BimmerFile Review: BMW M3 Convertible

GregW Aug 14th, 2008 Link

Oops I thought this was a MINI site. Hopefully MINI gets the same coverage on the Bimmerfile site! Please stop trying to compare BMWs to MINIs. The cars and their drivers are distinctly different.

STIGG Aug 14th, 2008 Link

I’d have to respectfully disagree with that statement. Enthusiastic, passionate drivers both. If this is a… “They” [Bimmer owners] go to Starbucks, “They” wear suits thing, get over it.

And what’s wrong with judging the MINI against other makes? A website like this helps keep them on their toes over at Bayerische Motoren Werke and maybe limit some of the damage they seem to be trying to do to the brand.

My thoughts.

JonPD Aug 14th, 2008 Link

At the end of the day Motoringfile is Gabe’s site, and I think reflects Gabe’s interest with cars. I for one enjoy his reviews of the BMW group cars as Gabe brings a interesting viewpoint.

I know more than a few in the Mini community that have both BMW’s and Minis. As one prime example does Todd having a BMW wagon make him less of a Mini fanatic? I for one believe that news from from the BMW world does hold interest since its the parent company of Mini, Mini’s future depends on the total BMW group.

imo

C4 Aug 14th, 2008 Link

Well, the idea of the MINI brand is also to introduce newbies to BMW product/ownership experience, and hopefully when they outgrow their MINIs, they will purchase BMWs.

DavidB Aug 14th, 2008 Link

If only MINI owners got the respect BMW owners do in their dealerships – anyone else get treated like a poor relation when they go to BMW servicing? sigh

C4 Aug 14th, 2008 Link

My dealer treats us MINI owners very, very well. Separate sections for MINI SA’s, head MINI tech with assigned bays, lounge area with leather sofas and flat panel TV, free coffee/cocoa/bagels/bottled water and free MINI loaners and if not available, free rentals from Enterprise.

May not sound like much, but this is the reason why I have bought 4 MINis from them in the past 6+ years and keep give them tons of business.

Craig Aug 14th, 2008 Link

Any clue when MINI will get a double clutch sequential gearbox like VW, AUDI and the M3? The double clutch gearbox on the M3 is DELICIOUS!

DavidK Aug 14th, 2008 Link

DavidB,

At the dealership in Ft Lauderdale, the two MINI SAs are jammed in a corner. However, the BMW folks don’t have it much better. It is the single worst service waiting area in the history of automobiles. People are left standing, since there is room for about 8 people to sit. The BMW people are on top of each other, and good luck trying to get out of the facility, since there is one way in and out. And you can’t go browsing the lot while you wait, since it is a mile from the showroom.

I have been to several other dealerships where the MINI folks are treated quite well, and on equal footing with the BMW people.

GregW Aug 14th, 2008 Link

This is a MINI site and here is why in Gabe’s own words; “I created MotoringFile for a number of reasons, none of which was to become the world’s leading news source on the MINI. Initially I just wanted to dabble a bit in the world of weblogs and create something that could be a creative outlet. I knew that there was a potential there but that wasn’t ever an overriding factor. I suppose what I had hoped to do in founding MotoringFile, was to create a place for photos, videos, news, opinions, rants and raves for this little car that I couldn’t stop thinking about.”

And because this is a MINI site, myself and others like me visit the site regularly to gain information and discuss Gabe and Co’s excellent work.

I guess that is why they set up the Bimmerfile site – for BMW fanatics to visit.

Chuck Aug 14th, 2008 Link

$75,000 is a little too much for that ragtop even if it is an M3.

eager2own Aug 15th, 2008 Link

^ not when you consider what else is out there at that performance/price range

eager2own Aug 15th, 2008 Link

. . . although, as much as I like this car, it would be hard to justify the price difference over a 335 — here’s hoping that BMW changes its mind and produces an M-car from the 135.

J Ryan Aug 15th, 2008 Link

I won’t repeat my M3 bashing I had in the M3 Sedan review. But seriously, who in the right mind would think of a 4145 pound car a sports car.

It is the same weight as the bigger but gorgeous SL63 AMG (4178). The smaller SLK55 AMG is over 670 lb lighter (3472). The 911 Cab is 1070 lb lighter. The Corvette convertible is 923 lb lighter. The Honda Odyssey minivan, with room for 7, is only 200 pound more.

Drop half a ton from it, and then we are talking. BMW, along with VW have gone into the deep end of trying to justify their cars by $/lb rather than lb/hp.

No thank you, there will not be any new M3 in my garage until they get these car on a serious diet. Perhaps we can have a Biggest Loser show for cars?

Chuck Aug 16th, 2008 Link

Drop a half a ton and about $20,000, maybe then I would think about one. These cars are starting to look like 53 Buicks, just add more chrome.

RocketMini Aug 20th, 2008 Link

I would buy a BMW, But I cannot find myself to cheat on my mini!