, the mondeo doesnt actually work out any cheaper. I looked at a mondeo through leasplan as a company car and it worked out hardly any cheaper for a far less enjoyable/slower/noiser car..I remember reading somewhere that a top spec Mondeo is about the same price as a base to average 3 series BMW and yet the 3 series is a much more common car than the Mondeo.
This got me thinking - why are the BMW 3 series so popular? I have a pet theory but I would like to hear other opinions first, dont want to colour anyone's views (just yet)
Not to mention the quality of the interior on a Ford is by no mean the same a the BMW.
You can get a 318d Msport for £26k or thereabout which is considerably better than a Titanium X Mondeo at £30K+
Plus after a year the 318d will still be worth over £20k, but you would be able to pick the ondeo up at under £20K
You can get a 318d Msport for £26k or thereabout which is considerably better than a Titanium X Mondeo at £30K+
Plus after a year the 318d will still be worth over £20k, but you would be able to pick the ondeo up at under £20K
One factor is that it has been the class leader for so long that the 3 series is what everything is compared to. BMW can work magic with engines, I would be willing to bet that a 2.0d Mondeo vs a 2.0d 320d would see the BMW being much more refined and I would also be willing to bet that the 3er has a much smoother power delivery.
Oh and it is also because people like saying "Yup, thats MY BMW."
Oh and it is also because people like saying "Yup, thats MY BMW."
They're aspirational, they've spent a shed load on marketing, they're good to drive, they're typically well equipped and to a lot of people they look good. They're also pretty reliable and hold their value well, they're decent on the juice and they're comfortable on the motorway. As an all rounder they're pretty hard to beat IMO
The reason is the same that most 3 series drivers do not know which wheels are driven. The reason is that when they meet people they feel far better saying they drive a BMW than a Ford because it makes them seem middle class rather than working.
It's the easy way of saying you are not doing too bad in life, which is important in these times.
Andy
It's the easy way of saying you are not doing too bad in life, which is important in these times.
Andy
Goodwin said:
Why am i disappointed that on a car lovers forum the first 10 posts are all about economy, co2, tax and residuals. I thought you guys liked cars?
Do you really think that they are sold purely because they are good to drive? I bet the main factors are the sensible aspects listed above.The 3 series are very competent but even my old 330i wasn't fun.
Wills2 said:
Why do more people choose to drive a 3 series than a Mondeo? Because the simple fact is it's a better car.
What part of that doesn't the OP understand?
Blindingly obvious really...
What way is it better? Now before you start spouting off remember the types of buyers who are spending their cash, why is it better for them than the Mondeo? You can forget steering feel and RWD for a start, so what else makes it a better car?What part of that doesn't the OP understand?
Blindingly obvious really...
Is it as well loaded with gadgets as the Ford? Perhaps it is....
zakelwe said:
What way is it better? Now before you start spouting off remember the types of buyers who are spending their cash, why is it better for them than the Mondeo? You can forget steering feel and RWD for a start, so what else makes it a better car?
Is it as well loaded with gadgets as the Ford? Perhaps it is....
It's a good point but I think most drivers, even those not really interested in cars, would recognise that the BMW is better/nicer to drive. They just wouldn't have a clue why.Is it as well loaded with gadgets as the Ford? Perhaps it is....
Goodwin said:
Why am i disappointed that on a car lovers forum the first 10 posts are all about economy, co2, tax and residuals. I thought you guys liked cars?
Because that's what some people are interested, and it's inevitable that on a forum this large we're going to have to cover the everyday stuff as well as the exotic or fun. Some people couldn't give a monkey's about a plastic car built in a shed that smells like glue, but others are mad keen. Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff