Are people really this stupid?

635CSi wrote: I have come to the conclusion that BMW flog this massively underpowered car because they can, a person who knows nothing about cars would turn down a nicely specced VW Passat with a proper engine for this crummy little 3 Series. It's all about keeping up with the Jones'.

Sorry, but that is sterotypical nonsense that is a personal point of view based on your circumstances and preferences rather than looking at other peoples needs.

Perhaps they don't buy the 'proper engine' car because of the economy downturns, the servicing, the insurance and the residuals being less on a Passat?  Its got nothing to do with keeping up the the Joneses in many cases.

It seems to me that some of the people criticising base BMW drivers have more of an ego issue than those they're actually aiming their derision at!

How are you to know that Mr Smith over the road didn't chose the 316i over a Passat because of a particular factor that he had to consider that would never cross you mind?  How are you to know he wasn't offered a stonking deal?  How are you to know that he hasn't had a bad experience with a certain manufacturer previously?

Furthermore, maybe he was treated like royalty by his local BMW dealer when the average VAG dealer (and I have an Audi) offers a level of service close to being the worst in the industry (ask an Audi/VW forum)?

The point being, you're making huge assumptions and stereotyping in the extreme, purely because you wouldn't buy one!

635CSi wrote: Here no need to get snappy mate, i'm just giving my opinion, your entitled to your own, but i was asked earlier on in the thread hav i driven a smaller car and i answered the question, what's the problem? I hav also driven an E46 330Ci and a 525i and a 318i,

You previously only mentioned driving a punto when asked had you experienced driving smaller engined models from BMW ! My response was based on the information you provided and yes I am entitled to my opinion. You must also be aware that your first post on this forum was to call everybody who bought a new 316 "stupid", hardly a technical assesment or intelligent statement.

Personally I wouldn't touch any 316, E30 et al, but I respect and understand the motivation of anybody who chooses to purchase one, which coasting, dergside & others have outlined.  That's what it is, a choice. There is no need to insult any particular breed.

Yes, we all know it's not got enough power for the body weight - for us that is, but for the people who bought one, it may be perfectly fine and there are plenty of other slower vehicles being sold today, as long as you don't expect more than the cars limits, they're all perfectly safe.

635CSi wrote: Well they must be some very shallow women out there, i wouldn't be attracted to any woman driving a 316i, anyway that's all i have to say, forget everthing else i said because there are obviously alot of people out there who fell strongly about this subject. Oh and cheers for the welcome.

Hang on, so you're attracted to a woman on the basis of the car she drives and under no circumstances could you be attracted to one driving an E90 316i???!!!!!!

Your arguments are laughable, sorry, but they are.

We're all BMW enthusiasts.  Not many of the people on here wear blinkers fit for the Grand National though.  Thank god.

Kin Mak wrote: People think I am stupid for driving such a high powered big engined car, I don't care though. I like the car, it makes me happy and it makes me smile driving it and looking at it. It might not be a pretty car but it does it for me. Same goes for a low powered car.

Couldn't agree more.

The point being, if someone is happy with their car, who cares what anyone else thinks of it.