Do We Have Too Many BMWs? Well, Yes and No.

What color is the M3?

One more BMW please.... 335d.

with the departure of the M3, that leaves room for another oldie, but goodie...

As I'm fond of telling my wife, you can never have too many BMWs....

Here is another vote for a 335d.

I look forward to hearing about the new M3, though. I hope the transmission is good. The feel of the manual in the 335i is what convinced me to go with the automatic instead. Plus, it shifts way faster than I can.

"Do we have too many BMWs?"

First of all, why would that be a bad thing?

And second, why would that be a bad thing?

So long as this site is aimed toward enthusiasts (or at least people who like cars), I don't see how too many Bimmers can really be a problem. Perhaps you could simply direct the complainers to the Buick section of the main Edmunds site.

As a car enthusiasts who likes vehicles with tactile performance Im all for adding new BMWs especially one with an ///M on the trunk.

Whats Edmunds next high performance used car? A late 90's 3.2L NSX would suuuuuure be nice.

Makes sense.

I'm glad you guys went with the sedan. That's the choice I'd have made too.

NO - too many is certainly not the problem. BMW is the no. 1 premium enthusiast brand - that almost everyone (which includes me) - aspires to own and drive. We could do a lot worse...

Rather, the problem is something else - a blind love for everything BMW, where every fault is ignored - So much so, that I have to head over to all the UK publications to figure if these cars have any faults, and yes they do... because after all, there are some humans who design these machines.

When Every review here reads like an ode of subservient love - or a extended marketing infomercial - for the brand, you almost have to ignore all that edmunds has to say about the brand, and look for information elsewhere. SO, objectivity would be highly appreciated - i.e. leave some of that love behind and don some journalistic garb for a change.

If you don't know what I am talking about - here is an example - your 750i Full Road Test, under the 'What needs work' section points to a 'Fussy throttle tip-in' - I have read the review a third time over to make sure - but I don't see any reference to this anywhere in the actual review, which reads like something the marketing mavens from Munich would have thought off. Had to head over to car/autoexpress/autocar/clarkson et all to get an idea of where this car may fall short, and why, for the target demographics, the S-class may still be a better bet.

The same goes for your review of the new Z4... well.

So, more BMW's are certainly better. Gives us a good idea about your journalistic integrity... or...

I look forward to hearing about the new M3 but
how 'bout some other expensive enthusiast brand like Porsche?

I would love to hear about maintenance costs on a used Porsche. The posts on the used M3 were great.

While you're at it sell the Edge too. Since nobody has bothered to post anything about it since September you might as well free up the roster spot for something else.

I'm not inherently opposed to the number of BMWs on this blog, what bugs me is the cost of your new wave coming through.

The 750i runs a minimum of about $80,000. The M3 runs a minimum of about $55,000. I know there are a couple folks who frequent this blog with that kind of scratch, but most of us can't even dream of having that kind of revenue to spend on a car, enthusiast or not.

I would be much happier to see an evaluation of a 328i with few, if any options than I would the new M3. That would allow you to contrast with some of the high-level features you've become accustomed to on your current Bimmers and be a more useful review to those of us who aren't raking it in like there's no recession...

that's a good point. These cars are expensive.

Who cares about another 7-series bourgemobile? Bring on the 335d!

Lets see, you have:

0 Porsches
0 Lexuses
0 Acuras
0 Buicks
0 Chevrolets
0 Jaguars
0 Toyotas
0 Saabs
0 Volvos

Yet you have at least 2 or 3 BMWs at a time!

Why don't you change your name to BMWWorld.com ...

At least you are not biased, or are you?

I, like many others, don't think that there is such a thing as "too many BMWs;"however, I agree with the point that kingkhalas made about reaching out and giving readers some perspective on life with a different enthusiast brand, i.e. porsche, audi, etc. I realize that you have an audi, but what about having both the BMW M3 and the Audi S5 (or RS5 if it ever comes out) as well to give a extended version of the comparison test. You could compare things that are not measurable in a short term test, such as maintenance cost, quality (of mechanical and cosmetic components) with age, daily use pros and cons, etc.

As for the argument of buying cars that are out of the price range or the reader, I would have to counter with the fact that my lack of resources is exactly why I want to hear about these expensive cars. The only way I will be able to "pretend to know" these cars is to experience them through the hands of the Insideline staff.

What I don't get is why it's an issue. You guys have abou 20 cars I'm not interested in, so I don't read those blogs. It's a radical concept, but hopefully it will catch on.

Asking everyone here won't work anyway, because you simply can't please everyone. And it realy won't work *here,* because this is the weirdest car blog I've ever seen - where people fuss and whine about having to read about M3s, R8s and GTRs, and virtually lynch a guy for doing 90 on a public road.

Get what you want, guys - the people that don't like the cars you pick wlll still have fun, since they love to complain.

"Lets see, you have:

0 Porsches
0 Lexuses
0 Acuras
0 Buicks
0 Chevrolets
0 Jaguars
0 Toyotas
0 Saabs
0 Volvos

Yet you have at least 2 or 3 BMWs at a time!"

EXACTLY my point... It's not about they have too many BMWs, it's about the fleet being unbalanced.

By the way, is the new Z4 joining the fleet anytime soon? If so may I suggest getting the Boxster S over that? Also, if you guys are getting the X6 can I suggest to wait for the Acura ZDX? It's not like I like those cars over the Bimmers but to have more varieties is good in my opinion.

How about a Cayman S?

"Lets see, you have:

0 Porsches
0 Lexuses
0 Acuras
0 Buicks
0 Chevrolets
0 Jaguars
0 Toyotas
0 Saabs
0 Volvos

Yet you have at least 2 or 3 BMWs at a time!

Why don't you change your name to BMWWorld.com ...

At least you are not biased, or are you?"

I agree. I drive a BMW but here's a few thoughts:

My mother drives an Acura MDX and I've driven it and I think its the best driving SUV ever (though I've never driven a Cayenne of X3/X5)

My friend recently "downgraded" from a Volvo S60 to S40 and I am interested how both of those drive.

My sister drives an IS250 and I've driven it so I know how it drives, but I'm wondering how it compares to "professional" car drivers' opinions

I've always wanted to know about Porsche long-term maintenance works out, because after my 135i an "expensive to maintain" Porsche is the next logical "fun-to-drive" step (if I don't need a 4 seater at least) from a 1er but I'm worried about the costs with no free 4-year maintenance..

As for the rest..

Buick I appreciate as a "comfy car" in the same way as sitting in many Cadillacs (Escalade especially) just feels like sitting in a living room sofa as life goes by around you, etc.

Saab I feel like has potential but to me is just plain ugly and has nothing in terms of "uniqueness" ..like why buy a Saab over an Audi etc?

Chevrolet is below my price range personally... but i think out of the D3, GM is the best. Bfore my 135i the CTS and Audi 5 were the only vehicles I considered outside of BMW, my girlfriend drives a sweet (I'm NOT being sarcastic) oldsmobile her dad drives a Saturn Aura top of the line edition (before that a Subaru Legacy) and her mom drives a Yukon Hybrid (2 120+ lbs dogs which honestly require it), and I've driven all 3 and been impressed) but the last chey I drove (an Impala rental on a vacation rental) wasn't too great so I'm having mixed thoughts.

Jaguar, other than the newer and more awesome car they have, it really doesn't interest me much..

Toyota needs to be fun to drive. Before the MDX my mother had a Highlander. No fun... at all..

And that about rounds up my opinions of many top automobile manufacturers, feel free to disagree :)

1speedbike
Edmunds test all cars, and give information and tools to aid people buy all kinds of cars.
This isn't "0-60", "evo", "Sportscompactcar"... so one would like to see more cars than just BMW.
With all due respect BMW isn't the best selling brand, its not even the best selling luxury brand, yet it is represented more than any other brand...
If they tested an M3 already, why not an IS-F or C63, and if you go and spend so much, and already tested so many BMWs, why not the best selling LS460 or if you want different how about a Maserati... Where are all the Acuras, where is the new RX (best selling SUV by far), where is Jaguar which according to J.D.Power is now the most dependeble brand!
How about a Lincoln (they came out with a few models), or Volvo with the XC60 (will it save them?)

We get it, you like BMWs, but we also want some unbiased opinion on more cars!

I enjoy a BMW as much as the next person, but I will echo the comments above and say that I'd like to see some other brands represented.

Jaguar, Saab, Lexus (IS-F), Audi A/S5, etc.

I really would love to hear about a Jaguar, especially since they are now under new ownership and recently scored well in a reliability test.

I think one of the reasons BMW's are so prominent on this list is that Edmunds probably gets them for free to evaluate for a year. I wonder how many of the cars on the LT fleet are purchased vs. loaned from the manufacturer? It is not obviously clear which is loaned and which is purchased, but at the bottom of each review, it does indicate so. Anyway, I guess all or most of the manufacturers that aren't on the LT fleet don't loan out the car for long-term evaluation. "Pay to Play".

I agree, there is no such thing as too many BMWs, but I'm glad to hear of the switch up. I will miss reading about the 135i though, as it is amazingly fun to drive.

I'm also glad that Edmunds went with the M3 sedan and a manual transmission.

Can you guys get a Porsche 993 in place of the 02 M3? Please, oh pretty please? Looooooooooovee 993s.

Scott- I cannot believe you are actually trying to justify this nonsense.

Yes, a 993 would be EXTREMELY nice to read about. Has been my dream car since it came out in 1995.

Carrera 2 hardtop with manual, please.

Yes, it makes sense, but it still doesn't explain why Edmunds has at least one BMW in the long-term fleet at all times (and usually at least two!). There are a bunch of brands that Edmunds never even had in their LT fleet, and a bunch of brands they haven't tested in quite a while. Given there are a limited number of test slots in the fleet, it appears to be unfairly biased towards BMW.

I also question how fairly and accurately Edmunds will evaluate cars in their LT fleet that are given to them for free for testing (i.e. Audi R8, BMW 7-series, etc.). It's difficult to remain completely objective and unbiased when a manufacturer just bent over backwards to make sure you're happy and gave you a free car to test.

"Chevrolet is below my price range personally... "

Chevrolet sells a $105k model. You must have a pretty lofty price range...

My suggestion for the next used car is a used 911. I suggest 2000-2002 Turbo.

If I had to pick a BMW, I would have to agree with the sentiment that the new 335d would have been a better choice instead of the new M3. At least it would be something consistent with the current 'green' wave through the industry...

I'm personally not a fan of BMW, and I don't feel I have to justify my qualifications as an enthusiast by owning one or liking the brand. The fact of the matter is that there are many other brands out there that are the bimmer's equal (or better) in capability when driving at anything below 9/10's. Quite honestly, even if you partake in a track day occasionally, it'd be illogical and fiscally irresponsible to NOT consider another brand - fanboy that you are or not.

Relative to Edmunds' coverage, I do feel (like many others) that the LT Test Fleet is a bit unbalanced and that it would benefit from some diversity. For instance, with the R8's recent departure, it might have been nice to get an A/S5 or the new TT. How about the new AWD Acura TL? I would have thought that the Acura would have at least been on your LT Test radar...

stingray454 exactly my point.

Pardon my ignorance (keep it clean), but are the links on the right under "Vehicles" all of the cars that are 'currently' in your fleet?

Did it occur to the commenters here that after having tested almost every car on the market, the IL editors may not want to live with most of them on a daily basis for 2 years? Maybe, just maybe, the BMWs stood out when compared to their peers?

There may be way too many bimmers in the IL's long-term garage, and the Lexus IS-F and Audi RS4 may have the same numbers as the M3, but if push comes to shove, and you have to choose one and live with it for 2 years, would you seriously take the other two over the M3? Just saying...

IL ~ if you are to get another used car in your fleet to replace the E46 M3's or Ferrari's spot, I would concur with the suggestion of either an NSX or 993.

teekay13 -
I would say no. I don't think their first choice was the SX4, and it appears neither was the STI. The Long term garage should be a showcase to show how different cars hold up and perform as a daily driver.
But hey if 5 BMWs vs. 1 Lexus or no Jaguars seem right to you...
Makes you wonder about the bias edmunds may hold when testing and reccomending cars.

Can't have too many BMW's. If you dont like em, post somewhere else, lol. I think there's a reason why these cars are so well commented on; because people like them! duh.

"What I don't get is why it's an issue. You guys have abou 20 cars I'm not interested in, so I don't read those blogs. It's a radical concept, but hopefully it will catch on."

Let me see if this catches on: When the lineup is dominated by an unending stream of BMWs we can't see other models that people want to see. Again, what can possibly be learned by testing 2-3 BMWs at a time that we don't already know? Is there really any mystery about how BMWs perform at this point? In a fleet of 20 vehicles there should be at least ONE from each major manufacturer. I'd rather read about the Fusion Hybrid or Taurus SHO than another BMW. At least I would be learning something. I'm still trying to figure out how there has never been a corvette in the fleet. Also, considering the performance of the 2010 Mustang I don't see why one shouldn't be added. It was more worthy of consideration than the Challenger.

"Did it occur to the commenters here that after having tested almost every car on the market, the IL editors may not want to live with most of them on a daily basis for 2 years? Maybe, just maybe, the BMWs stood out when compared to their peers?"

Excellent point. I pity anyone who has to chose from 18 free cars not made by BMW. It would be ridiculous to assume any car not made by BMW could actually worthy of driving for a year. What were we thinking? Driving a free car without the roundel on the hood is akin to cruel and unusual punishment.

"I'm personally not a fan of BMW, and I don't feel I have to justify my qualifications as an enthusiast by owning one or liking the brand. "

Heresy! Get this man out of here. You cannot be an "enthusiast" and not believe BMWs are the most desirable cars on earth. How dare you suggest otherwise. Remember, there is only one acceptable definition of "enthusiast" and BMW fans will be happy to spell that out for your.

"Does insideline have to many BMW's?"

NO WAY.

Bmw makes the best driving cars in the world minus the supercar $200,000+ category. The M3 is a great choice. This is one of the best cars for the money.

I hear a lot of people complaining that BMW's should not be in the fleet because most people will never get to own one. Ok..... so do you want to add a 95 honda accord to the fleet (I heard those are affordable to "average" people? Should we add a toyota camry to the fleet? How about a really nice nissan sentra? Boringggg. Im falling asleep just thinking about these cars.

Edmunds has BMW's because people like bmws! People want to own BMWs! These are guys who have the best job in the world, they get to drive cars everyday. Its no surprise that real car people who know what a great car is, want to drive the best there is and have enthusiasm to write about them. We can talk about the 135i all day. Add a 335d to the fleet. Add the new Z4. Add a 328i with no options on it, its still better then 90% of what is in the current lineup.

Oh... and when American car companys can start making better cars, (ones that people really aspire to own), then we should think about adding them. I'll pass for now.

Could just start off the reviews of each car saying, "It's no BMW. However..."

Don't forget to tip your waitress ladies and gentlemen.

Could just start the reviews of other cars by saying, "It's no BMW. However..."

Thanks and don't forget to tip your waitress ladies and gentlemen.

repeat, repeat.

love the 135 as well, mine is for sale, I just fell IN love with the new Z4... waiting to order.. as I type.. (:

love all reviews. agree tad bit BMW biased, all in all good reads and I waste too much time here LOL

Well, gee, there's a white 1 series right next to the "Long Term Road Test Blog" banner, that should give some sort of a hint. Maybe this blog should be titled "Long Term BMW Road test Blog" (BTW, can you pick a nicer looking BMW at least, if it has to be a BMW)

As much as I agree BMW makes some great cars, there ARE other cars out there that really are great. Trust me, there really are, Edmunds' editors.

Okay, maybe we should all step back and stop being so hard on them. After all they are in a business of being profitable so they can continue providing us with interesting articles to read...

1487 - The bimmerforums.com mafia came to my door last night and 'straightened' me out...=)

"There may be way too many bimmers in the IL's long-term garage, and the Lexus IS-F and Audi RS4 may have the same numbers as the M3, but if push comes to shove, and you have to choose one and live with it for 2 years, would you seriously take the other two over the M3? Just saying..."

RS4 anyday of the week, my friend. Uniqueness of the car notwithstanding, it's simply the better choice for where I live (New England).

"Edmunds has BMW's because people like bmws! People want to own BMWs!"

Are you trying to convince yourself? It certainly sounds that way...

"Oh... and when American car companys can start making better cars, (ones that people really aspire to own), then we should think about adding them. I'll pass for now."

While I'm not a huge fan of most domestics, I'll have to disagree. You mean to say cars like the Corvette don't present a tantalizing alternative? I know more than a few people that 'aspire' to own one, that's for sure.

tsy makes a good point, maybe it's time to change it - how about one of your Mitsu Evos or the Genesis?

"By danmckee on April 1, 2009 10:49 AM

Bmw makes the best driving cars in the world minus the supercar $200,000+ category. The M3 is a great choice. This is one of the best cars for the money. "

Whoa, time out there. BMW makes some of the best driving cars in the world for around the $50k-$100k price point, for average drivers. For ultimate performance cars (i.e. cars with supercar levels of performance), BMW is a bit weak. Case in point: my '02 Z06 is 7 years old now, and even to this day, there is no BMW that can touch it on the track. The new M3 is close, but it still doesn't have the grip, light weight, braking performance, speed, and power of my car. When the '02 Z06 came out, it's performance specs were identical to the Porsche 911 Turbo, and the Ferrari F360. The fastest and best handling car BMW made at the time was the E46 M3, and it was far behind all three of those cars. Sure, it had a nice interior and was refined, but ultimate performance car? No. Best driving car? subjective, but I don't think so.

You also mention the supercar $200k+ category. The Corvette ZR-1 costs $105k, and there is no BMW currently, or ever, that can come close to its performance.

BMW's are nice, but best cars for the money? Not even close. BMW's were always expensive for what you got. Nice cars, but like Porsche, not much value there. In a more recent example, the new Cadillac CTS-V is kicking the crap out of the BMW M5, in virtually every comparison test I've seen. I know the M5 has been out for a few years now, but it is also a whopping $30k more than the CTS-V. Where's the value for the money there? The M5 offers absolutely nothing that can justify that price premium.

"The M5 offers absolutely nothing that can justify that price premium. "

Stingray - You OBVIOUSLY missed the whirling propeller badge and false elitist attitude you get for that $30k... ;)

Despite Stingray's annoying habit of bringing up his Z06 in every post, he's right that bimmers are far from the best cars for the money. (Z06s and Stingrays are fine cars that I wouldn't mind having in my nonexistent garage, though.)

IMHO, the only bimmer that could possibly qualify as best for the money is probably the base, barebone $32k 328i with a stick. And even then, Infiniti lovers will still disagree.

C&D has compared the 3 series to the G35 many times and each time they try and justify the higher price and lower performance (if its a 328i) of the 3 series car. Usually it comes down to some vague excuse about the G's lack of refinement.

"By teekay13 on April 2, 2009 11:19 AM
Despite Stingray's annoying habit of bringing up his Z06 in every post,"

Hey, it's not EVERY post. Only about 80% of them ;)

"barebone $32k 328i with a stick. And even then, Infiniti lovers will still disagree."

Yeah, it's a fine car. Until you compare it to what you get in the G35/G37 for almost the same price. Then it seems like a rip-off by comparison. Or even compared to a Pontiac G8 GT. I know I would have a lot more fun with a G37 or a G8 than I would with a 328. All around the same price.

^^1487 brought up a good point, and when the 3er comptitors become "refined" they'll knock on them for being "soft" or "lack of soul". Well... if BMW provides me with free cars to drive I guess I might end up saying the same thing so peace.

G37 > barebone 328i. PERIOD.